Global Market Report - January 18, 2018

Chinese and Hong Kong shares were boosted by stronger-than-expected GDP figures for 2017 from China

James Gard 18 January, 2018 | 11:05AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Asia

A strong close on Wall Street overnight, with the Dow Jones closing above 26,000 points for the first time, helped China and Hong Kong indices maintain their strong start to the year. Positive news that the Chinese economy grew by 6.9%, above forecasts, helped maintain investor optimism. China’s CSI  300, which reflects share price changes in Shanghai and Shenzhen, was up 0.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng hit a new record high. Chinese industrial production was also better than expected in December, rising 6.2% in December. A softening in the yen against the dollar again failed to lift Japanese equities, which dropped again on Thursday.

Europe

In the UK the FTSE 100 slipped below 7,700. A flurry of company updates maintained investors’ interest: Costa Coffee owner Whitbread (WTB) warned on consumer spending but shares rose regardless; BHP Billiton (BLT) said that its commodity production will be higher in 2017 year on year; Associated British Foods (ABF) said that Primark once again made a strong showing over Christmas; and the boom in parcel delivery helped Royal Mail (RMG) post a rise in revenues for the last nine months.

Exchanges in Europe were broadly higher – excluding Spain’s Ibex – after the rally on Wall Street on Wednesday. 

North America

Results from Morgan Stanley (MS) before the market opens will close out the banking part of the four-quarter earnings season. Despite beating estimates, the major investment banks have so far reported weaker trading volumes and billions of dollars of charges from changes to the US tax system. Apple (AAPL) has revealed today that it will pay nearly $40 billion in one-off tax charges.

Credit card firm American Express (AXP) reports after the market closes.

The usual weekly US economic releases are also due on Thursday, including jobless claims, building permits, and crude oil inventories. 

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
American Express Co238.96 USD2.56Rating
Apple Inc166.90 USD0.64Rating
Associated British Foods PLC2,697.00 GBX-1.24Rating
International Distributions Services PLC284.43 GBX1.73
Morgan Stanley93.76 USD1.81Rating
Whitbread PLC3,158.00 GBX0.96

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures