Global Market Report - February 6

European markets were under pressure today with more bad news from German industry, while the US dollar gained after the State of the Union speech

James Gard 6 February, 2019 | 10:57AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Global Market Report

Asia

Japan’s Nikkei crept higher today but is still a way off the 21,000 points level. Hong Kong and China markets remain closed for Lunar New Year. 

Europe

After yesterday’s gains, European markets were under pressure today. Recent weakness in sterling propelled the FTSE 100 to strong gains, but a recovery in the pound back above $1.30 has hit the index today. Nevertheless, daily losses of around 7 points are modest, and the FTSE 100 is still above 7,150 points.

Following on from annual results by online food retailer Ocado (OCDO) yesterday, its shares fell sharply today as a fire at its Andover site is more severe than first thought.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) updates the market at midday today.

The Bank of England meets this week and is expected to hold interest rates. Tomorrow’s quarterly inflation report will be closely watched, not least for clues on the next interest rate rise, but also for any growth downgrade. The IMF held its growth forecast for the UK in its latest World Economic Outlook, despite Brexit uncertainties.

Next week is a busy one for UK economic statistics, with UK GDP and inflation data due.

European markets were softer, with Paris and Frankfurt exchanges nursing modest losses. A slide in German manufacturing orders in December reinforces the view that Eurozone’s largest economy is heading into recession.

North America

President Trump’s State of the Union Address divided politics watchers but pushed up the dollar. S&P 500 futures slipped back after a recent strong run for US equities.

Eli Lilly (LLY) and Twenty-First Century (FOXA) continue the earnings season.

In economics, US trade balance data for November is in view today, and is expected to show a deficit of $54 billion, a slight narrowing from the previous month. Crude oil inventories until February 1 will also be released.

Federal Reserve committee member Randal Quarles speaks on Bank Stress Testing today. Weekly jobless claims are due tomorrow.

The Canadian unemployment rate for January is expected to creep up to 5.7%, from 5.6% in the prior month.

Mexico’s central bank is expected to hold interest rates at 8.25% on Thursday, while inflation figures for the country are due on the same day.

 

 

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
Eli Lilly and Co726.31 USD-2.63Rating
GSK PLC ADR39.75 USD1.22Rating
Ocado Group PLC129.50 MXN7.92

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