Global Market Report - August 18 2017

Global markets are in downbeat mood on Friday as investors shun risky assets in reaction to US political problems and to the latest terror attack in Europe

James Gard 18 August, 2017 | 11:09AM
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Asia

Regional markets took their cue from a sharp fall in US indices overnight, as investors reacted to US political problems and to the latest terror attack in Europe. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 274 points to 21,750.73 a drop of 1.24%, its biggest one-day fall in three months, with the S&P 500 off 1.54% to 2,430.01.

Both the Nikkei, Topix and Hang Seng indices followed suit, each dropping over 1%. China’s online retail giant Alibaba (BABA) – which is listed in New York – saw its shares up nearly 3% at $163.92 as it released strong earnings. Insurer Ping An, China’s second biggest life insurer, jumped over 4% on Friday amid higher earnings and a dividend hike. 

Europe

European indices followed the general downbeat mood, with benchmarks in Spain, Italy, Germany and France off around 1%. The FTSE 100 was down nearly 70 points to 7319 by midmorning London time. The blue-chip index was weighed down by travel and leisure stocks such as EasyJet (EZJ), British Airways owner IAG (IAG) and International Hotels Group (IHG). Shares in IAG, which is also owner of Spanish carrier Iberia, fell over 2% to 611p.

Economic data is light on Friday in Europe but eurozone construction numbers for June were consistent with the recovery theme. Output grew 3.4% year on year during the month, higher than the rise of 2.7% seen in May.

North America

Scheduled releases of importance include Canadian CPI inflation numbers for July – forecast to be 1.2% higher year on year – and the University of Michigan consumer confidence index. Baker Hughes Rig Count data will give some insight into supply levels in the US oil market.

Following on from Gap (GPS) and Wal-Mart’s (WMT) earnings yesterday, US athletic footwear firm Footl Locker (FL) is reporting on Friday. Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan, who is urging caution as the Federal Reserve considers its next monetary move, is due to give a speech in his home state today.

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.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ADR85.58 USD-1.37Rating
easyJet PLC516.00 GBX0.82Rating
Foot Locker Inc22.45 USD0.04
Gap Inc22.04 USD6.89Rating
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC9,636.00 GBX-0.08Rating
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA244.80 GBX-0.65Rating
Ping An Insurance (Group) Co. of China Ltd Class A53.03 CNY-4.43Rating
Walmart Inc88.39 USD1.39Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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