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.