Global Market Report - August 25 2017

Asian markets closed higher at end of the trading week, while global investors look ahead to keynote speeches at the Jackson Hole meeting of central bankers

James Gard 25 August, 2017 | 11:11AM
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Asia

After a muted week performance-wise, Asian markets showed signs of positivity returning on Friday, despite overnight weakness on Wall Street. China’s CSI 300 closed up 1.64% at 3797.75 on positive earnings announcements from PetroChina, China Life Insurance, Bank of Communications, and ICBC, the country’s biggest bank by assets. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong closed up 1.2% to 27,848.16 – from a level of over 22,000 at the start of the year. Japan’s Nikkei closed up 0.51% at 19,452.61. Japanese inflation rose 0.4% year on year in July, which is below the official 2% target. In South Korea, Samsung Electronics shares fell 1% as heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong jailed for five years for corruption.

Europe

German economic activity and sentiment were in focus on Friday morning. The country’s GDP was confirmed at 0.6% for the second quarter, while the IFO survey was above track for business climate and expectations, but below forecasts for the current assessment of the business environment. Most European exchanges were in modestly positive territory approaching midday. Euro traders will be focusing on European Central Bank president Mario Draghi, who is due to give a keynote speech to the Jackson Hole symposium after the European market close. Ahead of the extended holiday weekend, the FTSE 100 was around 20 points higher at 7425.71. This week’s most prominent share story – the price collapse of Provident Financial Group (PFG) – had its latest twist, with the shares up 20% on Friday morning. 

North America

US investors will be focused on the Jackson Hole speech by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen, which is due to start just ahead of the market open. The corporate earnings calendar is light, but in economic news, the US durable goods data – which covers purchases such as automobiles and televisions – are due for for July. There is a forecast for a drop of 6% against a rise of 6.4% in June. The approach of Hurricane Harvey in the Gulf of Mexico gave WTI crude oil prices a push towards $50 as refineries prepare to shut down before the storm breaks. The weekly Baker Hughes rig count will also give some insight into the US oil market.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Vanquis Banking Group plc40.20 GBX-2.07

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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