Global Market Report - September 1 2017

Global investors are focusing on the upcoming US employment numbers, while manufacturing surveys are released globally

James Gard 1 September, 2017 | 11:26AM
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Asia

After a dramatic start to the week with stocks selling off in response to North Korea’s latest move, Asian markets showed a modest return to risk on Friday – helped by China’s stronger manufacturing numbers on Thursday.

So the Nikkei 225, Topix, Hang Seng and CSI 300 indices all ended the week at higher levels than the open on Monday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also posted its first weekly gain in seven weeks, boosted by the August manufacturing PMI, which showed the sector expanding. However, Japan’s consumer confidence index was lower than forecast. China’s Caixin manufacturing survey beat forecasts, coming in at 51.6.

Europe

UK manufacturing data came in better than expected too, with similar surveys on the service and construction sectors due next week. The FTSE 100 was marginally higher at the start of the new month, and in midmorning trading stood at 7428. Travel company TUI (TUI) was the biggest riser, gaining nearly 2% to £13.30.

Markets in continental Europe digested manufacturing surveys in France, Italy and Germany. The composite manufacturing PMI for the eurozone came in at 57.4, right on forecast. Despite concerns over the Italian economy, particularly its banking sector, the country’s GDP grew by 1.5% in the second quarter on an annualised basis. Most European markets were up by around 0.5% approaching midday.

North America

There is a raft of economic data on the US economy on Friday, but the standout figure for the week – and one closely watched by investors across the world – is the non-farm payroll statistics for August. The consensus estimate is for 183,000 jobs added in August, below July’s 209,000 level, and the unemployment rate to be unchanged at 4.3%.

A strong jobs number is expected to be a factor in the Federal Reserve’s plans for its next interest rate hike, especially with a raft of positive economic data coming from the US in recent days – yesterday’s weekly jobless claims were better than expected, for example, and US GDP figures for Q2 beat forecasts at 3%. The corporate calendar is light but the futures market is pricing in a modest gain for the Dow Jones and S&P 500. Canada also sees manufacturing PMI numbers released.

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About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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