Global Market Report - October 24 2017

Japan's markets posted their 16th consecutive daily rise, a new record, while US investors have a raft of earnings figures to digest

James Gard 24 October, 2017 | 11:53AM
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Asia

A rare fall in the Dow Jones and S&P overnight failed to dampen the spirits of Japan’s equity investors, who pushed the country’s indices to a record 16th consecutive daily gain. The Topix and Nikkei indices both closed less than 1% higher as markets continued to react to the prospect of more Abenomics after Sunday’s election victory.

The picture across Asia was more mixed; Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 150 points to 28,155, but China’s CSI 300 hit a 26-month-high of 3,959 on gains in financial stocks. Larger stocks gained as the country awaits news of changes to the Communist Party elite.

Europe

The FTSE 100 slipped back into negative territory in midmorning after a positive start to the day. A softening in the pound, as the City scales back expectations that the Bank of England rate rise is a “done deal” next week, helped support listed shares. Half-yearly results from Costa Coffee and Premier Inn owner Whitbread (WTB) were not well received despite a rise in group profits and revenues and a hike in the dividend to 31.4p a share. Weakening in growth at its coffee chains was the cause of a 5% fall in the company’s shares to £37.40.

Tomorrow sees the release of UK economic growth data for the third quarter, plus results from Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Across Europe, indices were in positive territory approaching midday amid mixed purchasing manager surveys: in Germany, for example, manufacturing data came in above forecast, while services – while still expanding – came in below expectations.

North America

Today’s earnings highlights are General Motors (GM), McDonald’s (MCD), Eli Lilly (LLY) and 3M (MMM). AT & T (T) reports after market close. General Electric (GE) stock is in focus as it plunged 6% on Monday night amid fears that its dividend is under threat. The move dragged down the Dow Jones are a recent strong run for the index, as well as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.

In economics, provisional October numbers for manufacturing and services are due for release 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
3M Co129.28 USD1.69Rating
AT&T Inc22.75 USD0.80Rating
Eli Lilly and Co767.76 USD1.35Rating
General Electric Co168.37 USD2.17Rating
General Motors Co51.81 USD2.92Rating
GSK PLC1,320.00 GBX-0.15Rating
Lloyds Banking Group PLC54.20 GBX-0.18Rating
McDonald's Corp292.68 USD0.84Rating
Whitbread PLC2,914.00 GBX0.59

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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