Global Market Report - January 5 2018

World markets were in buoyant mood on Friday after more records on Wall Street, while US investors will have a close eye on December's job figures

James Gard 5 January, 2018 | 11:05AM
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Asia

A record close above 25,000 on the Dow on Thursday night helped maintain the positive momentum across global markets on Friday morning. Japan’s Nikkei pushed over 200 points higher to 23,714, its highest level since 1992, led by financial stocks and a rise in electronics giant Toshiba (6502). Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained ground again, and closed near to the all-time high of 31,958 last seen in October 2007, on the back of gains for oil and property stocks. In China, the performance of the Shenzhen Composite Index held back gains for the CSI 300, which mirrors the movement of the top 300 stocks in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets.

Europe

In London, the FTSE 100 caught the global mood and rose to its own record high above 7,700, although the daily gain was only 20 points. British Gas owner Centrica (CNA) was the biggest riser, while insurer Admiral (ADM) was the biggest faller after analysts lowered their price target and took a gloomy view of the car insurance sector. Staying with the car industry, news of a sharp fall in car registrations put pressure on listed car dealers such as Inchcape (INCH).

Eurozone inflation for December came in exactly as forecast a 1.4%, although core inflation was higher than expected at 1.1%, against 0.9% in November.

In Europe, Germany’s Dax came close to reaching November 2017’s record high by posting a 1% gain to 13,303. France’s CAC 40 was also higher on Friday, although the index is still way below record highs posted in 2000.

North America

Forecasts suggest that the American economy added 190,000 jobs in December, down from 228,000 in the previous month. The closely watched figures, which will be released before the market opens on Friday, could help determine the timing of the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate rise. Canadian job figures for December are also released.

Next Friday sees the US banks JP Morgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC) kick off earnings season. The fourth quarter figures releases by America’s biggest corporate names is likely to test the strength of the latest stage in the global bull market. 

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
Admiral Group PLC2,624.00 GBX0.19Rating
Centrica PLC129.00 GBX1.18Rating
Inchcape PLC782.00 GBX1.82
JPMorgan Chase & Co242.31 USD1.64Rating
Toshiba Corp  
Wells Fargo & Co71.59 USD1.49Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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