Global Market Report - January 26, 2018

Hong Kong was the best performing stock market on Friday, continuing its recent strong run

James Gard 26 January, 2018 | 10:59AM
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Asia

Hong Kong was again the standout market in the Asia-Pacific region, surging nearly 500 points to a new record high above 33,000. Once again the performance of Chinese tech giant Tencent (00700) was a factor in the Hang Seng’s gains. China’s CSI 300 was also higher on the day.

The dollar fought back against the yen after recent weakness but the reaction from Japanese indices was muted. Japanese inflation rose in December but is still below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target.

Europe

In a reversal of the usual trends, where a higher pound means a lower FTSE 100, sterling and equities were higher on Friday. The big economic announcement of the month, fourth quarter GDP, showed that the UK economy grew by a faster-than-expected 0.5% in the last three months of last year.

The big currency move of the week has been sterling’s push above $1.40, which has held back the FTSE 100. After the GDP news, the pound reversed earlier losses to trade above $1.42.

New FTSE 100 entrant Just Eat (JE) was the biggest riser on Friday morning, with in-favour easyJet (EZJ) not far behind. France’s CAC 40 was the pick of the main eurozone markets with a rise of nearly 1%.

North America

US economic growth is also in focus on Friday, overshadowing earnings season. The world’s largest economy is expected to have grown by 3% quarter on quarter, on an annualised basis. The announcement comes ahead of the stock market open.

Among the earnings highlights are toothpaste giant Colgate Palmolive (CL) and industrial firm Honeywell (HON), which report before the market opens. Next week the earnings season moves to the technology sector.

Away from the stock markets, President Trump’s Davos speech is eagerly anticipated, especially in light of the dollar’s performance this week – and how it has reacted to comments from senior politicians. His views on trade will be scrutinised by an essentially pro-globalisation and anti-protectionism set of delegates from the world business elite.

Canadian inflation numbers for December will also be in view.

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
Colgate-Palmolive Co94.25 USD0.36Rating
easyJet PLC515.80 GBX0.78Rating
Honeywell International Inc226.09 USD-0.26Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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