Global Market Report - August 2

China and Hong Kong shares slumped on Thursday as investors feared the impact of further trade tariffs, while UK markets were poised for the Bank of England's decision

James Gard 2 August, 2018 | 11:04AM
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Global Market Report

Asia

China’s stock market weakness persisted on Thursday, with Shanghai Composite Index dropping 2% to 2,768 points. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an even bigger faller in percentage terms, shedding 2.2% or 626 points to close at 27,714. The Hong Kong market is now at levels seen at the end of 2017 as tech bellwether Tencent (00700) lost nearly 3%. Fears of new trade tariffs have put attempts at a recent recovery in China and Hong Kong stocks into reverse this week.

Europe

The FTSE 100, having pushed back through 7,700 in recent days, is in danger of closing below 7,600 points today after Wednesday’s near 100-point slide was followed up by a 50 point slide today. Miners were once again the focus of selling as China’s recent stock market weakness spilled over into sectors that would be harmed by a Chinese slowdown.

Lower down the market, shares in estate group Countrywide (CWD) were down nearly 70% as it revealed an emergency fundraising plan at an 80% discount to the current share price. Its shares had already halved at the end of June, so the company’s problems have been well flagged by financial commentators.

Today’s economic news will be dominated by the Bank of England, which is expected to raise interest rates to their highest level since early 2009. A quarter point rise is forecast, but the possibility of no action still lingers. A rate rise has been priced in to sterling, which was given a further boost today by much stronger than expected construction figures for July. Manufacturing data disappointed yesterday, so today’s figures boost the case for a rate rise – and support the narrative of a spring and summer rebound for the UK economy, Brexit concerns notwithstanding.

North America

While the Federal Reserve held interest rates yesterday, a September rate rise is on the cards. Tomorrow’s US job numbers, which are expected to show a near-200,000 increase in new posts.

Those shorting Tesla (TSLA) will have been disappointed by the company’s recent results, especially those hedge fund managers who have publicly criticised the company and its founder Elon Musk. The company’s shares rose after hours as revenues beat expectations, although quarterly losses and a reduction in its cash pile will give investors pause for thought.

Among companies reporting, long-established firm and Dow Jones constituent DuPont (DWDP) is one of the biggest by market capitalisation.

 

 

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
DuPont de Nemours Inc80.20 USD-0.84Rating
Tencent Holdings Ltd378.00 HKD-3.13Rating
Tesla Inc252.64 USD1.78Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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