Global Market Report - January 21

The weakest Chinese growth in 28 years cast a shadow over markets today, while the New York Stock Exchange is closed to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day

James Gard 21 January, 2019 | 10:55AM
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Global Market Report

Asia

Markets in Asia were generally positive at the start of the new trading week, despite data showing a slowdown in Chinese economic growth.

The Shanghai Composite Index nudged above 2,600 points after a modest daily gain, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng consolidated its position above 27,000 points.

China GDP in the fourth quarter met expectations for a year on year rise of 6.4%, but this was the slowest growth since the early 1990s and a further sign that the trade spat with the US is harming activity.

The Bank of Japan meets this week and is expected to leave interest rates on hold at -0.1%. Japan’s Shinzo Abe is expected to attend Davos this week.

Europe

Stock markets in the Eurozone were modestly lower on Monday despite Asia’s gains. But the UK’s FTSE 100 inched forward as the 7,000 points levels looms closer. Theresa May returns to Parliament this week to try to convince MPs that her "plan B" is workable. In terms of currency moving news, this week's sees UK job numbers and Government borrowing figures.

Tomorrow Germany’s ZEW survey will give a greater insight into sentiment in Europe’s largest economy. Recent data has not been encouraging, showing that Germany is on the brink of recession.

The European Central Bank meets on Thursday and is expected to hold rates. January marks a watershed in that the ECB stopped its monthly bond purchase programme from the start of the new year.

North America

US markets are closed today for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This week sees results from Dow Jones stalwarts Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), IBM (IBM), Procter & Gamble (PG) and Ford (F). Comcast (CMCSA) also reports.

The ongoing US government shutdown is having a knock-on effect on economic data releases.

Assuming there is no disruption, provisional data for durable goods orders are due on Friday for December. Weekly jobless claims are due as usual on Thursday as well as manufacturing and services PMI indices.

JP Morgan’s (JPM) Jamie Dimon and BlackRock’s (BLK) Laurence Fink are attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Next week the Federal Reserve is due to meet. After four interest rate rises in 2018, the Fed is expected to hold rates this month. US GDP for the fourth quarter is also due on the same day.

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
BlackRock Inc1,031.61 USD0.68Rating
Comcast Corp Class A42.78 USD-0.49Rating
Ford Motor Co10.73 USD0.00Rating
International Business Machines Corp216.84 USD1.04Rating
Johnson & Johnson153.16 USD0.03Rating
JPMorgan Chase & Co243.02 USD0.93Rating
Procter & Gamble Co171.06 USD0.10Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

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