Global Market Report - March 20

Markets in Europe and Asia were mixed ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates and statement from Jerome Powell on the economy

James Gard 20 March, 2019 | 10:53AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Global Market Report

Asia

Stock markets in Asia-Pacific lacked strong direction on Wednesday while global investors held their fire before today’s Federal Reserve meeting.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was one of the biggest movers in percentage terms, but this was only to register a 0.49% daily decline. China’s CSI 300 barely moved on the day.

Japanese inflation figures are due at the end of the week.

Europe

The FTSE 100 started reasonably brightly but has since dropped into negative territory, despite political developments putting pressure on the pound.  

The UK inflation ticked up to 1.9% in February but still remains below the Bank of England’s 2% target. The Bank’s interest rate decision is due on Thursday.

Eurozone exchanges were mixed, with Germany’s DAX falling by more than 1%. Shares in carmaker BMW (BMW) fell sharply amid a weaker outlook for 2019.

North America

Futures point to a very small rise in the Dow and S&P 500 ahead of the Federal Reserve’s March meeting.

Trade negotiators from the US are expected to fly to China next week. Investors are still seeking some concrete news to justify the recent run-up in equity prices so far this year.

China Telecom (CHA) reports earnings today.

US weekly jobless claims are due on Thursday and Canadian inflation figures are also due on the same day. Canada’s consumer price index is expected to have risen by 1.4% in February year on year, the same rise seen in January.

 

 

 

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.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG76.94 EUR-0.82Rating

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures