Global Market Report - March 21

World market reaction to last night's Federal Reserve meeting was cautious

James Gard 21 March, 2019 | 10:29AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Global Market Report

Asia

Markets in Asia took their cue from a cautious US equity reaction to the Federal Reserve’s latest guidance on interest rates and the global economy. Chinese markets moved higher but Hong Kong stocks slipped, following Wall Street’s lead.

Tencent (00700) shares fell after a sharp fall in profits in the most recent quarter.

Japanese inflation is expected to come in at 0.30% on a yearly basis for February.

Europe

A weaker pound helped give the FTSE 100 an uplift this morning, pushing the index above 7,300 points, with miners leading the way. But retail sales data supported a minor recovery in sterling ahead of the Bank of England’s midday meeting.

Next (NXT) shares were under pressure after a fall in annual profits.

Eurozone exchanges caught the global mood of caution, with France’s CAC only just ahead approaching midday.

North America

US stocks closed lower despite the Federal Reserve’s dovish tone on 2019 rate rises. The message of slowing growth, the reason behind the expected pause in interest rates this year, was uppermost in investors’ minds. The Fed’s economic growth forecast of 2% for 2019 is one percentage point below the US Government’s, and global events could still derail the domestic economy this year.

Early futures contracts suggest a fall on Wall Street at the open on Thursday.  Nike (NKE) is one of the biggest companies to report numbers today.

US weekly jobless claims and Canadian inflation figures are due today. 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
Next PLC9,806.00 GBX0.25
Tencent Holdings Ltd426.40 HKD2.70Rating

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