Market Snapshot
European markets were under pressure in morning trade as investors shunned riskier assets—equities in general, and banks and miners among them—on the back of bailout concerns as EU finance ministers meet in Brussels to discuss Ireland’s debt crisis, among other topics.
The FTSE 100 index dropped 91 points or 1.6% to 5,727 at midday, while the FTSE 250 fell back 99 points or 0.9% to 10,824.
In London, UK inflation increased in October to 3.2% on an annual basis from the previous month’s 3.1%, prompting another letter of explanation from Bank of England Mervyn King to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. King stated that inflation is above the Monetary Policy Committee’s target and likely to remain lofty throughout 2011 due to commodity price strength and the hike in UK VAT in January to 20%. Such factors should prove temporary, however, King’s letter said.
“Slackness in the labour market—with elevated unemployment and historically low income growth—ought to prevent inflation from getting out of hand,” commented Centre for Economics and Business Research economist Scott Corfe.
Further afield, Ireland continues to resist applying for a sovereign bailout and Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen today said he suspects the meeting of finance minister in Brussels today is unlikely to reach a concrete agreement. With markets hating uncertainty, a surprise solution to Ireland’s debt crisis could trigger an equity rally.
“Ireland seems to be trying to position any application for funding as a way to fund its banking sector rather than a sovereign bailout,” said Kathleen Brooks, research director at Gain Capital. “However, it’s unlikely to wash with investors. While the banks are no doubt the genesis of the Irish debt crisis, the fact is that Dublin’s bailout of its banking sector is placing an incredible strain on its public finances, which will weigh on the wider economy as austerity measures continue to bite.”
Wall Street futures point to a weak start for US equities, though any surprises from industrial production, producer prices and the NAHB housing index could change this later in the session.
Market Risers
Rexam (REX), up 2.8%: Trading in line with company expectations, anticipates second-half results to be similar to those in the first half as company continues to invest in additional capacity.
The Capita Group (CPI), up 1.0%: Upbeat analyst note from Numis Securities including recommendation upgrade ahead of Thursday’s trading update.
AstraZeneca (AZN), up 0.8%: Reportedly looking to sell its Astra Tech unit for around $2 billion; buys back shares for cancellation.
Market Fallers
Man Group (EMG), Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY), Standard Chartered (STAN), down 2.8%-4.5%: Financials under pressure as investors shun risk while awaiting news on Ireland’s debt and banking crisis.
Kazakhmys (KAZ), Antofagasta (ANTO), Fresnillo (FRES), down 3.7%-4.2%: Miners hit by weaker metal prices, risk aversion.
British Land (BLND), Land Securities (LAND), down 2.0%-2.7%: REITs dragged lower by British Land interim results fail to excite, landing in line with expectations and triggering profit taking after solid run up into the announcement.