Finance AM Podcast

21Feb22 from 2022-02-20T19:30:17

The risk-averse mood in markets persisted, Ukraine and Fed tightening remaining the main concerns. The S&P500 fell 0.7%, bond yields fell, and the defensive USD rose.

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18Feb22 from 2022-02-17T19:27:21

A slightly risk-averse mood prevailed in equity and bond markets, the S&P500 currently down 1.5%. Ukraine and Fed tightening remained the main concerns. Currencies were mixed.

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17Feb22 from 2022-02-16T19:35:51

Risk sentiment remained fragile, with Ukraine and Fed tightening the main concerns. The S&P500 is currently down 0.7%, bond yields are mixed, and the AUD and NZD are higher. The FOMC minutes just r...

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16Feb22 from 2022-02-15T19:27:11

Risk sentiment improved on headlines regarding Ukraine. The S&P500 is currently up 1.5%, bond yields are slightly higher, and the defensive USD is slightly lower.

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15Feb22 from 2022-02-14T19:56:38

Risk sentiment was volatile, with market focussing on news regarding the Ukraine. The S&P500 is currently down 1.2%, bond yields are slightly higher, and the USD is slightly higher.

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14Feb22 from 2022-02-13T19:29

Risk aversion took hold amid rising tensions in Ukraine. The S&P500 fell 1.9%, bond yields fell, and the defensive US dollar rose.

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11Feb22 from 2022-02-10T19:30:15

A surprisingly strong US inflation report caused bond yields to jump. US equities fell, the S&P500 currently down 1.5%, while the US dollar was volatile and is slightly lower.

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10Feb22 from 2022-02-09T19:16:47

US equities rose, the S&P500 currently up 1.2%, while the US dollar and bond yields fell slightly.

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9Feb22 from 2022-02-08T19:21:06

US equities rose, the S&P500 currently up 0.8%, while the US dollar and bond yields rose slightly. There was little market-noteworthy news.

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8Feb22 from 2022-02-07T19:19:26

There were no major events to ruffle markets overnight, leaving US equities little changed (S&P500 +0.1%), and the US dollar and bond yields little changed.

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4Feb22 from 2022-02-03T19:36:26

US and European equities fell amid hawkish outcomes from central banks. The BoE hiked by 25bp, and the ECB voiced inflation concerns. The S&P500 is down 1.7%, the US dollar is lower, and bond yield...

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3Feb22 from 2022-02-02T19:18:50

US equities recovered further following recent Fed comments that tightening will probably be gradual. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, and bond yields and the US dollar are lower.

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2Feb22 from 2022-02-01T19:44:57

The US dollar retreated further and the NZD and AUD outperformed. Bond yields rose slightly, while US equities are little changed.

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1Feb22 from 2022-01-31T19:20:30

US equities rose for a second consecutive day, the S&P500 up 1.3%. The improved sentiment also lifted the AUD and NZD. Bond yields continued to consolidate.

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31Jan22 from 2022-01-30T19:17:52

US equities rebounded without any obvious news catalysts, the S&P500 closing up 2.4%. Bond yields fell, though, as did the AUD and NZD.

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28Jan22 from 2022-01-27T19:34:42

US equities are slightly lower, the S&P500 currently down 0.2%, as markets reflect on yesterday’s signal from the Fed that it would start raising rates in March. The US dollar has risen further, wh...

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27Jan22 from 2022-01-26T19:37:37

Following the FOMC decision, which signalled rate hikes starting soon, the S&P500 held its earlier gain of 1.5%. The outcome was as expected, leaving the US dollar unchanged, while bond yields rose...

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26Jan22 from 2022-01-25T19:28:56

US equity markets were again buffeted by concerns the Fed may tighten its stance at tomorrow’s meeting, as well as geopolitical tensions. The S&P500 is currently down 2.0%, and risk-sensitive curre...

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25Jan22 from 2022-01-24T19:40:03

The risk averse mood continued, amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine, the looming Fed meeting, and inflation concerns. The S&P500 is currently down 3.0%, and at a low since June 2021. Bond yield...

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24Jan22 from 2022-01-23T19:24:34

Sentiment was weighed down by escalating tensions in the Ukraine, the looming Fed meeting, and inflation concerns. The S&P500 closed down 1.9% (for a total decline in January of 9%), and bond yield...

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21Jan22 from 2022-01-20T19:16:04

Bond yields fell slightly, helping equities arrest a multi-week decline. The S&P500 is currently up 1.2%.

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19Jan22 from 2022-01-18T19:24:53

US and European equities fell and bond yields rose, as markets raised their outlooks for central bank interest rates even further. The S&P500 is down 1.9%, and the AUD and NZD are lower.

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17Jan22 from 2022-01-16T19:32:32

US bond yields and the US dollar rose despite disappointing US economic data, hawkish Fedspeak contributing. That weighed on the AUD and NZD. US equities were little changed, the S&P500 up 0.1%.

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17Dec21 from 2021-12-16T19:28:17

Central banks in the UK, Norway and Eurozone tightened policy stances, which helped weaken the US dollar. The S&P500 is down 0.5%, while US bond yields fell in divergence with European yields.

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16Dec21 from 2021-12-15T19:40:54

The US Federal Reserve delivered a moderate hawkish surprise to markets, projecting more rate hikes than were expected. The S&P500 shrugged off the result and is currently up 0.2%, while the US dol...

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15Dec21 from 2021-12-14T19:32:47

US equities were again weaker, the S&P500 down 1.2%. A strong US producer inflation report reinforced concerns the Fed will deliver a hawkish outcome tomorrow. The US dollar and bond yields are sli...

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26Nov from 2021-11-25T19:30:30

In a quiet session, given the US holiday, AUD and NZD probed slightly lower. The Eurostoxx50 closed up 0.4%. Sweden’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged.

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22Nov from 2021-11-21T19:24:27

Sentiment weakened amid fresh pandemic-related restrictions in Europe. The S&P500 closed down 0.1% on the day, and risk-sensitive currencies and bond yields fell. Some hawkish Fedspeak partly rever...

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15Nov from 2021-11-14T17:43:43

US equities rose, the S&P500 up 0.7% on the day. The AUD and NZD also performed well, after initially making one-month lows. Short-maturity bond yields fell.

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11Nov from 2021-11-10T18:36:45

Strong US inflation data boosted bond yields and the US dollar, but depressed equities (the S&P500 is currently down 0.3%) and commodities.

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1Nov from 2021-10-31T18:48:32

In a choppy session marked by month-end rebalancing, the S&P500 rose 0.2% to a record high, the US dollar rose sharply, and bond yields fell.

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26Oct from 2021-10-25T19:21:42

US equities made fresh record highs, the S&P500 up 0.5% currently. Bond yields fell, though, and the US dollar was mixed, leaving the AUD and NZD inside their recent ranges.

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18Oct from 2021-10-17T19:17:08

Equity sentiment was again boosted by strong US company earnings, as well strong US retail sales data. The S&P500 closed up 0.8%, bond yields rose, and risk-sensitive currencies outperformed.

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8Oct from 2021-10-07T20:29:26

US equities rose, comforted by the previous day’s agreement on a debt ceiling extension. The S&P500 is up 1.3%, risk sensitive currencies have outperformed, and bond yields have risen. Brent jumped...

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7Oct from 2021-10-06T19:36:53

US equities pared early losses, leaving the S&P500 up 0.1%, after indications the debt ceiling may be extended and some upbeat economic data. The US dollar and safe-haven currencies outperformed, w...

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6Oct from 2021-10-05T18:56:08

US equities rose, the S&P500 up 1.5%, extending the yo-yo pattern of the past few days. Risk-sensitive currencies outperformed safe-havens, and bond yields rose.

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5Oct from 2021-10-04T19:35:27

US equities fell, as familiar concerns such as stagflation and higher interest rates resurface. The S&P500 is down 1.4% and at a fresh two-month low. The risk-averse mood didn’t extend to currencie...

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4Oct from 2021-10-03T20:12:07

US equities rebounded as buyers took advantage of September’s 6% decline to replenish portfolios. The S&P500 closed up 1.2%, and risk-sensitive currencies rose. Bond yields fell, though, perhaps in...

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27Sep from 2021-09-26T05:09:44

US equities remained upbeat, despite China’s curbs on cryptocurrencies and recent hawkish shifts by global central banks. The S&P500 closed up 0.2%, and bond yields rose, although so too did the de...

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20Sep from 2021-09-19T20:25:44

US equity sentiment was weak, the S&P500 closing down 0.9%. Familiar themes were cited: pandemic affected growth, Fed tapering, and tax increases. Risk sensitive currencies followed suit, while bon...

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13Sep from 2021-09-12T20:30:59

US equities fell for a fifth consecutive day, amid ongoing concerns about valuations and economic growth. The S&P500 fell 0.8%, and the defensive US dollar rose. Bond yields also rose, helped by PP...

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6Sep from 2021-09-05T20:29:23

The eagerly awaited US jobs report was weaker than expected, but only caused a modest fall in the US dollar. Bond yields actually rose in response, perhaps reflecting inflationary implications. The...

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30Aug from 2021-08-29T20:19:06

US equity markets rose, the S&P500 up 0.9% to a fresh record high. The US dollar and bond yields fell. Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech was not as hawkish as some had expected.

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23Aug from 2021-08-22T20:20:17

A slightly more upbeat mood prevailed, the S&P500 up 0.8%, the defensive US dollar lower, and bond yields higher. There was little fresh news for markets.

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20Aug21 from 2021-08-19T20:47:30

The risk averse mood in Europe dissipated in the US, the S&P500 recovering to be up 0.2%. Commodities remained on the back foot, though, and the defensive US dollar rose, while bond yields were con...

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15Aug from 2021-08-15T04:52:41

US bond yields and the US dollar fell after a sharp fall in a closely-watched consumer sentiment survey. The dovish implications for the Fed supported US equities, the S&P500 up 0.2% to a fresh rec...

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9Aug from 2021-08-08T09:31:30

US jobs data was stronger than expected, causing US bond yields and the US dollar to rise in response. The S&P500 was volatile but managed to close up 0.2% at a fresh record high.

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2Aug from 2021-08-01T09:12:43

A risk-averse session saw the S&P500 down 0.5% on the day, investors concerned about cautious revenue forecasts form large technology companies such as Amazon, Apple and Facebook. Bond yields fell ...

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26Jul from 2021-07-25T20:17:26

US equity markets rose, the S&P500 up 1.0% to a fresh record high, helped by strong corporate earnings (87% of reports by S&P500 companies have beaten estimates). Bond yields and currencies were li...

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23July from 2021-07-22T21:22:46

Equity markets and commodities rose further, the S&P500 currently up 0.2%. Bond yields are slightly lower, though, following a dovish ECB statement. Currencies were mixed, the AUD and NZD slightly ...

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21July from 2021-07-20T20:24:25

The market’s mood flipped from risk aversion to risk seeking, as Covid variant concerns appeared to recede. The S&P500 is currently up 1.7%, and commodities are higher. Risk-sensitive currencies, t...

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20July from 2021-07-19T20:14:06

The risk-averse mood of the past few days intensified amid rising concerns about the economic impact of new Covid variants. The S&P500 is currently down 1.9%, and commodities, bond yields and risk-...

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19Jul from 2021-07-18T20:14:57

A risk-averse mood again weighed on major asset classes. Surveyed inflation expectations in the US rose further. The S&P500 closed down 0.8%, and bond yields and risk-sensitive currencies fell slig...

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16Jul from 2021-07-15T21:03:28

A slightly risk-averse mood prevailed, without obvious news catalyst. The S&P500 is down 0.4%, and bond yields are slightly lower, while the US dollar and defensive currencies outperformed.

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15Jul21 from 2021-07-14T20:27:01

The US dollar and bond yields fell after Fed Chair Powell said conditions for tightening were some way off. The S&P500 is up 0.3%, earlier making a record high.

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13Jul from 2021-07-12T20:52:52

Equity markets remained upbeat, anticipating supportive earnings reports. The S&P500 is up 0.3% to a fresh record high, and bond yields are higher, although the US dollar also rose.

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6July from 2021-07-05T20:22:51

Markets were fairly stable during the US holiday. The Eurostoxx 50 closed up 0.4%, while the US dollar and bond yields were steady.

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5Jul from 2021-07-04T20:59:30

US equities jumped higher, the S&P500 up 0.8% to a fresh record high. Bond yields fell, as did the US dollar. The eagerly awaited US jobs report, while superficially strong, was mixed in the detail...

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2July from 2021-07-01T20:35:01

US equities rose further, the S&P500 up 0.5% to a fresh record high. Bond yields were little changed, though, and currencies fell vs the US dollar. Market are anticipating a strong US jobs report t...

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29Jun from 2021-06-28T20:11:15

Sentiment in equity markets remained elevated, the S&P500 rising 0.2% to a fresh record high. However, bond yields fell, as did risk-sensitive currencies. Month-end rebalancing and US airstrikes in...

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28June from 2021-06-27T20:21:44

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 rising 0.3% to a fresh record high. Bond yields also rose, while currencies closed little changed. US economic data was mixed.

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25June from 2021-06-24T20:27:16

Sentiment remained upbeat as a US infrastructure spending plan was agreed, the S&P500 rising 0.6% to a record high. The AUD and NZD are slightly higher, while bond yields are little changed.

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24June from 2021-06-23T20:31:10

The tone was modestly upbeat but moves were minor. The S&P500 is unchanged near the all-time high, while bond yields are slightly higher. Currencies were mixed, with risk-sensitive currencies sligh...

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23June from 2021-06-22T20:25:47

Markets remained upbeat overnight, amid mostly dovish Fedspeak. The S&P500 is up 0.5% and near the all-time high, while the defensive US dollar weakened for a second consecutive day. Bond yields fe...

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22June from 2021-06-21T20:31:23

Markets were more upbeat overnight, after a three-day long risk-averse reaction to last week’s hawkish Fed shift. The S&P500 is up 1.4%, bond yields are higher, and the US dollar is lower.

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21June from 2021-06-20T20:21:37

Markets continued to price in Fed tightening by pushing short-maturity interest rates higher and long-maturities lower. Equities fell (S&P500 -1.3%) and the US dollar rose, with the AUD and NZD per...

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17June from 2021-06-16T20:33:49

The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting statement surprised markets by showing a majority of members expected rate hikes by 2023. US equities fell (S&P500 currently -0.5%), while bond yields and the US ...

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14Jun from 2021-06-13T20:16:23

US equities remained elevated, the S&P500 up 0.2% to a record closing high. However, risk sensitive currencies fell, while bond yields consolidated near recent lows. There was no major market-movin...

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10June from 2021-06-09T20:17:05

Equities remained stalled near all-time highs, looking ahead to key events tonight - the US inflation report and the ECB meeting. The S&P500 is unchanged, while bond yields and currencies experienc...

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9Jun21 from 2021-06-08T20:27:18

Markets remained in consolidation mode ahead of Thursday’s US inflation report. The S&P500 is up 0.1%, near the all-time high, although bond yields are slightly lower, and the defensive US dollar i...

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6June from 2021-06-06T04:17:36

Markets were soothed by disappointing US jobs data which dampened concerns the Fed may taper QE sooner than indicated. The S&P500 closed up 0.9% - near the record high, while bond yields and the US...

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4June from 2021-06-03T20:59:07

Markets were rattled by some strong US economic data, raising concerns the Fed may eventually tighten sooner than indicated. The S&P500 is down 0.4%, and bond yields and the USD are higher.

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3June from 2021-06-02T20:14:35

3June by Westpac Bank

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2June from 2021-06-01T21:08:36

US equities pared early gains following some mixed US economic data, the S&P500 up 0.1%. Bond yields also retraced, while currencies were mixed.

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1 June from 2021-05-31T20:11:27

1 June by Westpac Bank

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30May from 2021-05-30T05:04:28

US equities remained elevated, helped by a supportive Biden budget as well as solid economic data. The S&P500 closed up 0.1%, although risk-sensitive currencies underperformed, and bond yields fell...

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28May (3) from 2021-05-27T20:16:20

Bond yields rose amid a solid batch of US economic updates and in anticipation of a large budget announcement. The S&P500 is up 0.2%, while most currencies were contained.

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24May from 2021-05-23T20:23:56

US equities shed early gains to close little changed, the S&P500 -0.1%. The US dollar bounced off a multi-month low, while bond yields were fairly stable.

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17May from 2021-05-16T20:20:41

Sentiment was mostly upbeat, as inflations concerns appear to have been fully priced. US equities rose (the S&P500 up 1.5%) and the US dollar fell. Bond yields also fell though, partly due to some ...

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14May.21mp3 from 2021-05-13T20:25:21

US equities rebounded after a three-day decline, the S&P500 up 1.4%. Bond yields fell slightly, and the AUD and NZD stabilised. There were no major news catalysts.

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10May from 2021-05-09T20:25:39

Sentiment was boosted by a very disappointing US jobs report, which caused markets to extend their expectations of monetary and fiscal accommodation. The S&P500 rose 0.7% to a record high), and the...

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3may from 2021-05-02T20:22:45

Sentiment soured as strong US economic data hinted at inflationary pressures and a Fed hawk spoke. The S&P500 closed down 0.8%, the US dollar rose, and bond yields fell slightly.

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19apr from 2021-04-18T20:06:42

US equities again made fresh record highs, the S&P500 closing up 0.4%. Currencies were mixed, the AUD and NZD underperforming. Bond yields were little changed.

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13Apr from 2021-04-12T20:04:59

US equities stalled near record highs, the S&P500 currently down 0.1%, amid little news flow. Currencies were mixed and contained, while US bond yields rose slightly following issuance auctions.

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12Apr from 2021-04-11T20:06:15

US equities made fresh record highs as Fed officials continued to signal no change in stance is likely for some time. The S&P500 closed up 0.8%, and the US dollar and bond yields rose slightly.

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29Mar from 2021-03-28T19:15:33

Equity markets were upbeat amid a faster vaccine rollout in the US, banks allowed to raise dividends, a stronger consumer sentiment survey, and quarter-end rebalancing. The S&P500 rose 1.7% to a re...

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22Mar from 2021-03-21T19:06:56

US yields rose after the Fed announced an end to favourable treatment for bank holders of treasuries. That weighed on US equities, the S&P500 closing down 0.1%. Risk-sensitive currencies are slight...

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Finance AM 18Mar from 2021-03-17T19:57:07

Sentiment reversed after the Federal Reserve’s decision this morning did not contain the hawkish signals markets had hoped for. Equities flipped from moderate losses to moderate gains (S&P500 curre...

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15Mar from 2021-03-14T03:04:22

US equities rose slightly further, the S&P500 closing up 0.1% and at a record (closing) high. Tech stocks underperformed, though, the NASDAQ 100 down 0.9%, probably affected by the continuing rise ...

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8Mar from 2021-03-07T19:12:53

US equities rebounded from losses to gains, the S&P500 closing up 2.0%. The US dollar rose to a three-month high after a strong jobs report, while bond yields spiked only briefly.

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1Mar from 2021-02-28T19:43:05

Equity markets weakened further, the S&P500 closing down 0.5%. The risk averse mood also helped push bond yields and commodities lower, and the defensive US dollar rose.

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16Feb from 2021-02-15T19:29:09

Sentiment remained upbeat as vaccine deployment and US fiscal stimulus were expected to help economic normalisation. The US was on holiday, but the Eurostoxx50 rose 1.0% to a one-year high. Bond yi...

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15Feb from 2021-02-14T19:11:48

Equity markets remained upbeat, the S&P500 up 0.5% to a fresh record high. Bond yields and commodity prices also rose, although the usually defensive US dollar held its ground. There was little fre...

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9Feb from 2021-02-08T18:40:55

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 0.4% and at a record high. The AUD and NZD rose, as did bond yields initially. Expectations of further US fiscal stimulus remained high.

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2Feb from 2021-02-01T19:11:24

US equities rebounded, the battle between retail traders and hedge funds seen as a short-term phenomenon. The S&P500 is currently up 1.6%, but risk-sensitive currencies and bond yields have not fol...

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26Jan from 2021-01-25T19:42:32

US equities were briefly ruffled but are little changed, the S&P500 up 0.1% on the day. The defensive US dollar is slightly higher, and bond yields are lower. Noteworthy for markets was news that U...

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25Jan from 2021-01-24T19:16:48

Sentiment cooled slightly amid rising Covid infections and obstacles to US fiscal stimulus. The S&P500 fell 0.3%, the defensive US dollar rose slightly and bond yields fell slightly.

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22Jan from 2021-01-21T19:24:01

Bond yields rose slightly after the on-hold ECB decision and a fall in US jobless claims. Equities are little changed, although the S&P500 did make an intraday record high. The USD weakened slightly.

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21Jan from 2021-01-20T19:13:42

Markets remained upbeat, pushing the S&P500 1.3% higher to a record high. AUD and NZD also rose, while bond yields were little changed. Joe Biden was inaugurated as US President, and Canada’s centr...

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20Jan from 2021-01-19T19:04:57

An upbeat session saw US equities rise - the S&P500 up 0.9% - and the defensive US dollar fall slightly. Bond yields, though, fell slightly. Janet Yellen’s Treasury Secretary confirmation hearing a...

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19Jan from 2021-01-18T18:53:02

The US holiday thinned overnight trading and left US equity futures and European equities little changed. The US dollar probed slightly higher, the AUD and NZD slightly lower.

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18Jan from 2021-01-17T19:11:26

Sentiment soured ahead of the long US weekend, the S&P500 closing down 0.7%. The defensive US dollar rose and risk-sensitive currencies underperformed, while bond yields fell slightly. US economic ...

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15Dec from 2020-12-14T19:41:47

Sentiment was initially upbeat, but further European activity restrictions and stalled Brexit talks dampened the mood. The S&P500 is currently up 0.1%, the AUD and NZD are little changed, and US bo...

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14Dec from 2020-12-13T19:00:39

US equities pared losses after a stop-gap US spending bill was agreed, the S&P500 closing down 0.1%. Bond yields fell and the defensive US dollar rose slightly.

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8Dec from 2020-12-07T19:18:21

US equities pulled back from record highs, the S&P500 currently down 0.3%. Bond yields fell and the defensive US dollar rose slightly. Markets were focussed on developments in US fiscal and Brexit ...

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7Dec from 2020-12-06T19:03:34

Markets appeared to overlook a disappointing US jobs reports, assuming it will hasten agreement on a government relief package. The S&P500 rose 0.9% to a fresh record high, with bond yields also ri...

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3Dec from 2020-12-02T19:20:01

US equities stalled at record highs, the S&P500 unchanged on the day. The defensive US dollar fell slightly, while bond yields rose further as markets priced in the prospect of reflating economies.

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1Dec from 2020-11-30T18:45:53

1Dec by Westpac Bank

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30Nov from 2020-11-29T19:01:03

US equity markets rose further, the S&P500 closing up 0.2% to a fresh record closing high. The defensive US dollar fell, but so too did bond yields, the latter suggesting some caution as Covid case...

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27Nov from 2020-11-26T19:11:13

27Nov by Westpac Bank

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25Nov from 2020-11-24T20:12:21

US equity markets rose after official acknowledgement that Joe Biden won the US presidential election. The S&P500 is up 1.6% and is poised to make a record closing high. The defensive US dollar fel...

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24Nov from 2020-11-23T19:44:36

US equity markets recorded modest gains, the S&P500 up 0.4%, helped by positive vaccine news. Currencies were notably buffeted by stronger US PMI data which helped the USD bounce off a three-month ...

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23Nov from 2020-11-22T18:51:12

23Nov by Westpac Bank

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20Nov from 2020-11-19T19:05:57

Risk sentiment remained slightly defensive, with optimism on vaccine distribution balanced by caution amid activity restrictions. The S&P500 is down 0.2%, the defensive US dollar is slightly firmer...

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19Nov from 2020-11-18T19:15:03

Equity markets remained elevated but stalled, positive vaccine news offset by restrictions on activity. The S&P500 is unchanged, although risk sensitive currencies and bond yields recorded gains.

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18Nov from 2020-11-17T19:26:29

The November rally in equities stalled, having digested the previous day’s positive vaccine news which took the S&P500 to a fresh record closing high. The index is currently down 0.2%, and bond yie...

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17Nov from 2020-11-16T21:18:55

Sentiment was boosted by more positive vaccine news, helping the S&P500 rise 0.9% to near a record high. Bond yields rose slightly, and the defensive US dollar fell slightly.

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16Nov from 2020-11-15T18:44:13

Sentiment was upbeat on Friday, despite rising Covid cases in the US and Europe and associated restrictions. The S&P500 rose 1.4% to a fresh record high close, bond yields rose slightly, and the de...

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13Nov from 2020-11-12T19:18:24

Sentiment sagged overnight, amid rising Covid cases, disappointing US inflation data, warnings from Fed Chair Powell, and further setbacks in US stimulus talks. The S&P500 is down 1.0%, and bond yi...

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12Nov from 2020-11-11T19:36:28

Equity markets in Europe and the US remained upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 0.9%. However, the defensive US dollar also rose, while US bond markets were closed for national holiday. Rising Covid c...

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11Oct from 2020-11-10T20:04:40

Markets consolidated, following the previous day’s surge in risk appetite. The S&P500 is currently down 0.2%, with bond yields and currencies little changed. While yesterday’s vaccine news was prom...

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10Nov from 2020-11-09T19:24:21

Sentiment surged on some positive Covid vaccine news. All major asset classes responded, the Eurostoxx50 up 6.4% and the S&P500 up 3.2%. Bond yields and commodities also surged, while risk-sensitiv...

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9Nov from 2020-11-08T19:24:11

US equities stalled on Friday, the prospect of a Democrat Presidency but divided House seen as limiting fiscal stimulus. The monthly US jobs data beat expectations. The S&P500 closed unchanged, bon...

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6Nov from 2020-11-05T19:27:37

US equities rose further amid continuing vote counting in the US election, the S&P500 up 2.2% and within 2% of an all-time high. Bond yields reversed higher, and the US dollar fell.

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5Nov from 2020-11-04T19:39:07

Market reactions to US election developments were mixed, with US equities rising overnight (S&P500 +3.0%) as Biden’s performance improved, but bond yields falling on the receding chances of large-s...

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4Nov from 2020-11-03T19:41:45

Markets were quite upbeat overnight, perhaps in anticipation of a strong Democrat showing in the US election which is currently underway. The S&P500 is up 2.0%, bond yields are higher, and the defe...

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3Nov from 2020-11-02T19:14:31

US equity sentiment improved, the S&P500 currently up 0.5%. Currencies were mixed, though, and US bond yields fell slightly. The looming US election remained the focal point.

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2Nov from 2020-11-01T19:09:49

Liquidation of both US equities (S&P500 -1.2%) and bonds was the main theme for a second consecutive day. Key concerns were the resurgent pandemic and looming US election. Currencies were relativel...

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30Oct from 2020-10-29T19:54:36

US equities partly retraced the previous day’s large decline, amid encouraging US economic data. The S&P500 is up 1.6%, and bond yields are higher. The normally defensive US dollar is also higher ...

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29Oct from 2020-10-28T19:41:09

US and European equities plunged as Covid cases in both areas increased and further restrictions in Europe were announced. US election uncertainty and fiscal stalemate remained in the mix. The S&P5...

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28Oct from 2020-10-27T20:06:48

Markets remained in a cautious mood, with mixed performances among asset classes. US equities are slightly lower, following a loss session in Europe, and bond yields are lower, while risk sensitive...

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27Oct from 2020-10-26T18:44:02

Markets were in a risk-averse mood amid rising Covid cases and a fiscal talk stalemate in the US. The S&P500 is currently down 2.3%, bond yields are lower, and the defensive US dollar is higher.

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25Oct from 2020-10-25T08:03:14

Markets sentiment was mixed on Friday, with US stimulus talks continuing but not agreeing. The S&P500 closed up 0.3%, risk sensitive currencies were slightly higher, and bond yields were slightly l...

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23Oct from 2020-10-22T19:13:35

Markets appeared to be in a slightly positive mood. While there was no progress on US fiscal stimulus, the US data was encouraging. The S&P500 is currently up 0.5%, and bond yields and risk sensiti...

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22Oct from 2020-10-21T19:23:38

Sentiment was moderately upbeat amid encouraging hints from talks on Brexit and US stimulus. Equities (and bonds) were restrained, the S&P500 up just 0.4%, but risk-sensitive currencies performed w...

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21Oct from 2020-10-20T19:33:34

US equity markets rose on optimism a US fiscal stimulus deal could be agreed soon, following signals from the key participants. The S&P500 is up 1.1%, and bond yields are higher, and the defensive ...

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20Oct from 2020-10-19T19:14:53

US equity markets fell amid a lack of progress on US fiscal stimulus negotiations. The S&P500 is down 1.4%, with bond yields and risky currencies reversing early gains.

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19Oct from 2020-10-18T19:22:01

US equity markets sagged late in the session, the S&P500 closing unchanged on the day. Bond yields rose slightly, while the US dollar fell slightly. US retails sales data was strong, but industrial...

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16Oct from 2020-10-15T19:25:45

US equity markets posted losses for the third consecutive day, amid rising European Covid cases, US fiscal stimulus stalemate, and a rise in jobless claims data. The S&P500 is down 0.2%, and the de...

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15Oct from 2020-10-14T19:36:16

US equity markets remained on the back foot, as the likelihood of fiscal stimulus agreement before the US election receded further. The S&P500 is down 0.4%, and bond yields are slightly lower, alth...

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14Oct from 2020-10-13T19:48:07

A risk-averse mood prevailed, amid continuing stalemate in US fiscal package negotiations, vaccine trial setbacks, and rising Covid cases in Europe. The S&P500 is down 0.4%, bond yields are lower, ...

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13Oct from 2020-10-12T19:27:19

US equities rose further, with the S&P500 up 1.9%, despite the US fiscal package stalemate. Other major asset classes did not follow suit, though, the US dollar and bond yields little changed.

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12Oct from 2020-10-11T19:21:10

Sentiment rose ahead of the US long weekend, helped by Pres. Trump’s support for a large scale Covid support package. The S&P500 closed up 0.9% to a one-month high, the US dollar fell, and bond yie...

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2Oct from 2020-10-01T19:23:34

US equity markets rose slightly further, despite little progress in fiscal stimulus negotiations and mixed economic data. The S&P500 is currently up 0.1%, while the US dollar and bond yields are sl...

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1Oct from 2020-09-30T19:24:09

US equity markets rose, helped by strong economic data as well as continuing hopes for a fiscal stimulus package. The S&P500 is currently up 1.1%, and US bond yields and risky currencies are higher.

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30Sep from 2020-09-29T18:46:15

US and European equity markets fell slightly, the S&P500 currently down 0.2%. US bond yields also fell slightly, but so too did the defensive US dollar.

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29Sep from 2020-09-28T18:39:56

US and European equity markets rose, the S&P500 currently up 1.8%. Markets remain optimistic a US fiscal stimulus package will eventually be agreed. The defensive US dollar fell, while US bond yiel...

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28Sep from 2020-09-27T19:09:29

US equity markets rose, led by tech stocks, the S&P500 up 1.6%. However, bond yields fell slightly and the defensive US dollar rose. There was little fresh news of note.

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25Sep from 2020-09-24T20:23:04

The recent slide in equity markets stalled as hopes for a US fiscal stimulus package resurfaced. The S&P500 is up 0.3%, and bond yields and the US dollar are little changed. The Swiss and Norwegian...

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24Sep from 2020-09-23T20:23:50

Risk sentiment in equity markets weakened further, as company growth outlooks were questioned amid the economic uncertainty described by Fed speakers overnight. The S&P500 closed down 2.4% to a two...

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23Sep from 2020-09-22T20:19:19

Risk sentiment in equity markets appeared to stabilise, with the S&P500 currently up 1.0%, but the defensive US dollar continued its multi-week rebound. Bond yields were stable.

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22Sep from 2020-09-21T19:47:29

US equity markets fell, the S&P500 down 1.8% to a two-month low. Other asset classes followed suit, with commodity prices and bond yields lower and the defensive US dollar higher. Among market conc...

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21Sep from 2020-09-20T20:10:34

US equity markets fell, the S&P500 down 1.1% to a six-week low. Some attributed the fall to quarterly expiration of equity derivative contracts. The AUD and NZD appeared to follow equities, but bon...

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18Sep from 2020-09-17T20:31:42

Equity markets decoupled from other asset classes, the S&P500 down 0.8%. In contrast, bond yields and risky currencies rebounded. The BoE kept policy settings unchanged, but did say it was studying...

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17Sep from 2020-09-16T20:51:38

The US central bank upgraded its economic forecasts but indicated rates would remain near zero for a few years, all widely expected. The S&P500 is down 0.5%, while US bond yields and the US dollar ...

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16Sep from 2020-09-15T19:49:15

Sentiment appeared to be moderately upbeat, supported by optimism on vaccines and economic recovery. The S&P500 is up 0.4%, and bond yields are slightly higher, while currencies were mixed.

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15Sep from 2020-09-14T19:49:39

US equities rose amid news on vaccine trials and the TikTok deal. The S&P500 is up 1.2%, and the USD is lower, while bond yields are little changed.

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14Sep from 2020-09-13T19:56:16

US tech stock remained under pressure, the NASDAQ down 0.6% to a one-month low, and the broader S&P500 unchanged. Some of that sentiment rippled to bond yields, while currencies were little changed.

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11Sep from 2020-09-10T19:57:58

Equity markets flipped back to a risk averse mood, the S&P500 down 1.5%. The defensive US dollar rose, and bond yields and commodities fell. Ongoing negative factors included lofty valuations, Covi...

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10Sep from 2020-09-09T20:15:52

Equity markets rebounded overnight, as bargain hunters bought cheapened tech stocks, the S&P500 currently up 2.4%. The defensive US dollar is lower, and bond yields are higher.

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9Sep from 2020-09-08T19:59:19

Markets were in a risk averse mood overnight, the S&P500 falling 2.3% to a one-month low. The defensive US dollar rose, and bond yields fell. There were no obvious news catalysts for the moves.

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8Sep from 2020-09-07T19:54:59

Markets were mostly contained during the US holiday, apart from the GBP which fell amid news that the UK government is intending to change the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

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7Sep from 2020-09-06T19:56:52

Sentiment was mixed, with US equities falling (S&P500 -0.8%) but US bond yields rising. The AUD and NZD closed little changed. US jobs data was better than expected.

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4Sep from 2020-09-03T19:55:55

US equity indices reversed sharply, the S&P500 falling 4.0%, amid stretched valuations and technicals. That risk-averse mood spilled over to the AUD and NZD, and bond yields fell.

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3Sep from 2020-09-02T18:56:28

US equity indices accelerated to fresh record highs, the S&P500 currently up 1.2%. The US dollar rose, while bond yields fell. The main catalyst appears to be expectations that central bank stimulu...

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2Sep from 2020-09-01T19:56:17

US equity indices made fresh record highs, led by tech stocks. The S&P500 is up 0.5%, the NASDAQ +1.3%. The US dollar rose, partly due to solid US manufacturing data contrasting with disappointing ...

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1Sep from 2020-08-31T19:55:58

The S&P500 nudged 0.1% to a fresh record high, the slower rise partly attributed to news that China may try to block the sale of TikTok in the US. The US dollar and bond yields fell slightly.

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31Aug from 2020-08-30T19:55:40

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 rising 0.7% to a fresh record high. The US dollar fell, the NZD and AUD outperforming, and bond yields fell. Markets appeared to remain affected by the Fed’s n...

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28Aug from 2020-08-27T20:10:06

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 rising 0.4% to a fresh record high. The US dollar saw little net change, while the NZD and AUD again performed well. Bond yields rose and the yield curve steep...

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27Aug from 2020-08-26T19:54:28

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 accelerating 1.0% higher to a fresh record high. The US dollar saw little net change, although the NZD and AUD performed well, while bond yields were mixed.

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26Aug from 2020-08-25T19:48:43

Sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 up 0.3% to a fresh record high. Bond yields rose slightly, while the USD fell slightly. Vaccine optimism and some strong US economic data were contributing fac...

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25Aug from 2020-08-24T20:14:51

US equity sentiment remained buoyant, supported by vaccine developments, as well as expectations Fed Chair Powell’s speech may signal further easing. The S&P500 is up 0.9% to a fresh record high, w...

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24Aug from 2020-08-23T20:23:25

US equity sentiment was supported by US economic data and slowing US Covid cases. The S&P500 rose 0.3% to a fresh record high, and the US dollar rose, while US bond yields fell slightly.

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21Aug from 2020-08-20T19:54:59

US equities were initially rattled by disappointing economic data, but recovered to push the S&P500 up 0.2% and the NASDAQ to a fresh record high. Bond yields fell slightly, while currencies were m...

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20Aug from 2020-08-19T20:35:33

The US dollar and bond yields rose before and after the minutes of the US central bank’s July meeting, the signals less dovish than expected. US equities earlier nudged to fresh record highs but th...

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19Aug from 2020-08-18T20:13:18

Sentiment was upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 0.3% to a record high. The defensive USD fell sharply to a two-year low, while bond yields fell slightly. US homebuilding data was strong.

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18Aug from 2020-08-17T19:46:14

Markets were again contained amid little noteworthy news flow. The S&P500 is up 0.3%, while the USD and bond yields are again slightly lower.

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17Aug from 2020-08-16T19:50:51

Markets were fairly stable amid little noteworthy new flow and a mixed bag of US economic data. The S&P500 closed unchanged, while the USD and bond yields are slightly lower.

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14Aug from 2020-08-13T20:29:44

The multi-month rally in equity markets stalled as the stalemate on US fiscal stimulus continued. The S&P500 is currently down 0.2%, the AUD and NZD are lower, and bond yields are higher.

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13Aug from 2020-08-12T20:47:42

The multi-month rally equity markets resumed overnight, the S&P500 up 1.4% and near its record high. The US dollar fell slightly and bond yields rose slightly. There was little fresh news of note, ...

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12Aug from 2020-08-11T20:34:43

Equity markets swung from moderate gains to losses, the S&P500 making a fresh six-month high before closing down 0.8%. Bond yields and the US dollar rose, helped by stronger PPI inflation data. Pre...

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11Aug from 2020-08-10T20:08:34

There was little fresh news to drive markets. Expectations of further US fiscal stimulus supported bond yields, but US sanctions on Chinese tech firms weighed on equities and risky currencies.

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10Aug from 2020-08-09T20:19:18

The news was mixed, leaving markets with mixed performances. Negatives included US sanctions on some Chinese technology firms, and failure to agree on the next US fiscal stimulus package. Against t...

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7Aug from 2020-08-06T20:07:48

Sentiment was moderately upbeat on optimism a US fiscal stimulus package would be agreed this week. The S&P500 is up 0.6% on the day, the NASDAQ100 at a fresh record high, and the AUD and NZD perfo...

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6Aug from 2020-08-05T20:25:54

Sentiment was upbeat on optimism that Republicans and Democrats are approaching agreement this week on a US fiscal stimulus package. There was also promising news from Novavax on a COVID-19 vaccine...

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5Aug from 2020-08-04T20:46:25

Sentiment was cautious, as Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a US fiscal stimulus package. The S&P500 is up 0.4% on the day, while bond yields and the US dollar are lower.

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4Aug from 2020-08-03T20:28:44

US equities remained upbeat, the S&P500 up 0.7% to a fresh five-month high, and the NASDAQ100 to a record high. Bond yields and commodities also rose, but so too did the defensive US dollar. US man...

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3Aug from 2020-08-02T20:08:45

US equities were in a moderately positive mood at month end (S&P500 up 0.8%), although bond yields were slightly lower and the US dollar reversed sharply from a two-year low.

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31Jul from 2020-07-30T20:11:20

Sentiment was depressed by sombre US economic data. The S&P500 is down 0.5%, and the US dollar and bond yields are slightly lower.

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30Jul from 2020-07-29T20:20:25

The FOMC kept policy settings unchanged but the narrative was dovish. Short-maturity bond yields fell and US equities rose (S&P500 up 1.1%), while the USD is slightly weaker.

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29Jul from 2020-07-28T20:15:53

Bond yields fell after the US Federal Reserve said it would extend its emergency lending programmes until year-end. Otherwise the new flow was light, currencies were little changed, and the S&P500 ...

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28Jul from 2020-07-27T20:13:04

Sentiment was moderately upbeat, helped by progress on further US fiscal stimulus and vaccine tests in final stages. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, the US dollar fell to a two-year low, and bond yields are...

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27Jul from 2020-07-26T20:08:29

Sentiment was capped by continuing US-China tensions, delays in further US fiscal stimulus, mixed US data (but solid European PMI data), and elevated COVID cases. The S&P500 fell 0.6%, while curren...

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24Jul from 2020-07-23T20:26:15

Sentiment weakened amid growing US-China tensions and disappointing US jobless claims data. The S&P500 fell 1.2%, defensive currencies outperformed, and bond yields fell slightly.

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23Jul from 2020-07-22T20:25:33

Sentiment was mixed, with recent optimism dented by news of US-China consulate closures. The S&P500 is up 0.6% to a fresh five-month high, while currencies and bonds fluctuated for little net change.

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22Jul from 2020-07-21T21:29:13

Sentiment remained upbeat, and was reflected most clearly in currency markets, the defensive US dollar falling to a five-month low. The S&P500 is up 0.2% to a fresh five-month high, and major commo...

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21Jul from 2020-07-20T20:11:32

Sentiment was upbeat, lifting US equities to record highs in the case of the NASDAQ100, the S&P500 up 1.0% to a five-month high. The US dollar is slightly lower, while bond yields were rangebound.

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20Jul from 2020-07-19T20:06:36

US equities made modest gains during a quiet Friday session, while bond yields rose slightly and the US dollar fell.

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15Jul from 2020-07-14T20:26:08

The mix of vaccine news, US company earnings, stalled US re-openings, and US-China tensions has left risk sentiment in a holding pattern. US equities closed strongly, the S&P500 up 1.3% after repor...

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14Jul from 2020-07-13T20:25:22

In a volatile US session, sentiment swung from optimism to pessimism. The S&P500 made a five-month high before erasing the gain and ending down 0.9%, and the NASDAQ100 set a record high before reve...

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12Jul from 2020-07-12T05:50:28

Sentiment was moderately upbeat, positive COVID vaccine news dominating continuing case increases. The S&P500 closed up 1.1%, and bond yields rose, while currencies were mixed

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10Jul from 2020-07-09T20:07

Sentiment was moderately negative, amid rising COVID cases as well as a US court order on Pres. Trump’s financial records. The S&P500 is down 0.6%, bond yields are lower, and the USD is higher.

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9jul from 2020-07-08T20:09:23

The US dollar fell against all major currencies, in an otherwise unremarkable session in Europe/US. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, commodities are slightly higher, and bond yields are little changed.

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8Jul from 2020-07-07T20:39:25

Equity markets paused after a five-day rally, the S&P500 down 1.1%. Bond yields are slightly lower, while currencies are mixed.

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7Jul from 2020-07-06T20:18:40

Sentiment was upbeat amid expectations that economies will continue to recover, despite persistent coronavirus hotspots. US services activity has recovered to normal levels, according to the ISM su...

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6Jul from 2020-07-05T06:58:23

Markets were quiet and slightly risk averse on Friday during the US holiday. The Eurostoxx50 fell 0.8%, and bonds yields fell slightly, while currencies were mixed.

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3Jul from 2020-07-02T20:32:40

A strong US jobs report boosted sentiment, although rising Covid cases and reopening halts later pared equity market gains. The S&P500 closed up 0.5%, the NASDAQ100 up 0.6% to a fresh record high. ...

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2Jul from 2020-07-01T20:17:26

US equities rose again, the S&P500 up 0.7%, while the NASDAQ100 rose 1.2% to a record high close amid promising vaccine news. Bond yields and risky currencies also rose. The FOMC minutes revealed l...

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1Jul from 2020-06-30T20:22:38

US equities extended the previous day’s rebound amid quarter-end rebalancing and despite Covid warnings in the US. The S&P500 is up 1.5%, and bond yields and risky currencies are higher.

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30Jun from 2020-06-29T20:15:11

US equities rebounded, coinciding with a record bounce in home sales data, some stabilisation in Covid growth rates in the US, and quarter-end rebalancing. The S&P500 is up 1.0%, while currencies a...

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28Jun from 2020-06-28T00:53:30

Sentiment weakened amid an acceleration of Covid cases and tighter activity restrictions in some US states. The S&P500 closed down 1.4%, and bond yields and risky currencies fell.

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26Jun from 2020-06-25T20:27:14

Markets were fairly stable for most of the US session, with little fresh news for impetus. US equities rallied near the close, the S&P500 up 1.1%. Bond yields and risky currencies are little change...

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25Jun from 2020-06-24T20:24:47

Markets refocussed on rising Covid cases in some US states, as well as US-EU trade tensions, pushing the S&P500 2.6% lower. Risky currencies and bond yields also fell.

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24Jun from 2020-06-23T20:36:32

Sentiment was helped by stronger European activity surveys, signals of further US government stimulus, and soothed US-China tared tensions. The S&P500 is up 0.4%, while the NASDAQ100 jumped 0.8% to...

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23Jun from 2020-06-22T20:11:03

US equities rose moderately, led by technology stocks. The S&P500 rose 0.6%, while the NASDAQ100 rose 1.2% to a record high close. The US dollar is lower, bond yields slightly higher.

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22Jun from 2020-06-21T20:25:32

Equity markets opened higher but faded as the case count in some US states continued to rise. The S&P500 closed down 0.6% on the day, with bond yields and risky currencies also slightly lower.

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19Jun from 2020-06-18T20:16:33

Equity markets remained stalled amid a further Covid cases in Florida, Texas, and parts of China. The S&P500 is down 0.2% on the day, with bond yields and currencies also slightly lower.

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18Jun from 2020-06-17T20:29:14

Equity markets stalled amid a further rise in Covid cases in the US; and continuing\ tensions between China and India, and North and South Korea. The S&P500 is down 0.4% on the day, with bond yield...

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17Jun from 2020-06-16T20:20:30

Sentiment was helped by strong US retail sales data and reiterated support from Fed Chair Powell, and only briefly dented by news of rising Covid cases in parts of the US and activity restrictions ...

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16Jun from 2020-06-15T20:19:23

Sentiment improved in Europe and the US. Equity markets shrugged off news of new infections in China, later supported by the Federal Reserve’s announcement that it would start buying corporate bond...

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15Jun from 2020-06-14T20:12:51

Sentiment was mixed. US equities opened sharply higher but by close had whittled down gains to +1.3%. US bond yields and risky currencies were rangebound. News flow was light.

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12Jun from 2020-06-11T20:22:39

Risk sentiment worsened as Covid cases in some parts of the US started rising again, markets also worrying about the Fed gloomy economic projections released yesterday. The S&P500 is down 5.8%, wi...

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11Jun from 2020-06-10T20:44:32

The Federal Reserve’s policy stance was more accommodative than the market had expected, causing bond yields to fall. The USD is slightly lower, while US equities were mixed, the S&P500 currently d...

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10Jun from 2020-06-09T21:16:53

Equity markets in the US and Europe stalled. The S&P500 is down 0.8%, although tech stocks still performed well – the NASDAQ 100 making a fresh record high. Bond yields fell on the eve of the FOMC ...

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9Jun from 2020-06-08T20:31:29

Equity market sentiment remained upbeat, the S&P500 up 1.2% to a fresh three-month high and within 5% of the record high made in February. Risky currencies followed suit. Government stimulus and re...

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8Jun from 2020-06-07T20:20:22

A surprisingly strong US jobs report boosted appetite for US assets. May non-farm payrolls defied expectations, with job gains instead of losses, helping the S&P500 rise 2.6% and pushing bond yield...

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5Jun from 2020-06-04T20:17:10

Equity markets took a breath, the S&P500 down 0.7% on the day. Risky currencies and bond yields, though, made fresh recent highs. The ECB increased its asset purchase programme.

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4Jun from 2020-06-03T20:05:01

Sentiment remained upbeat, helped by economic data which has been less weak than expected. The S&P500 is up 1.5% on the day, and at a fresh three-month high, having gained 43% since March. Risky cu...

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3Jun from 2020-06-02T20:18:16

Sentiment remained upbeat, with little fresh news of note. The S&P500 is up 0.8% on the day, and at a three-month high. The AUD again outperformed major currencies, while bond yields and commoditie...

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2Jun from 2020-06-01T19:54:26

Sentiment remained upbeat amid signs of economic recovery. That trumped ongoing US-China tension, US civil unrest, and poor results from vaccine trials. The S&P500 is up 0.5% on the day. Risky curr...

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31May from 2020-05-30T23:17:45

Sentiment remained upbeat after US Pres. Trump’s press conference on China was less confrontational than feared. The S&P500 closed up 0.5% on the day, while currencies were mixed and bond yields fe...

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29May from 2020-05-28T20:21:31

Sentiment remained upbeat amid improving economic data, albeit dented by Pres. Trump’s announcement of a press conference on China tomorrow. The S&P500, which earlier was up 1.1% to a fresh three-m...

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28May from 2020-05-27T20:15:49

Sentiment was dampened by continuing US-China tension, the US declaring Hong Kong no longer autonomous from China. Despite that, the S&P500 has rebounded from earlier losses to be up 1.4% on the da...

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27May from 2020-05-26T21:38:28

Global equity markets rose further amid signs economies are starting to recover from the Covid crisis. The S&P500 is up 1.2% to a three-month high. Risky currencies, commodities, and bond yields ar...

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26May from 2020-05-25T22:43:10

Global equity markets are higher, with optimism on economies reopening outweighing US-China tensions. The Eurostoxx 50 closed 2.3% higher, and S&P500 futures (physical market closed for holiday) ar...

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25May from 2020-05-24T19:50:40

US equities opened weaker amid rising tensions in Hong Kong, but recovered to close slightly higher ahead of the US long weekend, the S&P500 up 0.2%. Bond yield rose slightly, while risky currencie...

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22May from 2020-05-21T20:23:38

US equities weakened slightly amid US-China tensions, the S&P500 down 0.8%. The USD is slightly firmer, while bond yields are little changed.

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21May from 2020-05-20T20:16:01

US equities extended a two-month old rally, the S&P500 up 1.7% on the day, for a total 36% gain since late March. Risk currencies and commodities followed suit, but bond yields are slightly lower.

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20May from 2020-05-19T20:18:03

US equities and bond yields were little changed for much of the overnight session, but fell into the close on reports downplaying the previous day’s vaccine news. The S&P500 is down 1.1%. Risky cur...

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19May from 2020-05-18T20:28:44

Sentiment was boosted by news of a new virus vaccine. The S&P500 is up 3.3%, following 5% gains in Europe. Bond yields and risky currencies are higher.

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18May from 2020-05-17T20:28:10

US and European equities closed slightly higher, the S&P500 up 0.4%. Escalating tensions between the US and China appeared to contain sentiment. Bond yields rose slightly, while risky currencies un...

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15May from 2020-05-14T20:32:31

The mood improved during the US session, the S&P500 recovering from an initial fall to be up 1.2%. Bond yields and risk currencies partly followed suit. US officials said Pres. Trump was open to fu...

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14May from 2020-05-13T20:29:03

Markets remained in risk averse mode, as Fed Chair Powell delivered a dour economic outlook, and US-China tensions intensified. The S&P500 fell 1.8%, European equities earlier down 2.6%. The defens...

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13May from 2020-05-12T20:04:11

The mood switched to a risk averse one during the US session, the S&P500 down 1.5% and US bond yields lower. US inflation data was slightly disappointing, and second Covid wave concerns persisted. ...

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12May from 2020-05-11T19:54:08

US equity markets continued to advance, but at a slower pace, the S&P500 up 0.3%. European equities earlier fell 1.2% on concerns over a second Covid wave, as well as the ECB/German court conflict....

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11May from 2020-05-10T20:11:19

Global equity markets advanced further, the S&P500 up 1.7%. US job losses in April were no worse than expected, and markets are optimistic about a return towards normality. Bond yields, commodities...

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8May from 2020-05-07T20:17:41

Equity markets were upbeat amid indications US-China trade talks would resume and Japan approved antiviral drug remdesivir. The S&P500 is up 1.2%, following similar gains in Europe. The AUD and NZD...

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7May from 2020-05-06T20:24:44

Equity markets were in a less optimistic mood overnight, the Eurostoxx down 1.1% and the S&P500 currently down 0.7%. The defensive USD rose, while longer term US bond yields rose on increased treas...

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6May from 2020-05-05T20:22:38

Sentiment improved as more regions announced exit from lockdown. The S&P500 is currently up 0.9%, oil prices recovered further, and bond yields are slightly higher.

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5May from 2020-05-04T20:08:57

Markets remained in risk averse mode during the European session amid continuing uncertainty about when economies would return to normal. European equities closed down 3.8%, while the S&P500 swung ...

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4May from 2020-05-03T19:48:12

Thursday’s risk averse mood continued, the S&P500 closing down 2.8%. Contributing to the mood were concerns about a possible second pandemic wave as US states start reopening, and a brewing spat be...

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1May from 2020-04-30T20:22:08

Sentiment reversed lower amid weak economic data in the US and Europe. The S&P500 is currently down 1.4%, while other asset classes such as bonds, commodities and currencies were mixed. Month-end p...

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30Apr from 2020-04-29T20:31:09

Sentiment was upbeat amid promising news about a COVID-19 treatment drug. Economic data and an on-hold Fed appeared to have little market impact. The S&P500 is currently up 3.0%, the USD is lower, ...

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29Apr from 2020-04-28T20:04:41

Sentiment was mixed across asset classes, amid US economic surveys continuing to weakness ahead and more reporting companies withdrawing earnings guidance. The S&P500 is currently unchanged, after ...

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28Apr from 2020-04-27T20:32:07

Sentiment remained upbeat as countries moved towards relaxing lockdowns and Japan’s central bank committed to unlimited bond buying. The S&P500 is currently up 1.5%, and commodity-based currencies ...

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27Apr from 2020-04-26T20:26:27

Sentiment in US equity markets improved compared to Europe, markets looking ahead to lockdown restrictions being relaxed. The S&P500 closed up 1.4%, and commodity prices and commodity currencies ro...

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24Apr from 2020-04-23T19:59:46

Sentiment was mixed, expectations that the peak of the pandemic may have passed tempered by reports that trials for an antiviral drug had failed. The S&P500 is currently up 0.2%, and oil prices are...

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23Apr from 2020-04-22T19:59:40

A more upbeat mood prevailed as markets digested further US stimulus and some stabilisation in oil prices. The S&P500 is currently up 2.5%, Brent crude futures are up 7%, and bond yields are higher...

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22Apr from 2020-04-21T18:47:16

The previous day’s risk averse mood continued, with equities and oil recording further losses. The S&P500 is currently down 2.7%, and Brent crude futures are down 27%. Bond yields are lower, while ...

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21Apr from 2020-04-20T20:11:18

An unprecedented plunge in US oil prices helped halt the recent rally in equity markets, the S&P500 currently down 1.7%. The US dollar and bond yields are little changed.

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20Apr from 2020-04-19T19:54:41

Global equity markets closed the week on a positive note, the S&P500 up 2.7%, for a 31% gain over the past month. Friday’s catalysts appeared to be the US government’s more relaxed lockdown guideli...

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17Apr from 2020-04-16T20:18:19

US equity markets fluctuated between gains and losses, the S&P500 closing up 0.7%. The defensive US dollar rose, while bond yields fell further, and most commodity prices were little changed. Marke...

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16Apr from 2020-04-15T20:33:39

US equity markets fell amid economic data indicating the extent of damage done in March and surveys more to come in April. The S&P500 is down 2.3% and the US dollar is higher. US bond yields and co...

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15Apr from 2020-04-14T20:39:59

US equity markets rallied on signs the pandemic’s spread is slowing. The S&P500 is up 3.1% and the US dollar is lower. Commodities were mixed, while US bond yields fell slightly.

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14Apr from 2020-04-13T20:35:20

US equity markets returned from the Easter holiday in a less optimistic mood. After last week’s 12% gain in the S&P500, the index is currently down 1.0% amid extreme uncertainty regarding the earni...

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9apr from 2020-04-08T20:28:04

US equity markets remained upbeat amid optimism that the pace of new COVID-19 cases may be slowing. The S&P500 is currently up 3.4%, the AUD and NZD following suit. Oil prices and bond yields are a...

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8apr from 2020-04-07T20:33:50

Global equity markets continued to rise amid optimism that the pace of new COVID-19 cases may be slowing. European equities closed up 2.2%, while the S&P500 opened 3.5% higher but later slumped to ...

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7apr from 2020-04-06T20:20:46

Global equity markets rose as the pace of COVID-19 cases in some countries slowed. The S&P500 is currently up 6.1%, bond yields are higher, commodities are mixed, and AUD and NZD have followed the ...

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6apr from 2020-04-05T20:18:09

Global equity markets ended the day lower, with the US S&P500 down 1.5%. Data showing a plunge in US jobs added to the negative tone, markets poised for an even worse outcome in April. The US doll...

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3Apr from 2020-04-02T19:39:08

US equity markets were initially dampened by weak job-loss data but then supported by a large rebound in oil prices. The S&P500 is currently up 1.2%. The US dollar rose, as did commodity prices and...

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2Apr from 2020-04-01T19:30:19

The risk averse mood continued as the expected duration of lockdowns in Europe and the US lengthened. The S&P500 is down 4.4%, and US bond yields, commodities, and risky currencies are lower.

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1Apr from 2020-03-31T19:37:07

Positive sentiment in Asian and European equity markets failed to extend to the US, the S&P500 currently down 1.1%. Month-end rebalancing may have been a factor. Commodity prices were mostly higher...

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31Mar from 2020-03-30T19:19:11

US and European equities rose amid optimism that COVID-19 containment measures would eventually be successful, with quarter-end rebalancing perhaps also contributing. The S&P500 is up 2.9% and Euro...

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30Mar from 2020-03-29T18:44:42

Markets ended Friday on a sombre note, with US equities reversing sharply during the last hour of trading. The S&P500 closed down 3.4%, and European equities closed down 4.2%. Commodity prices, bon...

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27Mar from 2020-03-26T19:45:34

Market sentiment was mixed across asset classes. Positive moves were seen in European equities which rose 1.7%, the S&P500 which is currently up 4.2%, and the safe-haven US dollar which is down 1.5...

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26Mar from 2020-03-25T19:28:54

Market sentiment improved further after US lawmakers agreed to a $2tr stimulus package yesterday. Germany also pledged significant support, relaxing its debt rules. Chinese equities closed up 2.2%,...

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25Mar from 2020-03-24T19:29:09

Market mood improved amid expectations that US politicians would agree on a significant spending bill to help the US economy through the COVID-19 crisis. Chinese equities closed up 2.3%, European e...

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24Mar from 2020-03-23T19:19:41

Markets welcomed the Federal Reserve’s second wave of rescue actions, which includes open-ended bond buying. The S&P500, which at one stage was down 5% (for a total 35% since the high in February),...

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23Mar from 2020-03-22T19:05:37

Markets shifted back into risk averse mode on Friday, unnerved by the scale of lockdowns in the EU and US. The S&P500 closed down 4.3% to the lowest close since February 2017. It has lost 32% over ...

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20Mar from 2020-03-19T19:59:44

Some semblance of calm appeared overnight as recent government and central bank actions to normalise markets were welcome. The S&P500 is up 1.4% currently, commodities and the AUD and NZD also rec...

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19Mar from 2020-03-18T19:38:12

Fear and panic returned to markets overnight. The S&P500 is down 8.3%, commodities are lower, the US dollar is higher, and the AUD/NZD cross broke below 1.0000 for the first time. Bond market routs...

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18Mar from 2020-03-17T19:32:14

Government stimulus on a massive scale helped lift sentiment in European and US equity markets, the S&P500 currently up 4.5%. Commodities are lower, though, and the defensive USD is higher, resulti...

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17Mar from 2020-03-16T19:58:21

Equity markets remained in panic mode. The S&P500 is currently down 10.8%, and was down 11.5% at the overnight low. Commodities are also lower, oil down 14%. US bond yields are slightly higher and ...

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16Mar from 2020-03-15T19:51:35

US equity markets rose on Friday after the US President declared a national emergency and pledged to do whatever it takes to protect the economy from the pandemic. The S&P500 rose 9.3% - the larges...

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13Mar from 2020-03-12T20:02:06

Market panic intensified overnight as governments around the world announced fresh containment measures. The S&P500 is down 8.5%, and made a fresh low since 2009. Many major equity markets recorded...

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12Mar from 2020-03-11T19:29:02

US equity markets swung back into fear mode, the S&P500 currently down 5.5% to a fresh one-year low. Commodities also fell, while currencies saw only modest moves and government bond markets were ...

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11Mar from 2020-03-10T19:19:42

Coronavirus fears were assuaged by governments’ pledges to fiscally assist, helping the S&P500 stabilise. It is currently up 2.7%, and bond yields, commodities, and the US dollar are higher.

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10Mar from 2020-03-09T19:44:39

US equity markets shifted from risk-averse to panic mode amid the coronavirus pandemic. The S&P500 is currently down 7.7%, for a total loss since February of 19%. Circuit breakers briefly halted tr...

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9Mar from 2020-03-08T18:49:43

Sentiment deteriorated further amid ongoing concerns about the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Strong US jobs data was overlooked by markets. The S&P500 fell 1.7%, the Eurostoxx 50 fe...

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6Mar from 2020-03-05T19:03:42

US equities fell sharply overnight as coronavirus fears intensified following a rise in US cases. The S&P500 is down 3.2%, US bond yields are lower, and the US dollar is lower.

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5Mar from 2020-03-04T19:23:56

US equities rose overnight following results favouring a more centrist candidate in the US Democratic Party elections. The Bank of Canada’s 50bp rate cut, following the Federal Reserve’s, also help...

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4Mar from 2020-03-03T19:37:20

The US Federal Reserve surprised markets with an inter-meeting 50bp rate cut, saying the COVID-19 virus is an evolving risk to the economy. US bond yields and the US dollar fell in response. So too...

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3Mar from 2020-03-02T19:47:56

Equity markets rallied on signals that major central banks were likely to ease in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The S&P500 is currently up 2.7%, for a two-day gain of 6.0%. Risky currencies...

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2Mar from 2020-03-01T19:33:11

Market concern about the coronavirus intensified as the pandemic spread further. The S&P500 closed down 0.8%, although was down 4.1% at one point. Bond yields, risky currencies, and commodities all...

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28Feb from 2020-02-27T19:23:10

Markets remained in risk averse mode, driven by ongoing coronavirus concerns. The S&P500 is currently down 1.3%, but had shed 3.5% at one point. US bond yields fell further, while the US dollar is ...

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27Feb from 2020-02-26T19:26:24

US and European equity markets stabilised overnight in the absence of any significant fresh news regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The S&P500 is currently unchanged on the day. US bond yields rem...

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26Feb from 2020-02-25T19:20:49

US and European equity markets remained in a risk averse mood overnight, coronavirus uncertainty persisting. The S&P500 is currently down 2.3% on the day, 7.1% over the past four days. US bond yiel...

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25Feb from 2020-02-24T19:35:52

25Feb by Westpac Bank

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24Feb from 2020-02-23T19:00:48

Equity markets remained downbeat on Friday, with coronavirus and disappointing US data contributing to the mood. The S&P500 closed down 1.1%, and the US dollar and bond yields fell.

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21Feb from 2020-02-20T19:16:26

The mood in equity markets soured as coronavirus fatalities outside China rose and company earnings reflected the pandemic’s impact. The S&P500 is down 0.7%, and bond yields and the AUD and NZD are...

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20Feb from 2020-02-19T19:34:04

US equity markets followed the more positive mood of Asian and European counterparts, raising the S&P500 0.6% to a fresh record high. Markets took note of the slight deceleration in new coronavirus...

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19Feb from 2020-02-18T18:59:02

US equity markets returned from the President’s Day holiday in a moderately defensive mood following news that Apple’s sales would suffer from production and demand disruptions due to the coronavir...

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18Feb from 2020-02-17T18:53:47

Markets were thinned during the US holiday, although S&P500 futures did trade 0.2% higher at a fresh record high. The Eurostoxx 50 closed 0.3% higher, while global bond yields and currencies were c...

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17Feb from 2020-02-16T19:10:54

Although US economic data disappointed on Friday night, equity markets appeared heartened by recent signals that the Fed will intervene if the coronavirus pandemic becomes more severe than expected...

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14Feb from 2020-02-13T19:18:04

Markets were briefly rattled yesterday by a methodology-related jump in China’s coronavirus cases, but calmed overnight. The S&P500 is little changed overall, as are US bond yields and the AUD and ...

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13Feb from 2020-02-12T19:37:39

Sentiment remained upbeat amid optimism the coronavirus pandemic will be contained, the economic effects temporary. The S&P500 is up 0.5% to a fresh record high, while bond yields, commodities, and...

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12Feb from 2020-02-11T19:05:15

Sentiment was upbeat amid optimism the coronavirus pandemic would be contained. The S&P500 is up 0.5% to a fresh record high, while bond yields, commodities, and the AUD and NZD are also higher.

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11Feb from 2020-02-10T19:04:48

Markets remained cautious, watching developments in the coronavirus pandemic. Most Asian and European equity indices closed slightly lower, while the S&P500 is currently up 0.3%. Commodities and bo...

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10Feb from 2020-02-09T19:11:06

Sentiment deteriorated amid renewed concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. A strong US payrolls report provided only brief distraction. The S&P500 closed down 0.5%, bond yields fell, and the US d...

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7Feb from 2020-02-06T19:04:05

Sentiment rose further amid market optimism the coronavirus pandemic would be contained, also buoyed by confirmation of China’s reduction of tariffs on US goods. The S&P500 is up 0.4% and at a reco...

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5Feb from 2020-02-04T19:05:07

Coronavirus concerns in markets appeared to abate further, buoyed by China’s stimulatory measures as well as the 1.3% rebound in Chinese equities. The S&P500 is up 1.7%, and most commodities, bond ...

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4Feb from 2020-02-03T19:43:20

Coronavirus concerns in markets appeared to abate slightly after China responded with stimulatory measures. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, and bond yields are slightly higher (helped by a solid US manufact...

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3Feb from 2020-02-02T19:14:10

Coronavirus was again the main driver of markets on Friday. The S&P500 fell 1.8% and the VIX index – a barometer of risk aversion – was at the highest since early October. Bond yields and commodity...

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31Jan from 2020-01-30T19:31:21

US equities fell as the coronavirus epidemic regained centre stage in markets. The S&P500 is down 0.7%, and bond yields and commodity currencies are lower. The GBP rose after the BoE did not cut it...

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30Jan from 2020-01-29T19:36:17

US equities are slightly higher amid a mix of solid company earnings and coronavirus news. The S&P500 is up 0.4%, while bond yields and commodity currencies are slightly lower. The Fed kept policy ...

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29Jan from 2020-01-28T19:19:14

US equities rebounded as concerns about the coronavirus epidemic appeared to fade and US economic data beat expectations. The S&P500 is up 1.1%, and bond yields are higher.

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28Jan from 2020-01-27T19:20:49

Sentiment remained depressed as the coronavirus epidemic spread further. The S&P500 is down 1.3%, and bond yields and risky currencies are lower.

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27Jan from 2020-01-26T19:31:27

Sentiment was hurt by the spread of the coronavirus epidemic from China to the US and Europe, seen as potentially affecting economic growth. The S&P500 closed down 0.9%, and bond yields and risky c...

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10Jan from 2020-01-09T19:31:08

The appearance of a de-escalation in the US-Iran conflict boosted sentiment further. The S&P500 is up 0.6% and at a record high, and US bond yields are slightly higher, while currencies were mixed.

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9Jan from 2020-01-08T19:13:42

Markets were placated by US President Trump’s address on Iran, where he said the country appears to be “standing down” following its retaliatory strike on US sites in Iraq. The S&P500 is up 0.7% an...

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8Jan from 2020-01-07T19:11:06

Markets remained cautious, watching for any retaliation from Iran following the weekend’s US airstrike. The S&P500 is down 0.3%, and defensive currencies outperformed, while US bond yields ranged s...

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7Jan from 2020-01-06T19:19:04

Markets were in wait-and-see mode regarding the recent escalation in US-Iran tensions. Improvements in global services PMIs helped underpin sentiment. The S&P500 recouped initial losses to be uncha...

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6Jan from 2020-01-05T19:06:15

Sentiment soured after news a US airstrike killed an Iranian general and a US manufacturing survey disappointed. The S&P500, which had risen 30% in 2019 and 0.9% on the first trading day of 2020, c...

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20Dec from 2019-12-19T19:18:05

US equities nudged higher on little fresh news, the S&P500 up 0.4% and at a fresh record high. US bond yields fell after slightly disappointing US data, and the US dollar is slightly lower.

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19Dec from 2019-12-18T19:28:18

US equities remained elevated amid little fresh news, the S&P500 up 0.1% and at a fresh record high. The US dollar and US bond yields are also slightly higher.

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18Dec from 2019-12-17T18:23:29

The US dollar and US bond yields rose slightly, helped by solid economic data. The S&P500 is up 0.1% and at a fresh record high.

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17Dec from 2019-12-16T19:07:11

Sentiment rose in the wake of Friday’s US-China trade deal. The S&P500 is up 0.9% to a fresh record high, US bond yields are slightly higher, and the US dollar is slightly lower.

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16Dec from 2019-12-15T19:23:25

Sentiment initially remained elevated as a US-China Phase One trade deal was confirmed, but later softened as attention turned to looming Phase Two negotiations. The S&P500 initially made a record ...

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13Dec from 2019-12-12T19:07:50

Sentiment rose after US Pres. Trump said a US-China trade deal is very close. The S&P500 is up 0.6%, and US bond yields and the US dollar are higher.

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12Dec from 2019-12-11T19:44:58

Markets were contained ahead of the FOMC decision, just released, and remained so after the on-hold decision. The S&P500 is up 0.2%, and the US dollar and bond yields are slightly lower.

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11Dec from 2019-12-10T19:14:34

Markets were again contained amid mixed headlines on the likelihood of a US-China trade deal before 15 Dec. The S&P500 is unchanged, the AUD and NZD are slightly lower, and bond yields are slightly...

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10Dec from 2019-12-09T19:00:03

It was a quiet session for markets overnight, with no major news out. Equities, currencies and interest rates are little changed.

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9Dec from 2019-12-08T19:14:34

Sentiment was upbeat after US jobs data beat expectations. The S&P500 closed up 0.9%, bond yields and the USD also closing higher.

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6Dec from 2019-12-05T19:01:34

There was little fresh news to excite equity markets, the S&P500 unchanged. The US dollar is slightly lower, while US bond yields are slightly higher.

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5Dec from 2019-12-04T19:21:57

Sentiment rebounded on speculation that a US-China trade agreement will be reached before 15 December. The S&P500 is up 0.7% and US bond yields are higher.

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4Dec from 2019-12-03T19:37:43

Sentiment deteriorated further amid comments from US Pres. Trump that there is no deadline for a US-China trade deal. The S&P500 is down 1.0%, and US bond yields and the US dollar are lower.

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3 Dec from 2019-12-02T18:32:07

3 Dec by Westpac Bank

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2Dec from 2019-12-01T18:57:44

Global equity markets were in a cautious mood on Friday awaiting the next iteration in the US-China trade negotiations, the S&P500 closing down 0.4%. US bond yields closed slightly lower.

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29Nov from 2019-11-28T19:12:03

Markets were contained during the US holiday, albeit with a slight risk averse tone after Pres. Trump yesterday signed a bill supporting Hong Kong protestors, prompting China to threaten retaliatio...

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28Nov from 2019-11-27T19:13:47

US markets were in a moderately upbeat mood, taking the S&P500 0.4% higher to a fresh record high. US bond yields and the US dollar also rose. One catalyst was the US GDP and durable goods data whi...

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26 Nov from 2019-11-25T19:45:44

26 Nov by Westpac Bank

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21Nov from 2019-11-20T19:21:22

Markets were in a risk-averse mood, concerned the US-China trade negotiations may have stalled. The S&P500 is down 0.7%, the US dollar is slightly firmer, and US bond yields remain near recent lows.

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14Nov from 2019-11-13T19:19:28

US equities remained elevated (S&P500 +0.2%) while bond yields fell. Fed Chair Powell’s testimony and the US CPI data were largely as expected.

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8Nov from 2019-11-07T19:09:52

Sentiment rebounded as the US and China agreed to remove tariffs. The S&P500 is up 0.5% and at a record high. Global bond yields rose sharply, and the USD is slightly firmer.

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7Nov from 2019-11-06T19:06:33

Sentiment weakened slightly after reports the US-China trade deal signing could be delayed. The S&P500 is down 0.2%, and US bond yields and risky currencies are slightly lower.

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31Oct from 2019-10-30T19:42:15

The US Federal Reserve cut its policy rate by 25bp, as was widely expected, but did not signal more to come. In response, the US dollar and US interest rates initially rose and US equities fell sli...

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24Oct from 2019-10-23T19:09:29

Markets are currently focussing on Brexit, US-China trade, and US company earnings, but there was little fresh news to ruffle markets overnight. US equities, bond yields, and the USD are little cha...

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17Oct from 2019-10-16T19:24:38

Markets were generally contained, the US dollar slipping after slightly disappointing retail sales data. The GBP continued to climb on expectations of an imminent Brexit deal.

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10 Oct from 2019-10-09T19:05:46

US equities and bond yields rose after some positive headlines on US-China trade, while currencies were contained. The Fed minutes contained little new for markets.

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9Oct from 2019-10-08T19:50:13

US-China trade news was mostly negative, and the chances of a no-deal Brexit increased. Amid this backdrop, the S&P500 down 1.0%, US bond yields lower, and the USD slightly higher.

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4 Oct from 2019-10-03T19:30:42

There was more disappointing news on the US economy, which pushed bond yields and the US dollar lower. Equities rose as the likelihood of a Fed rate cut was seen as higher.

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3Oct from 2019-10-02T19:19:26

Global equity markets fared poorly, with losses in Asia followed by a 3.3% fall in the Eurostoxx 50 and a 2.1% fall in the S&P500. US bond yields are also lower. At play are concerns about the US e...

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1 Oct from 2019-09-30T19:22:34

US equities posted moderate gains after reports the US administration would not restrict Chinese firms from listing in the US. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, while the US dollar is higher and US bond yield...

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30 Sep from 2019-09-29T19:10:15

Sentiment was hurt by reports the US was considering limiting investors’ access to Chinese markets and delisting Chinese companies from US stock exchanges. The S&P500 closed down 0.5%, US bond yiel...

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27 Sep from 2019-09-26T20:13:56

Markets were most contained overnight, with little major news flow of note. The S&P500 is unchanged, US interest rates are slightly lower, and the US dollar is slightly higher.

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26 Sep from 2019-09-25T20:02:51

Sentiment rebounded amid some positive US-China trade headlines, stronger US housing data, and the release of a transcript of a Trump-Ukraine President phone conversation. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, an...

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25 Sep from 2019-09-24T20:44

Sentiment soured amid reports that US Pres. Trump may be impeached for allegedly pressuring the Ukraine to investigate Democrat presidential contender Joe Biden. The S&P500 is down 0.8% and US inte...

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24 Sep from 2019-09-23T20:00:19

Interest rates in the US and Europe fell following disappointing European activity indicators. The Eurostoxx 50 fell 1.0%, while the S&P500 is up 0.2%. Currencies were little changed.

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23 Sep from 2019-09-22T20:10:19

Markets were affected by comments from US Pres. Trump that he didn't need a big trade deal ahead of the 2020 elections the abrupt cancellation of a Chinese delegation's trip to farms in the US, as ...

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20 Sep from 2019-09-19T20:09:04

Markets were mostly contained. The UK and Swiss central banks remained on hold, while Norway’s hiked. EU overtures regarding Brexit boosted the GBP.

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19 Sep from 2019-09-18T20:37:04

The US Federal Reserve delivered a “hawkish” cut, easing by 25bp but not indicating that further cuts are planned. US interest rate rose in response, as did the US dollar, and US equities fell – th...

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18 Sep from 2019-09-17T20:10:45

Markets were in a largely neutral mood overnight, awaiting the outcome of the FOMC meeting, with the S&P500 up 0.2%, and US interest rates and the USD slightly lower. Saudi Arabia said it had reope...

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17 Sep from 2019-09-16T20:19:20

A moderate risk-averse tone permeated markets overnight, following the weekend’s attack on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia which increased geopolitical uncertainty. The S&P500 is down 0.3%, the def...

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16 Sep from 2019-09-15T20:12:27

Global interest rates rose further on Friday, a stronger-than-expected US retail sales report alleviating fears of recession. US equities closed little changed, though, while among currencies GBP a...

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13 Sep from 2019-09-12T20:31:08

The ECB cut its policy rate and restarted QE, as was expected. European and US equities rose in response, while the EUR and interest rates are perversely higher.

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12 Sep from 2019-09-11T20:13:38

Positive headlines on US-China trade and Iran gave US and European equities a slight boost. The USD is slightly higher, while interest rates were stable.

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11 Sep from 2019-09-10T20:36:45

Global interest rates are higher amid reports that China will buy more agricultural products from the US to soothe tensions. Equities and currencies are little changed, though, suggesting stretched...

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10 Sep from 2019-09-09T20:14:40

There was little major news to drive global markets, leaving US equities little changed, while interest rates drifted higher. The GBP outperformed after chances of a no-deal Brexit receded further.

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9 Sep from 2019-09-08T19:53:53

US jobs data was slightly disappointing, pushing US interest rates and the US dollar slightly lower. US equities closed little changed, following modest gains in Asian and European equities.

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6 Sep from 2019-09-05T20:13:12

Yesterday afternoon’s announcement that the US and China had agreed to trade talks next month boosted equities further overnight, the S&P500 currently up 1.3% and at a one-month high. US data was a...

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5 Sep from 2019-09-04T20:29:32

Sentiment rebounded as geopolitical risks appeared to fade. The S&P500 is up 1.0% and the US dollar is lower. Overnight developments included a vote against a no-deal Brexit, withdrawal of Hong Kon...

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4 Sep from 2019-09-03T19:59:47

A weak update on US manufacturing activity caused US equities, interest rates and the USD to fall.

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3 Sep from 2019-09-02T20:50:29

US markets were mostly closed for the Labour Day holiday, although S&P500 futures did trade and are down 0.8%, while the US dollar is slightly firmer. China and the US are reportedly struggling to ...

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2 Sep from 2019-09-02T01:49:34

US equities closed little changed on Friday, interest rates are slightly lower, and the US dollar is stronger. There was little major news flow to drive markets.

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30 Aug from 2019-08-29T21:06:01

Sentiment improved with news from the trade war front. China indicated it won’t immediately retaliate against US tariff increases, and Pres. Trump said a talk was scheduled today. The S&P500 is up ...

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29 Aug from 2019-08-28T20:15:22

Sentiment was mixed in the absence of major market-moving news, the S&P500 up 0.7%, the US dollar slightly firmer and bond yields little changed. The GBP fell after the PM suspended Parliament.

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28 Aug from 2019-08-27T20:25:05

Markets were in a holding pattern overnight, awaiting the next development in the US-China trade war. The S&P500 is down 0.1%, the US dollar is little changed, and US interest rates are slightly lo...

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27 Aug from 2019-08-26T20:06:48

27 Aug by Westpac Bank

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26 Aug from 2019-08-25T22:14:10

US equities fell sharply after the US-China trade war escalated unexpectedly with tariff increases from both sides. The US dollar and US interest rates also fell.

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23 Aug from 2019-08-22T23:07:32

US equities were contained amid little fresh news, the S&P500 unchanged. US interest rates are slightly higher following some hawkish Fed comments, tonight’s speech by Fed Chair Powell’s eagerly aw...

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22 Aug from 2019-08-21T20:25:53

The Fed minutes didn’t provide any major clues regarding future easing, leaving markets largely unruffled. US equities had already risen and simply preserved gains, the S&P500 up 0.8% currently, wh...

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21 Aug from 2019-08-20T20:16:10

The global mood soured slightly, after US comments on US-China trade and the Italian PM resigned. The S&P500 is down 0.6%, and US interest rates and the US dollar are slightly lower.

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20 Aug from 2019-08-19T20:08:20

The mood remained upbeat, following the latest iteration in the US-China trade war. Markets are also speculating that Friday’s global central bank gathering in Jackson Hole may be supportive for fi...

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19 Aug from 2019-08-18T21:02:12

An absence of negative news seemed to push US equities higher, the S&P500 closing up 1.4%. US interest rates firmed slightly, while the US dollar closed unchanged. US official Kudlow indicated over...

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16 Aug from 2019-08-16T01:56:56

US equities are little changed, opening weaker following Chinese comments on the trade war, and then recovering after some solid US economic data. An ECB official signalled significant stimulus, ca...

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15 Aug from 2019-08-14T20:27:09

Sentiment soured again, the S&P500 down 2.7% despite little fresh news of note. Interest rates and commodities followed suit, and the US dollar rose.

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14 Aug from 2019-08-13T20:46:51

Sentiment rebounded after the US de-escalated its trade war with China. The S&P500 is up 1.5%, and interest rates, the US dollar, and most commodities are higher. US inflation data was slightly str...

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13 Aug from 2019-08-12T20:10:05

Sentiment remained downbeat, causing US equities to fall (S&P500 down 1.3%), with US interest rates and the US dollar also lower. Weighing on markets were persistent trade war concerns, potential f...

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9 Aug from 2019-08-08T18:13:12

Sentiment improved as trade war angst appeared to recede, China’s currency weakening yesterday not as sharp as feared. The S&P500 is up 1.6%, and US interest rates, the AUD and NZD, and many commod...

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8 Aug from 2019-08-07T20:21:19

Markets were initially in a risk averse mood but sentiment during the NY session. Equities are little changed, while US interest rates rebounded from multi-year lows, and the AUD and NZD partly ret...

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7 Aug from 2019-08-06T20:09:33

US equities rose after China’s currency stabilised yesterday, possibly indicating calming of the US-China trade war. The S&P500 is up 1.3%, and the US dollar and US interest rates are slightly higher.

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6 Aug from 2019-08-05T20:16:36

Global equities fell sharply overnight as the US-China trade war escalated, the S&P500 down 3.3%. US interest rates, US dollar, and major commodities also fell, while safe havens such as gold rose.

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5 Aug from 2019-08-04T20:14:13

Global equities and interest rates fell further after both US and China threatened further action in the ongoing trade war. US jobs data was mixed and had little market impact.

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2 Aug from 2019-08-01T20:28:08

US equities and interest rates fell sharply after the US-China trade war escalated with US President Trump’s tweet that the US would impose additional tariffs on imports from China. The AUD was wo...

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1 Aug from 2019-07-31T20:36:39

The Fed cut its policy rate by 25bp and left the door open for more, but described this as an insurance cut rather than the beginning of a easing cycle. That disappointed markets which were positio...

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31 July from 2019-07-30T20:27:15

Interest rates and currencies remained contained ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision, while mixed headlines on the US-China trade talks left the S&P500 0.3% lower.

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29 July from 2019-07-28T20:00:35

US equities rose – the S&P500 up 0.7% to a fresh record high – and the US dollar made two-month high, following stronger-than-expected US GDP data.

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25 July from 2019-07-24T20:08:39

US equities remained elevated, the S&P500 up 0.4% and the NASDAQ making a record high. However, US and European interest rates fell in response to weak PMI activity data.

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24 July from 2019-07-23T21:14:05

Sentiment was upbeat amid positive news on US-China trade and the US debt ceiling. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, and the US dollar and US interest rates are higher.

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22 July from 2019-07-21T20:31:56

US equities closed lower – the S&P500 down 0.6% - following news that Iran had seized a British oil tanker. US interest rates and the US dollar rose after official clarification of Fed NY President...

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19 July from 2019-07-18T20:21:17

The US dollar and US interest rates fell after Fed official Williams signalled significant easing is necessary. The S&P500 is up 0.3%, with an upbeat US business survey offset by mixed company earn...

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18 July from 2019-07-17T20:04:31

A slightly risk-averse mood overall. US equities slipped again amid mixed company earnings reports. Global interest rates fell as the risk of a hostile exit of the UK from the EU rose. The US dolla...

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17 July from 2019-07-16T19:36:31

US equities fell after US President Trump said he could impose more tariffs on China. US interest rates and the US dollar rose after strong US retail sales data. The combined news sent AUD/USD and ...

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16 July from 2019-07-15T20:12:47

US interest rates fell slightly amid depressed expectations of the US quarterly company reporting season which commenced yesterday. The US dollar is slightly higher, while the S&P500 made a fresh r...

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15 July from 2019-07-14T08:51:48

US equities continued to benefit from the likelihood of lower Fed interest rates, the S&P500 up 0.5% to a fresh record high. US bond yields were little changed, torn between the prospect of a rate ...

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12 July from 2019-07-11T20:31:29

US interest rates rose and the US dollar pared losses after US core inflation data beat expectations. The S&P500 is little changed, remaining near its record high. Fed Chair Powell’s testimony to S...

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11 July from 2019-07-10T20:04:49

Fed Chair Powell delivered a dovish testimony and caused US interest rates and the US dollar to fall. The S&P500 rose 0.4% to a record high.

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10 July from 2019-07-09T19:59:45

Markets remained sidelined ahead of Fed Chair Powell’s testimony tonight, the US dollar and interest rates slightly higher, equities slightly lower.

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9 July from 2019-07-08T20:08:30

Markets were fairly well contained overnight, looking ahead to the key event this week – Fed Chair Powell’s testimony to Congress, which may provide clues to a rate cut at month-end.

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8 July from 2019-07-07T20:22:25

A strong US jobs report boosted interest rates and the US dollar and capped equities, as markets pared expectations of Fed rate cuts.

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5 July from 2019-07-04T20:12:57

Markets were fairly stable during the US holiday. S&P500 futures nudged to a fresh record high, and German bond yields slipped to a record low.

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4 July from 2019-07-03T20:20:10

US equities rose to fresh record highs - the S&P500 up 0.8% currently – and US interest rates fell to multi-year lows. Markets expect the low-yield regimes in major economies to continue for some t...

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3 July from 2019-07-02T20:46:32

Equities, currencies, and interest rate markets were fairly well contained overnight, awaiting Friday’s key US payrolls data.

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2 July from 2019-07-01T20:22:18

US equity markets gapped higher to fresh records in the wake of the weekend’s US-China trade war truce. Gains were later pared following mixed global manufacturing PMI data, leaving the S&P500 up 0...

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1 July from 2019-06-30T20:24:44

Markets on Friday were cautiously optimistic about the weekend’s Trump-Xi trade talks, lifting equities (S&P500 up 0.6%) and the AUD and NZD slightly. The talks did result in a return to negotiatio...

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28 June from 2019-06-27T20:01:32

US equities rose, largely on hopes that Saturday’s Trump-Xi trade talks will be constructive. The S&P500 is up 0.4%, supporting the AUD and NZD. US interest rates fell amid mixed data.

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27 June from 2019-06-26T20:11:17

US interest rates rose slightly, as markets continued to unwind expectations of a 50bp Fed rate cut in July. US equities are unchanged, awaiting the outcome of the weekend’s Trump-Xi trade talks.

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26 June from 2019-06-25T20:24:53

US interest rates and the US dollar rose briefly after comments from Fed officials were less accommodative than expected. That, plus indications that a US-China trade deal is unlikely at the G20 me...

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25 June from 2019-06-24T19:51:14

25 June by Westpac Bank

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24 June from 2019-06-23T20:30:45

Sentiment was mixed, with the S&P500 closing down 0.1% after posting a fresh record high, US interest rates holding above multi-year lows, and the US dollar weaker. US-Iran tensions continued, with...

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21 June from 2019-06-20T20:07:18

US equities rose, the S&P500 making a fresh record high in the wake of the Fed’s shift to an easing bias. US interest rates remained at multi-year lows, hurting the US dollar. Oil surged after Iran...

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20 June from 2019-06-19T20:21:24

US interest rates fell sharply after the Fed shifted from a neutral to an easing bias. The US dollar also fell, while US equities rose.

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19 June from 2019-06-18T20:11:47

US equities rose – the S&P500 up 1.1% - after headlines that US Pres. Trump tweeted that he would meet China Pres. Xi next week. The AUD and NZD were also lifted by the news. In contrast, the EUR s...

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18 June from 2019-06-17T20:08:06

There were mixed performance among asset classes, with US equities slightly higher, interest rates slightly lower (partly due to a couple of weak US activity surveys), and currencies mixed.

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17 June from 2019-06-16T20:06:10

The US dollar and US interest rates bounced after strong US retail sales data. Equities remained subdued, the S&P500 down 0.2%.

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14 June from 2019-06-13T20:24:19

Equities and the US dollar are little changed, although US interest rates slipped further as market expectations for Fed rate cuts rose.

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13 July from 2019-06-12T20:05:58

Markets were buffeted by various forces overnight. US equities are slightly lower, weighed down by ongoing US-China trade tensions. US interest rates were weighed down by subdued inflation data. An...

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12 June from 2019-06-11T20:58:19

Markets were fairly well contained overnight in the absence of any fresh news on the US-China trade front. US equities and the US dollar are modestly lower.

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11 June from 2019-06-10T20:20:01

US markets extended the positive reactions to the US cancellation of tariffs on Mexico. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, and interest rates and the US dollar are higher.

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10 June from 2019-06-09T09:34:58

US jobs data was much weaker than expected, adding to the case for Fed rate cuts. US interest rates and the US dollar fell in response, but US equities rose, the S&P500 closing up 1.1%.

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7 June from 2019-06-06T20:40:52

Sentiment remained moderately upbeat, the S&P500 up 0.7%, US interest rates slightly higher, oil up 2%, and the US dollar lower. US officials said it may extend the proposed US-Mexico tariff deadli...

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6 June from 2019-06-05T20:34:44

US equities and the US dollar rose as US-Mexico trade frictions appeared to dissipate. US data was mixed. Oil prices fell on US supply reports.

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5 Jun from 2019-06-04T20:31:24

5 Jun by Westpac Bank

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Finance AM 4 Jun from 2019-06-03T20:20:56

Equity markets continued to decline, the S&P500 currently down 0.7% amid regulatory probes into US tech companies. US bond yields fell after Fed official Bullard called for a rate cut, which also ...

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Finance AM 2 Jun from 2019-06-02T08:57:41

US trade tensions remained the dominant driver of global financial markets. The S&P500 closed down 1.3% to a three month low. US bond yields fell to two-year lows, gold rose 1.3% to a two-month hig...

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Finance AM 31 May from 2019-05-30T20:22:24

Despite calmer equity markets, US bond yields fell after a dovish speech by the Fed Vice-chair. Oil fell 4% after US inventories were larger than expected.

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Finance AM 30 May from 2019-05-29T20:43:26

Risk aversion gripped markets overnight, the S&P500 at one point down 1.3% but currently down 0.7%. Bond yields also fell, and the US dollar is stronger (although the AUD was resilient). Chinese me...

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Finance AM 29 May from 2019-05-28T20:24:10

US markets resumed after the long weekend in a bearish mood, US-China trade tensions remaining at the fore. The S&P500 is down 0.7%, US bond yields are lower, and the US dollar is higher.

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Finance AM 28 May from 2019-05-27T20:08:56

Market action overnight had a European focus, with the US and UK on holiday. Markets were relieved that the weekend’s European elections resulted in less support for populist/anti-EU parties than f...

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Finance AM 27 May from 2019-05-26T19:57:48

Markets mainly eked narrow ranges ahead of the long weekend in the US. The S&P500 closed up 0.1%, and bond yields were contained, although major currencies firmed against the USD, and oil rose 1%.

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Finance AM 24 May from 2019-05-23T21:28:42

Sentiment deteriorated as the US-China trade war intensified. The S&P500 is down 1.2%, and oil (-5%), bond yields and the US dollar fell.

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Finance AM 23 May from 2019-05-22T20:17:35

Markets remained in a cautious mood. The S&P500 is down 0.2%, and bond yields are lower, while major currencies were contained. There was little fresh news on the trade war, and the FOMC minutes re...

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Finance AM 22June from 2019-05-21T20:21:45

US equities rose overnight, the S&P500 up 0.9% as markets continued to fluctuate on US-China trade war news. Yesterday, the US temporarily eased some restrictions on Chinese firm Huawei, lifting st...

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Finance AM 21 May from 2019-05-20T20:08:06

US equities fell overnight, the S&P500 down 0.8% and the NASDAQ 100 down 1.7%, as US-China trade tensions continued to dampen sentiment. US technology stocks were hurt as firms reportedly started c...

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Finance AM 20 May from 2019-05-19T20:09:32

Sentiment was downbeat overall on Friday, the S&P500 closing down 0.6%, and the US dollar higher. US-China trade tensions appeared to dominate news of trade gestures to other countries. The AUD bou...

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Finance AM 17 May from 2019-05-16T20:33:53

Sentiment in equity markets remained upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 1.1%, despite the Trump Administration’s attack on Chinese firm Huawei. Bond yields and the US dollar also rose, helped by a sol...

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Finance AM 16 May from 2019-05-15T20:25:02

Sentiment was mixed among asset classes overnight. Disappointing US data pushed bond yields and risky currencies lower, but news that the US would delay tariffs on car imports caused a partial reve...

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Finance AM 15 May from 2019-05-14T20:17:04

Sentiment improved following the more conciliatory comments from Pres. Trump on US-China trade. The S&P500 is currently up 1.2%, and bond yields are slightly higher.

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Finance AM 14May from 2019-05-13T20:14:45

Sentiment deteriorated further after China retaliated with its own tariffs on US imports. The S&P500 is currently down 2.5%, and bond yields and risky currencies are lower.

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Finance AM 13May from 2019-05-12T20:20:43

Sentiment was mixed after the US increased in trade tariffs on China but negotiations did not break down. The S&P500 closed up 0.4% after spending the first half of the session in the red, and US b...

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Finance AM 10May from 2019-05-09T20:26:51

Sentiment remained sour approaching the Friday deadline for US-China trade tariff increases. The S&P500 is currently down 0.3% (was -1.5% earlier), and US bond yields and the US dollar are slightly...

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Finance AM 9May from 2019-05-08T20:25:57

Sentiment improved slightly amid news that Chinese officials are arriving in the US for trade talks. The S&P500 is up 0.3%, and US bond yields and the US dollar are slightly higher.

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Finance AM 8May from 2019-05-07T20:29:49

The threat of increased US trade tariffs on China on Friday continued to worry investors, US and European equities falling sharply overnight. The S&P500 is down 2.0%, Eurostoxx 50 closed down 1.8%,...

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Finance AM 7May from 2019-05-06T20:09:25

The S&P500 opened 1.6% lower in response to Pres. Trump’s weekend tweets threatening increased trade tariffs on China, but later pared losses to -0.4% currently.

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Finance AM 6 May from 2019-05-05T20:40:08

The eagerly awaited US jobs report was a mixed bag – strong employment growth but slightly disappointing wage growth. US bond yields and the US dollar fell in response, while US equities rose (S&P5...

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Finance AM 3 May from 2019-05-02T19:57:43

US equities fell again - the S&P500 down 0.4% - and bond yields and the US dollar rose, as the previous day’s firmly neutral stance from the Fed resonated further.

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Finance AM 2 May from 2019-05-01T20:16:16

Markets did not get hints of possible rate cuts from the Fed, causing US bond yields and the US dollar to rise in response. US equities initially made record highs but retreated after the Fed, the ...

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Finance AM 1 May from 2019-04-30T20:17:09

Eurozone economic data overnight outshone the US data, depressing the US dollar and US bond yields. US equities were little changed, the S&P500 remaining near the record high.

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Finance AM 30Apr from 2019-04-29T20:13:55

US equities extended a four-month old rally, the S&P500 up 0.2% to a record high. That seemed to lift bond yields, despite subdued inflation data, while the defensive US dollar fell. Month-end reba...

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Finance AM 29 Apr from 2019-04-28T20:01:30

Finance AM 29 Apr by Westpac Bank

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Finance AM 26 Apr from 2019-04-25T20:43:28

Sentiment was mixed, with US equities holding steady near record highs, and most currencies and bond yields contained. The Swedish krona fell to a 17-year low after a dovish shift by its central bank.

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Finance AM 24 Apr from 2019-04-23T20:21:15

Currency and interest rate markets appeared to be in a risk averse mood. US equities, in contrast, were upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 0.9% and close to a record high amid a flurry of strong compa...

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Finance AM 23 Apr from 2019-04-22T20:15:57

Equity and currency markets were contained overnight, while US bond yields were slightly affected by the 3% surge in oil prices. Brent crude rose to a six-month high of $74.50 after the US sought t...

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Finance AM 18 Apr from 2019-04-17T20:06:57

US equities opened at multi-month highs, but then retreated, the S&P500 currently down 0.3%. US bond yields also u-turned, unchanged on the day, as is the US dollar.

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Finance AM 17 Aug from 2019-04-16T20:00:53

US equities nudged higher, the S&P500 up 0.1% to a fresh seven-month high, with markets focussed on quarterly earnings reports and brushing aside disappointing US industrial production data. US bon...

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Finance AM 16 Apr from 2019-04-15T20:11

Markets were contained overnight, with equities, currencies and interest rates eking narrow ranges in the absence of major data or news.

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Finance AM 15 Apr from 2019-04-14T19:46:47

US equities rose following strong bank earnings results and Chinese trade data. The S&P500 closed up 0.7% to a six-month high. That sentiment helped US bond yields rise and the US dollar fall, with...

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Finance AM 12 Apr from 2019-04-11T20:16:57

US bond yields and the US dollar rose, helped by firm price and jobs data, while the S&P500 fell 0.1%.

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Finance AM 11 Apr from 2019-04-10T20:08:19

US equities rose slightly, and US bond yields and the US dollar fell, following subdued core inflation data. The FOMC minutes repeated the patient stance, and the ECB again noted downside risks to ...

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Finance AM 10 Apr from 2019-04-09T20:38:40

A risk-averse mood permeated markets. The S&P500 is down 0.6%, bond yields are slightly lower, and the US dollar is unchanged. Overnight news catalysts included the IMF’s downgraded global growth f...

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Finance AM 9 Apr from 2019-04-08T19:56:37

Amid little news flow of note, US equities are unchanged, the US dollar is slightly lower, and US bond yields are slightly higher. Oil prices rose 1%-2% as unrest in Libya continued.

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Finance AM 8 Apr from 2019-04-07T20:08:14

Stronger US jobs data helped lift US equities (S&P500 up 0.5%) and the US dollar. Bond markets instead focussed on the less impressive wage gains and fell slightly.

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Finance AM 5 Apr from 2019-04-04T19:34:12

US equities stalled at year highs, US bond yields ranged sideways, and the US dollar rose ahead of tonight’s key US jobs data.

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Finance AM 4 Apr from 2019-04-03T19:05:55

US equities extended the 2019 rally to a fresh high, the S&P500 currently up 0.2% on the day and 23% since late December. Supportive news included economic adviser Kudlow’s assessment the US-China ...

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Finance AM 3 Apr from 2019-04-02T19:33:21

The US dollar slightly extended a two-week rally, putting downward pressure on AUD/USD and NZD/USD. US equities and bond yields were stable.

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Finance AM 2 Apr from 2019-04-01T19:16:41

Sentiment remained upbeat, helped by solid US manufacturing data, as well as the recent bounce in Chinese manufacturing data – both relevant to market concerns about global growth trends. The S&P50...

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Finance AM 1 Apr from 2019-03-31T19:26:55

US equities closed Friday higher, the S&P500 up 0.7%, amid hopes for a US-China trade deal, mixed US data, and a Brexit vote rejection. US bond yields and the US dollar closed slightly higher.

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Finance AM 29 Mar from 2019-03-28T19:46

US equities remained in consolidative mode, the S&P500 up 0.1%. US bond yields and the US dollar are higher.

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Finance AM 28 Mar from 2019-03-27T19:45:04

A risk averse mood returned to markets overnight, the S&P500 down 0.5%, US bond yields lower, and the USD slightly higher. Dovish ECB headlines and ongoing concerns about the inverted US yield curv...

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Finance AM 27 Mar from 2019-03-26T19:36

There were moderate gains in US equity markets and the US dollar, markets looking through some weak US economic data.

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Finance AM 26 Mar from 2019-03-25T19:22:57

Equity markets remained on the back foot, the S&P500 down 0.5%. The four-month old decline in US bond yields extended further.

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Finance AM 25 Mar from 2019-03-24T19:08:03

European and US equity markets were in a risk averse mood on Friday, concerns about slowing global economic growth to the fore following more weak European PMI data. The S&P500 closed down 1.9%, US...

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Finance AM 22 Mar from 2019-03-21T17:43:01

Financial Update for 22 March 2019

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Finance AM 21 Mar from 2019-03-20T19:11:07

A dovish statement from the Fed’s policy meeting pushed US bond yields and the US dollar lower, but also boosted US equities which had earlier suffered losses amid US-China trade jitters.

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Finance AM 19 Mar from 2019-03-18T19:13:47

US equities rose slightly further, the S&P500 currently up 0.3% on the day and at a fresh five-month high. Currencies and interest rates were mostly contained, awaiting the US central bank meeting ...

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Finance AM 18 Mar from 2019-03-17T20:33:19

Sentiment in equities markets remained positive on Friday, the S&P500 closing up 0.5% to a five-month high. The defensive US dollar and US bond yields fell, possibly also affected by disappointing ...

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Finance AM 15 Mar from 2019-03-14T20:13:53

US equities stalled, the S&P500 down 0.2%, amid a reported delay in the Trump-Xi trade agreement signing. The US dollar is slightly firmer.

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Finance AM 14 Mar from 2019-03-13T20:22

Sentiment in equities markets remained positive, the S&P500 currently up 1.0% to a five-month high. US data indicated tame producer inflation but firm goods and construction activity. The defensive...

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Finance AM 13 Mar from 2019-03-12T20:25:50

Sentiment in equities markets remained upbeat, the S&P500 currently up 0.5%. US bond yields and the US dollar fell after slightly disappointing inflation data. AUD/NZD made a 2 ½ year low.

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Finance AM 12 Mar from 2019-03-11T19:59:07

Sentiment in equities markets rebounded overnight, helped by US retail sales data. The S&P500 is up 1.3%, although US bond yields and the US dollar are little changed. The AUD and NZD extended rece...

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Finance AM 11 Mar from 2019-03-10T19:57:59

US equities declined slightly further, the S&P500 down 0.2%. US bond yields and the US dollar also fell. US jobs data was disappointing, although possibly distorted.

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Finance AM 8 Mar from 2019-03-07T20:09:48

Sentiment weakened further, taking the S&P500 down 0.5%, the US dollar higher, and US bond yields lower. Global growth concerns were evident in the ECB’s dovish statement, where it unveiled fresh s...

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Finance AM 7 Mar from 2019-03-06T20:24:42

Sentiment soured overnight, amid dovish news from the Canadian and European central banks, as well as an OECD downgrade to global growth. The S&P500 is down 0.7%, US bond yields are lower, and comm...

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Finance AM 6 Mar from 2019-03-05T20:14:44

US equity markets remained cautious, the S&P500 currently down 0.1%. The US dollar and US bond yields rose following some strong data.

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Finance AM 5 Mar from 2019-03-04T20:12:25

A risk-averse tone permeated markets. The S&P500 is down 0.9%, the US dollar is higher, and US bond yields are lower. There was more weak economic data relating to Q4 2018.

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Finance AM 4 Mar from 2019-03-03T19:55:26

US equities followed gains in Europe and Asia, the S&P500 closing Friday 0.7% higher. US bond yields and the US dollar also rose, despite a mostly disappointing batch of US economic data.

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Finance AM 1 Mar from 2019-02-28T20:13:54

US bond yields rose following strong US economic data overnight. The AUD and NZD underperformed other G10 currencies. US equities remained stalled.

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Finance AM 28 Feb from 2019-02-27T20:03:04

US equities remained stalled, the S&P500 unchanged. The US dollar is slightly higher (with AUD and NZD performing worst), while US bond yields rose in NY.

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Finance AM 27 Feb from 2019-02-26T19:57:01

Markets were mostly in a holding pattern overnight. The S&P500 is unchanged, and US bond yields and the US dollar are modestly lower despite solid US survey updates. Fed Chair Powell’s testimony to...

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Finance AM 26 Feb from 2019-02-25T20:23:07

US equities rose further - the S&P500 up 0.3% to a fresh four-month high. The main news driver remains the US-China trade negotiation, and overnight Pres. Trump postponed the date for boosting tari...

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Finance AM 25 Feb from 2019-02-24T20:13:58

US equities rose further - the S&P500 closing up 0.6% to a fresh three-month high – amid optimism a US-China trade deal would be struck and more dovish Fed commentary. The Chinese trade delegation ...

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Finance AM 22 Feb from 2019-02-21T20:30:08

Sentiment was slightly downbeat, amid weaker US economic data. The S&P500 is down 0.3% and the US dollar is slightly firmer, although US bond yields rose.

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Finance AM 21 Feb from 2019-02-20T20:33:53

Equity, interest rate, and currency market moves were modest overnight. The FOMC minutes, just released, has caused a slight bounce in US interest rates and the US dollar.

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Finance AM 20 Feb from 2019-02-19T20:03:36

US equities nudged slightly higher, US bond yields fell, as did the US dollar. The latter was affected by headlines that the US is demanding a stable Chinese yuan.

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Finance AM 19 Feb from 2019-02-18T20:02:38

Markets were fairly contained during the US holiday, with futures markets implying little change to US equities or bond yields, and the US dollar little changed.

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Finance AM 18 Feb from 2019-02-17T20:03:29

Sentiment was upbeat on Friday, the S&P500 closing up 1.1% to a 2 ½ month high. US bond yields rose slightly, while the defensive US dollar fell. The US government averted a shutdown, US-China trad...

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Finance AM 15 Feb from 2019-02-14T20:24:19

Sentiment was dampened by weak US retail sales data. The S&P500 is currently unchanged, as is the US dollar, but US bond yields are lower.

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Finance AM 14 Feb from 2019-02-13T20:20:53

Sentiment remained upbeat on optimism regarding a US-China trade deal and aversion of a US government shutdown. The S&P500 is up 0.3%; while US bond yields and the US dollar are higher, helped by c...

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Finance AM 13 Feb from 2019-02-12T20:30:32

Sentiment was lifted by positive news on US-China trade and indications a US government shutdown will be averted. The S&P500 is up 1.4%, US bond yields are higher, and the US dollar is lower.

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Finance AM 12 Feb from 2019-02-11T20:03:18

US equities remained stalled despite Europe and Asia posting moderate gains. US bond yields and the US dollar rose. US-China trade and a possible US government shutdown remained in focus, with poli...

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Finance AM 11 Feb from 2019-02-10T20:12:21

US equities closed little changed, while the US dollar remained at a one-month high and US bond yields fell. There was little fresh news of note, US-China trade risks and US government shutdown ris...

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Finance AM 8 Feb from 2019-02-07T20:29:56

US equities fell - the S&P500 down 1.2% - after US officials said US-China trade talk progress was slower than expected, and the European economic outlook was downgraded. US bond yields are lower, ...

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Finance AM 7 Feb from 2019-02-06T20:19:57

US equities paused, with President Trump’s State of the Union address offering little for markets to latch onto. The US dollar rose.

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Finance AM 6 Feb from 2019-02-05T20:32:13

US equity markets remained upbeat - the S&P500 up 0.2% to a fresh two-month high. The US dollar also rose slightly. Overall, markets seemed contained, awaiting President Trump’s State of the Union ...

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Finance AM 5 Feb from 2019-02-04T20:38:53

US equity markets remained upbeat, - the S&P500 up 0.4% - and US bond yields and the US dollar rose. There was little news flow to explain the move, residual effects from last Friday’s strong data ...

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Finance AM 4 Feb from 2019-02-03T19:47:49

US bond yields rose in response to stronger than expected US data for jobs, manufacturing, and consumer confidence. However, there was little response from equities and the US dollar, both little c...

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Finance AM 1 Feb from 2019-01-31T20:45:17

US equity markets remained upbeat in the wake of yesterday’s dovish statement from the Federal Reserve. The S&P500 is up 0.7%, bond yields are lower, while the US dollar is slightly higher.

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Finance AM 31 Jan from 2019-01-30T20:38:17

The US Federal Reserve kept the Fed funds rate on hold, as was widely expected, but shifted its guidance language in a dovish direction. In response, US bond yields and the US dollar fell, while US...

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Finance AM 30 Jan from 2019-01-29T20:34:20

There was little movement in US equities, yields or the US dollar overnight, with little fresh news of note. The S&P500 and the US dollar are unchanged, while US bond yields are slightly lower.

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Finance AM 29 Jan from 2019-01-28T20:15:12

Disappointing earnings results from US bellwethers Caterpillar and Nvidia – party related to the US-China trade war - appeared to hurt equity and oil markets. The S&P500 is down 1.2%, and Brent cru...

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Finance AM 28 Jan from 2019-01-27T09:57:44

Sentiment was lifted by news that the US government shutdown would temporarily end, as well as a report that the Fed was considering whether to slow down the reduction of its treasury bond holdin...

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Finance AM 11 Jan from 2019-01-10T20:03:43

Markets were contained overnight, with little data to drive sentiment. President Trump cancelled his trip to a world leaders’ gathering in Davos as the US Government shutdown entering its 20th day....

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Finance AM 10 Jan from 2019-01-09T20:35:31

Sentiment remained upbeat, evidenced by the S&P500’s 0.6% gain – the fourth consecutive daily gain. US bond yields nudged higher, and the defensive US dollar fell. US-China trade talks reportedly m...

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Finance AM 9 Jan from 2019-01-08T20:06:31

There were further modest gains in US equities (S&P500 +0.6%) and US bond yields, although most major currencies slightly underperformed the USD. News drivers were thin, although the extension of t...

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Finance AM 21 Dec from 2018-12-20T20:25:22

Sentiment remained downbeat, the S&P500 down 1.5% to a fresh 15-month low. Brent crude oil fell 4% to $55 – also a 15-month low. The US dollar is lower, while bond yields stabilised. A vote on sto...

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Finance AM 20 Dec from 2018-12-19T20:43:33

The US Federal Reserve hiked by 25bp, as was widely expected, but reduced its projection for 2019 to two more hikes (from three). US equities reversed an earlier 1% gain in response (S&P500 current...

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Finance AM 19 Dec from 2018-12-18T20:13:54

US equities staged a moderate rebound, the S&P500 up 0.5%. Brent crude oil fell 3.8% to $57 – the lowest since October 2017. US bond yields and the US dollar fell.

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Finance AM 18 Dec from 2018-12-17T20:24:14

US equities continued to slide, the S&P500 down 1.4% to the lowest level since April (and down 13% since October), with no major fresh news out overnight. US bond yields and the US dollar are lower.

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Finance AM 17 Dec from 2018-12-16T20:22:16

Lingering concerns about global growth slowing were fuelled by some disappointing Chinese economic data, pushing equity markets lower. The S&P500 closed down 1.9% - the lowest close since February,...

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Finance AM 14 Dec from 2018-12-13T19:52:44

Markets were contained last night, with US equities, US bond yields, and the US dollar little changed. The Swiss and Norwegian central bank outcomes were as expected, although the ECB’s narrative w...

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Finance AM 13 Dec from 2018-12-12T20:16:02

US equity sentiment improved, the S&P500 currently up 1.8%. US-China trade relations appeared to warm slightly, and media speculated UK PM May would survive a no-confidence vote. US bonds yields ar...

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Finance AM 12 Dec from 2018-12-11T20:21:53

Initial gains in US equities were reversed after US President Trump said he would be “proud” to shut down the government if he doesn’t get funding to build a US-Mexico border wall. The S&P500 is cu...

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21Feb22 from 2022-02-20T19:30:17

18Feb22 from 2022-02-17T19:27:21

17Feb22 from 2022-02-16T19:35:51

16Feb22 from 2022-02-15T19:27:11

15Feb22 from 2022-02-14T19:56:38

14Feb22 from 2022-02-13T19:29

11Feb22 from 2022-02-10T19:30:15

10Feb22 from 2022-02-09T19:16:47

9Feb22 from 2022-02-08T19:21:06

8Feb22 from 2022-02-07T19:19:26

4Feb22 from 2022-02-03T19:36:26

3Feb22 from 2022-02-02T19:18:50

2Feb22 from 2022-02-01T19:44:57

1Feb22 from 2022-01-31T19:20:30

31Jan22 from 2022-01-30T19:17:52

28Jan22 from 2022-01-27T19:34:42

27Jan22 from 2022-01-26T19:37:37

26Jan22 from 2022-01-25T19:28:56

25Jan22 from 2022-01-24T19:40:03

24Jan22 from 2022-01-23T19:24:34

21Jan22 from 2022-01-20T19:16:04

19Jan22 from 2022-01-18T19:24:53

17Jan22 from 2022-01-16T19:32:32

17Dec21 from 2021-12-16T19:28:17

16Dec21 from 2021-12-15T19:40:54

15Dec21 from 2021-12-14T19:32:47

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11Nov from 2021-11-10T18:36:45

1Nov from 2021-10-31T18:48:32

26Oct from 2021-10-25T19:21:42

18Oct from 2021-10-17T19:17:08

8Oct from 2021-10-07T20:29:26

7Oct from 2021-10-06T19:36:53

6Oct from 2021-10-05T18:56:08

5Oct from 2021-10-04T19:35:27

4Oct from 2021-10-03T20:12:07

27Sep from 2021-09-26T05:09:44

20Sep from 2021-09-19T20:25:44

13Sep from 2021-09-12T20:30:59

6Sep from 2021-09-05T20:29:23

30Aug from 2021-08-29T20:19:06

23Aug from 2021-08-22T20:20:17

20Aug21 from 2021-08-19T20:47:30

15Aug from 2021-08-15T04:52:41

9Aug from 2021-08-08T09:31:30

2Aug from 2021-08-01T09:12:43

26Jul from 2021-07-25T20:17:26

23July from 2021-07-22T21:22:46

21July from 2021-07-20T20:24:25

20July from 2021-07-19T20:14:06

19Jul from 2021-07-18T20:14:57

16Jul from 2021-07-15T21:03:28

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6July from 2021-07-05T20:22:51

5Jul from 2021-07-04T20:59:30

2July from 2021-07-01T20:35:01

29Jun from 2021-06-28T20:11:15

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25June from 2021-06-24T20:27:16

24June from 2021-06-23T20:31:10

23June from 2021-06-22T20:25:47

22June from 2021-06-21T20:31:23

21June from 2021-06-20T20:21:37

17June from 2021-06-16T20:33:49

14Jun from 2021-06-13T20:16:23

10June from 2021-06-09T20:17:05

9Jun21 from 2021-06-08T20:27:18

6June from 2021-06-06T04:17:36

4June from 2021-06-03T20:59:07

3June from 2021-06-02T20:14:35

2June from 2021-06-01T21:08:36

1 June from 2021-05-31T20:11:27

30May from 2021-05-30T05:04:28

28May (3) from 2021-05-27T20:16:20

24May from 2021-05-23T20:23:56