by Raymond Chatlani
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets mostly rose as growth hopes made their presence felt but China and Hong kong fell on inflation fears of further Chinese tightening. European bourses rose on data which showed eurozone growth accelerating . US stocks rose on news of takeovers.
On Tuesday, Asian stocks rose on optimism that companies will report strong earnings. European markets fell as confidence in Britain was shaken by an unexpected drop in fourth-quarter UK growth figures and with Spanish banks down on concerns new capital requirement rules may not be tough enough. US stockmarkets ended flat overcoming most of the session's losses as bargain hunters bought equities late in the day.
On Wednesday, Asian stockmarkets rose buoyed by strong corporate earnings. European indices rose buoyed by expectations of a firm start on Wall Street. US markets rose as investors shrugged off weak corporate earnings and focused on President Barack Obama's call to lower taxes on businesses. The market also got a boost after U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers, at the end of a two-day meeting, said they would press on with a plan to buy $600 billion in government debt to further stimulate the economy.
On Thursday, Asian shares extended their upbeat run for the fourth day after the Feds statement last night. European markets rose modestly on corporate earnings. US stockmarkets rose as orders for core capital equipment goods rose 1.4% in December though orders for US durable goods declined by 2.5% and US jobless claims rose more than expected.
This morning, Asian stockmarkets were lower for the first time this week with commodity shares pulled down by a drop in oil and gold prices. The Japanese market was especially hurt by S & P's downgrade of Japan's credit rating and disappointing US economic data. European stocks were mixed on US GDP figures. US markets fell although the US economy grew 3.2% on an annualised rate in the fourth quarter due to a big gain in consumer spending and strong exports. This economic growth is considered too slow to ease high unemployment.
This week world markets rose on strong corporate earnings and an improving US economy. Inflation worries still persists in emerging markets, so commodities have been mixed this week. Precious metals and oil fell, base metals were neutral and grains gained slightly.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weekly Market Summary
by Raymond Chatlani
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets fell after China’s central bank raised banks' reserve requirements ratio by 0.5 percentage points on Friday. China's Shanghai Composite Index lost 3 percent as property shares were hit on speculation that a property tax would be imposed. European markets fell as hopes of swift action from policymakers to boost the euro zone's rescue fund faded ahead of a meeting of finance ministers.
US markets were closed for Martin Luther King public holiday.
On Tuesday. Asian markets closed mixed but technology plays outperformed despite news the Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs would take medical leave for the third time since 2004. European stocks rose as euro zone finance ministers inched towards improving a rescue fund and investor confidence grew in Germany. US indices rose on strong corporate earnings especially in the tech sector as both Apple and IBM reported improved earnings.
On Wednesday, Asian stockmarkets rose led by sectors most sensitive to the economic growth cycle ahead of U.S. earnings. European markets fell as mining and banks stocks were sold, though market players still see the upcoming European earnings season as a positive catalyst that should propel the market higher. US stocks fell on poor US housing data and as Goldman Sachs quarterly report showed that earnings fell 53 percent.
On Thursday, Asian markets retreated due to disappointing US corporate earnings and on profit taking and on news that Chinese GDP rose to 9.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, defying expectations for a slowdown to 9.2 percent which indicates that Beijing still needs to work at combating price pressures, with inflation remaining stubbornly high. European and US stockmarkets fell although existing US home sales soared 12.3 percent year on year as global markets worried about high Chinese inflation.
This morning, Asian stockmarkets fell on fears of further Chinese tightening. European markets rose on good corporate results. US stocks rose as Google and General Electric reported strong quarterly results.
This week global equities and commodity prices fell after robust Chinese economic growth prompted fears the world's second-largest economy would try to choke off excessive demand that is fueling inflation, although European and US corporate earnings have been strong. We are probably going to enter a period of consolidation where markets may continue to fall for a while until inflation fears go away. We still expect both commodity and equity markets to perform this year due to the large amounts of liquidity that is being pumped into the global economy by various governments.
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets fell after China’s central bank raised banks' reserve requirements ratio by 0.5 percentage points on Friday. China's Shanghai Composite Index lost 3 percent as property shares were hit on speculation that a property tax would be imposed. European markets fell as hopes of swift action from policymakers to boost the euro zone's rescue fund faded ahead of a meeting of finance ministers.
US markets were closed for Martin Luther King public holiday.
On Tuesday. Asian markets closed mixed but technology plays outperformed despite news the Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs would take medical leave for the third time since 2004. European stocks rose as euro zone finance ministers inched towards improving a rescue fund and investor confidence grew in Germany. US indices rose on strong corporate earnings especially in the tech sector as both Apple and IBM reported improved earnings.
On Wednesday, Asian stockmarkets rose led by sectors most sensitive to the economic growth cycle ahead of U.S. earnings. European markets fell as mining and banks stocks were sold, though market players still see the upcoming European earnings season as a positive catalyst that should propel the market higher. US stocks fell on poor US housing data and as Goldman Sachs quarterly report showed that earnings fell 53 percent.
On Thursday, Asian markets retreated due to disappointing US corporate earnings and on profit taking and on news that Chinese GDP rose to 9.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, defying expectations for a slowdown to 9.2 percent which indicates that Beijing still needs to work at combating price pressures, with inflation remaining stubbornly high. European and US stockmarkets fell although existing US home sales soared 12.3 percent year on year as global markets worried about high Chinese inflation.
This morning, Asian stockmarkets fell on fears of further Chinese tightening. European markets rose on good corporate results. US stocks rose as Google and General Electric reported strong quarterly results.
This week global equities and commodity prices fell after robust Chinese economic growth prompted fears the world's second-largest economy would try to choke off excessive demand that is fueling inflation, although European and US corporate earnings have been strong. We are probably going to enter a period of consolidation where markets may continue to fall for a while until inflation fears go away. We still expect both commodity and equity markets to perform this year due to the large amounts of liquidity that is being pumped into the global economy by various governments.
Friday, January 21, 2011
International Living Magazine Article
Two countries have tied for first place with the best climate on earth in this year’s Quality of Life Index, published last week in International Living magazine.
Climate is one of nine categories that go in to calculating the countries with the best quality of life in the annual International Living index. Sharing top scores for climate in the 2011 index are Malta and Zimbabwe.
Of the two, Malta is our favorite, says International Living magazine Editor Eoin Bassett. “But with 5.2 hours of sunshine a day, a stable government and economy, Malta is a very strong draw for expats. And it’s English-speaking.”
Anchored almost in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles from the Italian island of Sicily, frost and snow are mostly unknown in Malta, and the temperature nudges 70 degrees Fahrenheit even in November.
The five islands that make up Malta aren’t on everyone’s radar, and are mostly unheard of by Americans. About 500,000 Maltese live on the largest, more sophisticated main island, and most have a lively urban lifestyle. Homes and apartments here attract an international set as do the historic harbors and five-star hotels.
Crime hardly exists, the locals are hospitable and the health care is excellent. There aren’t any property taxes, and the U.S. expats who benefit most from living here are those who retain earnings from elsewhere that they then elect to get taxed in Malta, at 15%.
At roughly twice the size of Washington D.C., it’s easy to socialize with other expats.
There’s regular 90-minute ferry service to Sicily and a modern airport at Luqa with flights to numerous other European countries, including Rome, just one hour away by plane.
Along with its top climate ranking, Malta’s many other virtues combined to earn it third place overall in the 2011 Quality of Life index, beaten only by New Zealand and the U.S.
Climate is one of nine categories that go in to calculating the countries with the best quality of life in the annual International Living index. Sharing top scores for climate in the 2011 index are Malta and Zimbabwe.
Of the two, Malta is our favorite, says International Living magazine Editor Eoin Bassett. “But with 5.2 hours of sunshine a day, a stable government and economy, Malta is a very strong draw for expats. And it’s English-speaking.”
Anchored almost in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles from the Italian island of Sicily, frost and snow are mostly unknown in Malta, and the temperature nudges 70 degrees Fahrenheit even in November.
The five islands that make up Malta aren’t on everyone’s radar, and are mostly unheard of by Americans. About 500,000 Maltese live on the largest, more sophisticated main island, and most have a lively urban lifestyle. Homes and apartments here attract an international set as do the historic harbors and five-star hotels.
Crime hardly exists, the locals are hospitable and the health care is excellent. There aren’t any property taxes, and the U.S. expats who benefit most from living here are those who retain earnings from elsewhere that they then elect to get taxed in Malta, at 15%.
At roughly twice the size of Washington D.C., it’s easy to socialize with other expats.
There’s regular 90-minute ferry service to Sicily and a modern airport at Luqa with flights to numerous other European countries, including Rome, just one hour away by plane.
Along with its top climate ranking, Malta’s many other virtues combined to earn it third place overall in the 2011 Quality of Life index, beaten only by New Zealand and the U.S.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Weekly Market Review
by Raymond Chatlani
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets rose broadly on optimism that 2011 will deliver a blockbuster stock market performance on expectations of solid domestic economic growth and abundant liquidity, but volume was thin as many major markets like Japan, China and Australia were closed for public holidays. European and US stocks rose on stronger global manufacturing data
On Tuesday, Japanese stocks led Asian equities higher, climbing to their highest since May with investors betting the improving U.S. recovery may be reflected in jobs data later in the week. European stocks rose on reflections of improved sentiment on the prospects for the global economy. US indices ended mixed and flat as financials rose and commodities fell.
On Wednesday, Asian markets fell after commodities sold off on profit taking. European shares fell hit by a retreat in commodity shares ahead of the release of U.S. private sector employment expected to highlight the pace of recovery in the jobs market. US markets rose as private companies added 297,000 jobs last month. That was far above the 100,000 economists expected.
On Thursday, the Nikkei rallied as investors snapped up shares of Japanese exporters after the dollar hit two-week highs against the yen, but markets elsewhere in Asia were more subdued ahead of the influential U.S. non-farm payrolls report which is due on Friday. Other Asian markets closed mixed after alternating between positive and negative territory. European markets rose on growing confidence the economic recovery was on a stronger footing after U.S. employment figures pointed to a pick-up in the labour market. US eased on softer retail sales data before a U.S. employment report expected to give direction to markets. US stockmarkets were flat after unemployment claims rose slightly over the previous month.
On Friday, Asian markets were lower as traders waited for the US employment report later in the day. European and US stocks fell on disappointing US payrolls added which were below expectations although there was a significant decline in the unemployment rate from 9.7% to 9.4%.
Last week, emerging markets were flat and commodities fell on profit taking. US indices rose on improved economic metrics like ramped-up consumer spending, improved factory orders from businesses, better consumer confidence although employment data disappointed on Friday as investors expected more jobs to be created. This week, companies start reporting and these results will largely move the markets in the weeks to come.
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets rose broadly on optimism that 2011 will deliver a blockbuster stock market performance on expectations of solid domestic economic growth and abundant liquidity, but volume was thin as many major markets like Japan, China and Australia were closed for public holidays. European and US stocks rose on stronger global manufacturing data
On Tuesday, Japanese stocks led Asian equities higher, climbing to their highest since May with investors betting the improving U.S. recovery may be reflected in jobs data later in the week. European stocks rose on reflections of improved sentiment on the prospects for the global economy. US indices ended mixed and flat as financials rose and commodities fell.
On Wednesday, Asian markets fell after commodities sold off on profit taking. European shares fell hit by a retreat in commodity shares ahead of the release of U.S. private sector employment expected to highlight the pace of recovery in the jobs market. US markets rose as private companies added 297,000 jobs last month. That was far above the 100,000 economists expected.
On Thursday, the Nikkei rallied as investors snapped up shares of Japanese exporters after the dollar hit two-week highs against the yen, but markets elsewhere in Asia were more subdued ahead of the influential U.S. non-farm payrolls report which is due on Friday. Other Asian markets closed mixed after alternating between positive and negative territory. European markets rose on growing confidence the economic recovery was on a stronger footing after U.S. employment figures pointed to a pick-up in the labour market. US eased on softer retail sales data before a U.S. employment report expected to give direction to markets. US stockmarkets were flat after unemployment claims rose slightly over the previous month.
On Friday, Asian markets were lower as traders waited for the US employment report later in the day. European and US stocks fell on disappointing US payrolls added which were below expectations although there was a significant decline in the unemployment rate from 9.7% to 9.4%.
Last week, emerging markets were flat and commodities fell on profit taking. US indices rose on improved economic metrics like ramped-up consumer spending, improved factory orders from businesses, better consumer confidence although employment data disappointed on Friday as investors expected more jobs to be created. This week, companies start reporting and these results will largely move the markets in the weeks to come.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Weekly Market Summary
by Raymond Chatlani
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets fell as investors' nerves were rattled by possible escalating tensions in North Korea as South Korea launched live firing drills in a disputed area this morning despite threats of war from Pyongyang after an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting failed to agree on how to defuse the crisis. European markets rose on optimism for the economy. US stocks closed mixed and flat as the dollar strenghtened.
On Tuesday, Asian markets rose broadly as investors picked up end-of-year bargains and as North Korea backed off threats to strike back at South Korean military drills on a frontline island and reportedly offered concessions on its nuclear program. European stocks rallied as tensions on the Korean Peninsula eased and China took concrete action to help Europe limit its sovereign-debt crisis. US stockmarkets rose on merger activity.
On Wednesday, Asian markets were modestly up except for Japan, China and Indonesia on speculation that the US economic recovery is gathering pace. European indices rose modestly on optimism for the economy and as China's decision not to raise interest rates boosted miners. US stockmarkets rose modestly as sales of previously owned homes edged up in November, the third increase in four months after a dismal summer for home-buying.
This morning, Asian stocks mostly fell on thin trade. European stocks are mixed on US economic data. Although US new home sales rose 5.5% in November and consumer sentiment is at its highest level since June, US markets are falling with the DOW flat. This is probably becuase of a bigger than expected drop in durable orders.
A good week for commodities and global markets. This is because there is confidence that the US economy is recovering, though volumes have been low this week due to the Xmas holidays.
On Monday, Asian stockmarkets fell as investors' nerves were rattled by possible escalating tensions in North Korea as South Korea launched live firing drills in a disputed area this morning despite threats of war from Pyongyang after an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting failed to agree on how to defuse the crisis. European markets rose on optimism for the economy. US stocks closed mixed and flat as the dollar strenghtened.
On Tuesday, Asian markets rose broadly as investors picked up end-of-year bargains and as North Korea backed off threats to strike back at South Korean military drills on a frontline island and reportedly offered concessions on its nuclear program. European stocks rallied as tensions on the Korean Peninsula eased and China took concrete action to help Europe limit its sovereign-debt crisis. US stockmarkets rose on merger activity.
On Wednesday, Asian markets were modestly up except for Japan, China and Indonesia on speculation that the US economic recovery is gathering pace. European indices rose modestly on optimism for the economy and as China's decision not to raise interest rates boosted miners. US stockmarkets rose modestly as sales of previously owned homes edged up in November, the third increase in four months after a dismal summer for home-buying.
This morning, Asian stocks mostly fell on thin trade. European stocks are mixed on US economic data. Although US new home sales rose 5.5% in November and consumer sentiment is at its highest level since June, US markets are falling with the DOW flat. This is probably becuase of a bigger than expected drop in durable orders.
A good week for commodities and global markets. This is because there is confidence that the US economy is recovering, though volumes have been low this week due to the Xmas holidays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
