Market Update

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) showed a mixed performance on Friday as data showed a decline in new jobs created by the U.S. economy, amid an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across many states. Meanwhile, the market anticipates a second stimulus package that is being negotiated in …

Oil prices fell on Friday, reducing its weekly gains, amid an increased uncertainty about economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent recovery of the demand for crude oil. Brent crude futures settled lower by 69 cents or 1.5% at $44.40 per barrel, adding 2.5% for the week. Meanwhile, …

Gold prices declined on Friday after rising for five consecutive sessions, as the U.S. Dollar (USD) showed strong recovery signs with a strong performance against major currencies. The yellow metal futures for December delivery declined by $41.40 or about 2% and closed at $2,028 per ounce, narrowing its weekly gains …

U.S. oil and natural gas rigs declined this week to a record low for the 14th consecutive week, Reuters reported. The rig count fell by four rigs to an all-time low of 247 rigs for the week ending on August 7, according to data by Baker Hughes. The number of …

European stocks closed higher on Friday, supported by recently released positive economic data and financial results. The STOXX Europe 600 index settled higher by 0.7%, up by 2% for the week. Meanwhile, DAX gained 0.66%, while FTSE100 and CAC40 added 0.09% each.

The United Kingdom (UK) is near to reaching a trade agreement with Japan, as the two countries have reportedly reached substantial progress in negotiations for a bilateral post-Brexit trade deal. A preliminary agreement could be signed by the end of August, Reuters reported. “We agreed to accelerate talks with an …

The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) could soon reach an agreement regarding their bilateral trade ties after the Brexit, according to the British Minister of Finance, Rishi Sunak, Reuters reported. A deal could be reached as early as September, according to Sunak. “We remain confident that it …

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is not expecting the gross domestic product (GDP) to contract by more than 4% in 2020, before recovering by 6%. “We estimate that activity contracted severely in the June quarter of this year, but began to recover late in the quarter.” The central bank’s …

The Canadian seasonally adjusted Ivey Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose in July to 68.5 from 58.2 in June, exceeding market expectations, Reuters reported. Data provides another signal for economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes two months after the index registered a record low of 22.8 …

The unemployment rate in Canada fell to 10.9% in July, from 12.3%, as shown by official data on Friday. Market analysts were expecting an 11% unemployment rate, according to a recent Bloomberg survey. However, with the number of new jobs exceeding forecasts, unemployment declined more than expected.