Market Update

European stocks finished higher on Monday after fluctuating throughout the first session of the week, due to rising political tensions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stoxx Europe 600 index added 0.41% or 1.5 points to settle at 369.57. In the UK, the FTSE100 index closed higher by 0.61%, …

Homebuilder confidence in the United States increased in August, for the third consecutive month, matching its record high, data showed on Monday. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased by 6 points to 78, exceeding market expectations and matching its all-time high, which was recorded …

The US NY Empire State Manufacturing Index fell more than expected in August. It came at 3.7, declined from 17.2 in July and fell short of 15.0 expected. New orders -1.7 vs +13.9 last month, little changed. Employment jumped higher to +2.4 vs +0.4 last month. Shipments +6.7 vs +18.5 …

The Chinese state media reported on Monday, citing a statement from China’s cabinet saying that China will not resort to flood-like stimulus, adding that they will keep liquidity reasonably ample. This comes after the PBOC injected liquidity into the system, offering 700bn yuan in a medium term lending facility earlier …

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told Fox Business Network on Monday that China has been buying large amounts of US agricultural products. Other comments: “China-US trade talks continue at various levels.” “The US is eager for China to continue buying American farm products.” “Trump is looking to close loopholes to …

OPEC+ is meeting on 19 August to assess its supply deal as the world struggles to control the coronavirus spread that has a damaging effect on economies and fuel demand globally. The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) will gather on Wednesday to assess the compliance issue of the organization and …

Japan recorded its largest economic contraction in Q2 as the coronavirus pandemic crushed business and consumer spending, putting policymakers under pressure to take bolder action to prevent a deepening recession. Although the economy began to emerge from recession after easing the lockdown in late May, many analysts expect any rebound …

Germany’s central bank said on Monday that the German economy is poised for a rapid and broad recovery after an unprecedented contraction in peacetime in the spring, but a coronavirus vaccine may be necessary before a full recovery is possible, according to Reuters. “The clear and widespread recovery in macroeconomic …

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has set the yuan reference rate at 6.9362 versus Friday’s fix at 6.9405

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) injected CNY700 billion via one-year medium-term lending (MLF) facility on Monday. The Chinese central bank issued the one-year MLF at 2.95%, unchanged from the previous operation. The PBOC kept the rates unchanged for the fourth straight month. USD/CNY is under pressure, looking to extend …