Copper has cut earlier rally as concerns about the global growth boosted worries about demand for metals. On Wednesday, three-month copper dropped 0.2% to $7,401.25 per tonne. But declines were capped by belief in additional stimulus actions from China as a think-tank official said the country must find pro-growth policies during next quarter or it may miss its annual expansion
Some Bank of England policymakers wanted to step up the central bank's monetary stimulus programme in August, minutes for the August 1-2 show. All of nine members of the MPC agreed to sustain the BoE's asset purchase objective at the 375 billion Pound, but some believed there was a room for more. They demanded more time to estimate the impact
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the U.K. fell in July and jobless rate declined, the U.K. Office for National statistics reported on Wednesday. The claimant count dropped 5,900 in July, compared to an estimated rise of 6,000. The unemployment rate slid to 8.0% from 8.1%. Following the data, the Pound rose 0.12% to 1.5695 versus the
The non-performing loans of China's banks held unchanged in the second quarter, the China Regulatory Commission said on Wednesday. The average bad loan ratio was at 0.9%, stable from the first quarter. Meanwhile capital adequacy ratio came in at 12.9%, up from 12.7% in the preceding quarter.
Australia's consumer confidence weakened in August despite government pay-outs and interest rate pares, as reported on Wednesday. The Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Confidence fell 2.5% to 96.6 this month. The index was below the 100-mark line, displaying pessimistic views on the economy, for the sixth consecutive month.
U.S. Treasuries cut a two-day fall before a report on Wednesday expected to post U.S. inflation is stable. 10-year yields dropped 1.5 basis points to 1.72% on Wednesday, after reaching 1.74% yesterday. 1.625% note due in August 2022 gained 1/8 to 99 3/32. Consumer prices increased 0.2% on month in July, the survey reported.
German Bund yields increased as European Economic and Monetary Affairs Comissioner Olli Rehn reported Spain is intently considering applying for a full sovereign bailout. The German 2-year bond yield was negative for the 29th straight day, at -0.30% on Wednesday. The 10-year bond yield climbed to 1.50%, the highest level since July 4. The 1.75% bond due July 2022 dropped
Japan's stocks declined, lead by the Topix Index dropping for the first time in three days, as Eurozone economy posted contraction in the second quarter. Losses were partially offset after U.S. retail sales climbed more than expected. On Wednesday, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average slipped 0.1% to 8,925.04. The Topix fell 0.3% to 747.32.
Hong Kong stocks dropped, lead by the benchmark index falling from a 3-month high, amid worries China's worsening economic slowdown may decrease corporate earnings. The Hang Seng Index declined 1.1% to 20,065.34, with 22 shares dropping for each that gained. The Hang Seng Enterprise Index tumbled 1.2% to 9,798.46.
Crude declined in New York as a report showed inventories in the U.S., the world's major oil consumer, surged for the first time in three weeks. On Wednesday, futures fell 0.5%, cutting 0.8% climb yesterday, as the American Petrolium reported stockpiles rose 2.78 million barrels to 367.1 million last week. September-delivery oil dropped to $92.97 per barrel.
Australia's and New Zealand's Dollars held lower on expectation U.S. data will constrain the Federal Reserve in expanding monetary stimulus. On Wednesday, The Aussie fell 0.1% to $1.0478, after reaching $1.0465, the weakest since Aug. 3. Australia's Dollar dropped 0.1% to 82.55 Yen. The Kiwi was stable at 80.52 U.S. cents, after a 0.5% decline yesterday.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Dollar held advance against most major counterparts before data today expected to add signs of economic rebound in the U.S., constraining opportunities for additional monetary easing from the Federal Reserve. The Greenback surged 0.1% to 78.79 Yen, after climbing to 78.93 yesterday, the highest since July 18.
Canada's currency was at an almost 3-month high as crude oil advanced and a report posted U.S. retail sales increased, fueling optimism demand for exports to the U.S. will rise. On Wednesday, Canada's Dollar gained 0.1% to 99.23 cents per U.S. Dollar, after touching 99.07 yesterday. The Loonie buys $1.0076.
Gold futures tumbled on Tuesday, as U.S. fundamentals improved, with a 0.8 per cent jump in retail sales and wholesale prices adding 0.3 per cent in July. The bullion for December settlement fell 0.7 per cent, to $1,602 during today's New York trading session. At the same time, silver for September delivery followed gold and declined by 0.2 per cent, to $27.70 per ounce. On
Crude oil futures rose on Tuesday, as investor optimism grew amid improved economic data from the U.S. and Europe. Oil with September contract jumped by 0.9%, to $93.52 per barrel, after losing 0.2% on Monday. At the same time, September natural gas and heating oil for the same month advanced as well, by 1.47% and 0.2% respectively. Among other energy-related products, September gasoline resisted the trend
The U.S. dollar advanced against its major peers, as world's biggest economy's fundamentals improved, reducing possibility that the Fed may soon announce another quantitative easing. The greenback strengthened versus the Euro by 0.09% to $1.2323. At the same time, the ICE Dollar Index rose by 0.14% to 82.55.
The shared currency advanced after four days of losses, as investors made bullish bets for ECB's bold actions to lower Italian and Spanish borrowing costs. The Euro jumped 0.4% to $1.2340, with a session high $1.2359 and was higher versus the Japanese yen, adding 0.5 per cent to 96.64 per yen. On the contrary, the ICE dollar Index erased 0.22% to 82.38.
German stocks jumped on Monday on inspiring German GDP data. German GDP expanded by 0.3% in Q2 compared to a 0.2% growth widely expected. However, an unexpected decline in German investor sentiment index capped the upswing. The German DAX Index gained 0.81% to trade at 6,965.53 at GMT 12:00. Eight out of nine industries included in the index posted gains.
UK halted two-day decline on Tuesday after positive data from Germany. German GDP expanded more than expected in the second quarter. Moreover, speculation that some of the BoJ policymakers are ready to provide additional monetary stimulus for Japanese economy improved market sentiment. FTSE 100 Index added 0.39% to trade at 5,856.15 at GMT 12:00. Eight out of ten industries included
The Hang Seng Index rallied 1.05% on Tuesday as recent dismal data releases spurred speculation that the PBOC will ease its prudent monetary policy. Adding to gains of China's stock index, Germany reported that its economy grew faster than expected in Q2. All nine sectors included in Hang Seng Index soared. The largest gainers were telecommunications and basic materials. Among
Farm commodities plunged on Monday as beneficial weather in India and Brazil is likely to result in improved crop yields. Moreover, recent USDA report continued to create heavy pressure on grain commodities. Wheat was the worst-performer after Canada announced that it expects wheat crops to increase by 5.7% from the initial estimate in a year starting Aug. 1. Corn dropped the most
Japanese equities erased some of the previous losses on Tuesday amid hopes that the BoJ will announce additional stimulus measures to boost faltering economy. Market sentiment was improved by hopes that the ECB and Fed will ease theitr monetary policies further. Moreover, investors started to buy equities that were oversold during dismal earnings season, thus sending Japanese stocks higher. Nikkei
Energy commodities apart from Brent oil declined on Monday despite weaker US Dollar and hopes for easing in the Eurozone, China and US. However, increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East restricted the downswing of the commodity group. Crude oil started Monday's session on a positive note amid potential supply disruptions from Strait of Hormuz. However, crude oil futures halted the
Dow Jones Industrial Average Index slumped 0.29% on Monday on high risk-aversion among investors. Disappointing Japan's data as well as pessimistic news from China weighted down on US equities. However, speculation that Eurozone and China will loosen their monetary policies continued to restrict the downswing. All industries included in the index declined. The top-losers were basic materials and health care