📈Forex Trading, Morning Market Movers, Gold, Oil & USD
- forex368 Forex Education
- Aug 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Stocks in Asia React to China's Deflation Data
Stocks in Asia fell on Wednesday as investors processed China's consumer and producer price data. Both measures registered contractions simultaneously for the first time since 2020. Japan's shares fell, and benchmarks in mainland China and Hong Kong opened lower, offsetting gains in South Korea. Australian equities traded mostly flat.
Economic Indicators
China's inflation data revealed a 0.3% drop in consumer prices in July from a year ago, less than the forecasted 0.4% contraction. Producer prices fell by 4.4%, more than expected. The Chinese currency extended gains, and the question arose: "China is in deflation, for sure, the question is for how long," as Robin Xing, chief China economist for Morgan Stanley, pondered during an interview.
Banking and Stocks
In the financial sector, global banking and stocks faced significant events that stirred market sentiments.
U.S. Banks: Moody's Investors Service downgraded 10 small and midsize American lenders, and it may do the same with several major firms. This move ignited fresh concerns about the health of U.S. banks and the overall economy. Meanwhile, the recent "orderly" pullback in U.S. stocks reduced the risk of a chaotic selloff, calming short-term positioning worries, according to Chris Montagu, a strategist at Citigroup Inc.
European Banking Shock: The Italian government's announcement of a one-off 40% tax on profits made by banks from higher interest rates sent regional banking shares down by 3.5%. The government later clarified that the new tax would not exceed 0.1% of total assets, yet the decision created a ripple in European financial markets.
Corporate Highlights: After the closing bell, Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN signed a long-term exclusive partnership for sports betting with Penn Entertainment Inc., a regional casino operator. Shares in WeWork Inc. fell 25% in post-market trading as the company cited "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue operating.
A Mixed Landscape: The banking and stocks sector portrays a mixed landscape with potentials and pitfalls. Economic policy changes, rating actions, and corporate dynamics continue to shape the investment environment. Investors and policymakers must navigate these intricacies to maintain stability and foster growth.
U.S. Market Overview
U.S. equity futures ticked higher in Asia after shares trimmed losses on Tuesday. Treasury yields fell across the curve, extending a rally. Australian and New Zealand 10-year bond yields also fell. The dollar was steady after touching its highest level in over a month.
Oil Market Overview
Oil steadied in Asia after closing at its highest since mid-April, amid concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. West Texas Intermediate futures traded near $83 a barrel. The industry-funded American Petroleum Institute reported that U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 4.07 million barrels last week, a sign that demand might be weakening.
Additionally, oil has rallied since late June, following pledges by OPEC+ heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Russia to cut supply. Headwinds still linger, with China's economic rebound sluggish, and the Energy Information Administration lowering its forecast for U.S. consumption.
European Futures and Precious Metals
European futures were up across the board, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures rising 0.8% and FTSE futures 0.5% higher. Italy's announcement of a new tax on bank profits caused a brief stir in the sector. Meanwhile, gold prices were marginally higher at $1,927.67 per ounce.
Closing Remarks on Forex Trading
The equity declines on Wall Street waned in afternoon trading, with the S&P 500 finishing down by 0.4%. Investors continue to monitor key inflation reports and central bank remarks. The complex oil market landscape continues to be driven by geopolitical tensions, supply considerations, and global economic indicators.
Asian shares are on the defensive after China's deflationary slide, signaling a potential negative sign for the global growth outlook. The oil market is watching the situation in the Black Sea, anticipating reports from the International Energy Agency and OPEC later this week.
In these uncertain times, investors are looking ahead for policy stimulus to counter deflation risks, gauging market directions, central bank actions, and other key policy decisions. The stage is set for an intricate balance of global economic forces, and the world is keenly watching and Forex Trading.
Trading and investing carry financial risks and could lead to partial or complete loss of funds. Invest only what you can afford to lose and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have doubts about your investment choices.