Market Overview:
The global financial markets are experiencing a mix of performances on July 18, 2023. The dollar is showing slight weakness against major peers, while the offshore yuan remains steady. In Asia, stocks have had varied performances due to concerns surrounding China's economic recovery. Chinese stocks in Hong Kong fell over 1% after storm-triggered cancellations, and on the mainland, shares declined, with property developers among the hardest hit, mainly due to worries over China Evergrande Group's heavy losses. On a positive note, Japanese equities rose, supported by gains in electric vehicle supply chain firms.
In addition to this, contracts for US stocks extended losses as news of stiffer mortgage capital rules for US banks emerged. Despite optimism in the US that the Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its rate-hike cycle, yields on Treasuries fell across the curve.
China's Economic Concerns Impact Asian Markets:
China's recent economic figures have led major banks to downgrade their growth projections for the country, raising concerns in the Asian market. Notably, economists from JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup have cut their growth projections to 5%, putting Beijing's official GDP target at risk. Calls from investors for Beijing to inject real stimulus into the economy have increased, but deflation risks remain.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has also warned that China's sluggish economic recovery could have negative spill overs for the global economy, particularly impacting Asian countries that rely on strong Chinese growth to support their own economies. However, Yellen expressed optimism about the US labour market and didn't anticipate a recession in the country.
Earnings Season in Focus:
The ongoing earnings season is being closely watched, with US stocks ending higher as several companies report their quarterly results. Investors are eagerly awaiting the earnings reports from key players such as Tesla, Netflix, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs. However, earnings projections show a bigger decline than initially expected, with earnings for the quarter anticipated to drop by 8.1%.
While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have experienced recent gains, concerns about potential inflationary pressures and the impact of Federal Reserve rate hikes on the economy continue to linger.
Key Events This Week:
Several important events are scheduled for this week, including:
- July 18: US retail sales, industrial production, business inventories, and cross-border investment data will be released, providing insights into the health of the US economy and its impact on global markets.
- July 19: Eurozone and UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures will be released, providing valuable information on inflation trends in these regions. Additionally, the US housing starts data will be closely monitored for insights into the real estate market.
- July 20: China's loan prime rates announcement will be watched closely for any policy changes that could impact the world's second-largest economy. On the same day, the US will report on initial jobless claims, existing home sales, and the Conference Board leading index, offering further insights into the US economic recovery.
- July 21: Japan's CPI data will be released, giving indications of price trends in the world's third-largest economy.
Currency Market, Why is the Dollar Falling Today?
The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index has remained relatively unchanged, while the euro maintains stability at $1.1246. The Japanese yen is steady at 138.59 per dollar, and the offshore yuan remains stable at 7.1761 per dollar. The Australian dollar is also holding steady at $0.6819.
Cryptocurrencies:
In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin rose 0.6% to $30,126.48, while Ether increased 1.1% to $1,910.27. Cryptocurrencies continue to garner attention from traders and investors, and their prices are influenced by various factors, including regulatory developments and market sentiment.
Commodities:
Oil prices halted a two-day loss as concerns over China's economy were offset by Russia's plans to cut crude exports. Gold prices edged higher to $1,958.06 per ounce. Commodity prices can be affected by geopolitical events, supply-demand dynamics, and market speculation.
Stock Market:
US stocks ended higher, driven by gains in financial and technology shares. The earnings season remains a crucial factor in shaping market sentiment and volatility. Key companies are releasing their quarterly results, and their performance can impact overall market trends.
Closing Notes, Why is the Dollar Falling Today?
The financial markets are facing a complex mix of factors, from concerns over China's economic recovery and US banking regulations to the ongoing earnings season and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. Traders and investors should stay informed, conduct thorough analysis, and exercise caution while making investment decisions.
Disclaimer: The Chump Profit Morning Brief is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Forex trading involves risk, and readers should conduct their analysis before making investment decisions. Stay informed and trade responsibly. The global market landscape is constantly evolving, and it is essential to remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate changing conditions effectively.
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