Last week I wrote about how bad economic data could sometimes actually be good for financial markets, sending share prices higher, even if it does depend on how optimistic investors are feeling at any given moment. Last week’s mixed US data meant investors welcomed the prospect of delay to any forthcoming US rate rise. Increased…
The UK Index ’s Miners are holding the UK flagship index back from a more meaningful test of 6900 support this morning. This is thanks to a weaker USD (expectations of further US rate rise delay), some positive Services data from China and India overnight and hopes that the G20 meeting in China serves to…
I’m always being asked by clients if share prices will rise or fall following the release of a certain piece of important macro-economic data. Many moons ago – before a run of certain financial crises – my answer would have been simple. It might not have needed explaining at all. If, for example, UK or…
Two sectors are catching the eyes of us traders this week. House Builders and Banks. The reason we’re so interested (and the reason you should be too) is that they are both sensitive to interest rates. House builders are happy in a low rate environment such as the one we’re in now, while banks are…
The UK UK Index housebuilders sector is showing surprise weakness this morning (flat to down 12%) and this may be why. Recent data on the state of the housing market suggests things aren’t half as bad as they could have been following the UK’s Brexit vote end-June. Wednesday saw UK Consumer confidence data improve, and…
It’s the UK Index Miners that are finding it hardest to get back to work after the long weekend, giving up 2-4% in a flat market. Holding back the sector are two drivers. The first is technicals after major breakdowns in the prices of key raw materials iron and copper, both barometers of global growth….