Live Chat

European stocks struggle for traction with US shut for MLK Day holiday

Risk off

Risk off tone to start the week: European stock markets were softer in early trade on Monday as the week got off to a relatively quiet, risk-averse start, with US markets set to stay shut for a holiday. Taiwan’s stock market rose a touch after the pro-independence party won the presidential election but saw its parliamentary majority reduced. Chinese equities fell as the central bank kept a key lending rate unchanged. Bitcoin fell after the spot ETF debut. Some folks are in Davos to talk AI and elections. Oil was steady after retreating from a surge on Friday as the US and UK engage Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Hardly Mad Mitch stuff though I’m afraid.

Taiwan result

Lai Ching-te won the presidential election in Taiwan, making it a third straight term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP); but the party lost its majority in the parliament. Beijing rebuked the US for congratulating the president-elect. Lai is seen by China as a resolute separatist, so relations are hardly likely to improve. No major reaction so far but it’s definitely throwing into the spotlight the fact that 2024 is going to be a mega year for elections and therefore political risk premia will feature.


WEF

The risk of artificial intelligence disrupting election outcomes topped the list of the biggest risks this year, according to a survey ahead of the WEF in Davos, which takes place this week. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 highlights the kind of worries facing investors in a critical year for elections around the world, from India and the EU to the US and UK.

YTD muted

Stock markets have done very little this year so far, but UK stocks are performing worse. The MSCI World index is flat, whilst the FTSE 100 has fallen by more than 1%. In the US the S&P 500 has risen by 0.3%, whilst the Dow and Nasdaq have fallen by about the same margin. But don’t fear, there is a LOT of cash on the side-lines. Apollo: “The record-high $6trn in money market accounts is likely a tailwind to equities, credit, and rates, and ultimately the economy, in particular hiring, housing, and inflation.”

Bitcoin struggles

Bitcoin briefly hit $49k after the SEC approved a spot ETF, but the move higher reversed sharply into the weekend, with prices sliding to below $43k as of this morning.

最新新聞

星期四, 7 十一月 2024

Indices

亞洲股市現況疲軟,市場聚焦中國股市走勢與美聯儲會議結果

星期四, 7 十一月 2024

Indices

11月7日財經:特朗普勝選美股大盤指數全綫大漲,比特幣價格再創新高

星期四, 7 十一月 2024

Indices

川普勝選引發金融市場震盪:美元匯率強勢、比特幣價格飆升、外匯市場活躍

星期三, 6 十一月 2024

Indices

11月6日財經:美國總統大選市場波動,比特幣價格創下歷史新高

Live Chat