Mixed signals with respect to progress in US-China trade talks saw global equities and bond yields ease back last week. Otherwise there was relatively little to focus on, apart from the fact the Markit US service and manufacturing indices were a bit better …

Global markets are currently enjoying a “no news is good news period” – ever hopeful that a US-China trade deal will get done, and no news to the contrary is encouraging as it suggests both parties are still at least talking. What we don’t want is …

Global equities continued to rally last week, buoyed by ongoing hopes that the US and China will eventually conclude a trade deal – despite some uncertainty over whether existing tariffs will be rolled back or not.  Despite his bluster that “China wants a trade deal …

It was yet another positive week for global stocks, with the S&P 500 reaching new record highs. Ongoing optimism with regard to US-China trade talks, a good US earnings reporting season, and signs of stabilisation in global manufacturing were all contributing factors. Even …

Global stocks rose for the third week in a row, reflecting another (so far) better than feared US earnings season, tentative signs of stabilisation in global manufacturing and “no news is good news” progress in US-China trade talks. As regards the Q3 US earnings reporting season, …

Global equities ground higher again last week reflecting ongoing hopes with regard to US-China trade discussions, encouraging US earnings reports, and a new UK-EU Brexit deal. The S&P 500 is only 1.3% away from a new record high! Both the US and China are now focused …

Hopes and fears regarding a possible US-China trade deal pervaded global markets for much of last week and the tentative agreement struck on Friday was greeted with restrained relief. The S&P 500 bounced 1% on Friday to be up 0.6% over the week. …

Last week provided further tangible signs that the trade-induced slowdown in the global economy was finally filtering through to the United States, which seemingly should make US President Trump more prepared to strike a deal with China sometime soon. Adding to the trade angst last …

It was another modest risk-off week for global equities with the US S&P 500 again failing to push through the previous record high of 3,027 set in late July. Weaker European manufacturing data, the threat of a Trump impeachment and lingering uncertainty over US-China …

Ongoing trade concerns and a less dovish than hoped Federal Reserve saw global stocks edge lower last week. Reflecting risk-off sentiment, bond yields also dropped back while the $US and gold lifted. On the trade front, China’s decision to cancel a planned trip to US farms …