US and European Equity Futures Rose

Overnight Asia

US and European equity futures rose with Asian stocks Tuesday despite escalating geopolitical risks, with Japan leading gains as the world’s third-largest economy reopened. Treasuries dipped in early European trading after the three-day US weekend, while the Dollar retreated. Futures on the S&P 500 were up on Friday’s close, suggesting a positive open on Wall Street. Shares rose more than 2.00% in Tokyo, Sydney and Hong Kong, which showed signs of stabilising after weekend unrest. Seoul and Shanghai saw more modest gains. Crude oil advanced past $34 a barrel in New York.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing remain in focus with China condemning the US for adding 33 Chinese entities to a trade blacklist, but without announcing any retaliatory steps. Meanwhile, China sought to reassure Hong Kong that its judiciary would remain independent under a new national security law. Cutting against the tensions are mounting signs that Coronavirus infection rates are moderating. The Japanese government ended its nationwide state of emergency Monday, while a rise in a gauge of German business expectations provided another glimmer of hope for equity bulls.

Here are some key events coming up:

· Earnings continue with companies including Nissan Motor, British Land, Royal Bank of Canada and HP Inc.

· Singapore’s parliament on Tuesday is expected to announce another stimulus package

· Thursday brings the US jobless claims reading for the week ended May 23

· Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell participates in a virtual discussion on Friday

These are the main moves in markets:

Stocks:

· Japan’s Topix Index rose 2.20% at the 3 pm close in Tokyo

· Futures on the S&P 500 were up 1.90% from Friday

· Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 2.50%

· Kospi Index rose 1.60%

· Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 2.10%

· Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.80%

· Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 1.20%

Currencies:

· The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.30%

· The Yen dipped 0.10% to 107.84 per Dollar

· The offshore Yuan was little changed at 7.1407 per Dollar

· The Euro rose 0.30% to $1.0928

Bonds:

· US 10-year Treasury yields rose two basis points to 0.68%

· Australia’s 10-year bond yields rose two basis points to 0.88%

Commodities:

· West Texas Intermediate crude added 3.70% to $34.50 a barrel

· Gold was little changed at $1,733.26 an ounce

 

 

Source: Sanlam Private Wealth

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