Asia market morning update - what about tariffs?
The likelihood of a trade deal had clearly risen this week, though the tariffs removal question continues to hang in the air for Asia markets to ponder.
ADP employment disappointment
Wall Street saw to the continued risk-on mood aiding US indices on its run. The S&P 500 index and Dow both clocked moderate gains on Wednesday, charging ahead with news of the reported progress in trade talks and shrugging off data disappointments overnight.
Both the March ADP employment and ISM services PMI came in short of the market’s expectations. The former printed a 129K read against the consensus 170K, which represented some signs of sogginess for the labour market. Although, it appears that investors knew better than to count on this data in light of the lack of strong correlation with Friday’s NFP itself. It would be crucial, however, for Friday’s headline payroll reading to show a significant jump from February’s 20K to reassure the market that the labour market is not heading towards the direction of a contraction.
Meanwhile the ISM non-manufacturing PMI disappointed, coming in at the lowest reading since August 2017, though well in expansion territory at 56.1. All said, however, we do have the 10-year yields up at 2.52% levels, reflecting the abating growth fears within markets at present. Friday’s payrolls release will be one for the greenback and the US indices flatlining at present, requiring the next boost forward.
US-China trade negotiations
To a large extent, the movements overnight had the US-China trade progress to thank following the report of progress marked towards a trade deal. This latest news on a 2025 timeline set for China to realise trade pledges further reinforces the likelihood and may perhaps be a positive news given the long runway. Although, the boost for equity markets in the near term would still fall to a large extent on the question of tariffs removal. Talks continues through to Thursday, one to continue watching for any trickling in of news or even the announcement of a deal signing itself this week. USD/JPY (大口） seen reflecting this improvement sentiment, edging up to 111.45 levels despite greenback weakness and narrowing yield differentials. Resistance up ahead towards 111.90.
Brexit no-deal
Separately on GBP/USD, one can see the convergence continuing with prices picking up despite the chaos that continues for Brexit. Prices had been enlivened to some extent with the latest vote by parliament to rule out a no-deal Brexit once again, though the cross-party talk between PM Theresa May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn had yielded little progress so far. The latter is expected to continue just as we wait for where the breakout of the GBP/USD will be with the downside risks so far contained following the gains overnight.
Asia open
The receding growth concerns coupled with sustained trade hopes provide support for Asia markets into this Thursday session. That said, as told above, investors remain intently awaiting for any determination on tariffs removal on US-China trade. Look to any signs of cautiousness from North Asian markets particularly with China and Hong Kong expected to be away on Friday for a market holiday ahead of US-China trade talk conclusions and the US March NFP release. A light data day is expected for the Asia region.
Yesterday: S&P 500 +0.21%; DJIA +0.15%; DAX +1.70%; FTSE +0.37%
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
CFDs are a leveraged products. CFD trading may not be suitable for everyone and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.
Seize your opportunity
Deal on the world’s stock indices today.
- Trade on rising or falling markets
- Get one-point spreads on the FTSE 100
- Unrivalled 24-hour pricing
See opportunity on an index?
Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re on to something.
- Log in to your demo
- Try a risk-free trade
- See whether your hunch pays off
See opportunity on an index?
Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.
- Get spreads from one point on the FTSE 100
- Trade more 24-hour indices than any other provider
- Analyse and deal seamlessly on smart, fast charts
See opportunity on an index?
Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
