Skip to content

CFDs are leveraged products. CFD trading may not be suitable for everyone and can result in losses that exceed your deposits, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved. CFDs are leveraged products. CFD trading may not be suitable for everyone and can result in losses that exceed your deposits, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

Asia morning update: Light day ahead for markets

Amid a moderate-risk environment, we continue to find prices adrift in US stock markets while data sustained an influence upon the currency market.

Japanese Trader
Source: Bloomberg

A light data day lies ahead for Asian markets, which will likely find the chatter focused ahead on MSCI’s annual review decision for A-shares inclusion.

Friday’s US markets continued in a sanguine mood, clocking near-neutral returns. Beneath the calm surface, consumer staples stocks were seen with a sharp decline after online retailer Amazon.com Inc.’s offer to buy Whole Foods Market Inc. evoked a tremor in the sector. The synergies expected from the two could raise the level of competition within the grocer space, weighing on the likes on Target and Wal-Mart.

Counteracting the dip had been a surprise lift in energy stock prices as crude oil halted the slide and printed mild gains. The energy sector edged up 1.72% in the S&P 500 index, the largest 1-day percentage gain since 9 June. That said, cautiousness prevails as oil rig counts continue on the rise, and as a turn for the CFTC commitment of traders report revealed a reversal in bullish bets by large speculators. It may take nothing less than a commitment by OPEC to further slash output for significant upsides to be seen.

Asian markets

Trailing in the glow of buoyant US markets, Asian bourses are expected to find moderate gains to start the week. Early movers in South Korea and Japan have found upsides when last checked at 8.45 am (Singapore time). Specifically, the Nikkei 225 was up 0.5% after USD/JPY broke through $110.0 level post the trade data release.

May’s trade balance had unexpectedly slipped into deficit following the stronger-than-expected imports, but exports continue to reinforce the growth story for Japan’s economy. With the lack of data leads, Asian markets are expected to look ahead to Tuesday’s MSCI annual review for the decision on China’s selected A-shares inclusion.

On the currency front, we have seen Asian currencies generally having the upper hand when compared to the US dollar on a year-to-date basis. The exception being the USD-pegged HKD and the politically driven PHP. There has been significant debate on whether the Fed had been too overtly hawkish in their recent rhetoric and whether there might be a return of US dollar strength. As things stand, the strengthening and stabilising of Asian currencies has certainly, in part, helped regional markets with gains. This week, the key influence for USD movements could really be with the Fed speakers lined up as the market track to see if there has been a shift in views by individual members.

Watch list

A light data day lies ahead with China’s property prices, and Hong Kong’s composite interest rates remaining. No major data expected during Europe and US sessions with key focus on the commencement of Brexit negotiations.

Friday: S&P 500 +0.03%; DJIA +0.11%; DAX +0.48%; FTSE +0.60%

IGA, may distribute information/research produced by its respective foreign marketing partners within the IG Group of companies pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the research is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, IGA accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact IGA at 6390 5118 for matters arising from, or in connection with the information distributed.

This information/research prepared by IGA or IG Group is intended for general circulation. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to trade, including seeking advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit. 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. In addition to the disclaimer above, the information does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. Any views and opinions expressed may be changed without an update.

See important Research Disclaimer.

Find articles by writer