Latest News

Tepid start to week for world stocks, but gold, bitcoin shine

Global stocks started the week on a lukewarm note on Monday, after strong gains recently, while increasing bets on Donald Trump winning the looming U.S. Governmental election assisted send bitcoin and gold to new peaks.

Heightened unpredictability over conflict in the Middle East added to the appeal of gold, which hit brand-new record highs around of $2,733 an ounce.

Europe's benchmark STOXX 600 was mainly flat ahead of results later in the day from German heavyweight SAP , which might set the tone for a busy earnings week on both sides of the Atlantic.

Profits will be really crucial in giving direction to stocks - whether present U.S. appraisals can be warranted, said Chris Scicluna, head of financial research study at Daiwa Capital Markets in London.

Wall Street futures pointed to a blended open after the S&P 500 notched a record closing high and rounded up its sixth straight week of gains on Friday.

Meanwhile, optimism over Beijing's multitude of stimulus procedures first announced late in September has turned into caution in recent days as investors look to further information of more fiscal assistance from policymakers.

Although China cut its benchmark lending rates on Monday, the move was anticipated. China's blue-chip index rose just 0.2% as investors awaited even more information on Chinese stimulus.

We may have to wait till late October or early November for concrete plans from the Standing Committee meeting of the National Individuals's Congress, said Chaoping Zhu, worldwide market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Shanghai.

U.S. ELECTION ENJOY

With two weeks to precede the Nov. 5 U.S. election, bets showing a Donald Trump triumph are on the increase.

The Republican prospect's tariff, tax and immigration policies are seen as inflationary, negative for bonds and positive for the dollar. Trump is anticipated to take a more beneficial position towards cryptocurrencies.

( It) appears now that Trump's ahead in the key battleground states, which recommends he's rather well put to regain the White House and I think the marketplaces began to factor that in last week with the stronger equities, greater yields, U.S. dollar undoubtedly doing very, extremely well and bitcoin on track for a 10%. gain over the past week, stated Tony Sycamore, a market expert. at IG.

Bitcoin struck its greatest since late July at $69,487. before pulling away a little. The world's biggest cryptocurrency. gotten 9.6% last week, and is up more than 8% for the month.

The dollar index, which determines the greenback's worth. against a basket of peers, was last up 0.16% at 103.61 - not far. more than two-month highs hit last week.

Sterling and the euro were down about 0.2% each versus the. dollar, while the U.S. currency traded 0.25% firmer at 149.91. yen.

In bond markets, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. increased 3.4 basis points to 4.10%, while the two-year. yield increased 2.5 bps to 3.98%.

Oil costs edged higher following a more than 7% drop last. week on stress over need in China and an easing of concerns. about prospective supply interruptions in the Middle East.

Brent crude futures were up 1% at $73.76 a barrel,. while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up. 1.17% to $70.74 a barrel.

(source: Reuters)