Financial News

Markets Update: Poll position

By Business & Finance
09 May 2017
monday markets trading floor

The global index finished the week up 0.1%, with Ireland performing strongly at 4.2% and following a landslide victory for Macron in the French presidential election, the equity markets reacted as expected.

Emmanuel Macron won a landslide victory yesterday, taking 65% of the vote in the French presidential election, a larger margin than had been predicted in the polls.

The initial reaction in equity markets appears to be muted, with the result broadly as expected.

ian slattery headshot

Ian Slattery

Markets were subdued in the run up to the election although there were a number of positive narratives last week. The Obamacare replacement bill was passed, which bodes well for the likelihood of the Trump administration passing further market-friendly legislation.

US jobs data was also positive, with another 211,000 people added to the nation’s payroll in April.

Economic data emanating from Europe struck an optimistic tone, with PMIs hitting a six year high, inflation data moving higher (albeit still below the 2% target), and GDP figures coming in at roughly the same as the US.

The US reporting season is drawing to a conclusion, with over 78% of the S&P having reported results since April 3rd. More than 72% of companies have beaten estimates, with tech and industrials amongst the best sectors.

index global

The global index finished the week up 0.1%, with Ireland performing strongly at 4.2%.

Gold slipped by 3.7% as a more ‘risk-on’ sentiment prevailed in the market.

The Obamacare replacement bill was passed, which bodes well for the likelihood of the Trump administration passing further market-friendly legislation

Oil was down also, as confidence in OPEC production cut plan continues to fade. US 10-year yields moved to 2.35% from 2.28% a week ago.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Thursday May 11th
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee meets in London, where no change in policy is expected. Markets however will closely monitor any comments in relation to recent Sterling strength.

Friday May 12th
US inflation data is released where the April CPI figure is forecast to be 0.2% (month-on-month), from a previous reading of -0.3%.

Friday May 12th
German GDP for Q117 goes to print where a figure of 0.7% (quarter-on-quarter) and 1.7% (year-on-year) is forecast, up from 0.4% and 1.2% respectively from the last reading.

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