Markets Update: Steady as she goes

With the global index and commodities such as gold, silver and oil losing ground, Ian Slattery examines the markets to see where gains can be made.

It was a choppy trading week for equities, as the market struggled to gain momentum in either direction. At the June Federal Reserve meeting interest rates were increased by 25 basis points, boosting the target range to 1%-1.25%. This move had been well flagged by Fed Chair Yellen and her colleagues, and thus invoked very little market reaction.

Ian Slattery

Data emanating from the US somewhat disappointed last week, as softer than expected inflation data led to a fall in Treasury yields (yields move inversely to price). Housing and retails sales figures also came in slightly weaker than forecast.

In Europe, French President Macron led his En Marche party to a decisive parliamentary victory.

En Marche and its centrist ally Modem secured 350 of 577 seats, which reinforces Macron’s position post the Presidential election. However, opponents will point to the record low turnout as a sign that issues remain for the French electorate.

The global index lost some ground last week, down by 0.1%. Gold and silver both slipped further this week, down by 1% and 3% respectively.

Oil continued to lose ground on the back of higher US stockpiles and increased Libyan production.

The price of the US 10-year bond rose as yields fell to 2.15% from 2.20% a week ago.

Oil continued to lose ground on the back of higher US stockpiles and increased Libyan production

The equivalent German yield rose slightly to 0.28% from 0.26%. The EUR/USD rate was broadly steady at $1.12, whilst EUR/GBP closed at 0.88.