Markets update: Outlook positive for growth

Equities take Fed tightening talk in their stride to move higher, writes Ian Slattery.

Ian Slattery

The dominate event during last week was the US Federal Reserve announcement that it was to begin reducing its massive bond portfolio, amassed since the financial crisis. The move had been well telegraphed, with the Fed reluctant to surprise markets. The world’s most influential central bank also lowered its inflation forecasts somewhat, but remained broadly positive on the outlook for both unemployment and economic growth.

It was a choppy, but positive, week overall for equity investors as US President Trump announced further sanctions against North Korea, whilst striking a less than conciliatory tone with his debut speech at the UN General Assembly. The North Korean authorities’ response has led to a further escalation of tensions in the region.

Global bonds had sold off on the more hawkish commentary from a number of central banks over the past fortnight, but found some support over the last seven days on the back of heightened geopolitical concerns.

The world’s most influential central bank also lowered its inflation forecasts somewhat, but remained broadly positive on the outlook

The global index moved higher last week, returning a positive 0.3%. Gold and copper both faltered, returning -1.7% and -0.2%, respectively.

Oil continued its recent upward trend, returning 1.5% whilst closing above $50 per barrel. The influential US 10-year bond yield moved to 2.25% from 2.20%, on the more hawkish sentiment from the Fed. The German equivalent stood at 0.45% from 0.43% a week ago.