Futures indicate a pause in US indexes retreat - 2.3.2020

Dollar weakening slowed

US stock market ended mixed on Friday amid reports of rise in new coronavirus infections. All three main US stock indexes ended in correction territory last week, defined as a decline of at least 10%, but not more than 20%, from a recent peak. The S&P 500 lost 0.8% to 2954.22, falling 11.6% for the week. Dow Jones industrial slumped 1.4% to 25409.36. The Nasdaq however ended marginally higher gaining 0.01% to 8567.37. The dollar weakening slowed as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell commented the central bank was “closely monitoring” the coronavirus epidemic. The live dollar index data show the ICE US Dollar index, a measure of the dollar’s strength against a basket of six rival currencies, fell 0.3% to 98.06 and is lower currently. Futures on stock indexes point to higher openings today.

SP500 recovering toward MA(200) 3/2/2020 Market Overview IFC Markets chart

DAX 30 led European indexes retreat

European stocks ended sharply lower on Friday in correction territory entered the previous day. EUR/USD slowed its climbing on Friday while GBP/USD accelerated its decline with both pairs higher currently. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index lost 3.8%. The DAX 30 dropped 3.9% to 11890.35 Friday. France’s CAC 40 fell 3.4% and UK’s FTSE 100 slumped 3.2% to 6580.61.

Shanghai Composite leads Asian indexes rebound

Asian stock indices are mixed today. Nikkei rose 1.0% to 20834.29 as yen resumed its slide against the dollar after the Bank of Japan issued a statement assuring that “appropriate” actions will be taken to prop Japan’s economy. China’s markets are rising despite a bigger than expected plunge in Caixin Manufacturing PMI: the Shanghai Composite Index is up 3.2% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index is 0.5% higher. Australia’s All Ordinaries Index lost 0.8% with Australian dollar’s climb against the greenback resuming.

Brent rebounds

Brent futures prices recovery resumed today. Prices fell on Friday: Brent for April settlement dropped 3.2% to $50.52 a barrel Friday, plunging 14% for the week.