FTSE edges higher as U.S.-China trade talks enter critical phase

The FTSE index has started the week in positive territory. In the North American trade, the FTSE is trading at 7,452, up 0.32% on the day. On the release front, the U.K. releases GfK Consumer Confidence, which has been mired in negative territory. The indicator is projected to tick upwards to -12 points.

Is a U.S-China trade deal around the corner? Negotiations will continue on April 30, in Beijing, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin waxed positive on Sunday, saying that the talks were in their “final laps”. However, Mnuchin cautioned that the talks could still end without an agreement. The nasty trade war between the two largest economies in the world has rocked the global economy and curbed growth. If the sides continue to make progress, there could be a summit between President Trump and President Xi of China. A new trade agreement between the U.S. and China would likely see investor risk appetite soar and boost equity markets.

The FTSE continues to gain ground, despite the chaos surrounding Brexit and weak construction and services PMIs. The blue-chip index soared 8.0% in the first quarter and hasn’t missed a beat in April, gaining 2.1%. Despite the turmoil surrounding Brexit and the lingering uncertainty over Britain’s imminent departure from the EU, investor confidence remains high. The British economy has generally performed well, although there are constant concerns that a no-deal Brexit could send the British economy reeling.

Dodging the information avalanche

A massive week for currencies, stocks and bonds

Economic Calendar

Monday (April 29)

  • 19:01 GfK Consumer Confidence. Estimate -12

*All release times are DST

*Key events are in bold

FTSE, Monday, April 29 at 10:45 DST

Previous Close: 7,428 Open: 7,438 High: 7,456 Low: 7,405 Close: 7,452

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Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher

Market Analyst at OANDA
A highly experienced financial market analyst with a focus on fundamental analysis, Kenneth Fisher’s daily commentary covers a broad range of markets including forex, equities and commodities. His work has been published in several major online financial publications including Investing.com, Seeking Alpha and FXStreet. Based in Israel, Kenny has been a MarketPulse contributor since 2012.