Equities Bounce Back After Midweek Sell-Off

It’s been one of the quieter days of the week so far in terms of major news flow or economic data and yet, equities are anything but flat as we near the US open, with the events of the previous days continuing to have an impact.

Trump distraction fades as markets bounce back from midweek sell-off

Wednesday’s sell-off in equity markets got many people worried about whether the political circus in the US was finally starting to take its toll on investor appetite at the near-record levels. What we’ve seen since though would clearly suggest otherwise and instead indicate that the moves two days ago were nothing more than a combination of the usual Trump distraction combined with technical levels giving way.

CAC Steady Ahead of Eurozone Current Account, Consumer Confidence

The distraction is obviously undesirable, especially if it develops into anything more, but as it is investors appear relatively confident that it will pass, leaving the administration to focus on the policies that are largely responsible for markets being at these levels, tax reform and spending. The last few months has been something of a waiting game for investors as we await further news on taxes and fiscal stimulus, leaving the S&P and Dow bouncing around between 2,320 and 2,405, and 20,350 and 21,170, respectively. Only a break below here would suggest to me that investors are losing confidence.

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FTSE weighed down by GBP rebound following Thursday’s mini flash crash

In Europe, the FTSE’s run this morning has been a little hampered by sterling’s resurgence, which comes following a mini flash crash after the European session on Thursday. The stronger pound can weigh on the FTSE, due to its substantial foreign exposure, and that appears to be happening today. The pound is still currently looking a little overextended at these levels and last night’s moves are another reminded of its vulnerability. Should it fail to break above 1.3048 against the dollar, it may suggest the pair has topped for now.

Dollar Licks Wounds, But Next Week is a Big Test

Oil boosted by reports that OPEC considering deepening and extending cuts

Oil is trading higher once again today, supported once again by the prospect of a nine month extension to the current output deal. Reports this morning that OPEC is considering not just extending but also deepening the cuts in a bid to bring the market back into balance is likely supporting the move, with Brent and WTI now on course for their seventh winning session in eight. Of course, just because OPEC is considering this and the Russian energy minister has suggested a willingness to support an extension, it doesn’t mean it will happen, especially with regards to the deeper cuts as reported this morning.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

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Craig Erlam

Craig Erlam

Former Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA at OANDA
Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary.

His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News.

Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.