The Omnis Investment Club

Markets faced pressure again last week with major stock markets in the US, China and Europe falling. The main focus of the week was over inflation data released in the US and China which disappointed investors. The UK and Japan held up better, delivering the strongest performance of the week out of major stock markets.

Markets were broadly down over the last week as heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy trajectory weighed on global equities.

Japan, the US and the UK led major stock markets last week after positive noise over future interest rate policy. Japan increased interest rates for the first time since 2007. In the US and UK, central banks continued to signal to investors that interest rate cuts could soon be on the horizon.

Market returns were mixed over the last week as prices of goods and services stopped falling in China for the first time in half a year. Whilst Japan narrowly avoided a technical recession, the UK economy shows signs of a recovery from its recession experienced in the second half of 2023.

Market returns were mixed over the week with only a few major stock markets rising in value. The big stories of the week included the European Central Bank’s latest meeting where positive noises were made over a reduction in interest rates and the Spring Budget announcement in the UK.

Another decent week for equity markets with most major stock indices finishing higher. Highlights included reassuring inflation data out of the US and continued strength from Japanese equities after comments from the Bank of Japan’s governor. Stickier inflation data in Europe disappointed investors with mixed returns across stock indices in the region.

Another strong week for markets with big stories coming out of US chipmaker NVIDIA, which boosted markets globally. Increased consumer activity during China’s Lunar New Year holiday boosted investor sentiment and a return to steady growth in Japan helped Japanese stocks continue to strengthen. Meanwhile, mining and energy stocks keep the FTSE 100 subdued this week.  

US Stocks were the outlier last week as the only major stock market falling in value. Discouraging inflation data in the US challenged stock markets however signs of cooling inflation in Europe and UK buoyed stock prices. Central banks continue to try and tame investor expectations on interest rate reductions as rebounding inflation still remains a big risk in decision making.

Market returns were generally strong over the week as stocks in the US and Japan reached new highs. Gains in some markets were capped however as central banks reiterated their intentions to be careful over interest rate cuts, suggesting that they may keep interest rates higher for longer to avoid a rebound in inflation.

Market returns were mixed over the last week as labour market data in the US surprised on the upside whilst Europe narrowly avoided a recession. Chinese markets suffered their largest weekly fall in over 2 years as investor pessimism about the economic growth outlook heightens.

Market returns were generally positive over the last week with the main headline being the announcement from the People’s Bank of China to introduce additional stimulus measures to kickstart the economy. Whilst investors still focus on adjusting expectations for interest rate cuts, global markets responded positively to the news coming out of China.

Market returns were mixed over last week as investors readjusted expectations for interest rate cuts as new economic data was released. Central bankers in the US and Europe attempted to calm investors who may have been overoptimistic on the quickness of rate cuts, telling the market that central banks need more data about economic conditions before any informed decisions on future paths can be taken.

In the second week of the new year, the global stock market picture remained fragmented as investors assessed news impacting the magnitude and timing of central bank interest rate cuts. Whilst the Japanese stock market continued to grow ever higher, investors in the Western world remained fixated on what central banks do next.

In a shorter week for markets due to the holidays, stocks gave up multi-week gains as investors digested news which could delay central bank interest rate cuts. Strong labour market data in the US and higher inflation in the Eurozone pushed investors to reassess their expectations of when central banks might reduce interest rates in 2024.

A strong week for global stock markets with most major markets rising, apart from China. It was a busy week with three major central bank meetings in the US, UK and Europe. Interest rates were held at current levels again, leading investors to strengthen views that rate cuts will begin in the second half of 2024.

A mixed week for markets, with three of the five major indexes seeing positive returns. Fresh enthusiasm from investors around AI technology had a positive affect on U.S. tech stocks over the week. In addition, positive economic news coming out of the U.S. has helped the S&P500 yet again. In contrast, China’s economic woes continue, a reduction in their credit rating being the latest challenge.

An overall mixed week for markets, with three of the five major indexes seeing positive returns. Cooling inflation data has been welcomed by investors in the world’s major economies, as expectations of interest rates being cut in 2024 continue to grow. In the U.S., new unemployment data proved helpful to the central bank’s goal of a soft economic landing.

Markets returns were mixed in a quiet week of stock market trading. Economic growth continued to deteriorate and investors remain focused on the next moves from central banks in light of falling inflation and declining economic activity. US stocks lead the way in returns, building on a strong November rally.

Markets ended the week generally higher amid cooling inflation signals. Tuesday’s better-than-expected monthly inflation report sparked a stock market rally in an otherwise quiet week of trading. As a result of this lower-than-expected inflation reading, we saw a shift in the interest rate outlook – and as a result bond yields fell during the week, meaning that bonds also had a good week (as bond prices move in the opposite direction to yields).

A mixed week for markets, with four of the five major indexes seeing positive returns. Despite this, governments and central banks remain vigilant as weak economic activity persists in the world’s largest economies. The UK’s FTSE 100 was the only major index to see a decline, as the British economy stagnated in the third quarter of 2023.

A strong upswing for markets. News of major central banks pausing on interest rate rises h buoyed investors, seeing global equity and bond markets rally. Despite interest rates being held, central banks remain cautious about inflation concerns. Furthermore, concerns about slowing economic activity in the world’s major economies remains prevalent.

Another difficult week for global markets as Middle East tensions, higher interest rates for longer and mixed economic data releases keep investors on their toes. Corporate earnings from major US companies were a big focus of the week alongside much anticipated US economic growth data and the latest interest rate decision from the European Central Bank.

A difficult week for global markets – with rising geopolitical tensions spooking investors, amid fears that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may escalate further. Central banks remain wary of inflation concerns, despite the pause in interest rate rises, with rising oil prices adding further pressure to inflation in the world’s major markets.

A mixed week for global markets– who continue to keep a watchful eye on data to get any clues of what may or may not happen with interest rates moving forwards. Central banks are beginning to signal a potential pause in their hiking cycles as interest rate rises feed their way through to the economy. Striking a balance between relying on data and less tangible indicators on the health of the economy will be a major task for central banks in the weeks ahead.

A mixed for markets and investors – who continue to keep a watchful eye on data to get any clues of what may or may not happen with interest rates moving forwards. In the US, employment data paints a nuanced picture. Domestic activity in China picks up during the holidays, but consumer spending declines in Japan. The Eurozone’s economy appears to be stalling and UK prices continue to decline.

All signs point to interest rates having to remain at higher levels for longer – and higher oil prices this week worked to reaffirm this expectation and weighing on markets. However, data from the US and Europe this week is showing that inflation is slowing. Elsewhere, the Japanese government outline a stimulus plan and data suggests that the Chinese economy may have now bottomed.

Investor sentiment was dampened this week by suggestions from various central banks that interest rates may have to stay at higher levels for longer, despite the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank all opting to pause interest rates increases (for now).  

It was a mixed week for global markets, with many different factors impacting markets. The US saw indications that inflation is coming down. Japan was boosted by China’s economic data, though the impact on Chinese markets was more muted due to the downturn in its property sector. Interest rates go up once again in Europe, and in the UK, economic data points to a stronger-than-expected slowdown.

Economic signals drove markets this week – in the US a stronger economy has led investors to worry about interest rates remaining elevated for longer. Meanwhile, Japan’s economy is proving to be less resilient than anticipated and China continues to show signs of a waning recovery. Signs of economic weakness in Europe also weighed on markets.

Markets bounced back strongly this week as a weaker labour market in the US leads investors to believe we may soon be approaching peak interest rates. Support the China’s faltering economy also boosted global markets. Meanwhile, inflation continues to show signs of slowing down. In the UK, all eyes are on the property market, but the economy recovered from the pandemic much faster than previously reported.

Performance was negative for the major stock markets last week. The US experienced improved growth forecasts, whilst inflation in the UK and Eurozone eased.  Data from China continues to paint a gloomy picture for its economy and Japanese growth was better than expected.

Performance was mainly negative for the major stock markets last week. US interest rate expectations appear to be mixed, Japanese inflation appears to continually ease whilst China’s latest economic data release paints a gloomy picture. The near-term outlook for the Eurozone economy has weakened, whilst the UK economy has experienced better than expected growth.

A broad decline in markets were felt in the week, with Chinese stock markets being the exception. In the West, the US Labour market appears to be healthy and the Bank of England has raised its key interest rate to 5.25% points. The Eurozone has seen modest growth with inflation appearing to ease.

Major stock markets advanced in the week, despite the US and European Central Banks increase their interest rates. Inflation in Japan remains above target. Meanwhile, China’s government pledging further support to boost the economy. Eyes are on the UK as the Bank of England is meeting this week to discuss the next move for interest rates, with the market expecting another hike.

It was a fairly mixed week in the markets but clear signs of easing inflation in the US and UK, this helps to emphasise investors’ view that we may be approaching peak interest rates. With a fairly busy week for central bank around the world ahead of us, all eyes will be on what they have to say more than any actual interest rate hikes.

Global markets were boosted by two key things this week. On one hand, positive signs that inflation was cooling rapidly in the US boosted investor sentiment as it could mean that interest rates may soon stop rising. Across the other side of the globe, further support for the property market in China is paving the way for further economic support for China’s economy where the post-pandemic recovery is quickly losing steam.

Signs that the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, would likely continue rising interest rates impacted markets globally. In Japan, investors lock in profits from a stellar year for Japanese equities, whilst data out of Europe and China points to economic weakness. UK house prices decline as mortgage rates soar.

Stocks were broadly positive this week, with inflation in major economies appearing to slow down. The UK is an exception here, where inflation is stickier. The US economy is showing signs of strength, Japan has stuck to its guns with low interest rates and Chinese officials have pledged that measures will be introduced to boost development in the country.

Stocks closed lower last week, with sentiment in western developed markets driven mostly by inflation and interest rates. Following the Eurozone’s rate hike, the UK raised rates to levels not seen since 2008. China’s economic growth forecasts for 2023 has fallen following poor post pandemic recovery, whilst the Japanese Yen continues to weaken. US economic data is suggesting that the rate hike may be pushing the country into recession.

It was another good week for markets, with investor sentiment boosted by the US Federal Reserve’s decision to pause interest rate increases. Meanwhile, China shows signs of willingness to provide support for the economy and Japan remains with its ultra-low interest rates. Whilst interest rates are set to continue to rise in the UK and Europe, this week markets sided with the positive news coming out of other parts of the world.

US and Japan stock markets were boosted by economic optimism, whereas the Eurozone has entered a technical recession. China is continuing to struggle with sluggish post pandemic recovery. The UK property market shows decline, whilst the “Atlantic Declaration” has been agreed between the US and UK to benefit trade between the nations.

With the US Debt Ceiling being suspended, US and Asian equities rallied. Inflation remains sticky in Europe and the UK. The Japanese economy remains strong with potential for further growth, whilst manufacturing levels in China are weaker than expected.

A positive week for markets, driven by positive noise out of the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations, and signs that central banks may soon stop raising interest rates. In Japan, markets near a 33-year high, whilst in China, concerns that the economic recovery is losing steam weighed on markets. In the UK, the focus remains on inflation.

Investors continue focussed on the three key variables – Firstly, economic growth, and specifically how deep or shallow any recession we have might be. Secondly, all eyes remain on inflation, which, whilst appears to be slowing, remains elevated. Finally, investors remain vigilant on future interest rate hikes, with further hikes still expected across the world.

It was a fairly muted week for market, mainly as result of it being a quiet week for economic data. In the US, the focus turned to corporate results; in Japan, all eyes are on the central Bank. Investors in China worry about tensions with the US. In Europe, investors focussed on data suggesting a strong economy, but in the UK, inflation continues to take the limelight.  

Broadly speaking it was a reasonably positive week for markets – driven by data suggesting more resilient economies around the world. Worries about the economy recover in China remain a concern and Japanese equities in particular get a boost this week.  

Markets rallied across the world as disruption in the banking sector begins to settle as regulators intervene to protect the financial system. Inflation remains problematically high around the world. China’s economic rebound gains pace whilst in the UK, the economy proves to be more resilient than expected.

The last few weeks have been eventful, driven by turmoil in the banking sector. On Sunday 19 March, UBS agreed to purchase Credit Suisse and central banks across the world announced coordinated action to ease strains in financial markets. Markets reacted broadly positively. The US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England raise interest rates this week too.  

The evolving situation with Silicon Value Bank and Credit Suisse