Weekly Market Report

Global equities ended lower last week, as resurging coronavirus cases worldwide and rising tensions between the US and China dented investor sentiment.

UK Markets ended the week in negative territory, amid renewed fears that the UK government and the European Union would fail to sign a post-Brexit trade deal.

Retail sales in the UK climbed more than market consensus in June.

UK’s preliminary Markit manufacturing PMI rose in July, hitting its highest level since March 2019.

In the UK, the preliminary Markit services PMI advanced to a five-year high level in July.

UK’s public sector net borrowing deficit narrowed less-than-expected in June.

In the UK, the CBI balance of firms reporting total order book above normal advanced less than market anticipations in July.

UK’s GfK consumer confidence index remained unchanged in July.

European Markets ended the week on a negative footing, as geopolitical tensions between the US and China heightened after Washington ordered the closure of Chinese consulate in Houston.

Eurozone’s Markit manufacturing PMI advanced in July, marking its highest level in 23-months.

In the Eurozone, the flash Markit services PMI climbed to a 25-month high level in July.

Eurozone’s current account surplus unexpectedly narrowed in May.

In the Eurozone, the preliminary consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell in July.

In Germany, the GfK consumer confidence index improved in August.

Germany’s preliminary Markit manufacturing advanced in July.

In Germany, the Markit services PMI climbed in July.

Germany’s producer price index (PPI) dropped for the fifth consecutive month in June.

European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, in her speech, indicated that the historic €750 billion ($870 billion) stimulus deal by the European Union (EU) to help weaker economies recover from the coronavirus pandemic “could have been better”. Further, she stated that she would have preferred a greater proportion of grants over loans, in line with the European Commission’s original proposal.

US Markets ended the week in red, amid US-China trade conflict and after President Donald Trump warned that the coronavirus pandemic in the US would become worse before improving.

US Chicago Fed National Activity Index improved in June.

In the US, existing home sales rebounded at a record pace in June.

The MBA mortgage applications advanced on a weekly basis in the week ended 17 July 2020.

The Kansas City Fed manufacturing activity index climbed in July.

In the US, the leading indicator rose on a monthly basis in June.

New home sales climbed in June, hitting its highest level since July 2007.

US flash Markit manufacturing PMI rose less-than-anticipated in July.

The preliminary Markit services PMI advanced less than market consensus in July.

The housing price index unexpectedly fell on a monthly basis in May.

US seasonally adjusted number of initial jobless claims unexpectedly advanced on a weekly basis in the week ended 17 July 2020.

Asian Markets ended mostly lower last week, amid escalating tensions between the US and China.

Australia’s Westpac leading indicator rose on a monthly basis in June.

In Australia, the Commonwealth Bank services PMI advanced more than market anticipations in July.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted retail sales advanced less than market forecast on a monthly basis in June.

Australia’s NAB business confidence index unexpectedly fell on a quarterly basis in 2Q20.

In Australia, the Commonwealth Bank manufacturing PMI advanced less-than-expected in July.

Japan’s national consumer price index (CPI) advanced on an annual basis in June.

In Japan, the Jibun Bank manufacturing PMI unexpectedly climbed in July.

The EUR ended firmer against the USD last week, after EU leaders agreed on a €750 billion recovery fund to revive economies affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Pound ended stronger against the greenback last week, after Britain’s retail sales climbed more than expected in June.
The US Dollar ended weaker against its major counterparts last week, after US initial jobless claims unexpectedly rose for the first time since March.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), in its latest monetary policy meeting minutes, indicated that the target for three-year yields would be maintained until progress is made towards full employment, inflation. Meanwhile, negative interest rates remained “extraordinarily unlikely”; however accommodative approach would be maintained for as long as necessary. Moreover, the minutes highlighted that global economic outlook remained uncertain and would depend upon containment of the virus.

Going ahead this week, investors will keep a tab on the US durable goods orders, the Dallas Fed manufacturing business index, the consumer confidence index, pending home sales, Fed’s interest rate decision, initial jobless claims, gross domestic product (GDP), the Michigan consumer sentiment index and the Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index for further direction. Additionally, Eurozone’s services sentiment index, the consumer confidence index, the unemployment rate, the CPI and GDP along with Germany’s Ifo indices, the unemployment rate, GDP, the CPI and retail sales for will keep investors on their toes. Also, UK’s CBI distributive trades survey, the BRC shop price index, consumer credit and the Nationwide housing prices would garner significant amount of investor attention.