Asian equity markets are slightly softer after Walmart results
US markets had a mixed session overnight, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones booking small gains while the Nasdaq fell. Overall, the picture was of continued range-trading, and investors positioning themselves for the earnings run this week, as well as the FOMC. In the Nasdaq’s case, it looked like some trimming of positions ahead of the big-tech earnings releases starting today. The S&P 500 edged 0.10% higher, the Nasdaq fell by 0.43%, and the Dow Jones rose by 0.28%.
The Walmart results also saw Amazon and Target stocks get a beating by association and re-energised recession nerves. That sees US futures falling in Asia. S&P 500 futures are 0.35% lower, Nasdaq futures are down by 0.25%, and Dow futures have fallen by 0.45%. That sentiment has carried over into Asian markets today, which are also having a modestly mixed day, erring towards the downside.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 has fallen by 0.20%, while South Korea’s Kospi has risen by 0.35% after strong GDP data. In China, the Shanghai Composite has edged 0.05% lower, with the CSI 300 adding 0.15% and Hong Kong gaining 0.40%.
Singapore is 0.25% higher, but Taipei has slipped 0.50% lower, and Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur have fallen by 0.40%. Manila and Bangkok have edged 0.25% higher. In Australia, markets are treading water. The All Ordinaries is down 0.10%, with the ASX 200 unchanged.
It doesn’t look like the Asia session will be one to set the world on fire today, especially with a light data calendar. The natural gas situation in Europe means that European equities will struggle to replicate yesterday’s gains. US markets will come down to the Microsoft and Alphabet results with a dash of data for seasoning. I won’t even bother to speculate what the soup will taste like.
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.
With more than 30 years of FX experience – from spot/margin trading and NDFs through to currency options and futures – Jeffrey Halley is OANDA’s senior market analyst for Asia Pacific, responsible for providing timely and relevant macro analysis covering a wide range of asset classes.
He has previously worked with leading institutions such as Saxo Capital Markets, DynexCorp Currency Portfolio Management, IG, IFX, Fimat Internationale Banque, HSBC and Barclays.
A highly sought-after analyst, Jeffrey has appeared on a wide range of global news channels including Bloomberg, BBC, Reuters, CNBC, MSN, Sky TV, Channel News Asia as well as in leading print publications including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among others.
He was born in New Zealand and holds an MBA from the Cass Business School.
