GFT UK Blog

The Latest News & Postings for GFT Global Markets UK

February 08, 2012
Excerpt from:  Stock & Indices

US Stocks Shaky as Investors Await News on Greece

Spread betting and contracts for differences on the US stock market

US stocks are on shaky ground today, wavering as investors watch Europe. The situation in Greece has yet to be resolved, and investors are concerned about the outcome.

In the US, though, things aren't looking so bad. Earnings news has been fairly positive, resulting in solid gains for a number of stocks. While some, like Western Union, have proved disappointing, other stocks, like Buffalo Wild Wings, have beat expectations and set new price targets.

For now, though, the news is mostly good. If investors can get over the jitters caused by the European markets, and the situation in Greece, US stock indices are in a fairly good position. 

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Topic Tags:  contracts for differences, Europe, Greece, spread betting, US stock market, US stocks

February 08, 2012
Excerpt from:  European Markets

European Stocks Pull Back as Session Draws Toward a Close

Spread bets and CFDs on European stocks

European stocks are pulling back, paring earlier gains as the session draws to a close. European stocks received a boost in earlier trading, thanks to hopes about a Greek debt deal being accomplished.

However, a Greek deal still hasn't been reached, and there are concerns that it might be delayed further. Hopes that the ECB would help in the situation are fading as concerns that the central bank will wait to see key provisions agreed to before stepping in ramp up.

The result is that the FTSE 100 is barely into positive territory. Other European indices are higher, but not as high as they were in earlier trading. Once again, all eyes are on Greece, and no one knows what will happen next. 

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Topic Tags:  CFDs, ECB, European stocks, FTSE 100, Greece, spread bets, spread betting

February 07, 2012
Excerpt from:  US Markets

US Stocks Lower as Concerns Weigh

Spread betting and contracts for differences on US stocks

US stocks are lower today as concerns weigh on investors. Even though Greek leaders have come out and said that they will take steps to prevent a default, there are worries about what that entails.

However, even as Greek leaders try to figure out what to do in terms of austerity, protestors are heading out to express displeasure. Many remain upset that job losses and pension cuts are affect public sector workers, but lawmakers have been enjoying perks.

For now, US stocks are lower in early trading. The Dow is nearly 50 points down as Bernanke prepares to deliver remarks to Congress, and as Glencore and Xstrata prepare to merge. European stocks are lower as well today, with the FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX all down.

Interestingly, though, the US dollar is lower as high beta currencies receive some support on hopes that a Greek debt deal will get down. 

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Topic Tags:  CFDs, contracts for differences, Dow, FTSE 100, Greece, spread bets, spread betting, US stocks

February 07, 2012
Excerpt from:  Spot Forex

Greek Debt Drama Keeps Euro Rangebound

Spread bets and CFDs on euro

Euro is rangebound right now in spot forex trading as everyone awaits the latest out of Greece. Greek leaders are being pressured to accept austerity measures -- or end up without the billions in bailout funds they need.

If Greece doesn't accept austerity measures, a default is likely, and that could destabilise the entire eurozone. For now, euro is slightly higher, supported as some forex traders find hope for the Greece. However, the longer Greece takes to decide on its course, the less confident the markets are.

Spread betting and contracts for differences on the spot forex market should consider that there is a lot at stake right now. Even if Greece does accept austerity measures, there is a chance, down the road, that the country will leave the eurozone. The euro is in a precarious situation, and forex traders are just waiting to see what happens next.

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Topic Tags:  CFDs, contracts for differences, euro, euro forex trading, Greece, spot forex, spread bets, spread betting

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