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European Stocks Pull Back as Session Draws Toward a Close

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:07:48 -0500

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.

US Stocks Lower as Concerns Weigh

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:04:46 -0500

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.

Greek Debt Drama Keeps Euro Rangebound

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:39:49 -0500

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.

GFT UK Blog | GFT Global Markets UK

European Stocks Pull Back as Session Draws Toward a Close

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US Stocks Lower as Concerns Weigh

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Greek Debt Drama Keeps Euro Rangebound

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