GFT UK Blog | GFT Global Markets UK

European Markets Show Improvement

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:50:52 -0400

Spread bets and CFDs on European markets

European markets are heading higher today as economic data continues to show growth. Indeed, spread betting and contracts for differences on European stocks should consider the help they are getting from improved data -- a difference underscored by the sluggish U.S. economic growth reported in the Beige Book.

BusinessWeek offers a look at the support European markets are receiving right now, thanks to economic data:

“Earnings releases have been positive and underscore the health of the corporate sector,” Jeffrey Palma, a global equity strategist at UBS AG in Stamford, Connecticut wrote in a report. “Macro data have been mixed, but have surprised consistently to the upside in Europe. On balance we see a sustained growth recovery.”

European stock markets have headed higher, and the FTSE 100 is gaining as well.

U.S. Stock Futures Point to Higher Open

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:46:18 -0400

Spread betting and contracts for differences on U.S. stocks

U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open today, thanks to some improved economic data. Initial jobless claims are down (even though continuing claims are higher). Spread bets and CFDs on the U.S. stock market should consider that there might be an attempt to overcome yesterday's modest losses.

Indeed, there are some improvements in sentiment as earnings continue to roll in, beating expectations. Earlier today, it was Exxon Mobil's great profits that gave the U.S. stock market a little jolt higher in pre-open trading.

There are still concerns about the slow economic growth happening in the U.S., as shown by the Fed Beige Book, but there is also cautious optimism that things are improving.

Fed Beige Book Confirms Slow Economic Growth

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:39:47 -0400

Spread bets and CFDs on U.S. markets

The Fed Beige Book, released yesterday, confirmed most of what has been said about the economy for the last few weeks: That the U.S. economy is growing slowly. While there are signs of growth, they are small, and represent a rather moderate pace.

Yesterday also brought the news that durable goods orders are down, even though manufacturing activity has increased. Since the Beige Book is used by the Fed to make monetary policy decisions, it is likely that there will not be a change in policy for some time.

U.S. stocks, though, are higher ahead of the open, and there are some hopes that yesterday's modest losses can be overcome.

Oil Prices Lower in Commodities Trading

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:00:33 -0400

Spread bets and CFDs on oil prices

Spread betting and contracts for differences on commodities trading should consider that oil prices are lower today. Oil prices have edged lower as news continues to put pressure on commodities.

Crude oil inventories showed an increase last week, indicating that demand for oil is still sluggish. Additionally, it is not helping that durable good orders have come in, and they are disappointing. As a result the U.S. stock market is turning lower.

Gold prices are also struggling today, looking for direction as they slip into the red.

European Stocks Head Lower in Trading

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:51:30 -0400

Spread betting and contracts for differences on European markets

European stocks are heading lower today, thanks to the latest durable goods data out of the U.S. The U.S. session has opened rather flat, and spread bets and CFDs should consider that European stocks have slipped into the red.

With the report that demand for durable goods fell in June -- something that was unexpected -- European stocks fell as well. The latest data indicates that the economy continues to move at a snail's pace toward recovery, and that is causing some reluctance in investors.

The FTSE 100 is down as well, moving slightly into the red.

Durable Goods Orders Slow U.S. Stocks

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:45:19 -0400

Spread bets and CFDs on U.S. stocks

Durable goods orders data has just been released, and the disappointing news is providing some difficulty on the U.S. stock market. Spread betting and contracts for differences on the U.S. stock market should consider the sluggishness in early trading.

The news, though, isn't doing too much damage, since U.S. stocks are managing to hold near the break even point, see-sawing between early gains and early losses. Investors recognize that durable goods aren't doing well, but at the same time the earnings news has been fairly positive.

As a result, the stock market is looking for a little direction in early trading. It should be interesting to see whether bulls or bears gain control later on in the session.

GFT UK Blog | GFT Global Markets UK

European Markets Show Improvement

See Also

U.S. Stock Futures Point to Higher Open

See Also

Fed Beige Book Confirms Slow Economic Growth

See Also

Oil Prices Lower in Commodities Trading

See Also

European Stocks Head Lower in Trading

See Also

Durable Goods Orders Slow U.S. Stocks

See Also