All eyes are on the Fed's decision expected later today (Wednesday). We've seen some downward pressure, especially on some of the telecom names, particularly France Telecom, and in also on some German stocks. But the main driver has been what happens with the Fed decision today, |
Earnings data is very strong. The numbers that are coming out are very much in line or above expectations. |
I think the focus in the U.S. is on economic data coming out -- things like U.S. import prices. You find a weak dollar will translate into higher import prices, ... In corporate news, Cisco's numbers could have a positive impact, it was helping some of the European tech stocks early ... but European bourses have pulled back a bit. |
I think the focus in the U.S. is on economic data coming out -- things like U.S. import prices. You find a weak dollar will translate into higher import prices. In corporate news, Cisco's numbers could have a positive impact, it was helping some of the European tech stocks early ... but European bourses have pulled back a bit. |
If there are no interest rate cuts before the end of the year, the concern will be that we are going down the deflation road, since economic data is unlikely to turn up of its own accord, |
In that environment, markets could retest lows, but if we get the policy response then we'll get more of a rally. |
Investors are getting concerned that we won't see a swift recovery in the U.S. economy, |
Iraq is still impinging on the market making any move firmer. My concern is that it is going to become more of an issue as we enter next year. |
It looks like the worse the outlook for corporate profits the better it's becoming for investors who are beginning to sense that perhaps the central bank will not raise interest rates again. |
It seems like the U.S. markets are likely to see a sloppy start after Friday's sessions, |
Markets in Europe moved down after a turnaround in the U.S. markets. The good news was that the Bank of England cut interest rates at the same time other European bourses and the Bank of Japan joined in, |
Markets in Europe moved down after a turnaround in the U.S. markets. The good news was that the Bank of England cut interest rates at the same time other European bourses and the Bank of Japan joined in. |
One reason the futures may be up is because the latest economic data have been a bit softer than expected and that better for the direction of interest rates. |
Retail results will also be closely watched. One other factor we're watching related to oil is the effect the high prices could have on consumer spending. |
The European markets rebounded from earlier today, but a lot of uncertainty remains in the markets. First there's the political backdrop. Secondly, with regard to the U.S. data on Friday, we had U.S. labor figures which weren't too encouraging. But markets across Europe have made considerable headway since Sept. 11. There's a degree of profit-taking going on. |