Evolution of the international financial markets and evaluation of the main events and economic indicators of the previous day session. Available in English.
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 bps to 3.75%–4.00%. Yet Chair Powell struck a hawkish tone, pushing back against market expectations of further cuts. U.S. Treasury yields rose +10bp along the curve, and the dollar strengthened, with the EUR/USD cross near 1.16. The market-implied probability of a December cut fell from 92% to 65%.
Markets had a relatively calm session ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting today, where it is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25bp. Sovereign yields were mostly flat on both sides of the Atlantic, while the EURUSD cross held steady around 1.16. Equities advanced in the US on the back of a strong earnings season and were mixed in the euro area.
Investors kicked off the week with a risk-on session driven by optimism that China and the U.S. will announce a trade deal as Trump and Xi Jinping are set to meet at a summit in South Korea. Global stocks advanced, with the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high, and the Ibex-35 surpassing its 2007 record. The dollar weakened and gold prices fell below $4,100/ounce.
Investors ended the week on an upbeat note. Euro area PMIs suggested activity expanded during October (the composite index rose from 51.2 to 52.2), leading to higher sovereign yields and gains in the main equity indices. Cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation reinforced expectations of a Fed interest rate cut and boosted stock markets. The EURUSD held close to 1.16.
Yesterday's session was dominated by the news that the Trump administration will impose harsh sanctions on two large oil companies in Russia, in an attempt to pressure Moscow into negotiations over the war in Ukraine. As a consequence, Brent prices rose +5% to $66/barrel and sovereign yields advanced globally, especially on the long side of the curve.
For the second consecutive day, markets traded without a clear direction. Government yields ended flat on both sides of the Atlantic while stocks mostly fell, with some exceptions in the euro area, amid reports that the Trump administration is considering to curb exports to China made with US software.
Without any significant drivers, markets traded without a clear direction during yesterday’s session, pausing the previous’ days strong risk-on sentiment. Treasury yields edged lower in the US ahead of the Fed’s meeting next week (expected to lower interest rates by 25bp). European government yields fell across the region, keeping peripheral risk premia constant.
Monday’s session extended the risk-on sentiment from Friday. Strong earnings results from US companies and the easing of trade tensions between China and the US boosted global stock markets, with volatility dropping.
On Friday, equity markets on both sides of the Atlantic opened with losses as investors weighed concerns about credit quality in the US after two US regional lenders disclosed loan issues. However, during the day those concerns eased, allowing the US indices to close with gains and the Europeans to partially recover.
Thursday saw another mixed session in financial markets. US Treasury yields declined after several Fed officials commented on further rate cuts, although they disagreed on the magnitude and pace of easing. Eurozone sovereign bond yields also fell, particularly Italian ones, following the Government’s submission of its Draft Budgetary Plan to the European Commission.
Wednesday saw another mixed session in financial markets. Eurozone sovereign bond yields fell, with curves flattening slightly, as August industrial production data in the eurozone surprised to the upside (though still contracted). The French spread also narrowed and sat below the Italian one, as Lecornu’s new government cemented its chances of survival.
Tueday saw a mixed session across markets. Fed Chair Powell acknowledged the resilience of the US economy but noted the labor market remains subdued, with limited hiring and firing activity, prompting a decline in short-term Treasury yields. Separately, the NFIB survey showed business confidence softened in September and many owners planned price increases.