Equities
Most global stock markets flashed in the red on Monday and Asian equities extended losses on Tuesday due to coronavirus fears as full restriction measures could be reinstated in Europe. As usual, the aviation and hospitality sectors would take the bigger hit as reports talked that the UK PM would encourage Britons to return to work from home.
The Fed Chair assured on Monday that the Central bank remained committed to doing “all that it takes” to ensure that the recovery will be as strong as possible. Powell will testify before the US congress for three days where he is expected to repeat what he said in the latest Fed policy meeting of keeping on low-interest rates, tolerating higher inflation levels, and targeting better employment rates. Additionally, Powell may repeat his invitation to politicians to break the current deadlock and help the Us economy with another round of fiscal stimulus.
|
Stock Market |
Change % |
|
- 0.9% | |
|
-1.7% | |
|
+0.7% | |
|
-1.2% | |
|
-3.3% | |
|
-2.6% | |
|
-2.6% |
Currencies
The US dollar benefited from weaker risk-on sentiment due to the coronavirus developments and the delay in US fiscal stimulus. The safe-haven currency rallied on Monday to a six-week high against a basket of currencies.
The outlook of the US Dollar index remains neutral while below 94.04. On the other hand, EUR/USD would change its neutral outlook if closes below 1.1713.
GBP/USD retreated on Monday due to a stronger US dollar and lower chances of the EU-UK trade deal. A close below 1.2773 may resume bearish price action.
Commodities
The oil price slipped on Tuesday as the tropical storm in Mexico Gulf lost strength and concerns increase over fuel demand due to the persisting surge of coronavirus cases worldwide. Brent oil fell on Tuesday by 0.9% while, US Crude has lost 1.3% of its value.
The Gold price fell on Monday to a multi-week low at $1,882 due to the US dollar rally and closed below $1,921 changing the precious metal outlook to negative. XAU/USD may continue falling towards $1,859o/z.
Looking Ahead
Markets eyes will be on the Eurozone consumer confidence number for September and the US home sales for July and they expect Fed member Evan’s speech and afterwards, markets will tune in the Powell testimony before the US congress.