News about the imminent Fed tapering pushed markets lower - Thursday Review, August 19

By: Miguel A. Rodriguez

11:53, 20 August 2021

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Oil fell to the lowest levels since May

The US

Wall Street ended the day in a mixed manner, with defensive and tech-heavy stocks regaining ground after two days of losses. Moreover, the rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and the prospect of a looming Federal Reserve taper threw cold water on risk appetites. USA30 fell 0.19%, while USA500 climbed 0.13%. TECH100 added 0.11%.

Crude oil fell 2.6% to $63.50 a barrel.

Gold traded at $1,783.50 per ounce after it fell 0.1%.

The Dollar Index rose 0.46% to 93.566.

 

Asia and Australia

Stocks were mostly down, after the US Federal Reserve hinted that asset tapering could begin as soon as this year.

Japan225 was down 0.66%.

HongKong45 slid 1.40%.

Down under, Australia200 fell 0.67%, despite economic data showed employment figures were better than-expected in July. The unemployment rate fell to 4.6% for the same month.

 

Europe

Stocks traded significantly lower, due to Fed’s announcement on tapering its bond-buying program this year, even though the world economy loses momentum. Germany30 slipped 1.5%, and France40 fell 2.3%. UK100 dropped 1.8%.

Brent oil traded 2.6% lower at $66.45 per barrel.

EUR/USD traded 0.2% lower at 1.1683.

 

Sources: investing.com, reuters.com

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This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided.