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Article | 06 September 2021 | Investments
the
MARKETS
Equities
US stock markets hit all-time highs again last week, led by the tech-focused Nasdaq. European markets were also slightly higher. It was a stronger week for Asian and emerging markets, with China gaining 1.7% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 rising 5.4%.
Bonds
After disappointing US jobs data, US Treasury prices finished the week lower (and yields were higher). European government bonds followed suit. Investment grade corporate bond prices were also lower in both regions, but high yield bond prices rose.
Currencies
The US dollar was weaker across the board last week. Sterling was flat against the euro but rose against the dollar and the yen, while the euro was also stronger against the dollar and the yen.
Commodities
Brent Crude oil was slightly weaker last week, finishing at $72.60 per barrel. Copper and other industrial metals finished the week higher on an improved demand outlook.
Responsible investing
US and German regulators launched an inquiry into asset manager DWS, after claims that it misrepresented its ESG analysis capabilities.
MACROECONOMIC
UPDATE
US non-farm payrolls came in far below expectations. The US economy added 235,000 jobs in August, against an expected 733,000.
China’s Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) reading for August came in at 49.2, signalling a contraction in economic activity.
on the
RADAR
Chinese import and export data will give a fresh insight into how the Chinese economy has handled the latest outbreak of the Delta variant.
The European Central Bank (ECB) will provide its latest interest rate decision.
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