LGT Navigator

Quarterly tech earnings still in focus

Before investors turn their attention to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision on Wednesday, corporate earnings will be the main driver for equity markets. The week started on a mixed note. Wall Street indices were flat at the start of the week and Asian markets fell on Tuesday. Today, the focus will be on Microsoft's quarterly results.

Data
Autore
Alessandro Fezzi, LGT Research Content & Publications
Tempo di lettura
5 minuto

Corporate earnings season
© Shutterstock

Most Asia-Pacific markets across the region are lower today. The Bank of Japan's (BoJ) monetary policy decision on Wednesday is in focus. The BoJ is expected to raise its key interest rate and reduce its purchases of Japanese government bonds. The Nikkei 225 and the broader Topix fell around 0.7% on Tuesday. South Korea's Kospi fell 0.9%, while the small-cap Kosdaq was down 0.7%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.9%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index lost 0.8%, while China's CSI 300 was lower, extending losses after closing at its lowest level in almost six months on Monday.

Fed decision and tech stocks in focus

On the New York Stock Exchange, stock indices were unable to extend the rally from the end of last week and closed little changed. The Dow Jones Industrial closed down around 0.1% at 40,539.93 and the S&P 500 was virtually unchanged. The Nasdaq technology index was up around 0.2% on Monday. This week, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft are all eagerly awaited. Among individual stocks, McDonald's shares were in the spotlight on Monday, rising 3.7%. The gloomy consumer sentiment in the US seems to be reflected in McDonald's quarterly results. For the first time in four years, the fast-food chain reported a decline in sales in the second quarter, albeit a small one, and thus failed to meet market expectations. On balance, McDonald's earned USD 2.02 billion, 12% less than in the same period last year.

However, the most important impetus will surely come from the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision on Wednesday evening. At present, however, the capital markets are not expecting any easing of interest rates until September. In the bond market, the yield on ten-year US Treasuries fell to 4.17%.

Kamala Harris still has momentum

Meanwhile, the US election campaign remains exciting. After former President Barack Obama and his wife endorsed the candidacy of Kamala Harris, the Democrats have caught up with the Republicans in recent polls. Moreover, the momentum for Harris continues, as evidenced by the continued flow of donations. The Democratic presidential candidate's campaign team has reportedly raised USD 200 million in less than a week. Two-thirds of this came from first-time donors, suggesting that Harris has broad support among the party's base.

Risk of escalation in the Middle East still ignored

The escalating conflict in the Middle East could weigh on sentiment. Following the rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the situation could escalate further. So far, however, the markets have not been rattled.

Corporate and macroeconomic calendars

Corporate news in focus: Quarterly figures from SIG Group, Airbus, Diageo, Procter & Gamble, Merck & Co, Sika, BP, Pfizer, PayPal, L’Oreal, EA, Starbucks, AMD, Microsoft.

Economic data in focus: German gross domestic product, Italian gross domestic product, euro-area consumer confidence, euro-area gross domestic product, German Consumer Price Index, US JOLTS jobs report, Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.

LGT helps you make informed investment decisions

Global economic and market trends at a glance

You can also follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn – or visit Insights and discover interesting background articles. If you have questions, a consultant from the bank will be happy to help you.

Imprint
Publisher: LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd., Glärnischstrasse 36, CH-8027 Zurich
Editor: Alessandro Fezzi
Source: LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd.

Contattateci