U.S. stocks tumbled toward the worst levels of last month's selloff as global equities slid amid a rout in commodity and biotechnology shares.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 2.6 percent to 1,881.85 at 4 p.m. in New York, down for a fifth consecutive session to a one-month low. The Russell 2000 Index slumped 2.9 percent to an 11-month low.
"We are in a chaotic market, lots of volatility but not making much progress in either direction," said James Gaul, a portfolio manager at Boston Advisors LLC, which oversees $2.8 billion. "Earnings are going to be really important this quarter considering the macro backdrop and general global fears as well as the concerns about the Fed potentially raising interest rates as early as next month."
The S&P 500 is down 8.8 percent in the third quarter, poised for its worst fall since 2011. The benchmark is almost 12 percent below its all-time high set in May. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index has closed above 20 for the past 26 sessions, the longest streak since January 2012.
Equity markets have been turbulent in recent weeks amid confusion over the Federal Reserve's tightening policy and concern over a slowdown in Asia. Data today showed profits of Chinese industrial companies fell the most since the country's government began compiling data in 2011. Biotechnology shares tumbled on Friday, offsetting gains fueled by Fed Chair Janet Yellen's reassurances that turbulence in emerging markets won't harm U.S. growth.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William C. Dudley said today the central bank will "probably" raise interest rates later this year despite uncertainties over global growth. "I think that the economy is doing pretty well," Dudley said at an event in New York. He said he expected growth in the second half will be "a little bit weaker" than in the first half.
A report today showed household spending climbed more than forecast in August and incomes also rose as the biggest part of the U.S. economy continued to power past a global slowdown. Separate data showed contract signings to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly declined in August for just the second time this year, signaling residential real estate might have difficulty building on recent momentum.
The Nasdaq Biotech Index slid into a bear market on Friday amid its worst weekly decline in four years. The rout was sparked by a tweet last Monday from Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton suggesting there may be "price gouging" in the market for prescription drugs. The group had rallied 56 percent from an October low to an all-time high on July 20, and has since plunged 27 percent.
Stocks fell after the Fed's decision to hold off raising rates on Sept. 17 raised questions about the impact of a global growth slowdown on the U.S. Despite Yellen signaling last week that the economy is sturdy enough to handle higher raise rates in 2015, traders are pricing in a 41 percent probability of the event in December and a 48 percent chance in January.
European currencies strengthened against the US dollar on a background of mixed US data and speeches of a number of Fed officials. The US Commerce Department reported that the volume of household spending rose again in August, topping with the assessment of experts. Last Change suggests that consumers continue to support the economy, despite the turbulence in financial markets and slowing growth abroad.
According to the data, personal spending increased in August by 0.4% compared with the previous month. Recall that in June, July and expenses increased by 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the amount of personal income rose by 0.3% in August. Economists had forecast a 0.3 percent rise in spending and 0.4 percent increase in revenue.
Consumers are the backbone of the US economy. Personal expenses are more than two-thirds of gross domestic product. Recall during the winter slowed down the growth of household spending, but in spring the situation has changed for the better, which helped secure the expansion of GDP of 3.9% in the second quarter. Economists believe that in the current quarter, economic growth will slow to around 2%.
The report also showed that the price index for personal consumption expenditures - the preferred inflation gauge of the central bank - has remained unchanged from July and rose by only 0.3% per annum. The basic price index, which excludes food and energy, rose by 0.1% in monthly terms and 1.3% per annum.
The Ministry of Commerce said that in August, consumers increased spending on durable goods. In addition, it was reported that the personal savings rate fell to 4.6% in August from 4.7% in July.
In addition, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that in August, the number of pending home sales declined significantly in August, despite forecasts for a moderate increase.
According to data seasonally adjusted index of pending home sales - the gauge of expected sales - fell in August by 1.4 percent to 109.4 points. Economists had expected the index to rise 0.5 percent after a similar change in June. In annual terms, it had risen to 6.1 percent, recording the 12th consecutive monthly increase, fueled by steady job growth and low mortgage rates.
It should be emphasized, other recent data pointed to strong demand in the housing market this summer. Sales of new single-family home, which accounted for about 10% of the market, rose by 5.7% last month. Meanwhile, the pace of home sales in the secondary market have returned to their pre-crisis levels. However, despite the significant increase in sales, the establishment of new single-family homes increased by only 8.7% in August. Meanwhile, builders sentiment index rose to a high of nearly 10 years.
The momentum of the US economy is growing, but the US Federal Reserve should continue to closely monitor the risks. On Monday the Fed spokesman Daniel Tarullo.
Discussing financial regulation at a conference in Paris, Tarullo warned that the regulation should not be limited to certain standards, as the global financial crisis of 2008 are still being felt. There were too many lost jobs, and economic growth slowed down considerably.
"In the US there is a fairly strong growth momentum at the moment, although we continue to monitor the risks to which it is linked," - said Tarullo.
There are signs, the austerity measures taken by European countries, have been effective, but many other countries are in need of stimulation of aggregate demand to support the loans, he added.
President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, William Dudley said Monday that the central bank will be able to start tightening monetary policy until the end of 2015.
"I expect that we will probably raise rates later this year", and it is possible at any meeting of the Fed before the end of the year, he said. The Fed, however, will be dictated by the dynamics of the US economy and financial conditions and events abroad.
The yen rose significantly against the dollar, reaching Y120.00. On the dynamics of trade have affected the statements of the Bank of Japan Kuroda, who reiterated that the Central Bank will continue to implement accommodative policy until you reach the inflation target of 2%. "We will not hesitate to correct the policy, if it is required to achieve a target price level of the Central Bank", - said Kuroda, adding that in order to achieve the objective of 2% is necessary to further enhance the positive economic cycle in the country. According to the head of the Central Bank, consumer price inflation may reach 2% in the 1st half of fiscal 2016. Kuroda also said that time is needed to overcome the deflationary mindset of companies and households. "Japan's macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong, the economy will continue a moderate recovery. For a while exports may remain in the flat, but then resume a gradual increase in tandem with developing economies", - added the head of the Central Bank.
Stock indices closed lower on concerns over a slowdown in the global economy. China's economic data added to concerns over the situation around the Chinese economy. China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that profits of industrial companies in China declined 8.8% in August from a year earlier. It was the biggest drop October 2011.
Profits in the coal mining sector dropped 64.9%, while oil and gas profits slid 67.3%.
For the first eight months of 2015, industrial profits fell 1.9% from a year earlier.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde in an interview with Les Echos that the IMF is likely to cut its global growth forecasts due to a slowdown in emerging economies.
According to official results, the secessionist party "Junts pel Si" (Together for Yes) won 62 of 135 seats in Catalonia's parliament in an election on Sunday, while the leftist pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party won 10 seats.
Pro-independence parties have an absolute majority in the parliament.
"Catalans have voted yes to independence," the Catalan President Artur Mas said.
Indexes on the close:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 100 5,958.86 -150.15 -2.46 %
DAX 9,483.55 -204.98 -2.12 %
CAC 40 4,357.05 -123.61 -2.76 %
Polish equity market closed lower on Monday. The broad market measure, the WIG Index, fell by 1.41%. All sectors, but for constructions (+0.39%) posted negative daily returns. Materials sector (-5.48%) was the worst performer amid sliding commodity prices.
The large-cap stocks lost 1.58%, as measured by the WIG30 Index. TAURON PE (WSE: TPE) was the sole advancer among the index's components. The stock inched up 0.3%. At the same time, JSW (WSE: JSW) and KGHM (WSE: KGH) were hit the hardest, losing 6.40% and 5.85% respectively. They were followed by BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB), GRUPA AZOTY (WSE: ATT), MBANK (WSE: MBK) and ORANGE POLSKA (WSE: OPL), which slumped by 2.47%-3.23%.
Oil prices declined on concerns over the global oil oversupply and over a slowdown in the global economy. China's economic data added to concerns over the situation around the Chinese economy. China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that profits of industrial companies in China declined 8.8% in August from a year earlier. It was the biggest drop October 2011.
Profits in the coal mining sector dropped 64.9%, while oil and gas profits slid 67.3%.
For the first eight months of 2015, industrial profits fell 1.9% from a year earlier.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde in an interview with Les Echos that the IMF is likely to cut its global growth forecasts due to a slowdown in emerging economies.
The oil driller Baker Hughes reported on Friday that the number of active U.S. rigs declined by 4 rigs to 640 last week. It was the fourth consecutive decrease.
Combined oil and gas rigs fell by 4 to 838.
WTI crude oil for November delivery decreased to $44.53 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Brent crude oil for October declined to $48.44 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde in an interview with Les Echos that the IMF is likely to cut its global growth forecasts due to a slowdown in emerging economies.
"We are in a recovery process whose pace is decelerating. There is a shift between emerging countries and developed countries," she said.
Lagarde pointed out that forecasts of 3.3% growth this year and 3.8% next year are no longer realistic. She expect the global economic growth to be above the 3% threshold.
Gold price drops on the speculation on the interest rate hike by the Fed this year. Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in a speech at the University of Massachusetts on Thursday that she expects that the Fed will start raising its interest rates by the end of the year, followed by a gradual pace of interest rate hikes.
Today's U.S. economic data was mixed. The U.S. Commerce Department released personal spending and income figures on Monday. Personal spending rose 0.4% in August, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% gain, after a 0.4% increase in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.
Consumer spending makes more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. This data showed that the U.S. economy continues to strengthen despite a slowdown abroad.
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index excluding food and energy rose 0.1% in August, in line with forecasts, after a 0.1% gain in July.
On a yearly basis, the PCE price index excluding food and index increased to 1.3% in August from 1.2% in July.
The PCE index is below the Fed's 2% inflation target. The PCE index is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its pending home sales figures for the U.S. on Monday. Pending home sales in the U.S. slid 1.4% in August, missing expectations for a 0.5% gain, after a 0.5% rise in July.
October futures for gold on the COMEX today declined to 1127.50 dollars per ounce.
The Italian statistical office ISTAT released its consumer confidence index for Italy on Monday. The Italian consumer confidence index climbed to 112.7 in September from 109.3 in August. August's figure was revised up from 109.0.
The increase was driven by rises in economic expectations subindex.
The business confidence index climbed to 104.2 in September from 102.7 in August. August's figure was revised up from 102.5.
Major U.S. stock-indexes lower on Monday after data showed a better-than-expected increase in consumer spending in August, adding to the case for an interest rate increase this year. New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley added to the expectations of an early rate increase, suggesting the central bank could pull the trigger as soon as in October. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen has said she expects rates to be raised this year.
Almost all of Dow stocks in negative area (26 of 30). Top looser - The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS, -2.58%). Top gainer - Intel Corporation (INTC, +1.28%).
All of S&P index sectors also in negative area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-2.8%).
At the moment:
Dow 16049.00 -154.00 -0.95%
S&P 500 1897.50 -21.75 -1.13%
Nasdaq 100 4155.50 -58.00 -1.38%
10 Year yield 2,12% -0,05
Oil 45.25 -0.45 -0.98%
Gold 1133.60 -12.00 -1.05%
The European Central Bank (ECB) purchased €11.16 billion of government and agency bonds under its quantitative-easing program last week.
ECB'S asset buying programme is intended to run to September 2016.
The ECB bought €1.99 billion of covered bonds, and €759 million of asset-backed securities.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its pending home sales figures for the U.S. on Monday. Pending home sales in the U.S. slid 1.4% in August, missing expectations for a 0.5% gain, after a 0.5% rise in July.
The decline was partly lead by a drop in the Northeast.
"Pending sales have levelled off since mid-summer, with buyers being bounded by rising prices and few available and affordable properties within their budget. Even with existing-housing supply barely budging all summer and no relief coming from new construction, contract activity is still higher than earlier this year and a year ago," the NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun said.
New York Federal Reserve Bank President William Dudley said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Monday that the Fed could still start raising its interest rates this year. He added that the interest rate hike in October is also possible.
Dudley pointed out that the timing when to start raising interest rates depends on the incoming economic data.
New York Federal Reserve Bank president expect that the inflation in the U.S. would move back toward the target over time as weak global economy and the strong U.S. dollar would not permanently weigh on the inflation.
EUR/USD: $1.0985/00(E2.5bn), $1.1080(E600mn), $1.1200($1.2bn), $1.1270($421mn)
USD/JPY: Y119.00($1.0bn),Y120.00($650mn)
USD/CAD: Cad1.3250($800mn), Cad1.3400($475mn)
USD/CHF: Chf0.9800(253mn)
EUR/JPY: Y135.50(E391mn)
U.S. index futures fall with raw-materials poised for retreat.
Nikkei 17,645.11 -235.40 -1.32%
Shanghai Composite 3,100.99 +8.65 +0.28%
FTSE 6,009.51 -99.50 -1.63%
CAC 4,388.28 -92.38 -2.06%
DAX 9,559.88 -128.65 -1.33%
Crude oil $44.82 (-1.93%)
Gold $1127.90 (-1.53%)
Moody's Investors Service has confirmed Greece's government bond rating at Caa3 from Caa2 on Friday. The agency upgraded Greece's outlook to stable.
Moody's said that it confirmed the rating due "to the approval of the third bailout programme, and the emergence of a political configuration that is slightly more supportive".
The agency noted that the outlook was upgraded because the risks to creditors are now broadly balanced.
Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB), Sabine Lautenschläger, said on Monday that it is too early to discuss the expansion of the asset-buying programme. She added that the central bank's economic forecasts did not change.
(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)
ALCOA INC. | AA | 9.58 | 5.62% | 888.8K |
Yahoo! Inc., NASDAQ | YHOO | 29.35 | 0.76% | 22.1K |
Merck & Co Inc | MRK | 49.70 | 0.20% | 1.9K |
Apple Inc. | AAPL | 114.90 | 0.17% | 875.2K |
Citigroup Inc., NYSE | C | 50.62 | 0.14% | 35.6K |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | HPQ | 24.95 | -0.24% | 0.8K |
Tesla Motors, Inc., NASDAQ | TSLA | 256.13 | -0.30% | 13.2K |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. | HON | 93.21 | -0.33% | 343.1K |
Procter & Gamble Co | PG | 72.38 | -0.40% | 1.1K |
Visa | V | 70.40 | -0.41% | 0.3K |
Travelers Companies Inc | TRV | 99.50 | -0.41% | 0.1K |
Wal-Mart Stores Inc | WMT | 63.52 | -0.41% | 0.4K |
AT&T Inc | T | 32.19 | -0.43% | 10.3K |
Pfizer Inc | PFE | 31.75 | -0.44% | 10.8K |
Cisco Systems Inc | CSCO | 25.90 | -0.48% | 6.8K |
Facebook, Inc. | FB | 92.32 | -0.49% | 27.0K |
Verizon Communications Inc | VZ | 44.00 | -0.50% | 7.4K |
Johnson & Johnson | JNJ | 90.52 | -0.53% | 0.7K |
ALTRIA GROUP INC. | MO | 54.50 | -0.53% | 2.0K |
General Motors Company, NYSE | GM | 29.25 | -0.54% | 0.8K |
General Electric Co | GE | 24.78 | -0.56% | 15.8K |
Nike | NKE | 124.30 | -0.56% | 4.9K |
Microsoft Corp | MSFT | 43.69 | -0.57% | 2.3K |
The Coca-Cola Co | KO | 39.39 | -0.58% | 2.7K |
Amazon.com Inc., NASDAQ | AMZN | 521.07 | -0.61% | 7.8K |
Intel Corp | INTC | 28.63 | -0.62% | 5.8K |
Walt Disney Co | DIS | 99.67 | -0.63% | 8.1K |
Google Inc. | GOOG | 608.00 | -0.65% | 0.7K |
International Business Machines Co... | IBM | 144.40 | -0.70% | 0.5K |
Goldman Sachs | GS | 178.50 | -0.74% | 23.1K |
Caterpillar Inc | CAT | 64.50 | -0.74% | 0.8K |
Ford Motor Co. | F | 13.43 | -0.74% | 3.8K |
JPMorgan Chase and Co | JPM | 61.00 | -0.76% | 5.4K |
Boeing Co | BA | 130.00 | -0.77% | 0.3K |
Starbucks Corporation, NASDAQ | SBUX | 57.53 | -0.79% | 1.2K |
Exxon Mobil Corp | XOM | 72.60 | -0.86% | 6.0K |
Yandex N.V., NASDAQ | YNDX | 10.59 | -0.94% | 12.9K |
UnitedHealth Group Inc | UNH | 115.05 | -1.13% | 1K |
Chevron Corp | CVX | 76.75 | -1.22% | 0.2K |
Twitter, Inc., NYSE | TWTR | 24.97 | -1.27% | 17.3K |
Home Depot Inc | HD | 114.28 | -2.11% | 0.8K |
Barrick Gold Corporation, NYSE | ABX | 6.37 | -3.04% | 5.6K |
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., NYSE | FCX | 9.43 | -3.78% | 70.6K |
Upgrades:
Citigroup (C) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Jefferies
Citigroup (C) upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse
Downgrades:
Other:
FedEx (FDX) removed from US 1 List at BofA/Merrill
The U.S. Commerce Department released personal spending and income figures on Monday. Personal spending rose 0.4% in August, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% gain, after a 0.4% increase in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.
Consumer spending makes more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. This data showed that the U.S. economy continues to strengthen despite a slowdown abroad.
Personal spending was partly driven by higher demand for automobiles. Spending on auto mobiles rose 0.9% in August.
The saving rate declined to 4.6% in August from 4.7% in July.
Personal income increased 0.3% in August, missing expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a 0.5% gain in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.4% increase.
Wages and salaries climbed 0.5% in August, after a 0.6% rise in July.
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index excluding food and energy rose 0.1% in August, in line with forecasts, after a 0.1% gain in July.
On a yearly basis, the PCE price index excluding food and index increased to 1.3% in August from 1.2% in July.
The PCE index is below the Fed's 2% inflation target. The PCE index is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation.
Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo said in Paris on Monday that the U.S economy has got "a fair amount of momentum right now", but the Fed closely monitors risks to the momentum. He noted that the European economy was retrenching effectively.
Tarullo also said that costs of financial crisis are still being felt today.
Economic calendar (GMT0):
(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)
05:00 Japan Coincident Index (Finally) July 113.3 Revised From 112.3 112.2 113.1
05:00 Japan Leading Economic Index (Finally) July 106.7 Revised From 106.5 104.9 105
09:15 U.S. FOMC Member Tarullo Speaks
The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies ahead the release of the U.S. economic data. The personal consumer expenditures (PCE) price index excluding food and energy is expected to increase 0.1% in August, after a 0.1 rise in July.
Personal income in the U.S. is expected to rise 0.4% in August, after a 0.4% gain in July.
Personal spending in the U.S. is expected to gain 0.3% in August, after a 0.3% rise in July.
Pending home sales in the U.S. expected to climbs 0.5% in August, after a 0.5% increase in July.
The euro traded mixed against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic reports from the Eurozone.
The British pound traded mixed against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic reports from the U.K.
EUR/USD: the currency pair traded mixed
GBP/USD: the currency pair traded mixed
USD/JPY: the currency pair fell to Y119.98
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
12:30 U.S. Personal spending August 0.3% 0.3%
12:30 U.S. Personal Income, m/m August 0.4% 0.4%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, Y/Y August 1.2%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, m/m August 0.1% 0.1%
12:30 U.S. FOMC Member Dudley Speak
14:00 U.S. Pending Home Sales (MoM) August 0.5% 0.5%
17:30 U.S. FOMC Member Charles Evans Speaks
21:00 U.S. FOMC Member Williams Speaks
EUR/USD
Offers 1.1185 1.1180 1.1200 1.1220-25 1.1245 1.1275 1.1300
Bids 1.1150 1.1135 1.1120 -25 1.1100 1.1085 1.1065 1.1050 1.1030 1.10
GBP/USD
Offers 1.5220 1.5235 1.5250 1.5265 1.5285 1.5300 1.5320 1.5335 1.5360
Bids 1.5180 1.5165 1.5150 1.5130 1.5100 1.5085 1.5060
EUR/GBP
Offers 0.7370 0.7385 0.7400 0.7420 0.7535 0.7450
Bids 0.7330-35 0.7300 0.7285 0.7265 0.7250 0.7225-30 0.7200
EUR/JPY
Offers 134.80 135.00 135.50 135.80 136.00
Bids 134.20 134.00 133.80133.50 133.30 133.00
USD/JPY
Offers 120.50 120.65 120.85 121.00 121.30 121.50 121.75 122.00
Bids 120.20 120.00 119.80-85 119.65 119.50 119.30 119.10 119.00
AUD/USD
Offers 0.7050 0.7065 0.7080 0.7100 0.7120 0.7150
Bids 0.7000 0.6985 0.6965 0.6950 0.6925-30 0.6900
Stock indices traded lower on concerns over a slowdown in the Chinese economy. China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that profits of industrial companies in China declined 8.8% in August from a year earlier. It was the biggest drop October 2011.
Profits in the coal mining sector dropped 64.9%, while oil and gas profits slid 67.3%.
For the first eight months of 2015, industrial profits fell 1.9% from a year earlier.
According to official results, the secessionist party "Junts pel Si" (Together for Yes) won 62 of 135 seats in Catalonia's parliament in an election on Sunday, while the leftist pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party won 10 seats.
Pro-independence parties have an absolute majority in the parliament.
"Catalans have voted yes to independence," the Catalan President Artur Mas said.
Current figures:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 100 6,029.34 -79.67 -1.30 %
DAX 9,527.54 -160.99 -1.66 %
CAC 40 4,398.43 -82.23 -1.84 %
EUR/USD: $1.0985/00(E2.5bn), $1.1080(E600mn), $1.1200($1.2bn), $1.1270($421mn)
USD/JPY: Y119.00($1.0bn),Y120.00($650mn)
USD/CAD: Cad1.3250($800mn), Cad1.3400($475mn)
USD/CHF: Chf0.9800(253mn)
EUR/JPY: Y135.50(E391mn)
Japan's Cabinet Office released its final leading economic index on Monday. The leading index in Japan plunged 105.0 in July from 106.7 in June, up from the preliminary estimate of 104.9.
The coincident index was down to 113.1 from 113.3, up from the preliminary estimate of 112.2.
China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that profits of industrial companies in China declined 8.8% in August from a year earlier. It was the biggest drop October 2011.
Profits in the coal mining sector dropped 64.9%, while oil and gas profits slid 67.3%.
For the first eight months of 2015, industrial profits fell 1.9% from a year earlier.
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said in Osaka on Monday that the central bank will adjust its asset-buying programme if needed.
"If risks materialize and lead to changes in trend inflation, the BOJ won't hesitate to adjust policy as needed to achieve its price target at the earliest possible time," he said.
Kuroda also pointed out that the interest rate hike by the Fed will not have a negative impact on the global economy.
"Fears that U.S. rate normalization would trigger a massive, sharp outflow of funds from emerging economies and disrupt the global economy appear to be receding somewhat," the BoJ governor said.
Kuroda noted that a weaker yen hurts smaller companies and households by higher import costs.
According to official results, the secessionist party "Junts pel Si" (Together for Yes) won 62 of 135 seats in Catalonia's parliament in an election on Sunday, while the leftist pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party won 10 seats.
Pro-independence parties have an absolute majority in the parliament.
"Catalans have voted yes to independence," the Catalan President Artur Mas said.
Standard & Poor's (S&P) lowered its price forecasts for Brent and WTI crude oil on Friday. The agency expects Brent crude oil to be $50 in 2015, down from the previous estimate of $55, and WTI crude oil to be $45 in 2015, down from the previous estimate of $50. Brent crude oil in 2016 is expected to be $55, while WTI crude oil in 2016 is expected to be $50.
It will take longer for prices to recover, the agency said.
The oil driller Baker Hughes reported on Friday that the number of active U.S. rigs declined by 4 rigs to 640 last week. It was the fourth consecutive decrease.
Combined oil and gas rigs fell by 4 to 838.
West Texas Intermediate futures for November delivery fell to $45.19 (-1.12%), while Brent crude fell to $48.09 (-1.05%) as investors focused on weak global growth outlook and ignored declines in the number of drilling rigs in the U.S.
IMF head Christine Lagarde said that growth forecasts might be revised down. "A forecast of 3.3% growth this year is no longer realistic. (Neither is) a forecast of 3.8% for next year. We will however remain above the 3% threshold," she told Les Echos newspaper in an interview.
The latest data from China intensified concerns over economy of the world's second-biggest oil consumer. Profits of China's industrial companies fell 8.8% in August from the same month last year, and January to August profits were down 1.9%.
Meanwhile the number of drilling rigs fell for the fourth consecutive week in the U.S.
Gold is currently at $1,144.90 (-0.06%) near Friday's close level. Fed monetary policy will remain in focus today as several officials from the central bank are scheduled to speak this week.
In her latest speech Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that the U.S. economy was improving and that a rate hike before the end of the year was still probable. Data released on Friday supported this opinion. U.S. gross domestic product rose by 3.9% y/y in the second quarter compared to a 3.7% growth pace in the first quarter.
Higher interest rates would decrease demand for non-yielding bullion.
U.S. stock indices mostly closed down on Friday despite opening gains. Biotech and health-care stocks led declines. The Dow managed to end the session with a moderate gain due to an 8.9% increase in prices of Nike Inc. shares. Early Friday gains were generated by optimism after Fed Chair Janet Yellen said Thursday that the U.S. economy strengthened.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 113.35 points, or 0.7%, to 16,314.67 (-0.4% over the week). The S&P 500 declined 0.90, or 005%, to 1,931.34 (-1.4% over the week). The Nasdaq Composite Index lost 47.98, or 1%, to 4,686.50 (-2.9% over the week).
This morning in Asia China Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.30%, or 9.31 point, to 3,083.04. The Nikkei lost 1.14%, or 203.43, to 17,677.08. Hong Kong markets are on holiday.
Japanese stocks declined amid profit taking.
Chinese stocks are weighed by economic data. Pessimism is driven by a survey from Caixin, which showed that China's Manufacturing PMI declined to 47 (the lowest level in 6.5 years) in September.
Economic calendar (GMT0):
Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual
05:00 Japan Coincident Index (Finally) July 112.3 112.2 113.1
05:00 Japan Leading Economic Index (Finally) July 106.5 104.9 105
The U.S. dollar advanced slightly against the euro after strong revised U.S. GDP data intensified expectations for higher rates this year. U.S. gross domestic product rose by 3.9% y/y in the second quarter compared to a 3.7% growth pace in the first quarter.
The pound was steady ahead of UK GDP data scheduled for this week. The report is likely to show that the country's gross domestic product rose moderately in the second quarter, but the current account deficit remained significant.
The New Zealand dollar rose amid gains in Australian stock markets. The kiwi is also supported by optimism about dairy products. Unlike the Federal Reserve, the Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to cut its benchmark rate by 50 basis points next year. The central bank of New Zealend is also ready to cut rates further.
EUR/USD: the pair fluctuated within $1.1175-15 in Asian trade
USD/JPY: the pair fell to Y120.20
GBP/USD: the pair traded within $1.5185-10
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
09:15 U.S. FOMC Member Tarullo Speaks
12:30 U.S. Personal spending August 0.3% 0.3%
12:30 U.S. Personal Income, m/m August 0.4% 0.4%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, Y/Y August 1.2%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, m/m August 0.1% 0.1%
12:30 U.S. FOMC Member Dudley Speak
14:00 U.S. Pending Home Sales (MoM) August 0.5% 0.5%
17:30 U.S. FOMC Member Charles Evans Speaks
21:00 U.S. FOMC Member Williams Speaks
EUR / USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.1322 (1916)
$1.1273 (1201)
$1.1240 (557)
Price at time of writing this review: $1.1178
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.1149 (1395)
$1.1108 (5368)
$1.1048 (4020)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date October, 9 is 54766 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1500 (4933);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date October, 9 is 70678 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1000 (6995);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.29 versus 1.29 from the previous trading day according to data from September, 25
GBP/USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.5501 (1676)
$1.5403 (1085)
$1.5305 (586)
Price at time of writing this review: $1.5192
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.5094 (1692)
$1.4997 (1987)
$1.4898 (1092)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date October, 9 is 23549 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5500 (1676);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date October, 9 is 22933 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5200 (2749);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 0.97 versus 1.00 from the previous trading day according to data from September, 25
* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.
** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.
(raw materials / closing price /% change)
Oil 45.34-0.79%
Gold 1,145.50-0.01%
(index / closing price / change items /% change)
Nikkei 225 17,880.51 +308.68 +1.76 %
Hang Seng 21,186.32 +90.34 +0.43 %
S&P/ASX 200 5,042.11 -29.56 -0.58 %
Shanghai Composite 3,091.81 -50.88 -1.62 %
FTSE 100 6,109.01 +147.52 +2.47 %
CAC 40 4,480.66 +133.42 +3.07 %
Xetra DAX 9,688.53 +260.89 +2.77 %
S&P 500 1,931.34 -0.90 -0.05 %
NASDAQ Composite 4,686.5 -47.98 -1.01 %
Dow Jones Industrial Average 16,314.67 +113.35 +0.70 %
(pare/closed(GMT +3)/change, %)
EUR/USD $1,1192 +0,16%
GBP/USD $1,5178 -0,26%
USD/CHF Chf0,979 +0,09%
USD/JPY Y120,57 +0,27%
EUR/JPY Y134,93 +0,42%
GBP/JPY Y183 +0,02%
AUD/USD $0,7026 +0,64%
NZD/USD $0,6382 +0,99%
USD/CAD C$1,3332 -0,03%
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
05:00 Japan Coincident Index (Finally) July 112.3 112.2
05:00 Japan Leading Economic Index (Finally) July 106.5 104.9
09:15 U.S. FOMC Member Tarullo Speaks
11:45 U.S. FOMC Member Dudley Speak
12:30 U.S. Personal spending August 0.3% 0.3%
12:30 U.S. Personal Income, m/m August 0.4% 0.4%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, Y/Y August 1.2%
12:30 U.S. PCE price index ex food, energy, m/m August 0.1% 0.1%
12:30 U.S. FOMC Member Dudley Speak
14:00 U.S. Pending Home Sales (MoM) August 0.5% 0.5%
17:30 U.S. FOMC Member Charles Evans Speaks
21:00 U.S. FOMC Member Williams Speaks