European and US equity markets were in a risk averse mood on Friday, concerns about slowing global economic growth to the fore following more weak European PMI data. The S&P500 closed down 1.9%, US bond yields fell, and the defensive JPY outperformed.

Financial Update for 22 March 2019

Financial Update for 22 March 2019

A dovish statement from the Fed’s policy meeting pushed US bond yields and the US dollar lower, but also boosted US equities which had earlier suffered losses amid US-China trade jitters.

A dovish statement from the Fed’s policy meeting pushed US bond yields and the US dollar lower, but also boosted US equities which had earlier suffered losses amid US-China trade jitters.

US equities rose slightly further, the S&P500 currently up 0.3% on the day and at a fresh five-month high. Currencies and interest rates were mostly contained, awaiting the US central bank meeting later this week.

US equities rose slightly further, the S&P500 currently up 0.3% on the day and at a fresh five-month high. Currencies and interest rates were mostly contained, awaiting the US central bank meeting later this week.

Sentiment in equities markets remained positive on Friday, the S&P500 closing up 0.5% to a five-month high. The defensive US dollar and US bond yields fell, possibly also affected by disappointing US data.

Sentiment in equities markets remained positive on Friday, the S&P500 closing up 0.5% to a five-month high. The defensive US dollar and US bond yields fell, possibly also affected by disappointing US data.

US equities stalled, the S&P500 down 0.2%, amid a reported delay in the Trump-Xi trade agreement signing. The US dollar is slightly firmer.