Looking ahead to Q2, 2012
Each month UAP will bring you the news you need to see to keep up to date with the global economy. Whether its equities, funds, bonds or currencies that you follow, we'll cover the most important news and highlight what's going on in the Global markets. With each insight we will look to explain the situation in understanable terms so that you the investor can make better decisions.
European Equities
European stocks fell to three month lows overnight, pressured by weaker Manufacturing data in the Euro-zone and in China and after Dutch Prime Minister Rutte offered to resign amidst the failed austerity deal. Auto-makers and commodity companies were the worst hit overnight, pressured by the soft Manufacturing figures; while ING and Aegon fell hard on talk the Netherlands might lose its top rated credit rating. In France, President Sarkozy became the first incumbent since 1958 not the win the first round of elections. Ericsson also fell about 4%, while Deutsche Bank declined about 4% after announcing it would book a E400mln charge. On the bright side however, Royal Phillips Technologies rose about 3.5% on a strong earnings report.
U.S. equities
U.S. stocks opened on the offer overnight, pressured by European equities, which were hit by soft Manufacturing numbers out of Europe and China and by political uncertainty in France and the Netherlands. Wal-Mart shares fell about 3% after the company was hit by a bribery scandal in its Mexican operations, while Pfizer shares outperformed the market, but still fell after selling its baby food business to Nestle. Ardea Biotech rose more than 10% after AstraZeneca announced it was buying the company. Earnings reports were mixed, with Xerox and ConocoPhillips beating the Street, while Kellogg's disappointed.
Commodities
Commodity prices were softer across the board on the soft Chinese and European manufacturing numbers. Gold, Oil and Copper prices were all softer on the day.
Currencies
Safe haven flows were again seen overnight, with the Big Dollar firmer against most of the majors, but weaker against the Yen.
Next week we will be looking at specific economies and how they will fair for the remainder of 2012. Starting with the UK we will look to the finance sector and what changes need to be made to get the UK Finance Industry back on its feet and whether the UK Governement and its subsideries need to intervene more, or whether less regulation is the way forward.
To find out more about the services offered by UAP, contact an advisor today.
European Equities
European stocks fell to three month lows overnight, pressured by weaker Manufacturing data in the Euro-zone and in China and after Dutch Prime Minister Rutte offered to resign amidst the failed austerity deal. Auto-makers and commodity companies were the worst hit overnight, pressured by the soft Manufacturing figures; while ING and Aegon fell hard on talk the Netherlands might lose its top rated credit rating. In France, President Sarkozy became the first incumbent since 1958 not the win the first round of elections. Ericsson also fell about 4%, while Deutsche Bank declined about 4% after announcing it would book a E400mln charge. On the bright side however, Royal Phillips Technologies rose about 3.5% on a strong earnings report.
U.S. equities
U.S. stocks opened on the offer overnight, pressured by European equities, which were hit by soft Manufacturing numbers out of Europe and China and by political uncertainty in France and the Netherlands. Wal-Mart shares fell about 3% after the company was hit by a bribery scandal in its Mexican operations, while Pfizer shares outperformed the market, but still fell after selling its baby food business to Nestle. Ardea Biotech rose more than 10% after AstraZeneca announced it was buying the company. Earnings reports were mixed, with Xerox and ConocoPhillips beating the Street, while Kellogg's disappointed.
Commodities
Commodity prices were softer across the board on the soft Chinese and European manufacturing numbers. Gold, Oil and Copper prices were all softer on the day.
Currencies
Safe haven flows were again seen overnight, with the Big Dollar firmer against most of the majors, but weaker against the Yen.
Next week we will be looking at specific economies and how they will fair for the remainder of 2012. Starting with the UK we will look to the finance sector and what changes need to be made to get the UK Finance Industry back on its feet and whether the UK Governement and its subsideries need to intervene more, or whether less regulation is the way forward.
To find out more about the services offered by UAP, contact an advisor today.