STATE OF THE MARKETS

Stocks higher as optimism improved. US stocks closed in the Green on Tuesday as strong earnings reports bolster optimism in the markets. Indexes from Dow (+0.80%) to Nasdaq (+0.55%) to S&P (+0.82%) and Russell (+0.37%) included, were approaching or already near record high as the slowest trading month further unfolds. The 10Y yield benchmark remains unchanged around the 1.18%, as the Dollar Index (DXY) flirts around the 92 handle.

In the commodities market, crude futures fell for the second day to around $69.20/bl before bidders emerged, to close the black gold above the $70.50/bl minor handle. Concerns over renewed lockdown in China and many parts in Asia, might dampen demand growth. Gold steadied above the $1,800/oz handle as investors await the ADP employment reports on Wednesday and unemployment claims on Thursday.

In the FX space, long term investors were back in bidding for Dollar and offering Euro, while Swiss, Yen and Sterling led the demand. Short to medium term accounts, however, continue to offer the greenback with Euro; while bidding Kiwi and Yen. Sentiments are expected to improve as markets move closer to the Jackson Hole Symposium at the end of this month.

OUR PICK – No New Pick

No new pick as we had three losses in a row. As we expect Dollar to remain weaker towards the next Fed’s meeting or at least till end of this month as officials convene at Jackson Hole to decide on tapering and rate hike; we believe it’s rational to expect most Dollar denominated assets to be or continue to be on its upward trajectory in the next few weeks. One of particular interest is anti-inflationary assets like gold. If mining stocks could be the leading indicator, then we have seen in the past few days, higher bids for stocks like Newmont (NEM), Barrick (GOLD), Yamana (AUY) and Franco Nevada (FNV), just to name a few. Technically for gold, a close above $1,820/oz signaled further upside to $1,915/oz in the weeks to come.

Trades updates:  We will continue to accumulate AUY as the stock now pays dividends yielding 2.64% at current price, we remain bullish T and will accumulate as dividends yields now at 7.38%, we remain bullish COG and will accumulate as dividends yields now at 2.69%, we remain bullish CLVS, VIPS while bearish GPRO, APA, and GE. (Note: APA pays 0.53% while GE’s dividend yield is at 0.31% and CLVS, VIPS and GPRO currently does not pay any dividends)

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information purpose only. It is not an investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Opinions expressed are of the authors and not necessarily of MFM Securities Limited or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.