STATE OF THE MARKETS

Thin markets amid the New Year holiday. With major markets closed on Monday for the New Year holiday, markets were left thin with only forex trading. Equities markets earlier on Friday dropped as fears of aggressive hikes returned after news of higher wages’ growth that may fuel inflation higher for longer. As at writing, the Dollar index jumped past 104.50 after flights to safety were noted in the bond markets. Yields dropped across the board with the shorter 2Y dropped to 4.36% and the 10Y benchmark plunged to 3.76% in early European trading on Tuesday.

Commodities markets were closed on Monday but in the FX markets, Yen continue to reign in demand across all horizons as investors bid for safe-haven to rebalance their portfolio as the new year begins. Demand for King Dollar jumped in the short and medium term while Kiwi, Sterling and Euro retreated to offer. Overall sentiments were mixed as Swiss was sent to the back burner while Aussie and Loonie remained in demand for the short and medium term accounts.

On Tuesday, investors may look to scoop some bargains in equities given bullish sentiments in recent employment data, though many may stay on the sideline as only SMART Global Holdings () was scheduled for earnings release on top of construction spending data and manufacturing PMI.

OUR PICK – No New Picks

No new picks amid thin markets. Markets remain in limbo ahead of the non-farm payroll data on Friday that is expected to add less jobs than last month (200k vs 263k) with a steady unemployment rate at 3.7%. We stay on the sideline for now.

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.