Global stock markets were lower last Thursday as rising geopolitical tensions sapped investor risk appetite. However, the US market was open overnight and looks to be recovering, led by a gain in Financial stocks. In the US, we have once again entered quarterly earnings season, with the US Banks being the first to announce quarterly profits.
As we discussed last week, there seems to be an elevated level of caution in global markets which has investors on the side-lines. Investors are watching geopolitical tensions with North Korea and around Syria, while also digesting US corporate profits. On the flipside, faster economic growth figures in China boosted optimism about the strength of the global economy before the US earnings season ramps up.
In saying that, we would not expect political risks to fade with the important French Presidential election set to take place this weekend (23rd of April). We have highlighted European politics this year as potential risks to t...
Stock Markets, Simplified.