US Market closed higher with Dow crossing above the 18,000 mark...US GDP was a good catalyst for the mkt, energy ended in the lead with Crude trading higher, materials was also not far tfrom the lead (+0.8%), Consumer discretionary (+0.6%) and financials (+0.6%) enjoyed broad support while the technology sector (+0.3%) (GOOGL, INTC & MSFT Higher but AAPL Lower)..KO +1.5% after WSJ news on job cut...volume were below average @ 700mil shares...VIX @14.80 -2.95%...US After Hours CALM -7.6% CAMP -4.2% on earnings...China is still in Profit taking mode, breaking the 3,000 psychological mark, Financials are again under pressure following CBRC report that November-end non-performing loan ratio rose another 15bps to 1.31%. Brokers were also heavily sold on press reports indicating that some firms have raised margin thresholds on concerns over rising volatility...Nikkei225 returned from holiday break with a catch-up rally, Fin Min Aso reiterated the govt will proceed with Abenomics policies, but also added the upcoming budget needs to be mindful of Japan's fiscal target. Automakers Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda reported double-digit y/y declines in domestic output, reflecting the high base-effect of strong demand last year going into the April sales tax hike. Separately, local press also reported that Honda's domestic production would fall short of the company's target by about 15%...Nikkei +1.24% Hang Seng +0.07% Shanghai -1.86%
RUB $54.47 RUB €66.22 WTI $56.77 Brent $61.30
Eur$ 1.2175 S&P +0.06% EuroStoxx / Dax Closed SMI Closed
Macro :
- Moody’s May Cut 45 Russian Corps; Sees 2015 GDP Contracting 5.5%
- Russia May Be Cut to Junk by S&P
Keep an eye on :
- AERL ID : IAG rumoured to be discussing revised offer for Aer Lingus - FT
- BMPS IM : Monte Paschi Settles Tax Dispute With Authority for EU126M
- BP/ LN : BP Agrees to Buy Stake in Rosneft’s Siberian Project: Kommersant
- HEI GY : HeidelbergCement Said in Talks to Sell Unit: Reuters
- LG FP : Lafarge, Holcim Select Executive Committee for Enlarged Company
- MVC SM : Bankia Sells 19.07% Stake in Metrovacesa to Banco Santander
- NOVOB DC : Novo Nordisk Wins FDA Approval for Saxenda to Treat Obesity
- PTC PL : Portugal Telecom suitor Isabel dos Santos withdraws EUR 1.21bn offer
- REC BB : Recticel Sees 2014 Combined Rebitda Down About 12% From 2013
- SAN SM : Santander Presented Expression of Interest for Novo Banco
- SIK VX : Ethos rallied 11 pension funds to oppose the acquisition of Sika - Le Temps {http://bit.ly/13DpQj7}
- SN/ LN : Stryker Said to Plan Smith & Nephew Takeover Bid Within Weeks
- SYNN VX : China Allows Syngenta GMO Corn Imports From Argentina: Reuters
- MF FP : Wendel Agreeds to Buy Majority Stake in Constantia Flexibles