Opening Apr 17th

​In Asian Equity Markets indices were mixed on Wednesday morning, following the release of better-than-expected economic numbers from China. Mainland Chinese shares were mixed in morning trade, with the Shanghai composite rising 0.11 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined fractionally. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.38 percent in morning trade, with shares of index heavyweight Fanuc rising. The Topix index also added 0.34 percent. Meanwhile, the ASX 200 in Australia fell around 0.1 percent as majority of the sectors fell.



In Currency Markets sterling fell on Tuesday after a newspaper report that Brexit talks between Prime Minister Theresa May’s government and the opposition Labour Party were stalling, but moves were broadly contained in a market lacking fresh triggers. The report was subsequently dismissed by a Labour Party spokesman, but the pound held near the day’s lows despite robust jobs data. The pound edged lower to $1.3070 against the dollar and weakened 0.25 percent against the euro to 86.49 pence.



In Commodities Markets oil prices rose on Wednesday, supported by concerns over tightening global supply due to U.S. sanctions and fighting in Libya, as well as an unexpected fall in U.S. crude inventories. International benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose 21 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $71.93 a barrel. Brent earlier hit a fresh five-month high of 71.96 a barrel, the highest since Nov. 8 when prices topped $72 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $64.45 per barrel, up 40 cents, or 0.62 percent, from their previous settlement.



In US Equity Markets stocks ended slightly higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 inching closer to its all-time high following a string of mostly positive earnings, while a decline in healthcare shares limited the advance. The S&P 500 gained 0.05%, to 2,907.06 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.3%, to 8,000.23. The S&P 500 Healthcare Index closed down 2.0%. Johnson & Johnson came in above analyst estimates, mostly attributable to sales growth at its pharmaceuticals unit, driving the stock 1.1% higher.



In Bond Markets U.S. Treasury yields rose to four-week highs on Tuesday, bolstered by increased risk appetite that has pushed Wall Street shares higher, as well as expectations of more positive U.S. and Chinese economic data this week. U.S. 10-year note yields rose to 2.59%, up from 2.55% late on Monday. Ten-year yields hit a four-week peak of 2.59%. On the short end of the curve, U.S. 2-year yields advanced to 2.41%, compared with Monday's 2.392%. The note's yield hit a four-week peak as well of 2.41 percent.