World Themes This week
We’re mid-way through April and the markets are throwing everything at us this week with more trade talks, corporate earnings and volatility to keep you on the edge of your seat. Let’s go!
The most recent push by the US to seal a trade deal with China has many analysts concerned that the result might be watered down by a soft stance on Chinese subsidies, which have been a hot-button issue in the past. China is digging its heels in over certain subsidies and the US’ eagerness to conclude proceedings before the start of talks with Japan could lead to some favourable concessions for China.ย
On the Japanese front, talks are set to kick off this week to address the $60bn trade deficit between the two nations. Investors are worried that a souring of relations could lead to tariffs and a return to the trade war volatility levels experienced in 2018. Please, not again!
Earnings season is set to continue after Wells Fargo and JP Morgan surprised investors with strong results on Friday, boosting sentiment about the weeks to come. Strong bank earnings could be just the catalyst needed to push the S&P 500 to new highs, and keep equity investors smiling.ย
The oil markets eased slightly this morning after investors took profits at a new five-month high ($71.79). All indications point to further upside pressure to come on oil prices as OPEC holds the reigns tight on supply, sanctions on Iran and Venezuela stay in force and in-fighting in Libya persists.ย
Who’s ready to kill it out there this week?
Company Results Coming Up This Week
Monday –ย Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Rio Tinto, Iluka Resources, Qatar National Bank, M&T Bank
Tuesdayย –ย BlackRock, Bank Of America, Netflix, IBM, Omnicom, Prologis, UnitedHealth, Johnson & Johnson, CSX, Oil Search, Wipro, Ashmore Group, Card Factory
Wednesday– Morgan Stanley,ย BNY Mellon, Ericsson, Abbott Labs, PepsiCo, Kansas City Southern, Textron, US Bancorp, Pentair, United Continental, Atlassian, Kinder Morgan
Thursday– Woodside Petroleum, BB&T, Honeywell International, PPG Industries, Danaher, Genuine Parts, Snap-On, Sun-Trust, Union Pacific, Philip Morris, American Express
Friday– Good Friday market holiday