Monday,18 March 2024 08:47:07

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Monday,18 March 2024 at 08:45

UK and European markets opened with a lacklustre start to the new trading week, with global investors looking ahead to the next monetary policy meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index led gains in Asia-Pacific markets, while China shares extended gains after data showed its economy kicked off the year on a strong note.

Gold prices slipped as the dollar held firm and investors braced for a slew of policy decisions from major global central banks including the U.S. Federal Reserve this week.

Oil prices ticked up in early Asian trading, firming up gains from last week when prices rose nearly 4% on the view that supply was tightening.

In corporate news, electrical retailer Currys lifted guidance as it reported stronger-than-expected sales since the busy Christmas period.

The company, which also confirmed that it no longer faced takeover threats from Elliott Advisors and China’s JD.com, said pre-tax profit was now expected to be at least £115m, compared with previous guidance of £105-115m and would start the year with positive net cash.

Markets

At 08:15

FTSE 100 7,740 +0.17%

FTSE 250 19,471 (-0.22%)

DAX 17,971 +0.20%

At the close

Dow Jones 38,714 (-0.49%)

S&P 500 5,117 (-0.65%)

NASDAQ 15,973 (-0.96%)

Fixed Income

UK 10-YR YIELD 4.203

Exchange Rates

GBP/USD 1.274

GBP/EUR 1.169

Commodities

Gold $2,152 (-0.13%)

Brent $86.06 +1.34%

Important - No news or research item should be construed as a recommendation to trade. The inclusion of securities within this report does not necessarily imply their suitability for individual portfolios or situations in respect of which further advice should be sought. Information contained in this report has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable but is not warranted to be accurate or complete.