Stock markets around the world have gone into holiday mode. US index futures, the FTSE and the Dax are all trading pretty much flat, while the Nikkei rose 0.5%.
Monday's developments have had more of an impact on currencies than stocks. Terrorist attacks in Turkey, Switzerland and especially Germany along with ongoing questions about the health of Italy's banks have weighed on the euro today.
BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) shares could attract attention today after the company reported non-GAAP EPS of $0.02 beating the $0.00 street estimate. Sales were below expectations again, however, at $301M below street $329M. For the Fiscal year ending in February, the company raised its non-GAAP EPS outlook to a profit from $0.00 to ($0.05), Q4 non-GAAP EPS is expected at breakeven. Gross margin percentage was a record 67%.
Blackberry (TO:BB) management indicated it is now a mobile security software company which has boosted margins to record levels. The growth of mobile communications and devices continues to create new opportunities for the company, such as its recent deal with Ford and its move into supporting driverless automotive technology.
The US dollar is up following positive comments about the US job market from Fed Chair Janet Yellen. The US Electoral College confirmed the election of Donald Trump and Mike Pence as President and Vice President. Despite the big campaign to block their election only a couple of Republican electors tried to switch and were replaced.
The Japanese yen has dropped back following the Bank of Japan meeting- the last big monetary policy event of the year. The bank maintained interest rates and QE indicating the economy has started to improve. Governor Kuroda indicated despite bond yields rising in other countries they have no plans to allow Japanese yields to rise under their yield curve management program, which the street saw as dovish.
WTI crude oil is up 0.4% today while Brent is up 1.0% and copper is flat. In resource currency action, CAD is steady, while NOK, AUD and NZD are down slightly.