Stock markets around the world have been falling again overnight. Nobody can blame China this time, however, as indices in Shanghai and Shenzen rose 2.2% and 3.4% respectively.
Crude oil is likely a factor with WTI and Brent down 2.4% and 3.2% respectively and WTI skidding back under $30.00 per barrel, potentially pulling down energy stocks again. Lower oil prices have also been weighing on energy sensitive currencies with CAD, NOK and particularly RUB also falling back in morning trading.
Through all of the day to day noise, the main reason I think we are seeing stocks continue to struggle, especially in the face of improving economies is the growing realization that last week’s rate cut in Japan was likely the end of this stimulus cycle, and that with economies in the US, UK and potentially Europe standing on their own two feet, stocks are going to need to as well.
Overnight, Australia’s RBA statement was neutral following the recent trend among central banks of expressing concern about the global economy but at the same time, not promising to do anything about it either. A slight softening to the RBA's outlook comments knocked back AUD overnight and pulled NZD down with it.
Similarly despite the recent talk about planning to review QE levels from ECB President Draghi, better than expected employment figures from Spain and Germany suggests new stimulus may not be needed which is likely what’s dragging on indices in Europe today. This may also be what is driving EUR to the top of the standings today, and pulling nearby currencies like GBP along for the ride.
It’s common for indices in the US to struggle for a couple of months after the Fed starts raising interest rates as traders and businesses adjust to the new regime. In time, however, the underlying economic strength that enables central banks to ease off the gas can be more widely recognized and help stocks to rebound. The US is farther along in this process than Europe which partially explains why US indices are down only about 0.5-0.75% while DAX and FTSE are down 1.25-1.50%. Through this transition, however, trading can be choppy and confusing with more intraday swings like yesterday’s an environment that can create short-term trading opportunities.
It’s a quiet day for US economic news so we may see more of a focus on today’s big batch of earnings reports. Google (O:GOOGL) did really well and the initial reaction last night from the street was positive. In Canada, a big miss from WestJet (TO:WJA) could attract attention from traders.