23 April 2013: Asia falls on weaker Chinese PMI

Asian shares and other riskier assets lost ground on Tuesday after a preliminary reading showed weaker Chinese manufacturing growth in April. HSBC’s Purchasing Manager’s Index, PMI, fell in April and added to concerns about global growth prospects. HSBC’s report is the first economic indicator for the second quarter of 2013. It follows weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth and a contraction in export pointing to fragile global demand.

April PMI-numbers fell to 50,5 from 51.6 in March. The numbers are nevertheless higher than February’s 50,4, and in no way disastrous. The April PMI reinforces, however, market concerns about a stagnating and slowing Chinese economy. Stock market rallies especially in the United States have been based on expectations of a stronger US recovery and Chinese growth. The latest PMI takes some of this belief away and is a strong indication that the stock market rally might be over for now.

Both Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks fell. The Shanghai SSE fell 1,4% and the Japanese Nikkei slipped 0,1% after surging up 2,2 percent on Monday; close to a five-years high. After USD/JPY reached 99,95 on April 11, a breakthrough of the 100 mark has been expected. Instead the USD fell back to 98,60 yen after reaching 99,90 in early trade yesterday. Weak US-housing data weighed in on the strength of the dollar. USD firmed against the Euro trading at 1.3043. Comments from the European Central Bank, ECB, suggest the bank might consider lowering interest rates in light of mass unemployment and low inflation.

Gold has recovered strongly from last week’s tumble trading at USD 1427 an ounce. More gold outflows from exchange-traded funds stress, however, a weakened confidence in the precious metal and possible further drops. While gold is slightly up from Monday, silver is losing ground. Copper prices continue to fall with 0,6% on the London metal exchange. Brent crude stays above USD 100 a barrel, but crude futures are pointing down.

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28 March 2013: Asian indexes are decreasing on news that China is going to limit foreign investments

China will encourage foreign investments into services and high technologies sectors, but at the same time will rigidly limit capital investments in construction, real estate, and also the projects, differing to high power consumption and polluting environment. This news brought negative impact on Asian stock markets where weaker than the others is Chinese continental SSE index. Most of all it was reflected in the banking sector, where Bank of Communications and China Merchant Bank are losing more than 4%.

On Wednesday, American market could not any longer ignore bad news coming from the Europe and did not continue its growth started the day before. Index of incomplete transactions on sale of houses in February decreased more strongly than expected 104,8 points. Following the results of the trading session the indicator of "blue chips" the Dow Jones Industrial Average index was closed with -0,23% on a level 14526,16 points, the S&P 500 lost 0,06%, and the index of the hi-tech companies Nasdaq grew up for 0,12% to a level of 3256,52 points.

In Europe, besides Cyprus – Italy is again coming to the headers of news feeds. On last placement of the Italian debt papers, Rome managed to attract only 6,91 billion euro from the planned 7 billion euro. In Nicosia, in turn, the authorities presented a package of measures for capital control. Among other things it should be noted that single withdrawal of funds won't exceed 300 euros, and it will not be possible to take more than 1000 euros out of the country. The Cypriot banks will open today after almost two-week break.

Prices for oil are stable this morning and both Brent and NYMEX are adding 0.22% and 0.33% accordingly. Brent is traded on a level 109.94$ per barrel and NYMEX on a level of 96.90$. Ascending movement proceeds against noticeable strengthening of the American dollar in relation to the majority of world currencies. Gold is losing 0.12% and is traded on a level of 1604.28$ per troy ounce.

EUR/USD pair is slightly correcting and is strengthening for 0.20% traded on a level 1.2804.

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