US interest rates: Weak data boosts case for another delay from the Fed September 15, 2016 The US has posted another uninspiring set of economic data, suggesting the slowdown in the world's most important economy is set to continue. Official figures on the manufacturing sector, retail sales and factory prices all came in below expectations this afternoon, just days before the US Federal Reserve is scheduled to vote on whether to [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open September 15, 2016 The Bank of England has conformed to market expectations and held its key rate of overnight interest at 0.25 per cent, while Apple can't cook up iPhones fast enough. Here's what you need to know before the US market open at 2:30pm London time. US futures are pointing to a very health rise ahead of [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open September 13, 2016 The chances of the Fed raising rates for the second time since the financial crisis next week are fading but it hasn't entirely put the brakes on the global stock sell off. Here's what you need to know before the US market open at 2:30pm London time. US futures are pointing down despite getting a [...]
As the monetary policies of the US, the UK and the Eurozone diverge, what should investors make of this fork in the road? September 13, 2016 Since the end of last week, speculation has been mounting that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again this year. The probability of a September rate raise looks slimmer after the Fed’s most dovish official, Lael Brainard, struck a cautionary tone in a speech yesterday. But there is a strong chance that the next [...]
As Hillary Clinton recovers from pneumonia, should markets worry about the state of her health? September 12, 2016 Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, says Yes. Markets are right to be concerned about the health of the US Democratic presidential nominee. First, they had increasingly been pricing in her beating Republican rival Donald Trump, who could be disruptive for the economy, and this health scare calls that into question. Everyone [...]
Doves back on top as key Fed member eases on US rate hike September 12, 2016 The chances of the Fed raising rates for the second time since the financial crisis next week has been dealt another blow as a key rate-setter said the case for a hike had fallen away. Lael Brainard, seen as one of the most cautious voices on the rate-setting federal open markets committee (FOMC), said the arguments in [...]
Why Rickie Fowler’s FedEx Cup failure might have sealed his Ryder Cup place September 12, 2016 It might sound strange but I think that Rickie Fowler’s failure to reach the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs may just have clinched his place as one of USA captain Davis Love III’s Ryder Cup wild cards. There were few shocks in Love’s decision to name Matt Kuchar and JB Holmes as captain’s [...]
FTSE 100 dips to a six-week low on US rate hike fears September 12, 2016 Shares on the FTSE 100 fell to their lowest since the beginning of August today, as investors showed their nerves over a potential rate hike. After ending last week 1.7 per cent lower than it started, the index was 1.4 lower in mid-afternoon trading, at 6,685 points The fall was led by Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF), which [...]
Aberdeen Asset Management told to boost its minimum capital requirements September 12, 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management said today that it had been asked to up the minimum level of capital it holds for regulatory purposes by Britain's financial watchdog. The Financial Conducted Authority now wants the asset manager to increase its minimum financial cushion to about £475m, up from £435m previously. Analysts said this will not affect its capital adequacy "which [...]
Dustin Johnson surges to top of FedEx Cup standings with three-shot victory at BMW Championship September 12, 2016 America's Dustin Johnson stormed to top of the FedEx Cup standings after cruising to a three-shot victory over England’s Paul Casey at the BMW Championship in Indiana. Johnson continued his scintillating form this year, which includes a maiden Major success at the US Open at Oakmont in June, by carding a final round 67 to [...]