Steady as she goes

Typically light late summer trading volumes and a scarcity of economic releases meant equity markets once more took their lead from geopolitical events, as fading US-North Korea tensions were countered by the continued focus on the US debt ceiling, which could potentially pitch the Trump administration against Congress.

There was little new information forthcoming from the Fed conference at Jackson Hole, which saw keynote speeches from the Central Bank heads of the US, Japan, and eurozone. Fed Chair Yellen gave little for investors to chew over whilst ECB President Mario Draghi reiterated the commitment to a slow removal of monetary stimulus. However, the euro currency subsequently hit a two and a half year high versus the US dollar as strong PMI data released last week added to the sentiment that the eurozone economy is on an improving growth trajectory.

The global index moved lower last week, down 0.2% as the stronger euro reduced returns for Irish investors.

European Sovereign Bonds had a negative week with the Merrill Lynch over 5 year index returning -0.2%, and has now returned -0.3% year-to-date.

Gold was positive over the course of the period, returning 0.6%. Oil saw a negative week, returning -1.3% to finish at $47.87. Copper continued to move higher, returning 3.2%. The industrial metal is now up an impressive 21.4% year-to-date.

The influential EUR/USD rate closed at $1.19, whilst EUR/GBP was at 0.85.

The week ahead

Wednesday 30th August: The second estimate of Q2 US GDP is released and is expected to tick up to 2.7% (quarter-on-quarter) from the last reading of 2.6%.

Thursday 31st August: Flash eurozone inflation figures for August are released and an increase to 1.5% (year-on-year) from the last reading of 1.3% is the consensus estimate.

Friday 1st September: August's US employment report goes to print where the expectation is for non-farm payrolls to increase by 180,000 (last 209,000) whilst the unemployment rate is forecast to remain steady at 4.3%.