The World awaits the Fed... Oil prices down again but OPEC sees increases... Stronger year ahead for Europe?
The World awaits the Fed
There are few who believe that the Federal Reserve will opt to hold interest rates steady when they meet again Wednesday. The consensus is that there will be a 25 basis-point rise with more to come in 2016.
Markets are awaiting the confirmation but have priced in the rise. The decision is expected at 2pm ET.
Asian indexes closed mainly higher with Sydney and Tokyo among the largest gainers. In Europe markets are also trading higher ahead of the Fed.
Toronto and Wall Street, which closed higher Tuesday, are expected to open higher Wednesday.
Oil prices down again but OPEC sees increases
Oil prices rallied Tuesday but have slipped back overnight. There are many facets to the current volatility including the Fed, the US dollar, potential for US oil exports, Iran, and Chinese demand. OPEC members voted not to alter policy for now when they met last week but there are signs that the weaker prices may not be able to continue with member nations under pressure. Some members have hinted that oil prices could increase during 2016. The latest US inventory report is expected Wednesday.
Stronger year ahead for Europe?
Companies in the Eurozone are hiring at their fastest pace in four years, according to new data released Wednesday. Markit Economics says that the region should increase momentum in 2016 as growth and confidence are boosted.
There are few who believe that the Federal Reserve will opt to hold interest rates steady when they meet again Wednesday. The consensus is that there will be a 25 basis-point rise with more to come in 2016.
Markets are awaiting the confirmation but have priced in the rise. The decision is expected at 2pm ET.
Asian indexes closed mainly higher with Sydney and Tokyo among the largest gainers. In Europe markets are also trading higher ahead of the Fed.
Toronto and Wall Street, which closed higher Tuesday, are expected to open higher Wednesday.
| Latest | 1 month ago | 1 year ago | |
| North America (previous session) |
|||
| US Dow Jones | 17,524.91 (+0.90 per cent) | +0.24 per cent | +2.67 per cent |
| TSX Composite | 12,919.57 (+1.77 per cent) | -2.99 per cent | -6.80 per cent |
| Europe (at 6.00am ET) |
|||
| UK FTSE | 6,059.59 (+0.69 per cent) | -1.41 per cent | -4.30 per cent |
| German DAX | 10,461.37 (+0.11 per cent) | -2.35 per cent | +9.38 per cent |
| Asia (at close) |
|||
| China CSI 300 | 3,685.44 (-0.24 per cent) | -2.09 per cent | +11.56 per cent |
| Japan Nikkei | 19,049.91 (+2.61 per cent) | -1.77 per cent | +13.69 per cent |
| Other Data (at 6.00am ET) |
|||
| Oil (Brent) | Oil (WTI) | Gold | Can. Dollar |
| 37.40 (-2.73 per cent) |
37.08 (-0.72 per cent) |
1064.10 (+0.24 per cent) |
U$0.7266 |
| Aus. Dollar |
|||
| U$0.7188 | |||
Oil prices down again but OPEC sees increases
Oil prices rallied Tuesday but have slipped back overnight. There are many facets to the current volatility including the Fed, the US dollar, potential for US oil exports, Iran, and Chinese demand. OPEC members voted not to alter policy for now when they met last week but there are signs that the weaker prices may not be able to continue with member nations under pressure. Some members have hinted that oil prices could increase during 2016. The latest US inventory report is expected Wednesday.
Stronger year ahead for Europe?
Companies in the Eurozone are hiring at their fastest pace in four years, according to new data released Wednesday. Markit Economics says that the region should increase momentum in 2016 as growth and confidence are boosted.
