Daily Market Reviews By Uwcfx

[UWC Neeraj]

24 September 2012: Growth concerns back on the agenda

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Riskier assets fell broadly Monday morning, dragging down Asian shares, copper, precious metals and oil. The US dollar strengthened with EURO-USD at 1.2949. The Q3 party seems to come to an end as investors shift their focus to weak economic fundamentals and the euro zone debt bailout scheme. There also seems to be serious disagreements between German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and French President, Francoise Holland, to the implementation of an EU banking union and the EU bail-out fund.

The south East Asian Pacific index, MSCI, fell 0,7 % with the Shanghai composite and the Japanese Nikkei also falling. Renewed fears for a hard landing in China saw both the Australian dollar and resource-reliant Australian shares falling. The dollar index measured against a basket of key currencies, is up 0,3 %. Investors are also increasingly nervous about the unintended consequences of last Q 3 decision of the US Federal Reserve. FED buying of state bonds means more printing of money. Last week the Brazilian Finance Minister directed a blistering attack on the US, accusing FED for starting a currency war.

Markets have over the last days oscillated between euphoria of central bank’s monetary stimulus measures and uncertainties over weak economic fundamentals. Investors are nervous over downside risks and wariness ahead of US corporate earnings reports next month. Euro zone fears are back on the agenda with disagreements on the banking union, whether Spain shall ask for a full bail out and Greece where the “troika” of representative from the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and European Commission have postponed presentation of their last report strengthening rumors about a possible Greek Exit from the Euro.

These developments have led to increased downward pressure on the Euro and weaker oil prices. Both NYMEX and Brent crude is falling. Brent is trading one dollar down to 110,40 pr. Barrel. Copper has fallen 0,9 percent. Gold is weaker at 1761 down from its peak on 1787 on Friday. The optimism over the strong measures taken by central banks in the US and Europe are fading on realization that the monetary measures are not backed by economic fundamentals. Spain has displaced Greece as the center of the euro debt crisis. Markets worry that Spain might eventually need external aid to help solve its debt problems.

These factors combined mean that the markets are off to a rather gloomy start on the week.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

25 September 2012: New nervousness in global markets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro recovered somewhat in early Asian trade this morning trading at 1.2928 against the US dollar. This after the stock markets and the Euro slipped on Monday as investors looked past recently announced central bank stimulus to focus on economic fundamentals.

German business sentiment was weaker and Spain dragged its feet on asking for an international bailout causing a high ranking German official to ask Spain to make up its mind. Germany and France quarreled on when to implement a EU banking union, and in the US Caterpillar, the world largest maker of earth moving equipment, warned of slower demand for its products due to fears of weaker commodity prices. All factors contributing to a more negative market sentiment.

Japanese Yen, which has surged over the last days gave up some ground against both dollar and Euro, trading at 77.77 against the USD. German business sentiment dropped to its lowest level since early 2010 created concerns about a slowdown in the euro zones largest economy. Spain remained in focus. Its government yield rose on concerns that the Rioja government is postponing a request for an international bailout. Greece is still a concern after a report indicates that its budget deficit is bigger than previously thought.

Oil prices recovered from yesterday lows. Brent crude is trading above USD 110 a barrel on renewed fears for a major conflict in the Middle East. After the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been bellicose for weeks, the head of the Iranian revolutionary guard stated that Iran was ready for an attack and would hit back. In an interview with CNN yesterday night, the Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, took a more conciliatory tone before his speech the UN General Assembly tomorrow. Gold prices has strengthened trading at 1765 which is still far below it Friday peak on 1787.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

26 September 2012: Worries on Spain weakens EURO

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Street fights and protests in Spain sent the Euro down below 1.29 in early Asian trading this morning. Euro/USD recovered to 1.2950 during yesterday’s trade to fall down to 1.29 on protest news from Madrid in the evening. Euro/USD is at present trading at 1.2875. As has been the pattern in Greece, Spaniards took to the streets and surrounded Parliament. Violent clashes with riot police over austerity followed. The protests came in the wake of weeks of indecisive foot dragging by a Spanish government unable to decide whether to ask for an international bail-out.

Serious concerns over a slowing global growth are back on investor’s radars as equity rallies fed by major central banks monetary easing, are fading. Both Dow Jones (- 0,75 %) and Nasdaq (- 1,36 %) fell yesterday, pushed down by Caterpillar and Apple. Caterpillar issued a profit warning and fell close to 5 %. Apple fell 2,5 % as the company sold out of its initial supply of iPhone 5, raising concerns whether Apple would be able to keep up with demand. The South Asian Pacific Index (MSCI) and the Shanghai composite both fell on weariness on Spain.

New worries about the development in the Euro zone and slowing economic growth, led to further fall in commodities. Oil prices, which were lifted on increased tensions in the Middle East over the weekend, fell back. Brent crude which traded at 111 yesterday dropped one dollar to 111 a barrel. Gold which rose 20 dollars an ounce yesterday, has fallen back to 1760 in Asia.

Australia, which is very dependent upon growth in China, has seen both stock prices and the Aussie dollar falling. USD/JPY is stabile at 77,74. As a positive sign in yesterday’s market, July numbers show that US home prices rose for a sixth straight month. Together with a jump in consumer confidence in September, these are positive indications that Americans are ready to loosen their spending.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

27 September 2012: Wary of Spain and Greek debt

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Demonstrations in Athens and Madrid ended in bloody clashes between protesters and riot police as uncertainty over a bailout for Spain and European leaders struggling to find a unified position to tackle the Euro debt crisis, continue to dominate news and market sentiments. EURO/USD stays at the same level at 1.2877 as Wednesday morning. Dow Jones and Nasdaq fell on uncertainty over Europe while Asian stocks rebounded on Thursday. The MSCI-index for the South Asian Pacific state traded up 0,5 %. The Shanghai composite index fell to its lowest level since February on the possible negative impact of the economic slowdown on corporate earnings.

Oil prices are under pressure with Brent crude clinging to the 110 USD a barrel. In his speech to the UN General Assembly the Iranian president, Ahmadinejad, stroke a more conciliatory tone towards Israel dampening the war rhetoric. Amadinejad called for a new world order not dominated by Western powers and stated that Iran was under constant threat of military action from what he called “uncivilized Zionists”. Precious metals are as commodity prices steady. Gold is trading at 1755 and silver at 34.00 in early Asian trading.

As protesters against severe austerity measures took to the streets and clashed with police in Spain and Greece, European equities saw their worst day in two months. Spanish 10-year bond yields rose to above 6 percent for the first since the European Central Bank, ECB, for two weeks ago introduced its scheme for buying bonds from exposed and struggling Euro-countries as Italy and Spain. This plan has trimmed borrowing costs for the last two weeks, but the effect of the monetary stimulus seems to be running out of steam faced with grim global economic fundamentals and realities.

The Japanese yen is keeping strong against both USD and Euro. USD/JPY is trading at 77.66. The dollar index, DXY, measured against a basket of currencies eased 0,1 %, off a two week high on 80,012 reached yesterday. A weaker dollar helped a modest recovery in dollar-denominated industrial commodities and helped copper, oil and gold from falling further.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

28 September 2012: Spain’s budget triggers market optimism

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The new Spanish budget which makes austerity rather than tax cuts a priority has been well received by markets. The MSCI-index for South East Asia Pacific rose with 0,7 percent. Brent crude registered its highest level in weeks and jumped above USD 112 a barrel. The Euro and commodities drifted higher with USD on the defensive. Euro/USD is trading at 1.2935. Also smaller and more risky currencies opted up. The New Zealand KIWI and the Indian rupee are among the winners over the last weeks. The Japanese yen continues up. USD/JPY is at 77,55.

The Spanish government announced Thursday a detailed timetable for economic reform with sharp spending cuts and no tax hikes. Today president Francois Hollande will present his austerity budget for France, punishing the rich. Spain is simultaneously conducting negotiations with European Union authorities on the terms for a possible aid package. A successful conclusion of these talks shall pave the way for European Central Bank bond-buying and easing of Spain and Italy’s borrowing strains.

The US Finance Secretary, Timothy Geithner, stated yesterday that Europe still was the weakest link in the global economy, but the last measures taken by the European Central Bank, ECB, had given ammunition which made Europe’s situation far better than it was three months ago. Early Asian trade also saw a spike in Chinese shares triggered by speculation on further Chinese economic stimulus. Risk seemed primed for a comeback, and in such a scenario Australian dollar may be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

As the Yen continues to strengthen numbers for Japan’s industrial output in August was very disappointing. Industrial production is down, and all the big Japanese car makers presented negative growth figures. With central banks printing more money, gold is on the offensive and reached a week’s high yesterday with 1777. The big precious metals winner is, however, silver which traded close to months high on 34,70, jumping more than 30 % since early summer.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

01 October 2012: USD and Yen back in favor

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro rally which saw the common European currency reach a 1,3165 high, seems to have come to a definite halt this morning with Euro/USD trading at 1.2820. Manufacturing data from China and Japan weighed in on market sentiment after a weekend with mass demonstrations against austerity measures in Greece, Spain, Portugal and France. Uncertainty about Spain’s bailout saw MSCI index of Asia-Pacific fall 0,4 percent after similar drops on Dow Jones and Nasdaq in New York on Friday.

Apple Inc (AAPL O) was the big mover on news it sold out its new iPhone 5 Smartphone. Apple announced more than five million smart phones sold in the three days since it hit stores. Apple fell, however, 2,1 percent to USD 685 on analysts concern that the company was unable to produce the phone fast enough to meet demand. Japan’s Nikkei fell to its lowest level in three weeks after profit warnings from some of the Japanese heavy weights.

Commodities led by Nickel and Copper are down on a stronger dollar. Gold (1765) and silver (43,28) also drop along with oil. Brent crude is down one dollar after reaching USD 112,50 on Friday. The Euro lost its momentum against the USD after a disappointing survey on German business sentiment. Spain and Greece further undermined the strength of the euro zone common currency. The German business sentiment is at its lowest level since early 2010.

The weak sentiment in the European markets is playing into the hands of traditional “safe haven” currencies as USD and JPY. The European Central Bank, ECB, is meeting again this week. It is expected that the interest rate would be kept at the same level and more details are going to be revealed on the bon buying scheme the ECB presented in August.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

02 October 2012: Gold outshines in positive market

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

After a weak start in October, markets bounced back yesterday helped by a surprising expansion in US factory activity, and what was regarded as a satisfactory stress test of Spanish banks. Dow Jones gained 0,58 % while Nasdaq closed down 0.1 percent. Wall Street closed the third quarter as the best since 2010. The MSCI-index for Asia-Pacific shares were up 0,3 percent with similar positive developments in South Korea and Australia. In Japan Nikkei index rose 0,3 % after reaching a three weeks low on Monday.

The Euro/USD was fluctuating strongly during whole yesterday, dipping down below 1.28 to recover to 1.2920 before falling back. The most traded currency pair is stronger in early Asian trading at 1.2914. USD/JPY is weaker at 78.07. The Australian dollar and South Korean currency also traded up by a US court decision which permits Samsung to sell its Galaxy iPhone in the US after being banned last month.

The European debt crisis remains investors focus. There is still some confusion with regards to when Spain eventually will ask for a bail-out. The German government shall according to well informed sources have asked Spain to wait before asking for a sovereign bail-out not only involving its banks. Unemployment figures released for the Euro-zone yesterday painted a very grim picture with 11,4 % percent out of work and with unemployment rates on 25 % both in Greece and Spain.

These numbers did, however, not have any clear negative impact on the Euro. Greece is this week going to present a new austerity budget for the Parliament entering its sixth year in recession. The austerity measures are disputed not only expressed through mass demonstrations in Europe. The US economic Nobel Prize laureate, Paul Krugman, accused the European governments for “austerity madness” clinging to an austerity culture which could only lead Europe into deeper misery.

Stronger stock markets also helped commodities. Brent crude is at 112,20, and the strong underlying upward trend in precious metals continue. Gold trades at 1778 and Silver close to 35, the highest levels seen in 10 months. Copper and nickel are also up.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

03 October 2012: Investors are waiting for signals to choose final direction in the markets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Stock markets in the United States showed on Tuesday mixed dynamics. The index S&P500 showed positive dynamics and ended up session in plus with 0,09%, however it grew up only in the last hour of the trading session.

The index Dow Jones lost about 0,24 %. Analysts connect this growth in the last hour with positive dynamics in trading of highly technological sector. Especially movements in the shares of Apple Company gave support to index growth, they have been losing in the moment 1,3 %, but were able to close trading session in a green zone.

The main fears and the main negative factors were coming to us from Europe. Mainly it was rumors around Spain. Though the prime minister of Spain told that the financial help after all will not be required to the country.

In the Asian Pacific region today China and South Korea are closed. China today is celebrating its National Day, and naturally markets are closed, but we are still receiving macroeconomic data. In China index PMI for the non-productive sphere decreased to 53,7 points in relation to the previous value of 56,3 points. It is the next signal of slowdown of the Chinese economy, especially of the sector of services - the sector by which China is guided first of all.

The Asian bank reduces forecasts on growth rates of the Asian region except for Japan, now growth according to ADB should make 6,1 % in 2012. We will remind that it is already the third decrease this year.

It is necessary to note also negative data which come to us from Australia; it is a data on sales of new houses. As well it is a decrease in an index of activity in a services sector and expansion of deficiency of trade. All this reflects the Australian dollar; it is on the minimum values against US dollar. Currency pair EUR/USD is on a level 1.2902, here are no any serious changes at present moment.

Today in the morning the future for oil of the Brent bargains with fall, losing 0,25 % to closing of the previous trading day.The prices for gold and silver are stable at levels of previous day.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

04 October 2012: Today the ECB will announce results of meeting, no surprises are expected

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Stock markets are balancing between economic signals. Paul Krugman says that the USA and Europe have good chances to finish crisis. Today in the spotlight is the decision of European Central Bank on an interest rate.

The Asian Pacific region today at the beginning of trading session shows positive dynamics – indicator of Japan adds 1,3%, Nikkei is 225, other markets of Asia which are opened - growing on the average on a 0,5%, basically due to favorable yesterday's trading session in the USA and good macroeconomic signals from America.

The American stock market grew by 0,4% on an index S&P500 and was closed on a level of 1450 points. Two positive signals are data on employment from ADP which appeared better than expectations and data on the ASM indicator in the non-productive sphere – also better than experts expected. The future contract on S&P500 index now also is in a green zone, it adds about 0,4%. Minor macro-signals also didn't pump up yesterday – demand for mortgage lending is at a maximum level in 3 last years in the USA, it naturally also promotes revival in the real estate market. At least, those companies which are engaged in this market and mortgage lending were yesterday one of the best during trading session in the USA.

However there are enough pessimists in the market and they discuss more long-term idea which will start to influence markets shortly - it is certainly the fiscal rock which threatens America with new recession. In general the ratio of positive and negative signals, now about 1:3, meaning 1 signal positive – 3 signals negative, thus it is natural if there is a positive signal – many speculators start to disperse the market. Though, in principle, it moves within diapason which it entered at the beginning of September.

One or two changes towards one or other side are not a tendency to understand that now occurs in the world, recession or economic growth. To understand anything, it is necessary that this tendency last at least 3-4 months.

The future contracts on oil are now correcting, and grow for 0,2% after yesterday's fall almost for 3%.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

05 October 2012: Statements of European Central Bank and data on unemployment support markets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

On Thursday, October 4, key indexes of the USA finished the trading session in the positive territory due to Mario Dragi's statements, and also the publication of data from a labor market, which have surpassed expectations of analysts.

Yesterday the head of European Central Bank confirmed the readiness to activate, in case of need, the Outright Monetary Transaction (OMT) program if certain conditions will be performed and declared that taken before measures helped to facilitate intensity in the markets in recent weeks.

Following the results of the trading session the indicator of "blue chips" the index of Dow Jones Industrial Average raised for 0,598 % to value 13575,36 points, the index of the wide market S&P 500 left in plus for 0,717 % to level 1461,40 points, and the index of the hi-tech companies Nasdaq raised for 0,454 %, having closed on a level of 3149,46 points.

The market of oil should be noted separately, now future contracts are corrected down, loss makes 0,5% and 0,3% on Brent and WTI. Yesterday there was a sharp splash on top, oil returned to those levels which we saw at the beginning of the current week. Uncertainty again appeared in the Middle East, connected with the conflict between Turkey and Syria. Military operations shortly are possible, respectively the geopolitical factor comes back to the market, but today's morning correction is absolutely natural to that growth which was yesterday.

The price for futures for gold with delivery in December today following the results of the session on COMEX rose for 16.70 dollars or 0.9 % to value of 1796.50 dollars for ounce. Gold added in the price owing to weakening of dollar towards all competing reserve currencies.

In the currency market first of all we note actions of European Central Bank, well more exactly it is Mario Dragi's statement and respectively favorable macroeconomic statistics in America - this allowed Euro to become stronger, it left at a boundary 1,3020-1,3025, now besides small correction at level 1,3014.

The main event of today is certainly data on the American unemployment.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

08 October 2012: Currencies mixed after jobless data

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The United States unemployment rate dropped to 7,8 percent, a near four-year low, down from 8,1 percent, on Friday giving markets a welcome boost at the end of last week. There are different interpretations of the better unemployment figures, but the overall picture is that America’s labor market appears to be in better shape than originally thought, if only slightly. The chief economist of one of the world’s biggest banks stated that “The labor market situation in US is slowly improving”.

The most encouraging aspect of the data is the large and unexpected decline in the jobless rate which gives President Barack Obama some reason for joy after a disappointing first debate with this Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, last Wednesday. The fall in unemployment occurred due to the numbers of employed Americans soared by 873 000 while the number of unemployed fell by 456 000. A worrying signal though is the jump in part-time workers suggesting that many Americans are not finding the well paying full time positions they would like to see.

The dollar index fell 0,2 percent as the euro gained 0,3 percent to USD 1.3049. The euro is falling back in Asian trade during the morning hours and is at 1.2987 against the USD. There are nervousness regarding the meeting with EU finance ministers in Brussels today and Angela Merkel’s surprise visit to Greece tomorrow where an apparent cover up of a memory stick with a list of nearly 2 000 Greeks with Swiss bank accounts threatens to become a political firestorm with demonstrations against the Samaras-government.

The dollar, however, surged against the Japanese yen, gaining 0,5 % after the release of the better unemployment figures. The Yen also fell against the EURO. USD/JPY has recovered slightly in morning trade and stand at 78,54. Both crude oil and precious metals fell on the unemployment news. Brent crude is trading at USD 11,40 a barrel and gold is at 1772. The Asian stock exchanges are all trading down before the Brussels finance ministers meeting. Shanghai composite index fell 0,9 % after being closed one week for holidays.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

09 October 2012: Shanghai jumps on policy support

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Shanghai composite index jumped with 1,2 percent this morning as the governor of the Chinese central bank stressed the need for monetary flexibility, sustained growth and financial reform. The statement was seen as Chinese political willingness to take necessary steps to encourage the economy which according to the last global economic analysis from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will grew 7,8 % in 2012. IMF has lowered its forecast for global economic growth from 3,5% in July to 3,3 percent. IMF is painting a grim picture especially of the development in the euro zone where economic growth forecasts are lowered from 0,5 to 0, 3 %.

Other Asian exchanges were also up in Asian trading except for the Japanese Nikkei which falls 0,3 %. MSCI for the south east Asian Pacific is up 0,6 and Australia with 0,5 percent helped by higher copper and precious metal prices. Oil prices are also up. Brent crude is at 112,67. Futures for the stock exchanges in Europe and the US are pointing to a positive start after concern over China and weaker third quarter profit earnings for US-companies, spoiled the party both in Europe and US yesterday. Dow Jones was down 0,19 percent while the technology stock index, Nasdaq, fell with 0,69 percent.

EURO/USD has been trading far below its Friday peak on 1.3172. The Euro fall below 1.29, but has recovered slightly at 1.2987 in early morning trade. The EU Finance Ministers met in Luxembourg and have agreed on an emergency fund on 472 billion Euros to eventually pump into banks and sovereign states. The ministers seem also to have agreed on a single supervision for euro zone bank which will strengthen cohesion and the mutual currency. Spain has not yet decided on whether to ask for a sovereign bail-out. German chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Athens today in an effort to boost the three party coalition governments which has come under increased pressure following new scandals and accusations of cover up of a list of Greek politicians and business people seeking to avoid taxes by stuffing funds in Swiss banking accounts.

The USD/JPY has recovered from yesterday’s low trading at 78,40. The Australian dollar which reached a three week low yesterday, has gained 0,5 % in relation to dollar on the statement from the Chinese central bank governor. Precious metals are on rise. Gold which fell to 1771 yesterday is trading eight dollars up at 1779. Silver is recovering from the low of 33,75 and trades at 34,20. In Europe the Swiss franc is under pressure.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

10 October 2012: Dollar rises on gloom concerns

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian shares fell on Wednesday after a technology sell out on Wall Street last night. The Japanese Nikkei dropped 1,86 percent after car exports to China tumbled. Toyota, Nissan and Mazda saw their exports reduced to half in September. The Euro/USD also tumbled to 1.2859, down 75 points from its high on Tuesday. Angela Merkel was met by mass demonstrations and street fights between austerity measure protesters and police in Athens. Merkel assured the Samaras-government that Germany would support continued Greek membership in the EURO conditioned of willingness to carry through the tough austerity measures.

Concerns on companies’ third quarter results and the Chinese economy dragged stock markets down and created new volatility in currency markets. Shares of the world’s largest semiconductor maker, Intel, lost 2,7 percent on downgrading due to weak demand for notebooks. The whole technology sector came under strong pressure. Both Apple and Google have fallen strongly during the last trading days. The aluminum producer Alcoa issued a profit warning due to weaker Chinese demand. A Chinese expert in the French Credit Agricole, countered by saying that some Western medias and companies are trying to bash China negatively. Chinese aluminum export has increased strongly over the last year, and big infrastructure projects mean that China will continue to import huge quantities of raw materials. Growth forecasts of 7, 5 – 8 % for China for 2012 is far outnumbering a recession stricken Western economy.

Oil prices have risen strongly over the last 24 hours. Brent crude reached USD 114 a barrel with New York crude, NYMEX, again trading above USD 92. Increased tension in the Middle East is behind the spike in oil. Turkish forces have amassed tanks and troops in the Syrian border ready to hit. An escalation in the late border skirmishes between the two countries will increase the risk for a NATO intervention Turkey being a NATO member. Precious metals were down yesterday and in early Asian trade with Gold 1765.

The last half yearly report from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, is highlighting the problems the Euro zone represents to the global economy. IMF urged European politicians to deepen its financial and fiscal ties to restore sagging confidence in the global financial system. The austerity measures offered by the IMF and leading Euro-countries like Germany, have, however, worked poorly. Greece is entering its sixth year of recession with strong social and economic costs, witnessed by Merkel’s visit to Athens. Merkel’s visit has done little to calm the unrest in the streets. It might, however, have given the three part coalition of Antonis Samaras a briefing spell to carry through highly unpopular cuts which primarily hit the weakest strata of the population like pensioners and the increasing number of unemployed. The currency markets answer to the last pictures from Greece is to send the Euro down illustrating the volatility inside the Euro zone and question marks whether European finance minister have done enough to turn the tide around.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

11 October 2012: Asian shares trade weaker

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian shares tracked Wall Street lower on Thursday morning as weak forecasts for major US corporations underscored concern over global demand. Dow Jones traded 0,95 percent down and the technology sell out seen in the beginning of the week continued with Nasdaq losing 0,43 percent. Alcoa, Chevron, Cisco and Home Depot were the big losers. The oil giant Chevron issued a profit warning for its third quarter result and fell 4 percent. Alcoas grim outlook for global aluminum consumption led to a similar fall. The Asian indexes continue to fall. The Nikkei index for Japan was down for the third day in row.

Commodity prices are under pressure. The Euro remained on the back foot due to uncertainty over Spain’s bailout prospect and Standard and Poor’s downgrading of Spanish debt. The Euro is trading at its lowest level in October. It dipped to 1.2835 on Wednesday and recovered to 1.2865 in early Asian trade. USD/JPY is stronger at 78.05. There are small changes in the overall currency picture. Employment number from Australia was stronger than expected, and the Australian dollar rose for the third day against the USD. Two of the leading emerging market economies, Brazil and South Korea, have both lowered their interest rate.

The tension in the Middle East escalated yesterday when Turkey forced a civilian airplane on route from Moscow to Damascus to land in Ankara. The tense situation continues to have an impact on the oil prices which are steadily up due to concerns over supply. There is fear that the Syrian-Turkey crisis could spill over and further escalate the high tension level between the West and Iran on its nuclear program. Brent crude is trading close to USD 115 a barrel. Precious metals are stable. Gold is trading between 1760 and 1765 with silver stabilizing on USD 34 an ounce.

The International Monetary Fund, IMF, which presented its global growth half yearly forecast this week ahead of its meeting in Tokyo, expresses concern on the slower growth in China and urges swifter action in Europe as the euro zone debt crisis drags on. IMF expressed frustration over Europe’s piecemeal response to its debt crisis, and warned that the respite in borrowing costs in debt laden countries as Spain and Italy might prove short-lived unless Euro zone leaders take more firm action.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

15 OCTOBER 2012: SHARES FALL ON EARNINGS WORRY

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Stock prices fell in Europe and United States last week on worries on corporate earnings. Stocks also fell in early morning trading in Asia on growth concerns ahead of the third-quarter corporate earnings session. The Euro slipped against the USD on lack of clarity over Spain’s bailout prospects. EURO/USD trade at 1.2901. The dollar index against a curve of six major currencies is up 0,3%. The stronger dollar is undermining dollar denominated commodities. Copper is falling to its lowest level in two weeks. Brent crude is down half a dollar to 114. Precious metals are continuing its fall from last week. Gold drops 20 dollar an ounce trading at 1643. Silver is at 33,20.

European shares are expected to open lower. Futures for the US are flat compared with Friday. The MSCI-index for the South East Asian Pacific fell 0,3 percent. The Japanese Nikkei added 0, 4 %. The forecast for third quarter growth in China is expected to be 7,4% in line with expectations. Some major Chinese firms have issued profit warnings which did not help encourage market sentiments. A decline in Chinese consumer and producer prices in September left scope for policy easing for Chinese authorities to underpin growth.

The US markets wrapped up their worst week in four months led lower by financial shares. More financial institutions are going to report earnings over the next days including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and the Bank of America. This amid concerns about their shrinking profit margins.

The International Monetary Fund half annual meeting ended in Tokyo over the week end. Federal Reserve’s President Bernanke came under strong pressure from ministers from developing countries. Both the Brazilian, Chinese and to a minor degree the Russian minister of Finance were critical to the world wide effects of monetary easing which put strains on the exports from the developing countries and undermine their currencies by seeing a free flow of cheap dollar entering their markets from the United States. Bernanke countered by stressing that US growth is the very engine for the whole world economy.

Stocks, commodities and currencies are expected to come under heavy downward pressure during the day.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

16 OCTOBER 2012: CITI RESULTS CHANGE MARKET SENTIMENT

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

What a difference a day in the market might make. The trading week started on a pessimistic note and worry over expected quarterly results from the US banking heavy weights. When Citi group, which was first out, delivered strong results during the early New York session, the sentiment changed. J P Morgan and Bank of America which are next in line jumped 3,5 % on expectations that they will follow suit. Both Dow Jones (plus 0,72 percent) and Nasdaq (0,66) climbed and so did the MSCI index for the South East Asian Pacific (up 0,5 %) followed by Nikkei (0,9 % gain) in Japan and the Shanghai composite.

The Euro which has been under a lot of pressure during the last days, seemed for a moment to have forgotten debt problems in Greece and Spain. The Euro added 70 basis points towards the USD and trades at 1.2962 USD/JPY is falling to 78,89 indicating that a stronger risk appetite is back among investors. Greece’s benchmark 10 year bond yield fell to 17,51 percent, which is the lowest level seen since August 2011. This as investors scaled back bets on Greece leaving the Euro.

Also commodities rose after lackluster trading yesterday. Copper is up followed by precious metals. Gold is at 1737 after hitting its lowest level in over one month at 1728 on Monday. Silver is trading at 32,85.

Brent futures is holding steady above USD 115 a barrel on supply concerns after the European Union slapped more sanctions on Iran. Ample supplies and healthy inventory in the United States capped further gains. NYMEX, New York crude, was stabile at USD 91 level. EU imposed further sanctions on Iran’s banking, shipping and industrial sectors in an effort to force Tehran to halt its disputed nuclear program. The measures came days after Iran said it would negotiate on halting higher-grade uranium enrichment if they were given fuel for a research reactor. Iran maintains that its nuclear project has only peaceful energy purposes.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

17 OCTOBER 2012: EURO/USD HITS ONE MONTH HIGH

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Euro/USD jumped to its highest level since September 17th trading at 1.3092 in Asia this morning. The Euro has increased more than 100 basis points over the last 24 hours after the rating agency Moody’s affirmed its investment grade sovereign rating of Baa3 on Spain, giving investors hope that Madrid shall be able to handle its huge public debt. Moody’s stressed the European Central Bank’s (ECB) willingness to purchase Spanish government bonds and Spain’s willingness to undertake austerity measures.

Some analysts saw, however, the strong increase of the Euro over the last couple of days as merely short covering. Many market players remain cautious of unwinding their bearish stand on the single currency, given the uncertain prospects of how to resolve the euro zone debt crisis anytime soon. A test on how high Euro/USD shall reach in the short term perspective is whether the Euro will push through the strong technical resistance level on 1.3170 which it reached in September.

Stock markets in USA, Europe and Asia had their best days in months helped by stronger than expected quarterly results from major US-companies. Dow Jones added 0,95 % while the technology index, Nasdaq, jumped 1,21 percent. Intel, Caterpillar, United Technology, American express and Boeing all added close to 2 percent and more. Growing risk appetite among investors weighed in on dollar index, measured against a basket of six key currencies, which fell to 10 days low boosting dollar based commodities and commodity linked currencies as the Australian and Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krones (NOK).

Japanese stocks continued to gain after last week’s sell out which took Nikkei to a two and half month low. Investors seem to realize that the stocks have fallen, too, fast and see present prices as a buying opportunity. Precious metals as gold and silver have rebounded from early week’s losses. Gold is at 1753 and silver 33.10. NYMEX, New York crude, continues up and reached above USD 92 a barrel. Brent crude is losing momentum from its high yesterday and trades at 114.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

18 OCTOBER 2012: ASIAN SHARES STRIKE SEVEN-MONTH HIGH

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian stocks reached a seven-month high this morning on positive US housing data and signs of stabilization in China. The MSCI-index for south east Asia, Shanghai composite and the Australian stock market rose between 0,5 and 1 percent. This, in spite of the fact that China’s GDP third quarter domestic product grew 7.4 percent from a year earlier. This is the seven straight quarter of slower growth.

The numbers, however, met expectations; it is furthermore encouraging that asset investment, retail sales and industrial output exceeded forecasts. Statistical figures for September, the last month in the quarter, are much stronger than the previous two months. The political succession which has created question marks and economic instability seems closer to a solution. These combined factors point to stabilization of the Chinese economy and have lifted the economic sentiment which is more positive than in months reflected by the jump in the Shanghai index over the last days.

The US markets ended flat yesterday night. IBM which constitutes 11 % of Dow Jones, fell 4,91 percent. Intel and Cisco delivered weaker than expected results. US home building came in much stronger than expected and surged to its highest level since the summer of 2008. Together with better than expected third quarterly company results and stabilization in China, the housing numbers shall probably increase investors risk appetite and higher demand for commodities. The bell water Copper futures are pointing strongly upwards. Japanese yen, a safe haven for investors, have fallen substantially during the last week. USD/JPY is trading at 79,165.

The Euro/USD is at 1.3097 after reaching 1.3125 in yesterday’s trade. The Euro has fallen somewhat back in early trading in Asia. That might be seen a technical correction after a strong rally over the last days. Gold has fallen back from yesterdays high on 1753 and trades at 1749. Silver is stabile on 33,18. Brent crude has recovered in Asia again trading close to USD 114 a barrel after falling back to 113. NYMEX is stabile on USD 92. Australian dollar touched a two-week high of USD 1,0395 after the Chinese data. It is now trading at 1.0384. The Scandinavian currencies, Swedish krones (SEK), Norwegian krones (NOK) and Danish krones (DK) are posting gains against the dollar.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

19 OCTOBER 2012: EU BANK UNION READY BY 2014

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

EU leaders agreed yesterday to establish a single banking supervisor for the 6000 banks inside the Euro zone by 2014, opening the way for its rescue fund to inject capital directly into debt ridden banks. A legal framework shall be adopted by the end of this year giving the European Central Bank (ECB) overall responsibility for banking supervision. Most day-to-day oversight will still be delegated to national bodies. An effective banking union is regarded as a first important step to overcome the euro zone three-year old debt crisis.

Asian shares eased on Friday as markets consolidated gains from a three-day rally. Last night also Dow Jones and Nasdaq ended in negative territory. Both Google and Microsoft delivered weaker than expected quarterly results. This weighed in on market sentiments.

The Euro was resilient trading at 1.3070 in morning hours in Asia 70 basis points down from the one-month high on 1.3140 reached on Wednesday. The single currency edged higher toward Japanese yen which also continued to fall against the USD. The down-side risk for the Euro is looking weaker short-term. The Euro/USD will probably remain in its recent broad range. Momentum seems to build up to a new test on the technical resistance level on 1.3175. The dollar index against six most traded currencies remains stabile.

Gold prices slipped to 1735 and trades at present on 1739. Recent positive third quarter company results have together with better housing numbers boosted US Treasury bill yield and supported the dollar. Appetite for precious metals bullions have consequently decreased over the last days. Silver reached 32,70 yesterday down from 33.30. Brent crude fell to USD 112 a barrel. It has stabilized in morning trade, at 112,40. NYMEX. New York crude is still trading above 92.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

22 OCTOBER 2012: ASIA FALLS ON WEAK US EARNINGS

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asia started in red this morning in line where the US and European markets ended last week. Disappointing corporate earnings from General Electric and McDonalds, along with steep fall in oil prices and increased worries on Europe’s dept crisis, influenced market sentiments. Negative sentiments are once again prevailing at when a new trading week opens in Asia. Numbers for Japanese exports, a key driver of the world’s third-biggest economy, saw a sharp fall impacting the MSCI-index of Asia-Pacific shares which fell 0,6 percent. Also Korea and Australia are down.

The result season is continuing in the United States this week with Facebook, Yahoo and Apple ready to present third quarterly results. First out is Facebook on Tuesday. Google, Microsoft and Intel disappointed investors last week. That turned around the positive trend we have seen in the stock markets since the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank’s decisions for monetary easing. The outcome of the forthcoming US presidential elections are also weighing in on investor’s sentiments encouraging profit taking and sitting on the fence.

The euro is resilient despite mixed signal from the euro zone over the progress of its three years debt crisis. Euro/USD is trading 0,3 percent up at 1.3046. The final outcome of the Spanish municipal elections which is regarded a test on the government’s austerity policies, are not final. Japanese yen continues to fall. USD/JPY is at 79,50 with the yen 0,3 % weaker. Brent crude has recovered from its bottom close to USD 110 a barrel trading at 110,85. Precious metals that fall steeply last week have recovered somewhat this morning. Gold is at 1726 up from 171. Silver is trading at 32,30, one percent up from bottom levels seen on Friday.

The rating agency Standard and Poor raised over the weekend question marks whether the last Chinese GDP numbers of 7,4% economic growth have been politically manipulated? The real figures were presumed to be closer to 6,5 %. Some analysts see this as part of the Chinese bashing; which has been “popular” in some American political circles lately. From Beijing there is news that Chinese top leaders have asked policy think-tanks to present the most ambitious economic reform proposals for decades. The proposals shall contain to curb the power of state companies and open for bigger discretionary freedom to set interest rates and the value of the Yuan currency.

Copyright: United World Capital