ADVFN Newsdesk - Markets May Sustain Momentum Amid Stimulus Hopes

ADVFN  World Daily Markets Bulletin Daily world financial news Monday, 31 March 2014 10:43:02    Monitor Quote Charts News Toplists Forex Boards   Sponsored by: VectorVest Beat the market – Guaranteed! Discover trading plans that beat the market year after year and tell you exactly when to buy, what to buy and when to sell. Click Here US Market The major U.S. index futures are pointing to a higher opening on Monday, with sentiment getting a lift from expectations that central banks and governments world over will not let the global economy to recoil back into recession. Traders are hopeful that the Chinese government will roll out measures to avert a hard landing, and with central bank decisions due across the Atlantic this week, expectations that the European Central Bank will ease monetary policy further are gaining ground. The domestic markets will also look for directional cues from the results of a regional manufacturing survey and a speech by The Fed Chair. U.S. stocks closed mixed in the week ended March 28th, as the ongoing geopolitical crisis in Ukraine and mixed economic data kept the mood lackadaisical. Last Monday, the major averages languished mostly below the unchanged line amid a lack of any major compelling catalysts before closing lower. The major averages staged a rebound on Tuesday, thanks to a string of mostly positive data on house prices and consumer confidence. The release of some lukewarm economic data and the continuing geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine exerted downward pressure on the major averages on Wednesday. Economic and geopolitical worries continued to haunt traders on Thursday, sending the averages lower once again. Stimulus hopes helped the averages to snap their losses on Friday, and the averages ended the session modestly to moderately higher. For the week, The Dow Industrials rose 0.12 percent, while the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.48 percent and 2.83 percent, respectively. Among the sectors, the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index and the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index fell 6.67 percent and 4.77 percent, respectively for the week. Additionally, the NYSE Arca Securities Broker/Dealer Index and the KBW Bank Index moved down 3.67 percent and 1.73 percent, respectively, while the NYSE Arca Oil Index climbed 2.17 percent. The Philadelphia Oil Service Index and The Dow Jones Utility Index added over 1 percent each. The Dow Industrials finished last week above its 21-day MA currently at 16,302. Apart from that level, which is currently the index's near term support, it also has support around 16,259, 16,176, its 50-day MA currently at 16,121 and 100-day MA currently at 16102. On the upside, the index has resistance around the 16,367, 16,419, 16,476 and 16,533 levels. No platform or data fees with no trade minimums Trade free for 60 days + get up to $600 cash. Join TD Ameritrade US Economic Reports CADUSD Oil Gold Allbanc Please click on the images to view our interactive charts Jobs and private sector activity data are likely to dominate proceedings in the unfolding week. The focus of the week is likely to be the monthly non-farm payrolls data for March due on Friday, while traders may also closely watch the other labor statistics of the week, namely ADP's private sector jobs data and the weekly jobless claims report. The results of the Institute for Supply Management's national manufacturing and non-manufacturing surveys for March, the results of Markit's manufacturing and service sector surveys and the results of MNI Indicators' Chicago-area manufacturing survey for March are also likely to be in the spotlight. The Commerce Department's construction spending, trade balance and factory orders reports, all for February, some Fed speeches and announcements concerning Treasury auctions of 3-year and 10-year notes and 30-year bonds round up the economic events of the week. MNI Indicators is scheduled to release its report of manufacturing activity in the Chicago region at 9:45 am ET. Economists expect the Chicago business barometer to slip to 59 in March from 59.8 in February. In February, the index edged up 0.2 points to 59.8, with the details of the report coming in mixed. The employment index spiked 10.1 points to 59.3. However, the new orders and production indexes fell. The prices index fell about 6 points to 59.1. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is due to speak to the community reinvestment conference in Chicago at 9:55 am ET. The Dallas Federal Reserve will release the results of its regional manufacturing survey at 10:30 am ET. The consensus estimate calls for an increase in the index to 3 in March from 0.3 in February. Retired Talk Show Host Reveals Shocking Secret "Almost anyone can collect income checks from the government," he says. "And it's all tax-free." Read More Stocks in Focus FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Please click on the images to view our interactive charts Biogen announced that the FDA has approved its hemophilia B treatment ALPROLIX. The company said it is planning to make the treatment commercially available in early May. Pfizer noted that the FDA has approved over-the-counter Nexium 24HR for treating heart burn. Pfizer acquired exclusive global rights for Nexium from AstraZeneca in 2012. Dominion Resources announced the one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries Dominion Midstream Partners has filed a registration statement on Form-1 with the SEC related to its proposed public offering of common units representing limited partner interests. UTi Worldwide reported a narrower net loss for its fourth quarter despite revenues declining year-over-year. However, the company's adjusted loss per share was wider than analysts' estimate. The company also said its audited financial statements were issued with no going concern qualification for all periods presented. Cal-Maine Foods reported a higher third-quarter profit, as sales grew 10 percent, driven by improved volumes through the holiday season and higher average selling prices. The company also benefited from lower feed costs compared with last year. No platform or data fees with no trade minimums Trade free for 60 days + get up to $600 cash. Join TD Ameritrade European Market European stocks opened higher but have given back some of their gains since then.Nevertheless, the averages are currently higher. On the economic front, property tracking website Hometrack reported that the average asking price for a house in the U.K. was up 0.6 percent month-over-month in March, slower than the 0.7 percent increase in February. Nevertheless, prices have been upward bound for fourteen straight months. A report released by the German Federal Statistical Office showed that German retail sales climbed 1.3 percent month-over-month in real terms in February compared to expectations for a 0.5 percent drop. Revised estimates released by statistical office INSEE showed that the French economy grew at an unrevised sequential rate of 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Flash estimates released by Eurostat showed that the euro area's annual inflation eased to 0.5 percent in March from 0.7 percent in February. Economists estimated a 0.6 percent inflation rate for the month. Asian Markets USDCAD USDEUR USDGBP USDJPY Please click on the images to view our interactive charts The Asian markets closed on a mixed note, with the Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian markets closing lower, while the rest of the markets advanced. The Japanese market benefited from the yen's weakness, with the Nikkei 225 average opening higher and hovering in positive territory throughout the session before settling up 131.80 points or 0.90 percent at 14,828. A majority of stocks advanced in the session, led by Shinei Bank, Tosoh, Tokyo Tatemono and Dowa Holdings. On the other hand, utility, paper, construction and retail stocks came under selling pressure. Australia's All Ordinaries also traded above the unchanged line throughout the session before closing 26.20 points or 0.49 percent higher at 5,403. Most sectors rose modestly, although healthcare and consumer staple stocks bucked the uptrend. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ended at 22,151, up 85.53 points or 0.39 percent, while China's Shanghai Composite ended down 8.41 points or 0.41 percent at 2,033. On the economic front, the latest survey from TD Securities revealed that the inflation forecast for Australia showed no change in March compared to February. Consumer prices are expected to rise 0.2 percent month-over-month and 2.7 percent year-over-year, the same rates as in the previous month. The results of a survey by the Housing Industry Association showed that new home sales in Australia rose 4.6 percent month-over-month in February following a 0.5 percent increase in January. Data released by the Reserve Bank of Australia showed that private sector credit in Australia rose 0.4 percent month-over-month in February, the same pace as in the previous month. A report released by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed that industrial production fell 2.3 percent month-over-month in February, belying expectations for a 0.3 percent increase. Annually, industrial production rose a less than expected 6.9 percent. Housing starts in Japan rose at a slower than expected pace in February, according to a report released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Housing starts were up 1 percent year-over-year compared to expectations for a 6.1 percent increase. The gun debate reveals game-changing technology And provides proof that we could be at the exact tipping point to deliver monster-sized gains. Read more... Currency and Commodities Markets Crude Oil futures are receding $0.25 to $101.42 a barrel after advancing $2.21 or 2.22 percent to $101.67 a barrel in the week ended March 28th. Last Monday, Oil extended its gains by advancing modestly despite the equity market weakness. However, the commodity retreated moderately on Tuesday. Helped by some positive economic data, Oil rose by over $1-a-barrel on Wednesday. The commodity made another $1+ gain on Thursday and rose modestly on Friday, ending the week higher. Gold futures, which fell $41.70 or 3.12 percent to $1,294.30 an ounce in the previous week, are edging up $0.10 to $1,294.40 an ounce. The dollar extended its gains in the week ended March 28th, with the currency benefiting from its safe haven appeal. The greenback added 0.57 percent for the week against the yen before settling at $102.83 yen. Meanwhile, the dollar fell 0.31 percent against the euro to $1.3752. The U.S. dollar is currently at 103.26 yen and is valued at $1.3787 versus the euro.     To unsubscribe from this news bulletin or edit your mailing list settings click here. Registered Office/Accounts Dept: Suite 27, Essex Technology Centre, The Gable, Fyfield Road, Ongar, CM5 0GA. Customer Support +44 (0) 207 0700 961. 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Morning Euro Markets Bulletin

ADVFN  Morning Euro Markets Bulletin Daily world financial news Monday, 31 March 2014 10:41:25 Monitor Quote Charts News CFD's Spreadbetting Free BB   Sponsored by: Galvan House Price Boom: The shares that are set to soar Nothing makes voters happier than rising house prices. Click here for your FREE report. London Market Report FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Please click on the images to view our interactive charts London open: Stocks at three-week high ahead of data-heavy week - Busy week for economic data - German retail sales rise, Eurozone CPI ahead - Insurance stocks rebound after heavy falls techMARK 2,778.57 +0.59% FTSE 100 6,657.68 +0.64% FTSE 250 16,276.97 +0.59% UK stocks were trading at a three-week high on Monday morning as investors began the week in a bullish mood ahead of some key economic indicators across the globe in the coming days. "Whilst much of the strength seen throughout the latter half of last week seemed to show both technical and fundamental elements, there is more of a feeling that we will return to the economics this week as a key driver of market direction," said Joshua Mahony, Research Analyst at Alpari UK. The FTSE 100 was trading 0.6% higher at 6,658 in early trading, following a near-1% gain for the index over the past five sessions. The FTSE 100 has not closed above this level since March 11th when it finished at 6,685.52. Mahony said that today "marks the first of five very notable days which should help spell out exactly where we stand in relation to almost all major current market themes". Helping sentiment this morning were German retail sales figures which rose at 1.3% over February, down from a revised 1.7% gain the previous month but much better than the 0.5% decline expected by analysts. Consumer price inflation figures from the Eurozone will be released later this morning with markets watching closely to see whether deflationary pressures have stepped up over the last month. The 'core' consumer price index is expected to have risen at an annual rate of 0.8% in March, down from a 1.0% increase in February. A host of key purchasing managers' indices in China will also be in focus over the coming days as investors look to gain a better perspective of the slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. Meanwhile, there will be a barrage of economic data from the US this week, including the all-important non-farm payrolls report on Friday. Insurers rebound…slightly Insurance stocks were among the best performers today as share prices attempted to recover from the sell-off that ensued on Friday on the news of a regulatory investigation into billions of pounds worth of policies dating back four decades. The Financial Conduct Authority is set to outline its report today. Resolution, which fell over 7% the previous session, was making small gains this morning, along with St James's Place, Prudential and Aviva. Mining stocks were also on the rise, including Anglo American, Rio Tinto and African Barrick Gold. Power systems giant Rolls-Royce rose after winning a $50m one-year contract to support the US Marines Corps fleet of KC-130J air-to-air refuelling tankers. GlaxoSmithKline declined after saying the third phase of its study of darpladib failed to meet its target for the prevention of stroke. Investment firm 3i Infrastructure edged higher after saying in a pre-close trading update that its European portfolio has continued to perform well with deliver "good levels of income". Its India Fund remains affected by a number of macro-economic and market issues but its performance "stabilised" in the second half. INVEST IN BRAZIL - 15.5% fixed returns in just one year A proven investment in Brazil's 4th biggest metropolis.  Only limited availability.  For your FREE Brochure, Click Here. FTSE 100 - Risers Resolution Ltd. (RSL) 304.80p +2.87% Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,352.50p +2.23% Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 3,322.00p +2.22% Anglo American (AAL) 1,541.50p +2.15% St James's Place (STJ) 856.50p +1.48% ARM Holdings (ARM) 992.00p +1.48% Aviva (AV.) 476.80p +1.40% Ashtead Group (AHT) 964.00p +1.37% Mondi (MNDI) 1,040.00p +1.36% BG Group (BG.) 1,125.50p +1.26% FTSE 100 - Fallers Centrica (CNA) 327.60p -0.30% SSE (SSE) 1,508.00p -0.20% Shire Plc (SHP) 3,017.00p -0.13% HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 610.30p -0.11% Sports Direct International (SPD) 865.50p -0.06% Smith & Nephew (SN.) 921.00p -0.05% FTSE 250 - Risers Partnership Assurance Group (PA.) 142.00p +5.19% Imagination Technologies Group (IMG) 203.30p +4.31% Phoenix Group Holdings (DI) (PHNX) 679.00p +4.14% Evraz (EVR) 74.45p +3.33% African Barrick Gold (ABG) 255.40p +3.23% AL Noor Hospitals Group (ANH) 1,068.00p +3.09% Domino Printing Sciences (DNO) 796.50p +2.51% Alent (ALNT) 313.70p +2.42% Ferrexpo (FXPO) 156.50p +2.42% Centamin (DI) (CEY) 50.80p +2.42% FTSE 250 - Fallers Intu Properties (INTU) 277.80p -1.48% IP Group (IPO) 207.00p -1.43% Countrywide (CWD) 645.50p -1.00% Computacenter (CCC) 651.50p -0.99% Riverstone Energy Limited (RSE) 886.50p -0.95% Wetherspoon (J.D.) (JDW) 853.50p -0.58% RPS Group (RPS) 310.90p -0.58% Infinis Energy (INFI) 238.70p -0.54% ITE Group (ITE) 191.80p -0.52% UK Event Calendar Monday March 31 INTERIMS Inland Homes, YouGov, Bowleven INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Mountview Estate, The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE MedicX Fund Ltd., Premier Energy & Water Trust INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Chicago PMI (US) (14:45) International Reserves (EU) (11:00) Preliminary CPI (EZ) (09:00) Retail Sales (GER) (07:00) Speech Fed Chair Janet Yellen Industrial production (JP) (08:50) Q4 Caledonia Mining Corporation FINALS Burford Capital , Caledonia Mining Corporation, Christie Group, Globaltrans Investment GDR (Reg S), Hibernia Reit , Ithaca Energy Inc. (DI), Martinco , Minera IRL, Ocean Wilsons Holdings Ltd., Polymetal International, Quindell , Safestyle UK , Skyepharma, Starcom, TEG Group (The), Toumaz Limited ANNUAL REPORT New Europe Property Investments, Talvivaara Mining Company (CDI) SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Avanti Capital, Premier Energy & Water Trust, Rights & Issues Inv Trust Capital Shares, Rights & Issues Inv Trust Income Shares AGMS Arria NLG, IRF European Finance Investments Ltd (DI), Lecico Egypt SAE GDR (Reg S), Manroy, Pentagon Protection, Sula Iron & Gold, Talent Group, Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS GDR (Reg S), UK Oil & Gas Investments 'A' TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS KCOM Group UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Credit (09:30) M4 Money Supply (09:30) M4 Sterling Lending (09:30) Mortgage Approvals (09:30) Speech BoE Deputy Governor Andrew Bailey (14:10) Speech Katharine Braddick, BoE Director of Prudential Policy (12:10) Speech Governor Mark Carney (18:15) FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Polar Capital Global Financials Trust, Rights & Issues Inv Trust Capital Shares, Rights & Issues Inv Trust Income Shares, Temple Bar Inv Trust PROVEN Trading Strategy - Currently running at 70% success rate Earn a tax free income trading, from just 20 minutes a day – no experience needed.  Our powerful trading software will help you decide when to enter trades and how to maximise profits. Register for a FREE brochure and trading guide, Click Here.  Europe Market Report FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Europe open: Stocks rise ahead of Eurozone inflation data - Eurozone inflation to be released - German retail sales rise - French GDP grows - US and Russia hold talks on Crimea FTSE 100: 0.41% DAX: 1.44% CAC 40: 0.74% FTSE MIB: 1.53% IBEX 35: 1.27% Stoxx 600: 0.45% European stocks gained ahead of a report which may show Eurozone inflation declined in March. A preliminary reading on Eurozone consumer prices is expected to drop to 0.6% last month from 0.8% in February, adding pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) to take greater measures to tackle falling prices. The ECB holds its next policy meeting on Thursday. Meanwhile, a report released this morning showed German retail sales rose 2% in February compared to a year ago following a 0.9% increase a month earlier. Analysts had predicted a 0.8% gain. Another release revealed French gross domestic product grew 0.3% in the fourth quarter, as expected. In the US this afternoon, attention will turn to the Chicago purchasing managers' index for manufacturing, which economists forecast will come in at 59.5 in March, down from 59.8 a month earlier. A separate report on US manufacturing activity from the Dallas Federal Reserve is anticipated to rise to 2.5 in March from 0.3 in February. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will also speak at the Development Conference in Chicago. Crimea talks US Secretary of State John Kerry has wrapped up talks in Paris with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the turmoil surrounding Crimea with no sign of whether progress was made. Kerry said he told Lavrov that the US still considered Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine to be "illegal and illegitimate". The meeting was arranged after President Vladimir Putin phoned President Barack Obama on Friday. Kerry told a news conference in Paris: "We will not accept a path forward where the legitimate government of Ukraine is not at the table." Novartis, Drillisch Novartis rallied after the Swiss drugmaker said the final phase of a clinical trial showed a treatment for chronic heart failure helped patients live longer. Drillisch jumped following reports that the provider of phone services may pay a special dividend or buy back shares. The euro rose 0.03% to $1.3756. Brent crude futures fell $0.148 to $107.910 per barrel, according to the ICE. TF Financial - Advisory CFD broking with a difference! NO upfront fee for our signals and NO extra charges for our research. You pay a standard 10bp per trade for our services with no strings and no salesman calling you. Just set up your account, receive our signals and decide for yourself. To register for a free research report click here US Market Report US close: Stocks rise but pare gains after mixed data - Dow finishes higher on the week, Nasdaq falls sharply - Personal spending and incomes rise as expected - Consumer sentiment revised lower - BlackBerry drops as sales slump Dow Jones: 0.36% Nasdaq: 0.11% S&P 500: 0.46% US stocks finished higher on Friday but erased most of their early gains after mixed economic data, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average the only major index to close the week in positive territory. Personal spending and incomes increased in line with analysts' estimates, but estimates for consumer sentiment were revised lower. The Dow finished 0.36% higher at 16,323.06, the S&P 500 ended up 0.46% at 1,857.62, while the Nasdaq gained 0.11% to 4,155.76. The Dow managed to finish the week in positive territory, 0.1% higher than last Friday, but the S&P 500 fell 0.5%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq dropped 2.8%, the worst weekly performance for the tech-heavy index since October 2012. Economic data comes in mixed Markets rose strongly after the opening bell after figures from the Commerce Department showed that personal spending increased at a month-on-month rate of 0.3% in February, up from a revised 0.2% rise the month before and in line with analysts' forecasts. Personal incomes also rose by 0.3%, as expected. Senior US Economist Paul Dales from Capital Economics pointed out that the rise in expenditure was due to another large increase in medical spending: "This is because those people who are now covered by Medicaid for the first time or who have recently signed up for a private policy have started to consume medical services. With more people having enrolled this month, the effects of the Affordable Care Act will boost spending in March too." Dales estimated that annualised real consumption growth over the first quarter as a whole rose by just 1.5-2%, down from 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013. However, "a strengthening in jobs growth should allow it to accelerate in the second", he said. Meanwhile, the final reading for the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment was revised to 80 in March, up from the initial estimate of 79.9 but under the previous month's reading of 81.6. This was the lowest level since November. BlackBerry falls as sales drop Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry rose initially after its adjusted loss per share of eight cents in its fourth quarter came in much better than the 55 cents loss expected by analysts. Revenues, however, slumped from $2.68bn to $976m, worse than the Street's predictions, causing the stock to sink into the red by the close. Zynga declined despite billionaire Steven Cohen's investment firm SAC Capital raising its stake in the video game publisher to 5.3% from 2.2%. Restoration Hardware rose after the home-furnishings retailer forecast quarterly earnings that surpassed analysts' forecasts. Netflix ended firmly in the red following news that Amazon may begin advertising-supported streaming services. Losing Interest? You could earn more with a Stocks & Shares ISA. Grab a ready-made package or pick your own at The Share Centre. Capital at risk. Tax benefits of ISAs may change. Newspaper Round Up Monday newspaper round-up: Yuan, cap on lending, energy bosses As the Yuan weakens and the US Federal Reserve raises rates sooner than expected the risk exists that the flood of 'hot money' going into China suddenly reverses, according to research from three of the largest global brokerages. Citigroup, for one, has told clients to brace for another round of 'taper tantrum' such as the one which rocked emerging markets in 2012. This time, however, it is China which will be in the eye of the storm, The Daily Telegraph writes. Tory peer and business guru Lord Heseltine believes the Bank of England should weigh up measures such as imposing a cap on lending. Setting a limit on how big a mortgage homeowners can take out, as a percentage of their salaries, might help to prevent a housing bubble, he told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend. Thus, homeowners who take out loans equivalent to 5.5 times their salary could constitute a major risk when interest rates increase, the former Deputy Prime Minister added, The Daily Mail reports. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, won a majority of votes in local elections held nationally over the weekend, according to exit polls. Nevertheless, the margin of victory is as yet unclear as is his party's control of major cities, in what some see as a referendum on his rule in an increasingly divided country, The Wall Street Journal Europe says. Energy bosses will admit that their customer service has been poor, their bills confusing and complaints about them being poorly handled. Those are the main conclusions of what amounts to an extraordinary indictment of industry practices as per a frank assessment of their failures seen by The Times. Royal Mail faces a daunting week. Just as the company prepares to raise its prices for stamps and parcels government auditors are set to issue their verdict on the recent privatisation of the firm. They are expected to say that taxpayers lost in excess of £1bn. As well, the aforementioned price increases will leave the company open to criticism that it is taking advantage of the market dominance afforded by its monopoly position, The Times says. Ex-Tesco Chief Terry Leahy has signed up to the board of Blackcircles.com, a digital service which allows customers to choose a fitting centre and then order online. The company has 1,200 tyre fitting centres, including 400 franchised sites. Revenues were up by 20% last year and the outfit is gearing up for a possible initial public offering later this year, according to The Daily Mail.   New ADVFN Service - FREE Reports Get your free report on Isa's, Investment Trusts, Funds, Sipps Travel and Cars - FREE and Easy service CLICK HERE To advertise in the Euro Markets Bulletin please contact patrick@advfn.co.uk     To unsubscribe from this news bulletin or edit your mailing list settings click here. Registered Office/Accounts Dept: Suite 27, Essex Technology Centre, The Gable, Fyfield Road, Ongar, CM5 0GA. Customer Support +44 (0) 207 0700 961. Company registered in England and Wales: Number 2374988 VAT No. GB 549 2130 49

Evening Euro Markets Bulletin

ADVFN III Evening Euro Markets Bulletin Daily world financial news Friday, 28 March 2014 18:10:10 Monitor Quote Charts News CFD's Spreadbetting Free BB   Sponsored by: Landcorp Canada off-plan plots with guaranteed resell From £30,000 with up to 48% returns in 36 months Download free brochure London Market Report FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Please click on the images to view our interactive charts London close: Stocks end higher after choppy session - FTSE ends session up 27.26 at 6,615.58 - Insurance slide, miners climb - UK Q4 current account deficit bigger than expected techMARK 2,762.30 -0.03% FTSE 100 6,615.58 +0.41% FTSE 250 16,181.71 -0.13% The week ended on a positive note for UK stocks as they tracked gains seen Stateside and a positive performance amongst miners managed to offset a slump across the insurance sector. The FTSE 100 closed up 27.26 points at 6,615.58, up 58.41 or 0.89% on the week. It was something of a turbulent day for the UK market, which rose early on before dipping around lunchtime after it was widely reported that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is planning to look into 30m insurance policies sold between the 1970s and 2000 on the back of concerns that they may have contained 'unfair' terms. However, stocks recovered on the back of a strong start over in the US, which came after personal spending and incomes increased last month, while markets shrugged off a gauge of consumer confidence that marginally missed expectations. Personal spending increased at a month-on-month rate of 0.3% in February, up from a revised 0.2% rise the month before and in line with analysts' forecasts. Personal incomes already rose by 0.3%, as expected. Senior US Economist Paul Dales from Capital Economics said that the rise in expenditure was due to another large increase in medical spending: "This is because those people who are now covered by Medicaid for the first time or who have recently signed up for a private policy have started to consume medical services. With more people having enrolled this month, the effects of the Affordable Care Act will boost spending in March too." Meanwhile, the final reading for the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment was revised to 80 in March, up from the initial estimate of 79.9 but under the previous month's reading of 81.6. This was the lowest level since November. UK Q4 current account deficit comes in bigger than expected Back in the UK, question marks grew over the durability of the UK economic recovery after the country's fourth quarter current account deficit came in much higher than expected. The deficit between October and December was £22.4bn, the second largest deficit on record after an all-time high of £22.8bn in the third quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Economists had expected a deficit of about £14bn. As expected, the ONS confirmed that the economy expanded at 0.7% in the fourth quarter, but 2013 annual GDP was revised down to 1.7% from the previously estimated 1.8%. In other UK news, National Energy Action (NEA) warned that unless the UK government and devolved administrations take urgent action in stopping the cold-homes crisis, then targets to remove fuel poverty will be missed. The UK Fuel Poverty Monitor claims that current government measures to tackle fuel poverty are "inadequate to mitigate the effect of rising energy costs and the impacts of the economic situation and changes to welfare benefits". Insurers and miners at polar ends of index Insurance groups were hit by the news the FCA news, which also prompted RBC Capital to lower its target on a number of stocks in the sector, including Resolution (from 400p to 390p), Standard Life (from 450p to 440p), and Aviva (from 500p to 495p). Meanwhile, shares in mining stocks delivered a strong performance amid hopes of stimulus measures in China, which would lead to growth in demand for commodities. Glencore Xstrata, Fresnillo, Anglo American and BHP Billiton were all on the rise. Randgold Resources was also a top performer after saying that gold production would top 1m ounces in 2014, compared with the 910,364 ounces produced last year. Investec gave Smith & Nephew a lift after upping its rating on the stock from 'add' to 'buy' and hiking its target by a third. The broker said that the medical equipment maker is "beginning to look like a growth stock again". INVEST IN BRAZIL - 15.5% fixed returns in just one year A proven investment in Brazil's 4th biggest metropolis.  Only limited availability.  For your FREE Brochure, Click Here. FTSE 100 - Risers Smith & Nephew (SN.) 921.50p +2.39% Standard Chartered (STAN) 1,259.50p +2.23% G4S (GFS) 237.90p +2.19% Unilever (ULVR) 2,557.00p +2.08% Rexam (REX) 490.10p +2.06% Glencore Xstrata (GLEN) 313.25p +2.00% Persimmon (PSN) 1,364.00p +1.79% Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 307.20p +1.76% Antofagasta (ANTO) 841.50p +1.69% BP (BP.) 484.15p +1.64% FTSE 100 - Fallers Resolution Ltd. (RSL) 296.30p -7.12% Legal & General Group (LGEN) 205.00p -3.48% Aviva (AV.) 470.20p -2.75% Prudential (PRU) 1,280.50p -2.62% ITV (ITV) 189.40p -1.61% Standard Life (SL.) 380.30p -1.55% Mondi (MNDI) 1,026.00p -1.54% BT Group (BT.A) 374.10p -1.53% Admiral Group (ADM) 1,434.00p -1.44% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 74.34p -1.38% FTSE 250 - Risers Xaar (XAR) 885.00p +6.37% Ocado Group (OCDO) 466.60p +4.48% Balfour Beatty (BBY) 298.90p +4.44% Just Retirement Group (JRG) 140.00p +4.01% Greencore Group (GNC) 274.70p +3.08% Bank of Georgia Holdings (BGEO) 2,467.00p +2.79% African Barrick Gold (ABG) 247.40p +2.78% Bellway (BWY) 1,676.00p +2.76% Imagination Technologies Group (IMG) 194.90p +2.58% Kier Group (KIE) 1,647.00p +2.55% FTSE 250 - Fallers Phoenix Group Holdings (DI) (PHNX) 652.00p -11.53% Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (MLC) 551.00p -3.25% 888 Holdings (888) 147.70p -3.15% Petra Diamonds Ltd.(DI) (PDL) 146.20p -3.11% EnQuest (ENQ) 126.10p -3.07% ICAP (IAP) 377.00p -3.04% Man Group (EMG) 98.95p -2.90% AL Noor Hospitals Group (ANH) 1,036.00p -2.81% Northgate (NTG) 521.50p -2.52% Centamin (DI) (CEY) 49.60p -2.36% UKs booming asset class... Get 10% fixed returns for 10 years and see why the care home investment market is about to boom. Our unique opportunity in The Calder Valley is one not to be missed Register your details here to receive your FREE brochure Europe Market Report FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Europe close: Stocks end higher on rise in euro-area confidence - Eurozone economic confidence rises - German inflation slows - US consumer confidence climbs - Ukraine in talks for first tranche of IMF aid FTSE 100: 0.41% DAX: 1.44% CAC 40: 0.74% FTSE MIB: 1.53% IBEX 35: 1.27% Stoxx 600: 0.71% European stocks ended the week higher as better-than-expected Eurozone economic confidence data pointed to pick-up in the region's recovery. The European Commission's sentiment index increased to 102.4 in March from 101.2 a month earlier, beating expectations of 101.4. It is the strongest monthly gain in nearly five years and is likely to ease the pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) ahead of its policy meeting next week. The ECB has been urged to take greater measures to tackle a stagnant recovery amid falling consumer prices and high unemployment. A report today which showed German inflation slowed in March could boost the case for further action by the ECB. Consumer prices, calculated using a harmonised European Union method, was 0.9%, down from 1% in February, as expected. US data The University of Michigan's US consumer confidence index climbed to 80 in March from 79.9 in February, falling short of the 80.5 forecast. US personal spending increased at a month-on-month rate of 0.3% in February, up from a revised 0.2% rise the month before and in line with analysts' forecasts. Personal incomes rose by 0.3%, as predicted. Ukraine and IMF hold talks on aid Ukraine's Finance Minister Oleksander Shlapak said the government was in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the first tranche of a $14-18bn bailout package. The first tranche will include $3bn under a deal, announced on Thursday, to help the heavily-indebted stabilise its economy after months of political turmoil. The agreement comes amid Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Copper miners rise, insurers fall A gauge of copper miners rose, including Aurubis and Glencore Xstrata, as the price of the metal rose on hopes China will introduce new stimulus measures. Resolution and Aviva led insurers lower following report the UK regulator Financial Conduct Authority plans to conduct an investigation in whether charges levied on life-insurance policies were unfair on customers. Pirelli & C. SpA gained after the Italian tyre maker reported 2013 earnings which beat analysts' estimates. Intesa Sanpaolo advanced as Italy's second-biggest bank forecast dividend payouts of €1bn this year and €2bn next year. Deutsche Wohnen climbed after the German residential landlord said annual profit jumped 68%. The euro climbed 0.05% to $1.3747. Brent crude futures rose $0.037 to $107.870 per barrel, according to the ICE. TF Financial - Advisory CFD broking with a difference! NO upfront fee for our signals and NO extra charges for our research. You pay a standard 10bp per trade for our services with no strings and no salesman calling you. Just set up your account, receive our signals and decide for yourself. To register for a free research report click here US Market Report US open: Stocks gain as consumer spending increases - Personal spending, incomes rise in line with estimates - Uni of Michigan consumer sentiment misses forecasts - BlackBerry gains after smaller-than-expected loss Dow Jones: 0.87% Nasdaq: 1.06% S&P 500: 0.82% US stocks rose strongly on Friday morning after personal spending and incomes increased last month, while markets shrugged off a gauge of consumer confidence that marginally missed expectations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was registering triple-digit gains early on, up 0.9%, the Nasdaq was 1.1% higher, while the S&P 500 rose 0.8%. Personal spending increased at a month-on-month rate of 0.3% in February, up from a revised 0.2% rise the month before and in line with analysts' forecasts. Personal incomes already rose by 0.3%, as expected. Senior US Economist Paul Dales from Capital Economics said that the rise in expenditure was due to another large increase in medical spending: "This is because those people who are now covered by Medicaid for the first time or who have recently signed up for a private policy have started to consume medical services. With more people having enrolled this month, the effects of the Affordable Care Act will boost spending in March too." Dales estimated that annualised real consumption growth over the first quarter as a whole rose by just 1.5-2%, down from 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013. However, "a strengthening in jobs growth should allow it to accelerate in the second", he said. The final reading for the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment was revised to 80 in March, up from the initial estimate of 79.9 but under the previous month's reading of 81.6. This was the lowest level since November. BlackBerry Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry was making gains after the opening bell after its adjusted loss per share of eight cents in its fourth quarter came in much better than the 55 cents loss expected by analysts. Revenues, however, slumped from $2.68bn to $976m, worse than the Street's predictions. Zynga edged higher after billionaire Steven Cohen raised his stake in the video game publisher to 5.3% from 2.2%. Restoration Hardware rose after the home-furnishings retailer forecast quarterly earnings that surpassed analysts' forecasts. Netflix was swinging between gains and losses following news that Amazon may begin advertising-supported streaming services. PROVEN Trading Strategy - Currently running at 70% success rate Earn a tax free income trading, from just 20 minutes a day – no experience needed.  Our powerful trading software will help you decide when to enter trades and how to maximise profits. Register for a FREE brochure and trading guide, Click Here.  Broker Tips easyJet shares to 'pause for breath', says Panmure Panmure Gordon has raised its earnings forecasts for easyJet after an 'encouraging' trading update from the budget airline this week, but has left its ‘hold’ rating and 1,800p target for the stock unchanged. While it remains “hugely optimistic” about easyJet’s long-term prospects, the broker expects the shares to “pause for breath” in the near term. easyJet on Wednesday improved guidance ahead of its half-year results in May and now expects the pre-tax loss to be £55-65m for the six months to March 31st, compared with the previous estimate of £70-90m. Revenue per seat at constant currency is now estimated to have grown by 1.5% in the first half, compared with its earlier prediction of “very slightly up”. Expected cost per seat growth excluding fuel was also revised down. Panmure said that due to “improved revenue numbers and with costs firmly under control”, it has upgraded its earnings per share forecasts for the full year ending September by 3.7% to 113.6p. “Despite a likely increase in competition this summer, we have seen few signs of irrational behaviour of competitors, and we expect the revenue environment to remain relatively good,” the broker said. “Increased yield management of allocated seating should in our view support modest yield improvements over the next couple of years. Our EPS forecasts have also benefited from the assumption of the lower tax rate, reflecting company guidance.” The stock was down 0.35% at 1,705p by 11:28 on Friday.   New ADVFN Service - FREE Reports Get your free report on Isa's, Investment Trusts, Funds, Sipps Travel and Cars - FREE and Easy service CLICK HERE To advertise in the Euro Markets Bulletin please contact patrick@advfn.co.uk     To unsubscribe from this news bulletin or edit your mailing list settings click here. Registered Office/Accounts Dept: Suite 27, Essex Technology Centre, The Gable, Fyfield Road, Ongar, CM5 0GA. Customer Support +44 (0) 207 0700 961. Company registered in England and Wales: Number 2374988 VAT No. GB 549 2130 49

ADVFN Newsdesk - Cautious Optimism Prevails as Uncertainties Remain

ADVFN  World Daily Markets Bulletin Daily world financial news Friday, 28 March 2014 10:46:09    Monitor Quote Charts News Toplists Forex Boards   Sponsored by: VectorVest Beat the market – Guaranteed! Discover trading plans that beat the market year after year and tell you exactly when to buy, what to buy and when to sell. Click Here US Market The major U.S. index futures are pointing to a higher opening on Friday, with sentiment showing modest strength amid the release of a report that showed that consumer spending rose in line with expectations. While Asian stocks closed mostly higher in the day amid expectations that the Chinese government will fast track infrastructure projects to reinvigorate growth, the European markets are holding up. The domestic markets could also react to a consumer sentiment data due to be released shortly after the markets open. U.S. stocks extended their slide on Thursday, as they wallowed amid the economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The major averages opened little changed despite the release of separate reports showing an unexpected drop in jobless claims and fairly in line revisions to fourth quarter GDP estimate. The averages declined sharply in early trading but managed to snap their losses and move higher in late morning trading. The averages declined yet again in early afternoon trading, with the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index continuing to languish in negative territory thereafter before closing lower. The S&P 500 Index ended down 3.52 points or 0.19 percent at 1,849 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 22.35 points or 0.54 percent before closing at 4,151. Meanwhile, The Dow Industrials moved back and forth across the unchanged line throughout the session before closing down 4.76 points or 0.03 percent at 16,264. Notwithstanding the Dow's drop, the breadth was in favor of the advancers, with 16 of the 30 Dow components advancing in the session, while the remaining fourteen stocks retreated. AT&T, Verizon and Exxon Mobil rose notably in the session, while Microsoft , IBM and Cisco Systems retreated sharply. Airline and financial stocks were the worst performers of the session. On the economic front, the Labor Department reported that jobless claims fell to 311,000 in the week ended March 22nd from 321,000 in the previous week. The four-week average slipped to 318,000 from 327,000. Continuing claims calculated with a week's lag dropped 16,000 to 2.991 million for the week ended March 15th. The Commerce Department upwardly revised its fourth quarter GDP estimate to 2.6 percent from 2.4 percent. Personal consumption was upwardly revised to show 3.3 percent growth from 2.6 percent, while gross private investment was revised lower. The National Association of Realtors reported that pending home sales fell 0.8 percent month-over-month in February, while the January reading was revised to show a 0.2 percent drop compared to the 0.1 percent growth estimated initially. Pending home sales fell in the Northeast and the South, while sales were higher in the Midwest and the West. The Dow Industrials settled almost unchanged, forming a doji candlestick pattern that signals indecision among traders. Yesterday, the index did not possess enough momentum to push through its 21-day MA currently at 16,300, which could continue to offer resistance to the index. Outside of this level, the index also has resistance around the 16,331, 16,367, 16,424, 16,476 and 16,533 levels. On the downside, the index has support around 16,228, 16,166 and its 50-day MA currently at 16,124 and 100-day MA currently at 16,095. No platform or data fees with no trade minimums Trade free for 60 days + get up to $600 cash. Join TD Ameritrade US Economic Reports CADUSD Oil Gold Allbanc Please click on the images to view our interactive charts The Commerce Department is reported that personal income rose 0.3 percent month-over-month in February, slightly ahead of expectations for a 0.2 percent increase. Personal spending also rose 0.3 percent, in line with expectations. The personal savings rate was unchanged at 4.3 percent. The annual increase in personal consumption expenditure price index was 0.9 percent and the core rate was up 1.1 percent. Reuters and the University of Michigan are due to release their final estimates of consumer sentiment index for March at 9:55 am ET. The consensus estimate calls for an upward revision to the index to 80.5 from the mid-month reading of 79.9. Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George is scheduled to speak on the economy in Kansas City at 1:15 pm ET. Retired Talk Show Host Reveals Shocking Secret "Almost anyone can collect income checks from the government," he says. "And it's all tax-free." Read More Stocks in Focus FTSE 100 Euronext Dax perf CAC 40 Please click on the images to view our interactive charts Red Hat reported fourth quarter non-GAAP adjusted earnings of 39 cents per share on revenues of $400 million, up 15 percent year-over-year. The results exceeded estimates. BlackBerry reported a narrower than expected loss for its fourth quarter, while its revenues were below estimates. Oxford Industries reported fourth quarter adjusted earnings of 89 cents per share on sales of $250.4 million, up 6 percent year-over-year. The results exceeded estimates. For 2014, the company expects adjusted earnings of $3-$3.15 per share on net sales of $980 million to $1 billion. The earnings guidance was lackluster but the revenue guidance was in line. Progress Software reported first quarter non-GAAP income from continuing operations of 21 cents per share on revenues from continuing operations of $74.5 million. The earnings came in line, while the revenues were slightly shy of estimates. The company downwardly revised its 2014 guidance and now expects non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.37-$1.43 per share on revenues of $331 million to $338 million. Nevertheless, the guidance was positive. CBS announced that its outdoor advertising subsidiary CBS Outdoor America has priced its initial public offering of 20 million shares at $28 per share. The shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol CBSO, beginning March 28th. No platform or data fees with no trade minimums Trade free for 60 days + get up to $600 cash. Join TD Ameritrade European Market European stocks have opened higher after yesterday's declines. In corporate news, Italian lender Intesa Sanpaolo reported a hefty loss for the fourth quarter that widened sharply from the previous year, hit by impairments. The company also unveiled a business plan for 2014-2017. On the economic front, the results of a survey by GfK showed that its index of consumer confidence for the U.K. rose to -5 in March from -7 in February, exceeding expectations for a score of -6. The German Federal Statistical Office reported that German import prices were down 2.7 percent year-over-year in February following a 2.3 percent fall in January. The decline was the biggest since November 2013 and faster than the 2.4 percent decline forecast by economists. Revised estimates released by the U.K. Office for National Statistics showed that the U.K. economy rose at an unrevised pace of 0.7 percent sequentially in the fourth quarter. The annual growth was also left unrevised at 2.7 percent. Asian Markets USDCAD USDEUR USDGBP USDJPY Please click on the images to view our interactive charts Most Asian markets advanced, ignoring the negative lead from Wall Street overnight. Hopes that central banks and governments will stand ready to support in the eventuality of the global economy suffering a setback has offered encouragement to traders. The Japanese market ended on a firm note, with some fairly positive economic data and fiscal year end window dressing supporting the key average close at 2-week highs. The Nikkei 225 average opened lower and languished in the red in the morning. After recouping its losses, the index traded close to the unchanged line till late trading before beginning to advance. The index closed up 73.14 points or 0.50 percent at 14,696. Most export stocks advanced, although the technology space showed mixed sentiment. Defensive pharma and utilities and construction and mining stocks also moved to the downside. Australia's All Ordinaries traded amid trepidation till late morning trading but moved steadily higher thereafter. The index closed 17.10 points or 0.32 percent at 5,377. Most sectors saw modest strength, led by financial stocks, while consumer staple and healthcare stocks came under selling pressure. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ended at 22,066, up 231.53 points or 1.06 percent, while China's Shanghai Composite Index closed 4.88 percent or 0.24 percent lower at 2,042. On the economic front, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released a trio of reports. Japan's annual core consumer price inflation came in at 1.3 percent in February, unchanged from the previous month. The annual core inflation rate for Tokyo often considered the leading indicator for the whole of Japan came in at 1.3 percent for March, ahead of expectations of 1.2 percent. A separate report showed that the unemployment rate in Japan remained unchanged at 3.6 percent in February compared to the 3.7 percent rate expected by economists. Meanwhile, another report showed that average household spending in Japan fell 2.5 percent year-over-year in February, defying forecast for a 0.1 percent increase. The average monthly income per household declined 1.3 percent. Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that retail sales rose 3.6 percent annually, ahead of the 3.5 percent increase expected by economists. The gun debate reveals game-changing technology And provides proof that we could be at the exact tipping point to deliver monster-sized gains. Read more... Currency and Commodities Markets Crude Oil futures are rising $0.19 to $101.47 a barrel after advancing $1.02 to $101.28 a barrel on Thursday. The most actively traded Gold futures are currently slipping $0.60 to $1,294.20 an ounce. In the previous session, Gold fell $8.60 to $1,294.80 an ounce. Among currencies, the U.S. dollar is currently at 102.16 yen compared to the 102.18 yen it fetched at the close of New York trading on Thursday. Against the euro, the dollar is valued at $1.3749 compared to yesterday's $1.3740.     To unsubscribe from this news bulletin or edit your mailing list settings click here. Registered Office/Accounts Dept: Suite 27, Essex Technology Centre, The Gable, Fyfield Road, Ongar, CM5 0GA. Customer Support +44 (0) 207 0700 961. Company registered in England and Wales: Number 2374988 VAT No. GB 549 2130 49