Stocks are subdued this morning as traders remain cautious about the state of global trading relationships.
Volatility is expected to be low today as US stock markets are closed for Independence Day holiday celebrations.
Sainsbury’s shares are in demand this morning after the company confirmed it has agreed financing on its proposed merger with Asda. The company announced the supermarket sector is still competitive, but the merger will create a dynamic new player in UK retail. Sainsbury’s revealed a 0.8% rise in total retail sales excluding fuel, but on a like-for-like basis, sales only increased by 0.2%. The stock has been rising since March, and if the positive move continues, it could target 244p.
Micro Focus shares are in the red after the tech sell-off in the US last night. Micron Technology shares tumbled on Tuesday after it was reported that a Chinese court had temporarily banned the sale of their chips in China. Micro Focus shares have slipped to a two-month low due to the sector-wide decline.
Anglo American shares are a touch higher this morning after it was reported that Vedanta Resources are contemplating a merger with the South African firm. There was speculation about this potential deal earlier this week after Anil Agarwal, the majority shareholder in Vedanta, made a move to acquire the remaining shares in the firm.
EUR/USDlost ground overnight, but has edged up slightly on the back of mixed services data from France and Germany. The French services PMI report ticked up from 54.3 to 55.9 in June, though economists were expecting a reading of 56.4. The German report came in at 54.5, which comfortably topped the consensus estimate of 53.9.
GBP/USD received a small boost from the firmer UK services PMI report. The reading was 55.1, while traders were anticipating a lower figure of 54.
US equity markets are shut today due to Independence Day.
CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.
Disclaimer: CMC Markets Singapore may provide or make available research analysis or reports prepared or issued by entities within the CMC Markets group of companies, located and regulated under the laws in a foreign jurisdictions, in accordance with regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where such information is issued or promulgated to a person who is not an accredited investor, expert investor or institutional investor, CMC Markets Singapore accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the analysis or report, to the extent required by law. Recipients of such information who are resident in Singapore may contact CMC Markets Singapore on 1800 559 6000 for any matters arising from or in connection with the information.
