Germany 40

Sentiment has been somewhat firmer in the last couple of days with global indices staging a decent recovery. But at the start of today’s session, caution was the name of the game. European indices and US futures were trading a touch lower as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s rate decision.

Sentiment was a little more cheerful in the first half of Tuesday’s session, following Monday’s recovery in stock and bond markets, and the return of the selling in precious metals and oil markets. European indices and US futures were trading higher as yields dipped further lower after the US 10-year could not hold above the key 5% level for long on Monday.

At the time of writing, the stock markets were starting to come off their best levels. With this being the month- and quarter-end, there will be lots of repositioning today, which may mean lower stock prices later, given that we have been in a risk off market environment for much of September. In any event, volatility is here to stay.

European stocks and US index futures resumed lower in the first half of Monday’s session after Friday’s short-covering bounce. Though the markets managed to stage a mild bounce off their earlier lows, the lack of any important data or central bank speech today means there won’t be any fundamental triggers to cheer investors up. Consequently, we are expecting to see further bearish price action once US investors enter the fray later on.

At the time of writing in mid-morning European trade, the German DAX was off its earlier lows, but still lower on the session in what has so far been a mixed day for European markets. But with the euro and pound weakening again, it is obvious investors continue to remain concerned over the growing threat of stagflation in Europe.

The risk off tone continued in the first half of today’s session. The major global indices hit fresh weekly lows, reaching their lowest levels in several weeks, causing the VIX – the fear index – to rise to its highest level since May.

Thanks to weakening Chinese manufacturing data, we have seen fresh falls in crude oil and some base metals, hurting energy stocks and miners. Our short-term DAX outlook is therefore bearish given growing worries over the health of the world's second largest economy.

There were some downside surprises with French and UK services, and German manufacturing, all disappointing expectations

Is the sell off easing?

Dax in free fall on coronavirus fears

The Dax has plunged a further 3.5% across the morning session on Friday, extending losses of 1.5% from the previous session, as coronavirus fears escalate.

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Have a great weekend, stay safe, and make sure to wash your hands!!