Market Headlines – 30/1/2018

US

• The S&P 500 index declined by the most since September yesterday, falling 0.7%
• Yields on benchmark Treasury bonds touched the highest levels since early 2014 as traders gear up for a hectic week of data and policy announcements.
• The US dollar strengthened against all its major rivals. The FOMC meeting begins today, the final policy meeting for Janet Yellen. Investors will be looking for confirmation of a March hike, the current probability priced in the market is 75%
• In policy news, President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address to Congress on later this evening.

Europe

• European stocks ended the session slightly lower as food and beverage shares retreated to a four-month low, offsetting a gain in basic-resources companies.
• In economic news, the latest European GDP measure will be released today for Q4. Inflation releases tomorrow will be a key market focus for clues on ECB monetary policy.

Asia

• In Asia overnight, stocks in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia fell after the S&P 500 Index declined from a record high.