Market Headlines 4/9/2017

US

• US Stocks gained 0.2% on Friday while Treasury yields rose leading to bond price declines. The moves followed a weaker than expected August payrolls report, a labour market measure that investors look to for an indication on Fed Policy direction.
• In other economic releases on Friday, U.S. factory releases reflected the fastest pace of expansion in six years and consumer sentiment climbed to a three-month high amid an improving outlook for household finances and the economy.

Europe

• The Stocks Europe 600 Index gained for a third day, rising 0.7%, with media companies among the winners after Vivendi SA sales beat estimates.
• In currency news, the euro fell against the dollar after Bloomberg News reported that the European Central Bank may not be ready to finalize its decision on next year’s bond-purchase plan until before the current program expires.

Asia

• In Asia overnight, Japanese shares fell, declining 0.9%, as the yen strengthened against most peers following North Korea’s nuclear test on Sunday.
• Chinese equities were unchanged despite the yuan currency rising to a 15-month high as North Korea’s nuclear test further supported recent bullish sentiment on the currency.