- US Congress Passes Spending Bill: After facing a potential government shutdown, the US Congress finally passed a spending bill to keep the government funded until September. This provided some relief and stability to financial markets.
- EU Debates Energy Embargo on Russia: The European Union continued discussions regarding a potential energy embargo on Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This could have significant implications for global energy prices and economic activity.
- Oil Prices Remain Volatile: Oil prices continued to fluctuate as the ongoing geopolitical situation and potential supply disruptions kept markets jittery.
- Market Ends Mixed: US stock markets closed with mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained slightly, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite experienced a decline. This could be due to ongoing investor concerns about inflation and potential interest rate hikes.
- Nike Sales Outlook Disappoints: Nike's sales outlook for the coming year fell short of analyst expectations, leading to a significant drop in its stock price. This impacted the broader retail sector sentiment.
- Earnings Season Continues: Companies continued releasing their quarterly earnings reports, with results influencing individual stock prices and shaping overall market sentiment.
- Inflation Concerns Persist: Global inflation remained a major concern for many economies, as central banks continued to evaluate the need for further adjustments to monetary policy.
- Global Growth Forecasts Revised Downward: Financial institutions like the World Bank revised their forecasts for global economic growth downward, citing factors like inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial professional before making any investment decisions.News Written by Dr Edward N Maltass of THE EViROCKS.
Finance & Accounts Manager
1 年Great