MARKETS ARE WAKING UP
The summer lull may be over. Markets are heading into a packed period of rate decisions, elections, rising oil prices and renewed trade tensions.
Yen takes the spotlight
• Yen hits its strongest level since February
• Up around 4.2% this month, leading G10 currencies
• BOJ rate hike expectations are adding fuel to the rally
Chip stocks lift Asia
• Kospi jumps 2.1%
• SK Hynix and Samsung lead gains
• Nasdaq 100 futures rise 0.4%
Oil adds to inflation fears
• Brent climbs to $97.46
• WTI rises to $92.84
• Markets are watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz
Copper hits another record
• Copper touches $14,617/ton
• Tight supply, tariff fears and stronger Chinese demand are driving the rally
• Copper is now up around 17% this year
Volatility could be back
Fed and BOJ decisions, US inflation data, elections, fiscal concerns and geopolitical tensions are all lining up.
September could be a very different market environment from the quiet summer.