US Capital Markets Review 4/13/18
Yhe US capital markets had a strong week, and the Nasdaq index led the major indices with a gain of 2.77%. Year to date, the Nasdaq is up 2.9%, while the Dow is down 1.5% for the year and the S&P 500 is flat.
Commodities had a strong week as well, with crude oil up over 8%, closing at $67.35 per barrel. The spike was primarily caused by the OPEC report showing a decrease in production in March. Gold was up almost 1% for the week as well. Volatility was down overall compared to the last few weeks, and the VIX index (fear indicator) was down 19% for the week, but is still up 58% overall for the year.
In other economic and political news, President Trump is looking into rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (trade agreement, among other aspects) after pulling out last year. The markets are still focused on the impact of upcoming tariffs, which were in the spotlight again after the first quarter trade report came out and showed that the trade deficit with China grew by 20% over the previous year. It is still expected that both the US and China will be increasing tariffs on goods here shortly. Tensions between Russia and the US spiked again this week, after the Russian-backed Syrian regime was found to have made a biological attack on the rebel forces in Syria, causing harm to many civilians. President Trump announced a retaliation in the form of targeted bombings, which are reported to be complete and which accomplished their objectives.
Overall, the week was a good one for the markets, and it is beginning to feel like the markets are getting back on track after a rough 5 prior weeks.
Good luck,
Brian
Pretty curious to see how markets react to the Syria strikes. Futures look slightly down so maybe those possibilities were already built into the market. Those strikes happening after the market closed probably helped too. Tempted to hedge my positions a bit with some VIX but agreed that market seems to be finally stabilizing too
Hello my friend @brian.rrr. Excellent Review of US capital markets This week, really compared to the previous week, this week if there was a lot of good news and there was a positive change both economically and politically. That's good news for the inhabitants of the United States, I'm really glad that this week things allan improved for good, hopefully this coming week things are even better for your country.
thank you for post @brian.rrr , my hubby is most interested in this news x
Important news which you keep up to date, this week the inflation in my country venezuela increased much more hopefully everything improves, happy weekend
Thanks for share this information post with us... All this rebel making citizens pays for their own act... In a situation like this innocent always pay this with their lives.. as par market seem things is getting slowly moving up..
Re-steemed.
Really great article
Very special offer
You really are a successful and wonderful person
Thank for sharing @brian.rrr may you be the number one here,l always support you
OPEC's role in managing oil makes the market dependent on their production. OPEC is an organization that aims to negotiate issues concerning the production, price and rights of petroleum concessions with oil companies.
Of the U.S. economy I do not understand much but seeing this recovery of what you speak is a good sign that the economy will continue to stabilize! I'm sorry about the Syrian attack, I wish these wars didn't exist! Thank you for your report
I always know a little more about other economies or news thanks to you make a good report, I hope you have a happy start to the week