Stock markets around the world edged lower Thursday as investors digested an upbeat Fed assessment of the U.S. economy that raised the prospect of further rate hikes, while anticipating more stimulus from Japan.
KEEPING SCORE: In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 0.3 percent at 6,733 while Germany’s DAX fell 0.1 percent to 10,310. France’s CAC-40 was 0.2 percent lower at 4,441. U.S. stocks were poised for modest declines at the open with Dow futures and the broader S&P 500 futures down 0.1 percent.
FED VIEW: While policymakers at the U.S. central bank voted to keep interest rates unchanged, they noted that “near-term risks” to the world’s biggest economy have diminished. The Fed said the U.S. job market has rebounded with signs that hiring is robust. It didn’t give a timetable for when it might resume raising rates but analysts said its latest statement revives that possibility.
JAPAN IN FOCUS: Investors are now hoping for fresh stimulus efforts from the Bank of Japan, which is expected to vote Friday on expanding monetary policy measures aimed at reviving sputtering growth in Asia’s second biggest economy. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced 28 trillion yen ($266 billion) in extra government spending to jumpstart growth, but details are uncertain.
QUOTEWORTHY: “All focus will be on the Bank of Japan on Friday and trading will be cautious heading into the event,” said Alex Furber of CMC Markets in Singapore.
ASIA’S DAY: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index lost 1.1 percent to end at 16,476.84 and South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.2 percent to 2,021.10. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 0.2 percent to 22,174.34 while the Shanghai Composite Index in mainland China crept up 0.1 percent to 2,994.32. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.3 percent to 5,556.60.
ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude rose 11 cents to $42.04 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange while Brent crude, used to price international oils, was up five cents to $43.97 a barrel in London.
CURRENCIES: The euro was up 0.2 percent at $1.1085 while the dollar fell 0.5 percent to 104.69 yen.
