North America
Wall Street’s mixed close on Monday – the Dow was just higher and the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were a touch lower – reflects the feeling that the recent rally needs some further external drivers to support it. Positive news could come from the ongoing trade talks in China, with US officials at least free from the shadow of the Mueller probe.
Futures suggest a modest rise for US markets at the open today.
US consumer confidence is due on Tuesday for March, as well as the third estimate of fourth-quarter GDP on Thursday.
Apple’s (AAPL) latest venture received a lukewarm reception from the wider market, judging by the share price reaction of a gain of less than 1%.
Mexico is expected to hold overnight interest rates at 8.25% this week.
Europe
Indices in the UK and Eurozone were modestly higher but the global mood is still relatively fragile.
Ocado (OCDO) leads the FTSE 100 risers this morning after the online food retailer made another deal, this time with Australia’s Coles.
Asia
Japanese equities staged a recovery on Tuesday, but China shares were under pressure again, and the Shanghai Composite Index fell through the key 3,000 points level after a daily loss of 1.5%.