The US and UK markets were closed. European and Asian markets rose.
United States
US markets were closed for Memorial Day.
Europe
European stock markets inched higher on Monday, though volumes were thin as the US and UK markets were shut. The Stoxx Europe 600 was barely positive, while Germany’s DAX 30 index rose 0.5%, the French CAC 40 index rose 0.3% and the FTSE MIB Italy index rose 0.6%. The UK market was closed for a bank holiday.
Automobile manufacturers rose, with shares in Fiat Chrysler and Daimler rising. Belgian mail, parcel and e-commerce corporation PostNL’s shares surged after it said that it had discussed a “possible combination” with Belgian mail operator Bpost, but the talks did not lead to deal. Shares in Bpost fell on the news.
On the economic front, French economic growth accelerated faster than initially estimated in the first quarter, helped by sharp rises in consumer spending and investment.
Asia Pacific
Stocks in Japan surged to a one-month high and led most Asian shares up on Monday, as the Japanese yen weakened and investors assessed the latest comments from US Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairperson Janet Yellen. The Nikkei Stock Average rose 1.4%, and the Japanese yen weakened against the U.S. dollar to a one-month low. A weaker currency boosts the returns of Japanese firms that pay costs at home in yen, and earn abroad in a strengthening foreign currency.
Elsewhere, the Hang Seng Index was up 0.3%, while the Shanghai Composite Index and Australia’s S&P ASX 200 were roughly flat. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.1%.
For broader markets, investors continue to watch US interest rates. Fed Chairwoman Yellen had said that an interest rate increase would be appropriate in coming months if the US economy continues to strengthen.
Global Stock Markets

Please remember, the value of investments and the income from them can do down as well as up. Funds that invest in overseas markets may be subject to currency fluctuations. Investments in small and emerging markets can be more volatile than other overseas markets. Reference in this document to specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell these securities, but is included for the purposes of illustration only.
Looking forward*

Central Bank activities

June 1

United States

Federal Reserve Beige Book Published

June 2

Eurozone

European Central Bank Monetary Policy Announcement

The following indicators will be released this week…

Europe

May 30

Eurozone

EC Business and Consumer Sentiment (May)

France

Consumption of Manufactured Goods (April)

Gross Domestic Product (Q1.2016)

May 31

Eurozone

M3 Money Supply (April)

Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (May flash)

Unemployment (April)

Italy

Gross Domestic Product (Q1.2016)

June 1

Eurozone

Manufacturing PMI (May)

Germany

Manufacturing PMI (May)

France

Manufacturing PMI (May)

UK

Manufacturing PMI (May)

June 2

Eurozone

Producer Price Index (April)

June 3

Eurozone

Services & Composite PMI (May)

Germany

Services & Composite PMI (May)

France

Services & Composite PMI (May)

UK

Services PMI (May)

Asia/Pacific

May 30

Japan

Retail Sales (April)

May 31

Japan

Unemployment (April)

Household Spending (April)

Industrial Production (April)

June 1

Japan

Manufacturing PMI (May)

Australia

Gross Domestic Product (Q1.2016)

China

Manufacturing PMI (May)

CFLP Manufacturing PMI (May)

India

Manufacturing PMI (May)

June 2

Australia

Retail Sales (April)

Merchandise Trade (April)

Americas

May 30

Canada

Industrial Product Price Index (April)

May 31

Canada

Gross Domestic Product (Q1.2016)

Monthly Gross Domestic Product (March)

United States

Personal Income and Spending (April)

Chicago PMI (May)

Consumer Confidence (May)

June 1

United States

Manufacturing PMI (May)

ISM Manufacturing Index (May)

Construction Spending (April)

June 2

United States

Initial Unemployment Claims (week ending prior Saturday)

June 3

Canada

International Trade (April)

United States

International Trade (April)

Employment Situation (May)

Factory Orders (April)

ISM Nonmanufacturing Index (May)

Services PMI (May)

*Note — all releases are listed in local time.

Source: Fidelity

Fidelity disclaimer:

The objective of this page is to present users with objective news, information, data and guidance on personal finance topics drawn from a diverse collection of sources including affiliated and non-affiliated financial services publications. Content is not intended to provide tax, legal, insurance or investment advice and should not be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security or investment by any Fidelity entity or any third-party.

Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Disclaimer:

This article, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a Member Firm of the Malta Stock Exchange. The directors or related parties, including the company, and their clients are likely to have an interest in securities mentioned in this article. For further information contact Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, or on Tel: 21224410, or email [email protected]