Stocks lacked directions ahead of the release of key inflation measures on Wednesday. Rising tensions in the Taiwan Straits raised fresh worries of supply chain disruptions. Apple accelerated its plans to diversify its manufacturing base away from China and increase its sales in India.
Earnings and economic slowdown jitters dominated stock trading on the first day of a new week. Crude oil edged lower but natural gas rebounded. The Japanese yen gained 1% on the rising expectations of the end of a decade long ultra loose monetary policy.
U.S. stocks traded lower and investors awaited the release of inflation data and bank earnings this week. Investors fear latest corporate earnings may fall short of lowered expectations on higher operating costs and slowing demand.
U.S. stock index futures and treasury yields advanced after March nonfarm payrolls report showed a cooling trend in hiring, confirming signals from other reports released earlier in the week.
Stocks struggled on Wall Street after two separate labor market reports showed weakening trends in tight labor market conditions. Investors looked ahead to the start of earnings season next week with banks and financial services taking the center stage.
European Markets advanced and extended weekly gains on the final trading day ahead of the long weekend. Strong German industrial output data provided another evidence of the economic resilience in the region despite elevated inflation.
After a year of multiple interest rate hikes, investors are now focusing on the rising risks of economic slowdown coupled with elevated inflation as the Federal Reserve struggles to steer the economy on a sustainable longer term growth path.
U.S. stocks lacked direction and focus shifted to economic growth slowdown after the second jobs report in as many days suggested a hot but weakening jobs market.
Stocks on Wall Street turned lower after the latest jobs report raised the worries economic slowdown. Treasury yields inched lower and crude oil edged down.
Stocks advanced and investors looked ahead to bank earnings next week. Investors are hoping that the Federal Reserve may pause after the next rate hike in less than four weeks but the rise in crude oil price complicates Fed's decision making.
Stocks accelerated gains on the final day of the week month and quarter after investors looked beyond the regional bank crisis supported by the cooling of inflation in February.
Investors searched for bargains in the semiconductor and broader technology sector after regional bank crisis worries eased. Global markets extended weekly gains ahead of the start of earnings season in a week.
