On the virus front, Japan’s government is expected to lift the state of emergency in Tokyo and its surrounding regions later Monday, while more Australian children returned to schools and a hard-hit region in northern Italy reported zero fatalities for the first time. Still, the U.S. is considering restricting travel from Brazil, which now has the second-highest number of cases.
Fresh turmoil in Hong Kong that spilled over into street protests this weekend is threatening to damage an already souring Sino-U.S. relationship. The U.S. should give up its “wishful thinking” of changing China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, warning that American leaders are potentially pushing toward a new Cold War. Bullish sentiment is prevailing for now and global equities remain about 30% higher than the March lows, spurred by stimulus measures and optimism for a swift rebound from the virus.
“One big threat to the recovery in markets is the escalating war of words between the U.S. and China,” said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy at AMP Capital Investors Ltd. in Sydney. “The main focus will likely remain on continuing evidence that the number of new Covid-19 cases is slowing in developed countries, progress towards medical solutions, the reopening of economies and signs that economic activity is picking up.”
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| Beijing Warns Americans Pushing Countries Toward ‘New Cold War’ |
| Hong Kong Protests Roar Back After China Tightens Grip |
| U.S.-China Tensions Hammerlock Bond Market Hopeful on Reopenings |
Here are some key events coming up:
- U.S. markets are closed Monday for Memorial Day holiday, while the U.K. is shut for the Spring bank holiday.
- Earnings continue with companies including Nissan Motor, British Land, Royal Bank of Canada and HP Inc.
- Singapore’s parliament on Tuesday is expected to announce another stimulus package.
- Thursday brings the U.S. jobless claims reading for the week ended May 23.
- Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell participates in a virtual discussion on Friday.
These are the main moves in markets:
Stocks
- Futures on the S&P 500 rose 0.3% as of midday in Tokyo. The gauge rose 0.2% on Friday.
- Japan’s Topix index advanced 1.3%.
- Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slid 1.3%.
- Shanghai Composite dipped 0.1%.
- Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index added 1.3%.
- South Korea’s Kospi Index gained 0.5%.
- Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 0.5%.
Currencies
- The yen was little changed at 107.70 per dollar.
- The offshore yuan held at 7.1536 per dollar.
- The euro bought $1.0889, down 0.1%.
- The Aussie dipped 0.1% to 65.30 U.S. cents.
Bonds
- The yield on 10-year Treasuries fell one basis point to 0.66% on Friday. Futures traded flat.
- Australian 10-year yields ticked down to 0.86%.
Commodities
- West Texas Intermediate crude added 0.2% to $33.32 a barrel.
- Gold dipped 0.3% to $1,729.17 an ounce.
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