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Sentiment appears positive as investors close their books for the year

SMI

Ahead of the Christmas break, trading volumes were thin this week amid a lack of new market catalysts. Swiss and European equities were generally unchanged through the week, tracking global stock markets. Overall, sentiment appears to be positive as investors close their books for the year.

SMI Index, December 23

SMI Index, December 23

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Economic Data

The European banking sector was this week’s main story with Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and the world’s oldest lender, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, all making headlines. According to reports, the Italian cabinet has approved a state-bailout of Monte dei Paschi, the country’s third largest bank, to avoid the lender collapsing and causing a domino effect across the sector reminiscent of Europe’s 2011 banking crisis.  Monte dei Paschi failed to lure sufficient demand for its 5 billion-euro capital increase last week, leading to what is expected to be the country’s biggest bank bailout in decades.

SMI vs. MSCI World Week, December 23

(see more posts on MSCI World Index, SMI Swiss Market Index, )
SMI vs. MSCI World Week, December 23

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Deutsche Bank’s appeared to make progress on its woe’s with the US Department of Justice this week after apparently reaching a $7.2 billion agreement to resolve a years-long U.S. investigation into its dealings in mortgage-backed securities.  Investors responded positively to the news as the deal is far below the Justice Department’s initial request of $14 billion.  Officials at the US Justice Department appear to be tearing through a backlog of crisis-era banking cases this week after reports on Friday said that the US Justice Department will also receive $5.28 billion from Credit Suisse to resolve a similar investigation into its previous mortgage-backed securities business.

SMI vs. MSCI World

(see more posts on MSCI World Index, SMI Swiss Market Index, )
SMI vs. MSCI World, December 23

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Swiss Economic Data

Back home, the Swiss trade balance worsened again in November. Both imports and exports fell during the month with exports declining to all major regions, apart from North America. Swiss watch exports posted another decline of 5.6% compared to November last year, although this was at least the best monthly performance in the last nine months from the embattled sector.

Swiss Bonds and FX

Swiss Bonds and FX, December 23

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Swiss Companies

In company news, Actelion surprised investors this week after it apparently re-entered takeover negotiations with Johnson & Johnson. According to reports, the two sides are in final deal talks. Last week, Johnson & Johnson pulled out of discussions after Actelion unexpectedly asked for a higher bid.

Swiss Companies

Swiss Companies, December 23

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Investec
Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank and Asset Manager. We provide a diverse range of financial products and services to a niche client base in three principal markets, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia, as well as certain other geographies. Investec’s strategic goals are motivated by the desire to develop an efficient and integrated business on an international scale through the active pursuit of clearly established core competencies in the group’s principal business areas.
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