MILANO – Weak trade in Asia and uncertain futures on Wall Street, while they are slightly up in Europe, in view of the publication of important data on the state of the American economy: unemployment benefits and above all the first estimate of GDP for the first quarter. Numbers that come after China and US business affairs leaders had their first interview today under the administration of US President Joe Biden. In a statement, the Beijing Ministry of Commerce reported that Vice Premier Liu He and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai had a “frank, pragmatic and constructive” conversation. Positive aspects that emerge, however, in a moment of strong competition between the two world economic superpowers.
A few hours after the official start of trading, the futures on the Dax index mark + 0.01%, those on the Ftse 100 index advance by 0.10% and those on the Euro Stoxx 50 register a + 0.05%. The indications are instead to the downside for Wall Street, fresh from a positive session.
In the morning, the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed 0.33% down at 28,549.01 points. Caution prevails among investors and fears are gaining ground over the withdrawal of the emergency stimulus plans for the economy that have so far supported equity markets.
In the Old Continent there is an improvement in German consumer confidence who look to June with optimism thanks to the reduction of infections and the gradual reopening of economic activities. The Gfk index is expected to rise to -7 points after falling to -8.6 points in May (revised figure).
L’euro it is essentially stable on the currency markets. The single European currency changes hands at 1.2196 dollars with an increase of 0.03% and at 133.0400 yen with a decrease of 0.03%.
Among the commodities, the prices of the Petroleum down on the Asian markets. Despite optimism for the start of the summer season in the United States and Europe, concerns about demand in India and a potential increase in Iranian supply prevail. The eyes are on the negotiations between Iran and the United States: on the one hand there is the prospect that the return of Iranian crude oil to the markets will cause an excess of supply, on the other hand there is the expectation of an increase in demand for fuel in the US, thanks to the progressive relaxation of the anti Covid. The WTI drops 0.56% and falls below $ 66 a barrel. Brent fell 0.60% to 68.30 dollars a barrel. L’oro is in very slight increase: the precious metal with delivery in August is trading at 1906.10 dollars an ounce with an increase of 0.12%,
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