Investors, encouraged by a strengthening European economy and perhaps wary of stretched U.S. stock valuations, have shown increased interest in European equities. A former investment banker who campaigned as an enthusiastic pro-European reformer, won the first round of elections in France. The win signaled that a populist wave that led to Britain’s Brexit vote last June and Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential victory has crested.
Metals prices in China stabilized after sharp declines at the end of last week. The most actively traded iron-ore futures contract was down just 1/2%, while steel-rebar futures rebounded 1.6% and copper was off only 2/10%.
Oil prices rebounded from sharp losses sustained on Friday amid expectations of further cuts by OPEC.
Serving the West Side first, I am Mike Elerath of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.