MARKET UPDATE – 12 JULY 2021

Markets last week were concerned about a slowdown in economic growth,
which became more concerning amidst rising Covid-19 cases globally.
Despite a sharp decline in markets in the middle of the week, most appear to have recovered, ending the week flat or mildly positive.

• US: Slowing economic growth impacts markets
  The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. Equity markets started the week strongly but fell sharply on Thursday due to concerns economic growth was slowing amidst rising cases and falling bond yields. By Friday, sentiment seemed to have swung back in a positive direction.

• Japan: Rising Covid-19 cases dampens sentiment
  The Nikkei 225 fell 2.9% during the week. Sentiment was dampened by concerns that the spread of the delta variant would stall a global economic recovery. Tokyo enters another coronavirus state of emergency ahead of the start of the Olympic games.

• China: Flat week in markets as economic growth softens
  The CSI 300 Index ended the week flat. Technology stocks performed poorly amid heightened regulatory risk. Economic growth appears to be falling amid resurging Covid-19 cases in Southern China. Inflation appears to have also softened.

• Europe: Coronavirus infection rates rise across the continent
  The Euro Stoxx 50 was up 0.3%. Coronavirus infection rates continued to surge across the continent, triggering concerns around the global economic recovery. Europe may experience a transitory period in which inflation is moderately above target.

• UK: Economic growth slows as coronavirus infections rise
  The FTSE 100 was flat but the domestically-focussed FTSE 250 rose 0.7%. The UK is facing a new wave of coronavirus infections with further easing in restrictions expected on 19 July. UK economic growth unexpectedly slowed to 0.8% between April and May.