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MARKET UPDATE – 8 FEBRUARY 2021: YEAR OF THE OX
Global stock markets rise following steep declines in the previous week, led by Covid-19 trends, vaccine optimism and positive sentiment. Last week,
Democrats pursued their stimulus package, the UK sped up their vaccination rollout and China tightened travel restrictions ahead of New Year celebrations.
- Global stock markets rise during the week
On the heels of their worst weekly decline since October, stocks rallied when trading began last Monday and most global indices ended the week positively, led by Covid-19 trends, vaccine optimism and positive sentiment.
- US: Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus
The previous week’s “short squeeze” in some US companies largely abated despite some buyers turning their attention to Silver. On the political front, the Democrats moved ahead with Biden’s stimulus package through a ‘budget reconciliation’ process.
- Vaccination rates: UK continues to speed up roll-out
The UK continues to speed up its vaccination programme and over 12 million people have now received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccination. Europe’s vaccination pace remained slow, but daily infections started to fall in some countries.
- China: Tightening of travel restrictions ahead of Lunar New Year
Following clusters of coronavirus outbreaks in northern China, major cities have tightened travel restrictions ahead of this week’s Lunar New Year holiday. It is normally the busiest travel season for the year bringing with it significant economic impact.
- The Week Ahead
• In the UK, Q4 2020 GDP numbers and other economic data to be released
• In the US, focus turns to inflation numbers, stimulus package and vaccine rollout
• In China, celebrations begin to mark the year of the Ox, with many restrictions in place
To hear more about these topics, please download the latest episode of The Monday Investment Club podcast.