Global Markets Edge Higher Amid Earnings Growth and AI Optimism
Global markets edged higher yesterday as investors' optimism about robust earnings growth and enthusiasm over artificial intelligence offset concerns over Middle East tensions that boosted oil prices. However, Wall Street futures were mixed, with the Dow pointing lower ahead of key jobs data on both sides of the border.
In Canada, investors are getting results from Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., Emera Inc., and MDA Space Ltd. On Wall Street, markets are watching earnings from Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and PPL Corp.
Traders are divided on whether or not the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month, making today's non-farm payrolls number crucial in tipping the balance one way or another. According to Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist at JPMorgan, a strong jobs number would reinforce higher-for-longer pricing and put upward pressure on rates.
Conversely, equities may respond positively to a soft payrolls report as yields ease and policy expectations shift toward a dovish path, he added. Overseas, the pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.26 per cent in morning trading, while Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.15 per cent, Germany's DAX gained 0.6 per cent, and France's CAC 40 advanced 0.18 per cent.
Commodities prices continued to rise due to concerns surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and potential Iranian bans on vessels deemed hostile or in violation of proposed rules. Brent crude futures were up 1 per cent to US$83.31 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose 0.85 per cent to US$77.95.
Gold prices also gained, with spot gold rising 1.1 per cent to US$4,285.89 an ounce after hitting a seven-week high yesterday. Prices have gained 6 per cent for the week. U.S. gold futures rose 1.1 per cent to US$4,344.90.
The Canadian dollar weakened against its U.S. counterpart, trading between 71.27 and 71.38 US cents in early trading. The U.S. dollar index was little changed at 99.94, while the euro rose 0.04 per cent to US$1.1530.