Heading into the close the FTSE 100 is up 50 as talks between Ukraine and Russia are slowly but surely making progress.
UK markets
The FTSE 100 has pulled back the ground lost at the tail end of Friday’s trading session, as the relationship between Russia and Ukraine remains strained but has improved, and with that a comes a more risk-taking attitude. European equities are leading the way, as there is a growing sense that it is now safe to get back in the water. The downbeat update from the Bundesbank has sparked speculation that the ECB will ramp up monetary easing. Bovis Homes is up 5% after the homebuilder registered a record number of completions, a triple-digit increase in profits and dividend ensured high demand for the stock. Persimmon which reports tomorrow has a lot to live up to. The Irish banks have befitted from Fitch’s restoration of an A grade rating to the Irish economy, but being willing pay off your debts and actually being able to repay creditors are two different things.US markets
In the US, the Dow is up 153 points at 16,815; US equities are being dragged higher by their eurozone counterparts as there is little in the way of corporate news or economic announcements. The VIX has lost over 4% in today’s session which says it all really.Commodities
Gold remains in Groundhog Day, as the precious metal seems to be magnetically drawn to the $1300 level. The rebound in equities has eroded demand for gold but all eyes remain on Moscow. Oil continues to slide as the American-backed Kurdish forces continue to stem the control of Isis. Constructive talks between Ukraine and Russia have led to dealers being less fearful about supply issues.FX
The Bundesbank has conceded that instability in Ukraine could hamper the German recovery; it will be difficult for the strong man of Europe to do a U-turn on negative growth while tensions run high in eastern Europe. The euro came under pressure today after the warning from the German central bank. Sterling has started the week on a positive note; traders are hoping that at least one member of the MPC will vote in favour of increasing rates; even one hawk would put the cat the among the pigeons.
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