- Asian equities lack clear directional bias amid losses in the US index futures and a spike in oil prices.
- Markets fear an extended Saudi production outage after weekend's attack on Aramco facilities.
- Fears of US-EU trade could keep the European equities on the defensive.
Asian stocks are trading mixed while the US index futures are flashing red on geopolitical tensions.
As of writing, the futures on the S&P 500 are down 0.5%. Stocks in Australia and China are reporting marginal gains while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is down 1%. India's Nifty index is also shedding 0.55% at press time.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday attacked Saudi Aramco's crude facilities, knocking out more than 5% of global oil supplies.
In response, oil prices gapped higher by close to 20% in the early Asian trading hours. Markets are now worried that the production outage may last more than six weeks and prices could rise as high as $75 or even $80.
That could push up inflation across the globe, complicating matters for central banks planning to deliver rate cuts to counter the economic slowdown.
Also, the US officials told reporters on Sunday that Tehran was behind the attack and President Trump raised the specter of a US military response by tweeting that the US was "cocked & loaded" to strike.
The geopolitical tensions and dismal China data will likely keep the European indices on the defensive. China's Industrial Production expanded at the slowest pace in 17-1/2 years in August, the official data released at 02:00 GMT showed. Consumer spending, as represented by Retail Sales, also came in weaker-than-expected, bolstering fears of a deeper economic slowdown.
Also, fears of the US-EU trade war could bolster the bearish pressures around the European equities.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday ruled in favor of the US in the long-running transatlantic dispute, opening doors for Trump to impose punitive tariffs in retaliation for illegal subsidies granted to European aerospace giant Airbus.
The already weak German, French, and other European economies could suffer big time if Trump imposes tariffs on European Union's goods.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD fluctuates near 1.0700 after US data
EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase at around 1.0700 in the American session on Wednesday. The data from the US showed a strong increase in Durable Goods Orders, supporting the USD and making it difficult for the pair to gain traction.
USD/JPY refreshes 34-year high, attacks 155.00 as intervention risks loom
USD/JPY is renewing a multi-decade high, closing in on 155.00. Traders turn cautious on heightened risks of Japan's FX intervention. Broad US Dollar rebound aids the upside in the major. US Durable Goods data are next on tap.
Gold keeps consolidating ahead of US first-tier figures
Gold finds it difficult to stage a rebound midweek following Monday's sharp decline but manages to hold above $2,300. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays in the green above 4.6% after US data, not allowing the pair to turn north.
Worldcoin looks set for comeback despite Nvidia’s 22% crash Premium
Worldcoin price is in a better position than last week's and shows signs of a potential comeback. This development occurs amid the sharp decline in the valuation of the popular GPU manufacturer Nvidia.
Three fundamentals for the week: US GDP, BoJ and the Fed's favorite inflation gauge stand out Premium
While it is hard to predict when geopolitical news erupts, the level of tension is lower – allowing for key data to have its say. This week's US figures are set to shape the Federal Reserve's decision next week – and the Bank of Japan may struggle to halt the Yen's deterioration.