London Stocks End Sharply Off; Banks, Miners Hit

FTSE 100 closes 1.8% lower at 5665.57, posting hefty losses amid political uncertainties in France and the Netherlands, says IG Index. “One potential change of government [France] in the euro zone is bad enough, but with the Dutch government falling apart as well, investors have been well and truly spooked,” it notes. Continue Reading…

May soybeans were trading 6 cents lower late in the overnight session. China futures were 0.8% higher overnight. Palm oil futures in Malaysia closed down 0.7% overnight. Equity markets in Asia were weaker overnight, with the market unable to spin a positive Chinese manufacturing forecast into a distinct positive. Continue Reading…

(1629,00) GOLD confirmed a negative weekly closing while the daily one was mixed on Friday. The indicators of the daily chart are still well negative as well as those of the weekly one suggesting further pressure. Continue Reading…

The natural gas market traded higher during the overnight and early morning hours, but turned into negative territory ahead of the US open. The latest heat-related demand estimates from the National Weather Association in the week ahead for natural gas to come in nearly 1.5% below average. Continue Reading…

The silver market has also forged a noted range down move in the overnight action and in the process the silver market reached down to the lowest level since April 16th. As in the gold market, the silver trade has to be disappointed with overnight developments, as potentially positive Chinese economic forecasts were discounted in favor of fresh austerity fears in Europe, ongoing slowing fears toward the US economy and because of a flurry of fresh political upheavals in Europe. Continue Reading…

July cocoa was unable to overcome negative outside market factors this morning, as an early extension of Friday’s sizable recovery rally has run out of steam. A flare-up of Euro zone anxiety has eroded macro-economic sentiment early this week, which could lead to additional pressure later on in the session if there is a “risk off” shift in commodity markets. Continue Reading…

June crude oil prices traded lower throughout the overnight and early morning hours, pressured by a weak outside market tone and growing concerns over an economic slowdown. This comes after preliminary Chinese manufacturing data contracted for the sixth consecutive month and German and European PMI figures also disappointed. Continue Reading…

July wheat was trading 1 cent higher late in the overnight session. Outside market forces look negative today with a strong USD and weakness in metal and equity markets. Ideas that the sell-off late last week was a bit overdone plus increased concerns for some cold weather damage in the eastern Corn Belt this week due to colder than expected weather helped to support the market overnight. Continue Reading…

The market is attempting to remain firm this morning even with a bearish tone to outside markets. Weakness in metals, energy markets and the stock market do not bode well for global growth expectations. Continue Reading…

Not surprisingly, the Treasury market has forged a distinct upside breakout this morning and in turn has reached up to the highest levels since late February. In fact, despite a positive private economic forecast for the Chinese economy overnight, the Asian equity markets finished weaker overnight. Continue Reading…