Vaccine hopes and positive comments from Fed Chair Powell fuelled continued optimism surrounding the reopening of economies. The agreement between France and Germany on an EU reconstruction fund added to the sentiment and it appears that the stars are aligning for risk sentiment. Markets surged higher on Monday and look to extend that rally today.
The Dax soared to finish 5% higher, the FTSE jumped over 4% in the previous session. On Wall Street, the Dow ended 900 points higher, whilst the S&P 500 closed up 3%. That same positivity spilled into Asia and is now lifting European stocks towards a strong start on the open.
Risk appetite picked up significantly in the previous session boosting stocks and weighing on the US Dollar. The easing of lockdown measures across Europe and the US, in addition to Jerome Powell saying that the central bank was no where near running out of ammunition to fight the economic slump had the market on the front foot from the go.
Moderna’s Vaccine Trial Success
However, the big shot in the arm for risk sentiment came from results from the coronavirus vaccine test from Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) Inc. The US biotechnology firm reported that small sample, first stage human tests showed early signs of a positive viral immune response. Even if the vaccine shows efficacy of 60 – 70%, it could be useful in stopping the replication of the virus. A vaccine would provide the quickest path back to pre-coronavirus normality and economic recovery. A broader trial is due to start in July. Needless to it will be watched very closely. Shares in Moderna closed 20% higher giving it a value of $30 billion. Airline and travel stocks have soared on the news.
EU Reconstruction fund - better late than never
A breakthrough in Europe has added to the upbeat mood in the market. Germany and France agreed to a €500 billion recovery fund to boost the continent's economy and combat the economic impact of the pandemic. The fund would see the European Union budget used to offer grants to those EU countries and sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. This is a huge step forward as it is the first time that the two countries had proposed that the EU raise debt jointly. Most certainly a case of better late than never. EUR/USD jumped 0.87% on a mixture of Euro strength and dollar weakness in the previous session, closing above $1.09 and is maintaining those gains in early trade today.
UK Jobless claims soar - GBP jumps
GBP/USD has advanced in early trade, jumping above $1.22 on upbeat sentiment, a surprise drop in the unemployment rate and despite a surge in jobless claims. Unemployment in the three months to March ticked lower to 3.9%, from 4%. Meanwhile, jobless claims surged 856.5k vs 150k expected. To put this into context at the peak of the financial crisis jobless claims hit a high of 136,000.
The surge in people submitting benefits claims last month comes as the virus took its toll on jobs and despite the government’s job retention scheme. This figure is going to get worse before it gets better.
Gains in sterling could be capped by rising expectations that one day the BoE will use negative interest rates as a monetary policy tool.
FTSE Levels to watch:
Yesterday's rally saw the FTSE push back over its trend line support turned resistance. The uptrend remains intact. Immediate resistance can be seen at 6122 (today's high) and 6210 (high 30th April). Immediate support can be seen at 6032 (today's low) prior to 6000 (trend line & psychological level) and 5650 (low 14th May).
