24th April 2012

BlackRock: Global Market Analysis

Last week saw a modest upturn in equities, a sideways move in government bonds and a slight weakening of the dollar and the euro. This came against a backdrop of US companies reporting better-than-expected profits and the hope that central banks would come back in to support markets if stresses relating to Europe re-emerge.

This is perhaps indicative of a 'wait-and-see' approach by investors, who are still looking for clarity on how well companies are doing in the current low-growth environment. Markets are also seeking clarity on how central banks will continue to respond to the ongoing financial problems in Europe and the policy stimulus needed to support growth around the world.

Consequently, the biggest event this week is likely to be Friday's policy meeting of the Bank of Japan. If the bank says that it will flood the market with liquidity and is considering the historic direct purchase of Japanese government bonds as part of this, the yen would fall and stock markets in Japan and elsewhere would be likely to rise.

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Focus on Fixed Income

Update on the fixed income landscape covering government and corporate bonds and currency moves.

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Precious Metals Update

The Weekly Gold Report was not published last week. The previous report covering the week to 13 April is still available here.

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Investing for a New World

BlackRock is hosting two client events to explore growth opportunities in uncertain markets.

Sam Vecht is hosting two conference calls on Emerging European Equities on Tuesday 24 April at 9:30am and 3pm UK time.

For dial-in details, go here

Ewen Cameron Watt is chairing our first webinar on income investing across all asset classes. It will take place on Friday 4 May at 10:30am UK time.

Register for the event here

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