Blackfinch Group
Monday Market Update
The ever-changing world we live in reinforces the importance
of regular up-to-date communication. This weekly news update from our
multi-asset portfolio managers provides you with a summary of global events
for your reference and to share with clients.
Issue 107 | 30th August, 2022
UK COMMENTARY
- Regulator Ofgem announced that from 1st October, the UK’s energy price cap for dual fuel will increase from £1,971 to £3,549 per year for an average British household. This represents an 80% increase.
- Imports of goods into the UK from Russia shrank to just £33m in June, the lowest since records began in January 1997. This is a decrease of 96.6% compared with average monthly imports in the 12 months before Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
- The closely-watched flash UK composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which tracks the private sector economy, fell to an 18-month low of 50.9, down from July’s 52.1. Any reading below 50 shows a contraction.
NORTH AMERICA COMMENTARY
- The final August reading of the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index rose from 51.5 in July to 58.2, a marked improvement from the initial August reading of 55.1.
- The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless support fell to a one-month low of 243,000 for the week ending 21st August. This was less than analysts’ forecasts, and the previous week’s reading was also revised down from 250,000 to 245,000.
- S&P Global’s Flash US PMI Composite Output survey, which measures output for the manufacturing and services sectors, was down from 47.7 in July to just 45.0 in August. This meant output across US companies fell in August at the fastest rate since May 2020.
EUROPE COMMENTARY
- The Eurozone composite PMI fell from 49.9 in July to 49.2 in August. This marked the second consecutive monthly contraction, and the worst reading for economic activity since April 2021.
- Manufacturing PMI for the Eurozone ticked up in August but remained deep in contraction territory at 46.5. New orders continue to fall and inventory build-up remains strong.
- Services sector PMI for the Eurozone fell from 51.2 in July to 50.2 in August, below market expectations, as the post-pandemic rebound in consumer spending on services faded.
ASIA COMMENTARY
- The au Jibun Bank Flash Japan Composite PMI, which measures activity across the manufacturing and services sectors, dropped to 48.9 in August, down from July’s final reading of 50.2.
Could you be one of our partner firms?
Our Adaptations Partnership
Programme offers a range of benefits
for advisers to help you grow your business.
Get in touch with our team to find out more.
1350-1360 Montpellier Court, Gloucester Business Park, Gloucester, GL3 4AH
Blackfinch Investments Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 2705948. Registered Office: 1350-1360 Montpellier Court, Gloucester Business Park, Gloucester, GL3 4AH
This email, including any attachments, is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email (or the person responsible for delivering this document to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this email, including any attachment, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please respond to the individual sending the message, and permanently delete the original and any copy of any email and printout thereof.
Please note that any views or opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Blackfinch. While Blackfinch scans all outgoing emails for viruses, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of them. Blackfinch accepts no liability for any damage/loss caused by any virus transmitted by this email.