The optimism of the Fed's statement, which compliments the economy and does not hint at delays in the road to higher rates, has hit both the US stock markets and, consequently, the Asian ones. The MSCI Asia Pacific index fell 1,1% at the close of the day, with both the Nikkei and Chinese indices falling at the same pace. Investors, however, must keep real economy data as their guiding light: the possibility of higher rates is good news because it is linked to an improvement in the economy.
The yen strengthened again against the dollar, to 117,7, while the euro dropped back below the 1,13 mark to 1,127. Oil is heading towards new lows and WTI is at 44,2 $/b (Brent at 48,6 – the differential is widening again after the sharp increase in US oil inventories).
Gold falls to 1281 $/ounce and futures on Wall Street, after the strong fall of the last two days in the reference indices, are stable or slightly positive.
