The MSCI Asia Pacific regional stock index is ending the day with a loss of 0,2%, and the month with -0,6% which ends the streak of three positive months. The markets continue to be dominated by concerns over the Ukraine crisis, and geopolitical fears have been stronger – see last night's setback on Wall Street – than the upward revision of US GDP. Volumes in New York, however, were low as many traders went on vacation in advance of Labor Day.
In China, the technical tests for the connection between the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges continue. In October it will be possible for the Chinese to buy shares listed in Hong Kong.
In the currency field, the yen halted its depreciation trend (103,8 against the dollar), and the Nikkei was losing 0,4% at the end of the day. The euro returned below 1,32 (1,318/$) and gold slightly appreciated and recorded 1291 $/ounce. Oil benefited from the renewed geopolitical tensions and gained one dollar, to 94,8 $/b (102,4 Brent). Stock futures on Footsie and S&P 500 are stable.
