By Deepta Bolaky
 @DeeptaGOMarkets

It will be another busy week ahead with investors gearing up for virus updates, geopolitical tensions, key economic data and the FOMC meeting. The global number of coronavirus cases crossed 16 million this weekend and the US is among the worst-hit countries. Much attention will remain on the spread of the virus and the economic hit from the pandemic.

United States

Given the alarming situation on the virus front in the US, investors are eagerly waiting for the next round of stimulus. While Congress is still struggling to finalise the next stimulus package, the attention will switch to the Federal Reserve for guidance. Market participants are not expecting any policy changes this Wednesday, but are looking for the comments from the Fed on the state of the US economy in the face of the resurgence of virus cases. The preliminary GDP figures would also be heavily eyed as the US economy is expected to contract by approximately 35% – the biggest contraction on record.

Eurozone 

It will be a relatively muted week for the Eurozone. The highlights will be the IFO surveys on Monday. Europe made history last week after the announcement that the leaders of the European Union agreed on a Recovery Package and European Budget. In the middle of a crisis, Europe shows that they are standing together despite their disagreements and are jointly fighting for the recovery of the economies. Amid a lack of economic drivers, we expect the renewed stability in Europe to continue to positively drive the European markets.

UK

The absence of data and notable Brexit-related updates will put downward pressure on the British Pound compared to its peers. 

Australia & China

In Australia, Victoria had its deadliest weekend to date during the pandemic. Despite the rising number of cases and the tensions between the US and China, the Aussie dollar has been on a rally on the back of some broad optimism and a less-dovish RBA. On the economic front, Aussie Inflation data will be closely watched and well as China’s PMI figures. 

Equity Markets

Investors will remain focused on three main factors: geopolitical tensions, the spread of the virus and the amount of stimulus to drive the stock market. 

At the same time, attention will also be on the earnings season with more of the FAANG group of companies reporting their quarterly earnings. Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Alphabet are among the big giants to report this week.

Commodities

Oil

Crude oil prices are stable around familiar levels but remain trapped by bearish oil reports and the mounting number of coronavirus cases. The improving fundamentals are overshadowed by the uncertain demand outlook. We expect traders to keep monitoring weekly COVID-19 infections to gauge oil demand.

Gold

Gold is on a rally – the XAUUSD pair is trading around the highest levels seen since September 2011. Given the ongoing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, investors are hedging with safe-haven assets. As of writing, the XAUUSD pair is currently trading above a key psychological level of $1,900.

Key Events Ahead

By Deepta Bolaky
 @DeeptaGOMarkets

Tuesday, 28 June 2020  Indicative Index Dividends Dividends are in Points
ASX200	WS30	US500	US2000	NDX100	CAC40	STOXX50
0	0	0.038	0.007	0	0	0
ESP35	ITA40	FTSE100	DAX30	HK50	JP225	INDIA50
0.402	0	0	0	0	0	0

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