Global markets take a breather after strong bull run
Investors are cautious as they look ahead to the Brexit summit and central bank meetings this week, as well as a potentially disappointing earnings season
London — World stocks paused on Monday after a strong recent run, as potential flashpoints including a crucial Brexit summit and central bank meetings loomed, and investors began to look ahead to an earnings season that may be disappointing. Signs of further stimulus from China helped Asian shares touch seven-month highs, but investors’ enthusiasm was fleeting. MSCI’s world equity index was flat and European stocks slipped 0.2% as weak data from Germany and investor caution ahead of a string of political and monetary policy events held the market back. In a document published on the central government’s website late on Sunday, Beijing said it would step up a policy of targeted cuts to banks’ required reserve ratios to encourage financing for small and medium-sized businesses. German exports and imports both fell more than expected in February, data showed on Monday, in the latest sign that Europe’s largest economy will likely have meagre growth in the first quarter amid increased h...
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