Asian markets bounce from sell-off but caution lingers

Hong Kong (AFP) – Asian markets edged up Friday following an across-the-board sell-off the previous day, but disappointing recent data has jolted optimism over the economic recovery that has helped drive gains in for the past few months.

Traders have for weeks been able to look past fresh spikes in infections around the world thanks to trillions of dollars in government support and as they focus on the easing of lockdown measures.

But with new containment measures being reintroduced in parts of the world that had been thought to have controlled the outbreak — including Hong Kong, Japan and Australia — confidence has taken a hit.

Data out of China Thursday showed that while the economy grew more than expected, the crucial reading on retail sales was below forecasts, indicating consumers — who are key to reigniting growth — were still reluctant to go out and spend.

Later, a report showed US retail sales continued to rise in June, but at a slower pace than May.

And new claims for US unemployment benefits last week were little changed from the previous week at 1.3 million, a historically high level. Economists fear the figure might rise again as major states including California and Texas impose fresh lockdown measures.

“Data released over the last 24 hours seriously questions the speed of any post-COVID-19 economic recovery,” said Michael McCarthy, at CMC Markets. “The numbers illustrate the economic challenges posed by secondary infection outbreaks.”

Markets around the world tumbled Thursday, though Asia staged a recovery in early trade.

– V-shaped recovery in doubt –

Hong Kong added one percent and Shanghai climbed a similar amount a day after collapsing 4.5 percent, while Sydney added 0.1 percent and Seoul and Taipei climbed 0.7 percent. Singapore and Wellington also edged up but there were losses in Manila and Jakarta.

Tokyo went into the break barely moved.

But observers were cautious about the outlook for the recovery in light of the surge in new infections.

“Try as one may, it’s challenging to look through the makeup of China’s economic recovery, which offers a roadmap to the rest of the world that is not especially bullish for one that is wholeheartedly predicated on consumer-driven recovery,” said Stephen Innes at AxiCorp.

“Forget about a V, this is going to be a lengthy S-L-O-G shaped recovery,” he added.

Eyes will be on Europe, where leaders will later in the day begin their first face-to-face summit in five months to discuss their $850 billion economic rescue package.

However, while there are low expectations for an agreement this weekend, with Denmark, Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands holding out against stumping up for their southern neighbours without strict conditions, there is hope something can eventually be hammered out.

“The political support is there for a deal and the frugal four may use this summit to voice their final concerns over joint debt and grants for the weaker states,” said OANDA’s Edward Moya.

“Wall Street is fully expecting EU leaders to get this stimulus package done, but there is a chance it doesn’t get finalised this week.  A deal will be made, it just might take a couple more weeks longer.”

– Key figures around 0300 GMT –

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: FLAT at 22,773.95 (break)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng: UP 1.1 percent at 25,237.05

Shanghai – Composite: UP 1.1 percent at 3,244.09

West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.1 percent at $40.77 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.1 percent at $43.35 per barrel

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1385 from $1.1382 at 2100 GMT

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 107.25 yen from 107.29 yen

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2568 from $1.2551

Euro/pound: DOWN at 90.58 pence from 90.69

New York – Dow: DOWN 0.5 percent at 26,734.71 (close)

London – FTSE 100: DOWN 0.7 percent at 6,250.69 (close)