Market Commentary | Stocks rise to end June with a gain

While Asian market ended mostly higher, European shares fluctuated

European shares seesawed between gains and losses on Thursday after a strong rally during the previous session, as investors are searching for solid direction in the market. A monetary policy update from Bank of England governor, Mark Carney could help shed some light on this matter. Meanwhile Asian stocks ended mostly higher.

All major European indices closed the session in the green. Germany’s Dax was able to recover early losses to end the day 0.71% higher, while France’s CAC 40 also rose 1%. The UK’s FTSE 100 was making up some of its recent losses, as it posted gains of 2.27%.

After taking a break from heavy selling, banking shares, which has been hit hard in the run-up to and after the Brexit vote, were once again trading in negative territory on Thursday. Shares of German lender Deutsche Bank shed 3.25% and Spain’s Banco Santander fell 1.61%. Many UK banks were also lower. Royal bank of Scotland lost 5% and Lloyds was down 2.74%. However, it wasn’t gloomy for everyone, as Barclays and HSBC managed to trade in positive territory as they added 0.45% and 2.25% respectively. Shares in UniCredit also rose, after the Italian lender named a new chief executive.

US stocks were also trading higher on Wall Street as traders appear less anxious about Britain’s vote last week. Consumer and industrial companies were among the biggest risers during the session. This was the third consecutive positive session, as investors expectations are leaning towards more accommodative policies from global central banks, following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp leapt in pre-market trading, following an agreement to be purchased by Starz for $4.4 Billion in cash and stock.

Yahoo! will be in the spotlight on Thursday as the company’s shareholders will hold their annual meeting. Shares were up in pre-market. After the close of the session, investors will likely ask the tech firm for an update on the progress in sale of its core internet business.

Liquor and beer maker, Constellation Brands saw its shares rise 2.3% after the company said its earnings and sales rose above expectations.

In the oil markets, investors pocketed gains in the commodity on Wednesday after crude posted its largest one-day gain in more than two month. Oil prices pulled back on Thursday, a day after posting their biggest single-session gain since April, but prices are still poised to log their strongest quarterly gain since 2009. For the quarter, prices have gained over 27%, and year to date, prices are also firmly up. Crude oil move close to the $50 mark, but was unable to hold onto this gain, and ended the session at $48.70.

Mondelez International has reportedly made an offer to takeover Hershey’s, in a half-cash half-stock deal. Should an agreement be made, this would result in the world’s largest candy maker. This news sent shares of Hershey’s soaring 15%, while Mondelez also added 2.33%.

This article was issued by Rebecca Naudi, Trader at Calamatta Cuschieri. For more information visit, www.cc.com.mt . The information, views and opinions provided in this article are being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views or opinions appearing on this website.