The FTSE 100 is anticipated to open cautiously on Monday, with futures pointing to a small 8-point drop, as investors gear up for a busy week of central bank announcements amid ongoing geopolitical pressures and mopping up enterprises about a possible request bubble.
The UK’s blue-chip indicator ended last week on a softer note, slipping 43 points on Friday and losing 53.5 points across the week to finish at 9,667.01.
Across the Atlantic, US futures are showing modest earnings, over between 0.1% and 0.21%, after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq scrounge out further increases on Friday, continuing their recent upward instigation.
FTSE 100 Poised for Cautious Opening
All eyes are on the Federal Reserve this week, with another interest-rate cut extensively anticipated, though opinions among policymakers remain disunited.
The week also sees opinions from the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Bank of Canada, and the Swiss National Bank, all of which are expected to leave rates unchanged.
“Traders are preparing for a potentially pivotal few days,” reflecting the heightened global nerves over central bank moves and their impact on markets.
UK Market and Global Economy Watch
Meanwhile, China’s annual trade surplus has surpassed $1 trillion for the first time, showing that the country’s manufacturing sector is still pushing ahead despite the effects of Donald Trump’s trade war.
New customs data reveal that Chinese exporters increased sales to markets outside the US this year, compensating for a steep fall in shipments to American buyers.
In November alone, exports rose 5.9% year-on-year, a strong rebound from October’s 1.1% decline and better than economists had predicted, underscoring the resilience and global reach of China’s industrial base.
As investors weigh these developments, the FTSE 100 faces a week of cautious trading, with central bank decisions likely to dictate the tone in the coming days.
