Asian share markets are generally still doing well as we head into the low volume Christmas period with local shares the standout on a somewhat dovish outlook from the RBA minutes released today. This has seen the Australian dollar continue its bounceback on a slightly weaker USD above the 66 cent level.
Oil markets remain unstable with some errant bids seeing Brent crude push back above the $61USD per barrel level while gold has continued its recent breakout above the $4400USD per ounce level as upside momentum builds amid low volume trading:
Mainland Chinese share markets are seeing a solid bid in afternoon trade with the Shanghai Composite up 0.4% to extend well above 3900 points while the Hang Seng Index has lifted just 0.1% to 25844 points. Japanese stock markets are treading water after a few big sessions and the firming Yen with the Nikkei 225 up just 0.1% to 50425 points with the USDPY pair now retracing back to the 156 level:
Australian stocks are doing very well in afternoon trade with the ASX200 up more than 1% to 8801 points while the Australian dollar is on a tear following the release of the RBA minutes, now well above the mid 66 cent level against USD:
S&P and Eurostoxx futures are wanting to move higher after recent volatility with the S&P500 four hourly chart showing support at the 6800 key level but momentum is slowing down:
The economic calendar will focus on the latest US durable goods orders tonight.