European stocks fall off 6-session high, ahead FOMC decisions

Economies.com
2019-03-20 11:41AM UTC

European shares fell on Wednesday morning, for the first time in six sessions, dropping from a six-month high with a notable profit-taking activity, as mining and core resources sector plummeted of renewed trade concerns, while markets awaited the Federal Reserve Bank's decisions at the end of its meeting on monetary policy.

 

As of 10:55 GMT, Stoxx Europe 600 fell by 0.5%, the index ended yesterday's session up 0.6%, its fifth consecutive daily gain, reaching its highest level in 6 months, supported by a strong rally in car manufacturers' stocks.

 

On today's morning, Stoxx Europe Index dropped, having the first loss in six sessions, with corrective activity and profit taking, and with most of the major markets and sectors in the red zone.

 

The mining and core resources sector was the top loser in Europe with a 2% drop, with renewed trade concerns, especially after media reports of US concerns that China is retreating from the US demands during trade talks.

 

Wall Street Journal quoted officials from the administration of President Donald Trump, saying that US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin plan to travel to Beijing next week for another round of trade talks with the Chinese vice premier.

 

Most global financial markets are focusing on Federal Reserve decisions at the end of its monetary policy meeting. Decisions are scheduled today at 18:00 GMT, and interest rates are widely expected to remain unchanged.

 

Investors are closely watching the monetary policy statement and the Fed's decision on federal interest rate projections over the next few years.

 

S & P 500 futures fell by 0.2%, and the index ended yesterday's session unchanged with little to be mentioned.

 

Euro Stoxx 50 index also fell by 0.6%. while in France, CAC 40 index fell 0.2%. and Germany's DAX index shed 1.3% to top the list of losing markets in Europe.

 

In London, the FTSE 100 fell 0.2% as British Prime Minister Theresa May asked the EU to postpone the Brexit plan for at least three months.

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