FTSE 100 remains close to record high while GBP/USD, gold stay sidelined ahead of plethora of central bank meetings.
The Nasdaq 100 closed at a record high on Friday, lifted by Microsoft and Tesla, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones slipped, as traders look ahead to a likely 25bp Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut this week amid weakening consumer sentiment and soft labour data.
Asian markets opened cautiously with European indices likely to follow, with attention now turning to a series of major central bank decisions - including the Fed, Bank of England (BoE), Bank of Japan (BoJ) and Bank of Canada (BoC) - that will set the tone for global markets.
Last week the FTSE 100 managed to rally to 9,340, close to its August record high at 9,358, before coming off to 9,260. This level currently acts as support. As long as it holds, the recent highs remain in focus.
Were the 9,260 low to give way, however, the 5 September high at 9,253 would be in focus, together with the tentative April-to-September uptrend line at 9,227 and perhaps also the late July peak at 9,189.
GBP/USD continues to be capped by its late July to current September highs at $1.3583-to-$1.3595 which acted as resistance last week.
Were the $1.3583-to-$1.3595 resistance area to be overcome, though, the early-to-mid-June highs at $1.3616-to-$1.3632 would likely be reached next.
While Thursday's low at $1.3494 holds, upside pressure is deemed to remain in play. If slipped through, the 55-day simple moving average (SMA) at $1.3460 may be revisited.
The gold price continues to sideways trade in low volatility near last week's $3,674.00 per troy ounce record high, a rise above which likely engage the $3,700.00 region.
This scenario remains in play while Thursday's low at $3,613.00 underpins. Were it to give way, however, the 3 September high at $3,578.00 may be retested.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.