OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS
March E-mini S&Ps (ESH15 -0.67%) this morning are down -0.18% and European stocks are down -0.35% at a 1-3/4 month low on Chinese economic concerns after a gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity contracted for the first time in 7 months. Losses were limited after Eurozone Dec manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in 5 months and after a gauge of German investor expectations climbed at the fastest pace in 8 months. The Russian ruble plunged to a record low of 73.8238 per dollar even after the Bank of Russia unexpectedly raised its key interest rate to 17.0% from 10.5% as the plunge in oil prices exacerbates the collapse in the ruble. Asian stocks closed mostly lower: Japan -2.01%, Hong Kong-1.55%, China +2.68%, Taiwan -0.39%, Australia -0.65%, Singapore -2.40%, South Korea -0.75%, India -1.97%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock Index fell to a 1-month low after exporters sold-off as the yen rallied to a 4-week high against the dollar, which reduces the earnings prospects of exporters. Chinese stocks bucked the trend and closed higher on speculation economic weakness will prompt the government into expanding stimulus. Commodity prices are weaker. Jan crude oil (CLF15 -2.99%) is down -3.02% at a 5-1/2 year low as the rout in crude prices continues. Jan gasoline (RBF15 -2.91%) is down -3.10% % at a 5-1/2 year low. Feb gold (GCG15 +0.60%) is down -0.16%. Mar copper (HGH15 -0.47%) is down -0.56%. Agriculture prices are mostly lower. The dollar index (DXY00 -0.73%) is down -0.77% at a 2-week low. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is up +0.90% at a 2-1/2 week high. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is down -1.80% at a 4-week low. Mar T-note prices (ZNH15 +0.64%) are up +20.5 ticks at a 2-month high as the plunge in crude oil to a 5-1/2 year low undercuts inflation expectations along with carry-over support from a rally in German bunds as the 10-year bund yield sank to a record low of 0.566%.
