Asian shares were flat on Monday as investors were unable to shake worries about global growth, U.S. politics and the Sino-U.S. trade war, keeping the safe haven dollar near a six-week top against major currencies.
Asian Shares
Chinese stock indexes played catch-up when reopening after a week-long break.
- China’s blue-chip index surged 1.6 percent.
- Shanghai’s SSE (LON:SSE) Composite climbed 1.2 percent.
- Australian stocks recouped some losses to end 0.2 percent lower.
- South Korea’s KOSPI index was up 0.2 percent.
Currencies
“Against a backdrop of uncertainty and despite a Fed that is comfortably on hold, the dollar continues to win the least ugly contest.”
- The euro was barely changed at $1.1322 after five straight days of losses took it to more than 2 weeks lows.
- Sterling dithered at $1.2931.
- The dollar index held near a six-week high around 96.695 against a basket of currencies,
Commodities
Oil prices slipped on concerns about slowing global demand amid a pick-up in U.S. drilling activity.
- U.S. crude was 56 cents weaker at $52.16 per barrel.
- Brent fell 36 cents to $61.74.
Source: Investing.com
