Week that was..

Mar 24

China’s preliminary PMI released by HSBC Markit showed the reading slowing to 49.2 in March from 50.7 in February missing the analyst estimate of 50.5.

Growth in Eurozone is at 4 year high as the flash PMI from Markit came at 54.1 in March from 53.3 in February. Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit said that the survey results indicated some impetus from the ECB’s economic stimulus programme which began in March.

Mar 26

Asian stocks were trading lower following US stocks which fell due to Saudi Arabia military operations in Yemen. Technology shares were down around 2 %. Biotechnology and semiconductor companies were worst affected due to earnings warning due to dollar strength.

Mar 27

US 4Q GDP came at 2.2 % as previously estimated.

Events to watch this week:

Mar 30

Japan IIP data.

Apr 01

China manufacturing PMI. US ISM Manufacturing PMI.