The US markets experienced mixed trading on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average being the only major index to dip. Meanwhile, Asian markets, such as Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, fell on Tuesday. Battered market conditions have also affected Europe, with the British pound falling 3.75% against the US dollar in September. This decline is attributed to the dovish stance of the Bank of England. Additionally, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified in a federal court, highlighting the influence that Google has over web publishing.
Industry watchers predict that Southeast Asian countries will become major markets for liquified natural gas (LNG) by 2030. Vietnam, in particular, is expected to drive demand due to the government’s energy generation plan that prioritizes imported LNG. However, analysts anticipate that Europe’s demand for LNG will peak in 2027. Additionally, a value investor believes that shares of a money manager company are currently undervalued due to irrational fears. Despite this, another analyst predicts that the shares may rise up to 40%.
Investors should pay attention to the Russell 2000 index, which fell 1.6% on Monday, resulting in a negative year-to-date performance. This index consists of 2,000 small companies, making it a more accurate reflection of the US economy compared to larger firms represented in other indices. The decline in the Russell 2000 suggests potential further declines in stocks later in the year as the economy catches up with larger firms. However, others argue that the index’s sensitivity to higher interest rates, particularly in the financial sector, may not necessarily indicate overall market trends.
