Daily summary: Global stocks fall as inflation fears grow

European bourses finished today's session in red as investors monitored rising bond yields and the outlook for inflation. Upbeat economic data from the US and a rally in oil prices, fueled speculation that inflationary pressures are rising, which could force central bankers across the world to consider tightening monetary policy. On the corporate front, Gucci revenue declined 10%;  British American Tobacco stock fell 4% even as it reported better-than-expected annual profit; and Rio Tinto profit jumped 20% last year. Meantime, Moderna said delays at vaccine contractors this month will be fixed in the near term. Dax fell 1.1%, CAC40 lost 0.4% and FTSE100 finished 0.6% lower.

 

US indices are trading lower as stronger retail sales figures and record high producer prices raised inflation concerns which pushed benchmark 10-year US Treasury yields to their highest in a year. Meanwhile, industrial production also beat forecasts. Highly anticipated FOMC minutes did not cause any major movements on the markets.

 

WTI crude rose more than 1.5% and is trading slightly below $61.00 a barrel, while Brent jumped 1.34% above $64.00 a barrel a severe winter storm disrupted US production, particularly in Texas, while demand increased given the cold temperatures. Investors now await the weekly inventory reports by the API later in the day, with forecast pointing to a 2.175 million barrels drop. Elsewhere gold futures fell 1.23% below  $ 1,775.00 / oz, while silver is trading flat near $ 27.20 / oz as the dollar strengthened.