May in Figures
May 31, 2014
Stock markets in May took a more optimistic view of growth prospects than did bond investors, making May the unusual month in which both asset classes improved. Short-term interest rates remained anchored at very low levels. The euro lost strength on speculation that the ECB will ease policy significantly in June. From a monthly high of $1.3993, the common European currency fell to as low as $1.3598 and closed not far from that trough. The kiwi lost almost as much ground as the euro during the month. West Texas Intermediate crude oil strengthened through the key $100 per barrel threshold and gained 3.0% on balance, while gold floundered and lost 3.9%.
10-Yr Yield | 04/30/14 | 05/30/14 | Chg vs End-Apr |
U.S. | 2.65% | 2.47% | -18 Basis Points |
Germany | 1.47% | 1.36% | -11 |
Japan | 0.62% | 0.57% | -5 |
U.K. | 2.66% | 2.57% | -9 |
Canada | 2.40% | 2.24% | -16 |
Switzerland | 0.84% | 0.71% | -13 |
3-month euros | Chg vs End-Apr | ||
U.S. | 0.22% | 0.23% | +1 Basis Points |
Euroland | 0.31% | 0.29% | -2 |
Japan | 0.14% | 0.14% | 0 |
U.K. | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0 |
Swiss | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0 |
FX | Pct Chg in USD | ||
EUR/USD | 1.3866 | 1.3652 | +1.6% |
USD/JPY | 102.23 | 101.79 | -0.4% |
USD/CHF | 0.8807 | 0.8955 | +1.7% |
GBP/USD | 1.6873 | 1.6757 | +0.7% |
AUD/USD | 0.9287 | 0.3087 | -0.2% |
NZD/USD | 0.8615 | 0.8492 | +1.4% |
USD/CAD | 1.0962 | 1.0846 | -1.1% |
USD/CNY | 6.2601 | 6.2500 | -0.2% |
Equities | Chg vs End-Apr | ||
S&P 500 | 1884 | 1924 | +2.1% |
Nasdaq | 4115 | 4243 | +3.1% |
Djia | 16581 | 16717 | +0.8% |
Dax | 9603 | 9943 | +2.5% |
Nikkei | 14304 | 14632 | +2.3% |
Ftse | 6780 | 6845 | +1.0% |
Canada TSE | 14652 | 14604 | -0.3% |
Swiss SMI | 8477 | 8675 | +2.3% |
Commodities | Chg vs End-Apr | ||
Oil, $ per barrel | 99.74 | 102.71 | +3.0% |
Gold, $ per ounce | 1295.60 | 1245.60 | -3.9% |
Copyright Larry Greenberg 2014. All rights reserved. No secondary distribution without express permission.
Tags: bonds, commodity trends, currencies, stocks