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Markets tumble as impatience mounts over Trump's policies - business live Markets tumble as impatience mounts over Trump's policies - business live
(35 minutes later)
1.20pm GMT
13:20
Donald Trump is awake and would like to reassure markets:
Big day for healthcare. Working hard!
Wall Street bell goes in 10 minutes...
1.18pm GMT
13:18
Twitter has reacted with a combination of anger and humour to those Dijsselbloem comments that appear to be critical of the behaviour of Southern European countries.
Dijsselbloem’s offensive remarks are unacceptable! Real shame for representative of our political family to defy unity, respect, solidarity!
Who said: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
12.51pm GMT12.51pm GMT
12:5112:51
The FTSE 100 is currently down 65 points or 0.9% at 7,314.The FTSE 100 is currently down 65 points or 0.9% at 7,314.
The FTSE 250 is down 1.1% at 18,788.The FTSE 250 is down 1.1% at 18,788.
Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, provides this lunchtime summary:Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, provides this lunchtime summary:
A partial reversal of the so called ‘Trump Trade’ has sent defensives and precious metal producers to the top of the FTSE 100 today, as investors worry that President Trump’s conflict with Congress will prevent him delivering the pro-business agenda on which he campaigned. Only six FTSE 100 stocks had made it into positive territory at lunchtime, with Randgold topping the list, up 0.8%.A partial reversal of the so called ‘Trump Trade’ has sent defensives and precious metal producers to the top of the FTSE 100 today, as investors worry that President Trump’s conflict with Congress will prevent him delivering the pro-business agenda on which he campaigned. Only six FTSE 100 stocks had made it into positive territory at lunchtime, with Randgold topping the list, up 0.8%.
Despite recently warning that conditions remain challenging, hopes of an uptick in the global economy helped FTSE 250 shipping group Clarkson enjoy a strong run recently. However, with pro-Trump sentiment wavering it’s perhaps unsurprising to see this bellwether of global trade lose some of the wind from its sails, sending the shares down 4.5%.Despite recently warning that conditions remain challenging, hopes of an uptick in the global economy helped FTSE 250 shipping group Clarkson enjoy a strong run recently. However, with pro-Trump sentiment wavering it’s perhaps unsurprising to see this bellwether of global trade lose some of the wind from its sails, sending the shares down 4.5%.
12.20pm GMT12.20pm GMT
12:2012:20
Earlier the Bank of England published its latest agents’ summary of business conditions.Earlier the Bank of England published its latest agents’ summary of business conditions.
The Bank has 12 regional agents who have discussions with about 700 firms across the UK to glean the latest snapshot of conditions.The Bank has 12 regional agents who have discussions with about 700 firms across the UK to glean the latest snapshot of conditions.
The survey for the first quarter of 2017 found that growth in retail sales was slowing as the weak pounds feeds through to higher prices and reduces the spending power of consumers.The survey for the first quarter of 2017 found that growth in retail sales was slowing as the weak pounds feeds through to higher prices and reduces the spending power of consumers.
Overall the report was mixed, with exports up and investment intentions picking up. Agents concluded:Overall the report was mixed, with exports up and investment intentions picking up. Agents concluded:
Moderate rates of activity growth had continued overall. Retail sales volumes growth had eased. It was expected to slow further during the year ahead as the fall in sterling fed through to higher prices, reducing households’ purchasing power. In contrast, export volume growth had picked up. That was due to the fall in sterling and stronger world growth.Moderate rates of activity growth had continued overall. Retail sales volumes growth had eased. It was expected to slow further during the year ahead as the fall in sterling fed through to higher prices, reducing households’ purchasing power. In contrast, export volume growth had picked up. That was due to the fall in sterling and stronger world growth.
Investment intentions had picked up, pointing to modest growth in spending in the year ahead. That reflected continued moderate demand growth and less uncertainty about economic prospects, particularly in the near term. But a lack of visibility of the United Kingdom’s future trading arrangements was weighing on longer-term plans for some contacts.Investment intentions had picked up, pointing to modest growth in spending in the year ahead. That reflected continued moderate demand growth and less uncertainty about economic prospects, particularly in the near term. But a lack of visibility of the United Kingdom’s future trading arrangements was weighing on longer-term plans for some contacts.
The fall in sterling was being passed through into higher manufacturing output and consumer goods price inflation. Business and consumer services price inflation had edged higher.The fall in sterling was being passed through into higher manufacturing output and consumer goods price inflation. Business and consumer services price inflation had edged higher.
12.10pm GMT12.10pm GMT
12:1012:10
Eurogroup boss Dijsselbloem criticised for commentsEurogroup boss Dijsselbloem criticised for comments
Over in Brussels, Jeroen Dijsselbloem - head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers - appears to be in a spot of bother.Over in Brussels, Jeroen Dijsselbloem - head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers - appears to be in a spot of bother.
Margrethe Vestager, the European commissioner for competition, said Dijsselbloem was “wrong” to make comments that were interpreted as criticism of southern European countries.Margrethe Vestager, the European commissioner for competition, said Dijsselbloem was “wrong” to make comments that were interpreted as criticism of southern European countries.
Speaking to the German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Dijsselbloem said:Speaking to the German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Dijsselbloem said:
In the euro crisis, the northern eurozone states demonstrated solidarity with the countries in crisis. As a Social Democrat, I believe solidarity is extremely important. But whoever demands it also has obligations.In the euro crisis, the northern eurozone states demonstrated solidarity with the countries in crisis. As a Social Democrat, I believe solidarity is extremely important. But whoever demands it also has obligations.
I can’t spend all my money on booze and women and then ask you for your support. This principle holds at personal, local, national and even European levels.I can’t spend all my money on booze and women and then ask you for your support. This principle holds at personal, local, national and even European levels.
His comments drew strong criticism in Spain and Italy and the Portuguese prime minister called for Dijsselbloem’s resignation.His comments drew strong criticism in Spain and Italy and the Portuguese prime minister called for Dijsselbloem’s resignation.
A spokesman for Dijsselbloem defended his comments along the following lines:A spokesman for Dijsselbloem defended his comments along the following lines:
He didn’t refer to any specific country or group of countries.He didn’t refer to any specific country or group of countries.
His message was that solidarity comes with obligations, and the message was for all eurozone countries.His message was that solidarity comes with obligations, and the message was for all eurozone countries.
EU Commissioner @vestager on Dijsselbloem's comments on "women and alcohol": "I wouldn't have said it and I think it's wrong"EU Commissioner @vestager on Dijsselbloem's comments on "women and alcohol": "I wouldn't have said it and I think it's wrong"
11.35am GMT11.35am GMT
11:3511:35
New £300m UK plant to build electric black cabsNew £300m UK plant to build electric black cabs
Now for some news from Coventry, where the grand opening of the first new car plant in Britain for more than a decade is taking place today.Now for some news from Coventry, where the grand opening of the first new car plant in Britain for more than a decade is taking place today.
The London Taxi Company (LTC), maker of the famous London black cab, will build electric cabs at the plant, creating more than 1,000 jobs. It is being funded by a £300m investment from China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, owner of LTC, plus a £16.1m government grant.The London Taxi Company (LTC), maker of the famous London black cab, will build electric cabs at the plant, creating more than 1,000 jobs. It is being funded by a £300m investment from China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, owner of LTC, plus a £16.1m government grant.
As well as being a boost for Coventry it’s a boost for the UK automotive industry, which backed the remain camp in the EU referendum and has voiced concerns that Brexit will lead foreign investment elsewhere.As well as being a boost for Coventry it’s a boost for the UK automotive industry, which backed the remain camp in the EU referendum and has voiced concerns that Brexit will lead foreign investment elsewhere.
The business secretary Greg Clarke said the new factory, where research and development will also take place, showed that the UK was a “world leader in the development of new automotive technologies”.The business secretary Greg Clarke said the new factory, where research and development will also take place, showed that the UK was a “world leader in the development of new automotive technologies”.
Read our full story on the new plant here:Read our full story on the new plant here:
11.12am GMT11.12am GMT
11:1211:12
Global shares 'could fall 10%' in Trump related sell-offGlobal shares 'could fall 10%' in Trump related sell-off
Global equities could have quite a bit further to fall according to analysts at Saxo Bank, as Trump’s pro-growth policies hit several hurdles along the way.Global equities could have quite a bit further to fall according to analysts at Saxo Bank, as Trump’s pro-growth policies hit several hurdles along the way.
Peter Garnry, the bank’s head of equity strategy, explains:Peter Garnry, the bank’s head of equity strategy, explains:
So much of the narrative has revolved around US president Donald Trump since his election on November 8 but the conviction in the reflation trade faded abruptly in the last US session with the S&P 500 declining more than 1% for the first time since October.So much of the narrative has revolved around US president Donald Trump since his election on November 8 but the conviction in the reflation trade faded abruptly in the last US session with the S&P 500 declining more than 1% for the first time since October.
So what are we to make of all of this? Where do we go from here?So what are we to make of all of this? Where do we go from here?
Global equities could easily fall 5-10% in what would be a normal healthy technical correction. And the selloff will be driven by cyclicals: financials, materials, consumer discretionary - a big question mark here is whether technology stocks will hold the line.Global equities could easily fall 5-10% in what would be a normal healthy technical correction. And the selloff will be driven by cyclicals: financials, materials, consumer discretionary - a big question mark here is whether technology stocks will hold the line.
We see further upside in volatility as markets are now constructing a new narrative that essentially centres on the likelihood that the pro-growth Trump policies or set for a bumpy road with many road blocks .We see further upside in volatility as markets are now constructing a new narrative that essentially centres on the likelihood that the pro-growth Trump policies or set for a bumpy road with many road blocks .
Credit growth has stalled lately and the energy impulse into inflation is gone by June.Credit growth has stalled lately and the energy impulse into inflation is gone by June.
10.51am GMT10.51am GMT
10:5110:51
Gold hits 3-week high as investors sell sharesGold hits 3-week high as investors sell shares
Gold is benefitting from the widespread equities sell-off and weaker dollar.Gold is benefitting from the widespread equities sell-off and weaker dollar.
Spot gold touched a three-week high of $1,248.47 per ounce, and is currently up 0.1% at $1,245.Spot gold touched a three-week high of $1,248.47 per ounce, and is currently up 0.1% at $1,245.
Edward Meir, analyst at INTL FCStone said gold would continue to benefit while investors sold shares:Edward Meir, analyst at INTL FCStone said gold would continue to benefit while investors sold shares:
It seems that equity investors decided to take some money of the table, perhaps getting slightly wary about the progress in President Trump’s legislative agenda.It seems that equity investors decided to take some money of the table, perhaps getting slightly wary about the progress in President Trump’s legislative agenda.
Gold will likely continue to rally going into Wednesday’s session as Tuesday’s US stock market sell-off was significant and will likely have a knock-on effect on international equity markets over the next 24 hours.Gold will likely continue to rally going into Wednesday’s session as Tuesday’s US stock market sell-off was significant and will likely have a knock-on effect on international equity markets over the next 24 hours.
10.26am GMT10.26am GMT
10:2610:26
Top bosses earn almost 400 times more than workers on national living wageTop bosses earn almost 400 times more than workers on national living wage
Some people are feeling the pinch more than others of course.Some people are feeling the pinch more than others of course.
A report by the Equality Trust found that the average FTSE bosses earns 386 times more than a worker on the national living wage.A report by the Equality Trust found that the average FTSE bosses earns 386 times more than a worker on the national living wage.
Taking 2015 annual reports from all FTSE 100 companies, the charity calculated that chief executives were paid £5.3m a year, compared with £13,662 for someone on the national living wage of £7.20 an hour.Taking 2015 annual reports from all FTSE 100 companies, the charity calculated that chief executives were paid £5.3m a year, compared with £13,662 for someone on the national living wage of £7.20 an hour.
Here is the full story from the Guardian’s Katie Allen:Here is the full story from the Guardian’s Katie Allen:
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.28am GMTat 10.28am GMT
10.08am GMT10.08am GMT
10:0810:08
UK households most downbeat about finances since 2013UK households most downbeat about finances since 2013
Investors are not the only ones feeling pessimistic.Investors are not the only ones feeling pessimistic.
UK households are the most downbeat about prospects for their finances since November 2013 according to the Markit Household Finance Index.UK households are the most downbeat about prospects for their finances since November 2013 according to the Markit Household Finance Index.
Families are starting to feel the pinch of rising inflation, as everyday goods get more expensive and wage growth remains weak. It suggests that consumer spending - the main driver of UK growth currently - will start to weaken as households become more cost conscious.Families are starting to feel the pinch of rising inflation, as everyday goods get more expensive and wage growth remains weak. It suggests that consumer spending - the main driver of UK growth currently - will start to weaken as households become more cost conscious.
Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit, explains:Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit, explains:
UK households reported greater pressure on their financial wellbeing in March, as rising inflation has started to erode incomes and reduce cash available to spend. On average in the first quarter of 2017 survey respondents have reported the sharpest increase in their everyday living costs for three-and-a-half years.UK households reported greater pressure on their financial wellbeing in March, as rising inflation has started to erode incomes and reduce cash available to spend. On average in the first quarter of 2017 survey respondents have reported the sharpest increase in their everyday living costs for three-and-a-half years.
A combination of rising inflation and subdued pay trends has forced households to recalibrate their expectations for the year ahead. After holding steady last summer, UK consumers are now more downbeat about their financial outlook than at any time since late-2013.A combination of rising inflation and subdued pay trends has forced households to recalibrate their expectations for the year ahead. After holding steady last summer, UK consumers are now more downbeat about their financial outlook than at any time since late-2013.
Expectations for finances in the next month fell to 45.3 on the index in March, from 48.1 in February, where anything below 50 signals contraction.Expectations for finances in the next month fell to 45.3 on the index in March, from 48.1 in February, where anything below 50 signals contraction.
People living in the East Midlands were the most downbeat about their financial outlook, followed by those in the North East and London.People living in the East Midlands were the most downbeat about their financial outlook, followed by those in the North East and London.
Meanwhile 58% of households expected the Bank of England to raise interest rates in the next 12 months.Meanwhile 58% of households expected the Bank of England to raise interest rates in the next 12 months.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.15am GMTat 10.15am GMT
9.49am GMT9.49am GMT
09:4909:49
US futures suggest the sell-off on Wall Street is likely to continue when markets open later:US futures suggest the sell-off on Wall Street is likely to continue when markets open later:
Dow Jones futures: -0.3%Dow Jones futures: -0.3%
Nasdaq futures: -0.2%Nasdaq futures: -0.2%
9.45am GMT
09:45
Is this the end of the Trump rally, asks David Morrison, senior market strategist at Spread Co?
European stock indices are weaker across the board this morning. Investors are responding to last night’s sell-off on Wall Street which saw the majors close out on their lows. Not only that, but US stock index futures are weaker again this morning. Yesterday’s sharp reversal took many investors by surprise, particularly as the US session opened with fresh all-time highs for Facebook and the Nasdaq index.
Unfortunately for traders, much of yesterday’s move was down to political factors rather than market technicals. There are fears that the Trump administration won’t have enough votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act when it goes to Congress tomorrow.
There are thought to be around 26 Republican representatives who oppose their party’s new health care bill. This in turn could jeopardise Trump’s tax plan and this has worried investors who have watched equities soar on the promise of fiscal stimulus.
9.40am GMT
09:40
The final scores in Asia:
APAC Closing Prices:#ASX 5684.51 -1.56%#NIKKEI 19041.38 -2.13%#HSI 24320.41 -1.11%#HSHARES 10456.96 -1.76%#CSI300 3450.23 -0.46%
9.30am GMT
09:30
Julia Kollewe
Back in the UK, estate agent Savills has published results. Shares are currently down 1.8%. Julia Kollewe reports:
Savills, the upmarket estate agent, has posted annual pretax profits of nearly £100m, up 1%, despite “geopolitical distractions” and higher property taxes in the UK and elsewhere. The Brexit vote in June pushed revenues from its UK residential business down 3% to £124m last year.
The firm explained: “A very strong first quarter, as buyers rushed to beat the increased stamp duty on second homes, was followed by low trading volumes in advance of the Brexit referendum at the end of June. Then a relatively quiet, but encouraging summer gave rise to a strong autumn selling season albeit with a slowing of transactions in December.”
Savills said the sharp decline in the value of sterling since the referendum had drawn overseas buyers at the top end of the market. The average selling price in London increased slightly to £2.9m because the firm sold more properties worth £20m or more than in 2015. But it still recorded 5% fewer sales overall, while the market suffered even bigger declines. Outside London there was a 7% increase in exchanges.
9.22am GMT
09:22
US bound yields at 3-week lows as caution mounts
US bond yields are at three-week lows as investors dump equities in favour of lower-risk assets.
The yield on benchmark 10-year US treasuries - an indicator of how much it costs the government to borrow from the financial markets - fell to 2.4%.
U.S. 10-yr yield falls to 3-week low below 2.4%. It was above 2.6% only 8 days ago. Yield curve also flattest in 3 weeks.
9.01am GMT
09:01
Kingfisher, the company behind B&Q and Screwfix, is the biggest faller on the FTSE 100 this morning following the publication of annual results.
My colleague Julia Kollewe reports:
Shares in Kingfisher fell 4.8% despite better-than-expected results. The retailer warned of modest price increases and expressed concern that uncertainty around French and British politics could hit demand for its DIY products.
Chief executive Véronique Laury, who is overseeing a five-year revamp of the business, said: “Looking forward, the EU referendum has created uncertainty for the UK economic outlook and we remain cautious on the outlook for France, especially in light of the forthcoming presidential elections.”
The company beat City forecasts with a 14.7% rise in annual underlying pretax profit to £787m. A good performance in the UK & Ireland, where like-for-like sales rose 5.9%, offset a 2.7% sales drop in France, where it trades as Castorama and Brico Dépôt.
The retailer’s chairman Daniel Bernard is to step down in June after eight years in the role. He will be succeeded by Andy Cosslett, the former chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group and Fitness First, who previously worked at Unilever and Cadbury Schweppes. He also chairs Rugby Football Union.
8.50am GMT
08:50
European losses accelerate, FTSE falls 1%
Investors are not happy at all this morning. Losses are widening across Europe on fears that Trump is not going to be able to deliver on his policy pledges.
Much of the optimism about his policies to boost US (and therefore global) growth has already been priced into markets since his election, with Wall Street and European markets hitting record highs. But as President Trump deals with the reality of governing, it seems determination alone is not enough to push through his flagship policies.
If Trump hasn’t yet managed to overhaul Obamacare - his key priority - won’t his promises on tax giveaways and infrastructure spending get kicked into the long grass?
Connor Campbell, analyst at Spreadex, says markets are in a “sour mood”:
Based on the mess Republicans are making of their healthcare reforms it seems increasingly unlikely that the Wotsit-in-Chief will be able to deliver on his sweeping tax changes and $1 trillion infrastructure spending.
Combine that with the Wall Street Journal, a notably right-leaning publication, claiming that if Trump doesn’t ‘show more respect for the truth’ then ‘most Americans may conclude he’s a fake president’, and the optimism that caused investors to flock to the major indices has been seriously undermined by, well, Trump himself.
The FTSE 100 is down 72 points as the negative sentiment spreads. The mining sector and financials are taking the brunt of it.
Current scores on the board:
FTSE 100: -1% at 7,306
Germany’s DAX: -0.8% at 11,871
France’s CAC: -0.8% at 4,963
Italy’s FTSE MIB: -1.1% at 19,706
Spain’s IBEX: -0.9% at 10,126
Europe’s STOXX 600: -0.8% at 373
Updated
at 8.51am GMT
8.24am GMT
08:24
Pound steadies above $1.24
The pound is just about holding on to the gains it made against the dollar on Tuesday following the sharp rise in UK inflation to 2.3% in February from 1.8%.
In theory, the acceleration of inflation brings forward the prospect of a UK interest rate rise and adds weight to the decision by Kristin Forbes - member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee - to vote for a hike at the March meeting (she was outvoted).
The pound is also being supported by dollar weakness, and is currently flat at $1.2477. It is also up 0.1% against the euro at €1.1550.
8.08am GMT
08:08
Europe follows Wall Street lower
European markets have opened lower, as fears ripple across the Atlantic over Trump’s ability to push through growth-boosting policies:
FTSE 100: -0.6%
Germany’s DAX: -0.8%
France’s CAC: -0.7%
Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.9%
Spain’s IBEX: -0.7%
Europe’s STOXX 600: -0.3%
8.01am GMT
08:01
Nouriel Roubini, the economist who is probably best known for predicting the global financial crisis, has also warned on Trump’s policies.
Specifically, the professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, says markets have over-estimated how many beneficial policies the President can carry through, while underestimating the potential negatives.
Roubini told CNBC:
[Markets] are overestimating the positives of the US-Trump policies. Infrastructure, stimulus, deregulation, tax cuts: I think Trump will achieve much less on those dimensions.
And they’re underestimating the risk that the US protectionist policies are going to lead to trade wars, that the restrictions on immigration are going to slow down labor supply, and that micromanaging the corporate sector is going to be negative.
Nouriel Roubini warns: Markets are overestimating Trump policy positives https://t.co/Yd64Z4gpJZ
7.49am GMT
07:49
The agenda: Investor fears mount over Trump's ability to deliver
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.
Shares in Asia are down sharply this morning following Wall Street’s worst day this year. It appears that hopes are evaporating of swift action on the growth-boosting policies promised by President Trump.
With much of the upside already priced in, investors are now coming to the realisation that for all the talk, it might take longer than expected to push through reforms.
Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, explains:
After the S&P 500 posted its biggest one day fall since last October last year, the question being asked is whether the scales are starting to fall away from investor’s eyes as to whether President Trump will be able to deliver anything close to what has been priced into markets since his election last November.
Even the mistiest eyed optimist appears to be coming to the realisation that even on health care, where there is some form of consensus, reforms are likely to take a lot longer than realised and as such any other programmes like tax and banking reform and infrastructure spending are likely to get pushed further out into the future.
Here is how US markets closed:
Dow Jones: -1.1% at 20,668
S&P 500: -1.2% at 2,344
Nasdaq: -1.5% at 5,333
And in Asia:
Hang Seng: -1.3% at 24,275
Nikkei: -2% at 19,041
Topix: -2% at 1,530
Shares in Europe are expected to open lower this morning:
Our European opening calls:$FTSE 7337 down 41$DAX 11882 down 80$CAC 4977 down 26$IBEX 10153 down 59$MIB 19798 down 121
We will be tracking all the key developments.
Updated
at 7.49am GMT