Dow Futures Rise On China Factory Data

US stock index futures rose this morning, as global markets gained on news that China’s factory output hit a seven-month high in September.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

LONDON — Stock index futures at 7am ET indicate that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) may open up by 0.43% morning, while the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) may open up by 0.42%, after new data suggested that China’s economy has returned to growth. CNN’s Fear & Greed Index is expected to open in the greed zone at 61, today, after closing at 64 yesterday.

European markets made gains this morning, helped by news that China’s factory output reached a seven-month high in September. In London, miners and financial stocks were amongst the biggest risers, while in Germany, car manufacturer Daimler AG was the top gainer, up by 3% after beating quarterly earnings forecasts. There was also renewed hope that Spain’s economy may be beginning to turnaround, after figures published this morning showed that the country’s unemployment rate fell from 26.26% to 25.98% during the third quarter, supporting yesterday’s estimate from Spain’s central bank that the economy may have expanded during the key summer tourist season. At 7am ET, the FTSE 100 was up 0.53%, the DAX was up 0.72%, and the CAC 40 was up 0.34%.

Today’s economic calendar is fairly busy, but the focus is likely to be jobs. The latest weekly jobless claims figures are due to be published at 8.30am ET, and consensus forecasts suggest that there were 337,000 new claims for unemployment insurance last week, down slightly from 358,000 during the previous week. August’s trade deficit is also due at 8.30am, and is expected to show that the deficit widened to $39.7bn in August, from $39.1bn in July. At 8.58am, October’s Markit Flash PMI is due, while at 10am, August’s job openings report is expected. September’s new home sales report was due today but has now been delayed until April 12.

Should you invest £1,000 in Howdens right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Howdens made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Earnings season continues today, with quarterly updates from Ford, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Dow Chemical, Xerox Group, Altria Group, Colgate-Palmolive, Hershey Foods, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and a number of other major names due before this morning’s opening bell. Citrix stock may also be actively traded when markets open; the firm’s shares were 4.6% higher in after-hours trading last night, after it said it would buy back up to $500m in shares. Amazon and Microsoft are amongst those due to report after the close tonight.

Should you invest £1,000 in Howdens right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Howdens made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

> Roland does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. 

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Prediction: 12 months from now, £5,000 invested in Tesla stock could be worth…

Tesla stock has endured a miserable year so far, falling by 29%. Muhammad Cheema takes a look at how it…

Read more »

Investing Articles

See what £10,000 invested in Tesla shares at their mid-December peak is worth today 

As the world absorbs the full scale of Donald Trump's tariffs, Tesla shares are reeling. Investors who bought the stock…

Read more »

Hand flipping wooden cubes for change wording" Panic " to " Calm".
Dividend Shares

2 ‘safe’ LSE dividend stocks to consider as global markets sell off

As global markets experience high levels of volatility due to economic uncertainty, investors are piling into these ‘safe-haven’ dividend stocks.

Read more »

Investing Articles

US stock market rout: an unmissable opportunity for investors?

His tech-heavy portfolio has been smashed by Trump’s tariffs. However, Dr James Fox believes there could be some opportunities in…

Read more »

Investing Articles

After a 13% ‘Trump tariff’ fall, is the Barclays share price too cheap to miss?

Does the Barclays share price fall mean we should all panic and run screaming from the stock market? Nah, of…

Read more »

Mature Caucasian woman sat at a table with coffee and laptop while making notes on paper
Investing Articles

2 investment trusts to consider for a Stocks and Shares ISA

These two investment trusts have a different focus -- but our writer sees both as worth considering, one more for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Deutsche Bank reiterates Buy rating on 9.6% yielding FTSE 250 stock that was “most shorted in UK”

Our writer investigates why a major broker remains optimistic about a FTSE 250 stock that was once the most shorted…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 things to remember when stock markets are turbulent

US trade policy has rattled the stock markets in New York, London and elsewhere. Our writer outlines a couple of…

Read more »