Global markets extended their rebound overnight (S&P 500 index +1.4%) as the reporting season continued to impress and recent economic data restored faith in the recovery. Equities in the US, UK, Europe and most of the Asia-Pacific region were well in the green on Tuesday helped by gains in Amazon.com and Google-parent Alphabet ahead of their results and by optimism over progress on a large fiscal pandemic relief package.
Democrats in Congress prepared to take the first steps toward fast-track passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. Adding to the upbeat mood, new cases of COVID-19 in the United States fell for a third week in a row, the first time since last September.
The gains also coincide with share reversal in GameStop shares which fell over -60% on Tuesday, following a -30% fall on Monday as the short-squeezers begin to lose steam and the retail frenzy stock entered correction territory.
Kiwi Property Group (KPG:NZX )
Kiwi Property Group (KPG) shares were higher after reporting December 2020 sales for its retail portfolio were up +4.2% from the previous year, as its Sylvia park property continues to perform better than expected – helped by its Galleria expansion.
Yesterday KPG also announced appointment of a new GM Funds management Steve Penney, as it looks to accelerate its fund's management business. This is an interesting move and we are watching with interest.
We have a BUY rating on KPG, and continue to maintain a positive view as our top sector pick given its attractive valuation both relative to peers and in absolute terms, still trading below its NTA (Net Tangible Asset) per share, and given KPG's quality asset base.
Australia & New Zealand Market Movers
The Australian market was higher yesterday (ASX 200 index +1.5%) with gains across the board as investor sentiment grew encouraged by RBA's decision to extend and expand its bond-buying program.
Miners performed strongly, rebounding from last week's sell off, and the major banks also extended their rally. Technology shares was the best performing sector after a strong lead from Wall street overnight, with Afterpay up +7.9%, Nearmap climbing +5.4%, and WiseTech Global adding +4.2%.
The New Zealand market fell on Monday (NZX 50 index -0.4%) as investors remained wary about the risk of rising interest rates, with New Zealand's central bank tapering its bond-buying programme.
Restaurant Brands' led the market higher (up +2.6%) , while A2 Milk led the market lower down -3.3% on no news. Retirement village operators were weaker after consumer NZ said the sectors contracting methods were unfairly favouring operators.
3 Things Markets will be Watching this Week
- It is the second biggest week of earnings with 113 S&P 500 companies reporting including: Amazon, Alphabet, Alibaba, PayPal, Pfizer, Merck, Exxon Mobil, Unilever, Royal Dutch, UPS, Siemens AG, Philip Morris, Glaxo, Gilead and BP PLC.
- The RBA makes a Cash rate decision on Tuesday
- US employment (Nonfarm payrolls) data is released at the end of the week.
Team