Global markets were mixed overnight as the US tech Nasdaq index reached new highs following strong results from Microsoft and Facebook. However, world equities slid as weak economic data from South Korea and a profit warning from 3M Co renewed concerns about global growth.
In this weeks podcast, Jeremy discusses Uber and Lyft IPOs in the US, Tourism Holdings negative guidance & Scott Technologies. To listen to the episode CLICK HERE.
Stock in Focus: Select Harvests (SHV:ASX)
Shares in almond producer SHV have surged on another recent positive crop and market update, saying weather conditions have been ideal and the 2019 harvest is progressing very well.
Market conditions are also favourable thanks to a lower Californian crop and strong demand from China, especially given the recent opportunity created by the China-US trade war. After what has been a challenging two-year period for SHV, things are starting to turn around for the almond producer.
We continue to see SHV as an interesting way for investors to gain exposure to global agricultural and health conscious consumer trends. However, it is suited for investors with an appetite for risk given SHV’s sensitivity to almond market pricing, and potential impacts from unfavourable weather conditions.
We currently have a BUY (High-Risk) recommendation on SHV.
Australia & New Zealand Market Movers
The Australian share market moved higher on Wednesday (ASX 200 index +0.99%) with the ASX 200 market index at an 11-year high. Helping investor sentiment was weaker than forecast inflation figures which increased the prospect of the Reserve Bank of Australia cutting rates sooner than expected, lifting share prices.
Macquarie Group shares rose on Wednesday after news it would launch a mobile telco business was received favourably by the market. The new business, called Nu Mobile, will piggy-back on Telstra's mobile network to sell mobile plans bundled with a used smartphone.
The New Zealand market continued its rally on Wednesday (NZX 50 index +0.67%) as the NZ market followed Wall Street higher on light trading volumes in a shortened week. In stock news, Argosy Property dropped after announcing a $64 million development in downtown Wellington. The 24-month project is expected to be completed in April 2021, with Statistics New Zealand signing a 15-year lease to occupy the entire office space. Outside the benchmark index, Scott Technology rose after announcing plans to buy French technology company Normaclass for an undisclosed sum.
3 Things Markets Will be Watching this Week
- The US first-quarter reporting season continues this week.
- US economic growth (GDP) data is released at the end of the week.
- Aussie inflation figures are published on Wednesday.
Have a Great Day,