European auto stocks are so unpopular right now that investors keep reducing their exposure even as the scale of the industry's problems has driven valuations close to record lows, which would normally be a big incentive for would-be buyers. The STOXX 600 Autos and Parts index is among this year's worst performers. Analysts predict a 13.6% earnings drop in 2024.
Open FlipAs the Federal Reserve kicks off a long-awaited rate cutting cycle, some investors are wary that richly valued U.S. stocks may have already priced in the benefits of easier monetary policy, making it harder for markets to rise much further. Investors on Thursday cheered the first rate cuts in more than four years, sending the S&P 500 to fresh records.
Open FlipWhile emerging-market currencies have broadly benefited from a softer US dollar this quarter, African currencies, such as the Zambian kwacha, Angolan kwanza, and Nigerian naira, have bucked the emerging-market trend, weighed down by local economic challenges, including a lack of dollar liquidity, inflationary pressures, and volatile commodity prices.
Open Flip