Markets roundup with technology | Calamatta Cuschieri

In Europe, markets traded in the green area with the French market amongst the biggest advancers, following a string of upbeat economic reports shrugging off worries over US political risks, the attack in the UK and lack of progress on the Greek debt.

Technology and financial shares led the Stoxx Europe 600, even though the negative influence of healthcare, oil and consumer-related shares weighed. Travel related shares were lower following the terror attack by a suicide bomber in Manchester, during an Ariana Grande concert, leaving 22 victims and injuring another 59.

US government bonds increased slightly with markets focusing on President Donald Trump's first foreign visits. After the trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel, Trump is now travelling to the Vatican City. Trump also condemned the Manchester bomb attack and insisted that his administration will always “stand with Israel”. Furthermore, Trump also noted he is “personally committed” to achieving peace between Israel and Palestine.

The oil industry is at crossroads just a few hours away from the highly anticipated OPEC meeting on Thursday in Vienna. The outcome of the meeting can signal either a very bullish uptrend or a bearish downtrend.

Technology

Microsoft launched its new tablet dubbed Surface Pro. It is a completely redesigned upgrade to the Surface Pro 4, which could turn into a notebook when equipped with a keyboard accessory. Continuing on previous versions, the Surface Pro has a touch screen display and can be made more versatile with a pen, which … of course has to be bought separately. The new Seventh Generation Intel processor helps the long lasting battery hold over 13 hours of charging time, doubling its predecessor.

The device is more sensitive to touch to different levels of pressure, making sure it tracks drawing with high precision and even better reflects handwriting. Some improvements were also implemented to the digital pen, making it more capable of applying subtle shades.

Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard took advantage of its participation in the Cannes film festival to release its premium laptops aimed at creative professionals. These innovative laptops include new entries in Spectre and Envy lines and new features such as a detachable keyboard, metal chassis and Windows Ink. Photographers and Graphic designers will likely be pleased with the large 12.3-inch 3K2K display, featuring 6 million pixels, HD rendering and a variety of ambient light options to help improve screen visibility regardless of the environment.

Google Parent Alphabet traded at a record high today. A report suggested that google should spin off Waymo, it's autonomous driving subsidiary that will make it a stronger rival to Tesla as both companies are stepping up investments for growth. This should be an opportunity for google after the last week's downgrade of Tesla to hold on views that well-capitalised companies like Google and Apple are direct competitors in autonomous driving vehicles.

Disclaimer:

This article was issued by Rodrick Duca, Trader at Calamatta Cuschieri. For more information visit, www.cc.com.mt. The information, view and opinions provided in this article is being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views or opinions appearing on this website.