The week ahead | Calamatta Cuschieri

World’s policy makers gather at Jackson Hole

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi will be among the officials addressing this year’s instalment of the annual conference, hosted by the Kansas City Fed. Their relief about a stronger global economy will be tempered by a growing unease that inflation remains inexplicably low.

The ECB is entering a crucial phase of its battle to restore euro-area price stability. It was in Jackson Hole three years ago, that Draghi laid the groundwork for its 2.3 trillion-euro ($2.7 trillion) bond-buying program. The region’s recovery has gathered pace since the start of the year, allowing officials to pledge to start talks this fall about a strategy for 2018 that could include gradually reducing purchases to zero.

Earnings Season continues on

Broadcom Limited is expected to report earnings on Thursday 24th August after market close. The report will be for the fiscal Quarter ending July 2017. The consensus earnings per share (EPS) forecast for the quarter is $3.5. The reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $2.47. Other companies to watch for are, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, which is expected to report earnings on Monday 21st August before market open, Hewlett-Packard, due to report on Wednesday 23rd August after market close, and Staples Inc., which is expected to publish its earnings report on Thursday 24th August before the market open.

China's Great Wall has eyes on Fiat Chrysler Group

Shares in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles jumped 3.5% in Milan on Monday, following the news that Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor Company is sizing up Fiat Chrysler, producer of Jeep, the classic American off-roader. It is not yet entirely clear whether it is interested in the whole company or just the Jeep brand, however earlier reports suggested that Great Wall had asked to meet Fiat executives to discuss buying the off-road make.

Set up in 1984, it is China's largest SUV and pick-up truck producer. If the bid is successful, it could accelerate Great Wall's push into the US market. Jeep, which celebrated its 75th birthday last year, is considered FCA's most marketable brand. Its reputation goes back to World War Two, when Jeeps were used extensively by the US military.

Disclaimer:

This article was issued by Peter Petrov, Junior 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.