- The two major US equity indices, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100, both closed at record highs at the end of last week, suggesting that both are likely to continue rising to still higher prices over the coming days. However, stock markets are mostly lower since this week has opened.
- The two major cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum, are enjoying strong rises today, with Bitcoin hitting a new 1-month high above $38k.
- In the Forex market, the Japanese yen is the strongest currency today, while the Australian dollar is the weakest. The U.S. Dollar Index remains in a valid long-term bullish trend, but faces strong overhead resistance at 11974.
- Last week saw a fifth consecutive weekly rise in global new confirmed coronavirus cases, suggesting that the pandemic is advancing again due to the spread of the more highly infectious Delta (Indian) variant, which vaccines are clearly less effective against at least in terms of preventing infection.
- It is estimated that 26.6% of the world’s population has received at least one vaccination against the novel coronavirus.
- Total confirmed new coronavirus cases worldwide stand at over 194.8 million with an average case fatality rate of 2.14%.
- The rate of new coronavirus infections appears to now be increasing most quickly in Algeria, Australia, Burma, Cuba, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and the United States.
Forex Today: US Stock Market Ends Week at Record High
Adam Lemon
Renewed concerns over the delta coronavirus variant see a stock selloff.