Stocks are looking past terrible economic news and finding hope in a reopening economy and the idea that drugs may help fight coronavirus.

Oil price rises and shares end week on a high despite growing economic damage from coronavirus pandemic

Global markets rose on Friday despite mounting economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic, as tensions eased between the White House and Beijing.

Share prices on Wall Street and in Europe ended the week on a high amid rising hopes that lockdown measures could be lifted soon to reboot growth and that a full-blown global trade war could be averted.

Related: US Nasdaq index recovers all of 2020's losses triggered by Covid-19

Indian stock markets collapsed in early trade today...and while there was some recovery towards the end, we still ended deep in the red.

Here are 10 points to note...

1. The Sensex nosedived as much as 1,460 points in the first few minutes of trade. The Nifty dropped to a low of 10,827, down 442 points intra-day. The markets however trimmed some of the losses during the course of the day.

   There was a selloff across sectors along with panic selling in the smaller indices too. The BSE Midcap and BSE Smallcap indices ended down 3.4% and 2.9% respectively.

2. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) decision to put Yes Bank under moratorium led to the biggest ever fall in share price of the private lender. Shares of Yes Bank fell as much as 85% to Rs 5.6 before recovering towards the end of the day to end at Rs 16.2, down 56%.

   The banking regulator has also put a cap on withdrawal at Rs 50,000 for Yes Bank customers.

   The RBI took over from the board of the Yes Bank for 30 days, saying it would work on a revival plan.

3. RBI's move had a ripple effect on other banking stocks, with some falling very sharply to begin with.

   Shares of RBL Bank fell as much as 15%, while IndusInd Bank and State Bank of India (SBI) dropped 7-8%.

4. The coronavirus cases outside of China have been increasing rapidly, making inroads into US, Europe and Middle East, which made investors more worried about global growth going ahead. And more recently, India too.

   Today, the number of cases breached the 100,000 mark.

   South Korea, Italy and Iran reported highest infected cases outside of China, while cases are increasing in United States and other parts of Europe as well.

   Note that market participants are seen taking a flight to safety as stock markets see a sharp fall post the coronavirus impact.

5. Overnight the US indices had recorded sharp losses. This was yet another negative cue awaiting Indian markets on open today.

   The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.6%, while the S&P 500 lost 3.4%. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.1%.

   During the day, as the Asian markets opened, there was further negative news... Japan's Nikkei fell more than 3%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng, Australia's ASX 200 and South Korea's Kospi dropped over 2%.

6. Foreign investors (FIIs) are on a selling spree. Reportedly, in the last 14 sessions, FIIs have withdrawn a net Rs 183.4 billion from Indian markets. That's a lot of money...a lot more than the domestic mutual funds have been able to pump in. The intense selling pressure from the FIIs could only have contributed to this sell off.

7. The Indian rupee today slid past 74 levels against the US dollar, increasing the risk-off sentiment.

   The rupee today traded in a range of 73.69 to 74.08 against the US dollar as compared to the previous close of 73.31. A falling currency is not great news at all.

8. Even as there was negative news all around, hope emerged from oil. Oil slid on Friday as worries about demand for fuel being reduced by the global coronavirus outbreak were heightened. The fact that there was concern over non-OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) crude producers not yet having agreed to cut output further to support prices helped in the sell off.
9. With today's fall the Index has lost 9% since the start of 2020.
10. While the day ended deep in the red, some stocks stood out. Bajaj Auto, Maruti Suzuki and Asian Paints were among the few gainers.

With stock prices gyrating every day to coronavirus related developments, the weekend must come as a relief.

Here's a look at how deep the impact has been felt in the global financial markets:

1. Stock markets worldwide saw sharp losses on Thursday, with the benchmark indices on Wall Street and London saw their steepest daily falls since the Black Monday in 1987.
2. In the US, stocks witnessed a sharp sell-off on Thursday.
   • Thursday's dive follows the intense fall on Wall Street seen throughout the week. The S&P 500 triggered the first circuit breaker of the week on Monday after falling 7%. This fall came after the crash in crude oil prices.
   • The markets bounced back Tuesday, only to retreat on Wednesday after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic.
   • At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down around 2,350 points (down 10%). The S&P 500 plunged 9.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 9.4%.
   • Stocks were deep in the red the entire session, which was paused for 15 minutes early in the day. Automatic suspension was triggered after the S&P 500's losses hit 7%.
   • On Thursday, equities erased their losses briefly after the US Federal Reserve announced measures to inject an additional US$ 1.5 trillion in cash into financial markets. The announcement, which came after European markets had closed, sent shares higher, but they dropped back by the end of the day.
3. Coming to the European markets now, the main UK index dropped more than 10% yesterday in its worst day crash since 1987. Losses on the UK's FTSE 100 wiped some 160.4 billion pounds in wealth from the market.
4. Frankfurt had its worst day since 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell, while Paris suffered its biggest one-day loss on record.
5. However, European stock markets rallied this morning. The signs of a US stimulus package helped soothe fears about an economic shock. At the time of writing, European indices were trading mixed. Shares in London were up 4.1%, while the Paris CAC gained 3.5%. However, the Frankfurt DAX crashed 9.3%.
6. Stocks in Asia also saw consistent sharp falls throughout the week. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed 6.1% lower today.
7. Shanghai was down around 1% as the number of new cases in China shrunk and people slowly returned to work in the worst-hit areas.
8. In Asia, circuit breakers were also triggered in many exchanges including India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines this week.
9. Indian share markets saw their biggest ever single day fall this week. The indices today hit their lower circuit limits within 15 minutes of the opening session. This was seen the first time in 12 years that trading in Indian markets had to be halted. The carnage didn't continue, however, as Indian indices recovered after major free-fall as trading resumed after 45-minute halt.
   
   From there on, it was an upward rally as markets went on to witness buying interest and saw their biggest intraday recovery ever.
10. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the worst fall has been witnessed by European markets. Here's a view on how the world markets have performed since January 2020.

US Markets			European Markets			Asian Markets
The Dow	Nasdaq	S&P 500	London	Paris	Germany	Hang Seng	Nikkei 225	Shanghai	Sensex
-27%	-21%	-24%	-31%	-33%	-32%	-16%	-25%	-6%	-17%

This worldwide crash has put March 2020 into the history books. Now, how markets perform in the coming days will be something to watch out.



This article (Worst Week for Global Stock Markets: Coronavirus Impact in 10 Points) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.


Full Article

The world economy desperately needs more productive investment: to create jobs, to increase productivity and to meet critical global goals like combating climate change. But instead of more productive investment, we are getting rising stock markets. Sadly too many policymakers and journalists don’t know the difference.

The world economy desperately needs more productive investment: to create jobs, to increase productivity and to meet critical global goals like combating climate change. But instead of more productive investment, we are getting rising stock markets. Sadly too many policymakers and journalists don’t know the difference.

This study provides critical observations on the state of key global equity markets as recent developments have put into question their efficiency and effectiveness in facilitating capital formation. It covers the top 26 initial public offering (IPO) producing nations, with a particular focus on stock markets in the United States.

This report reviews structural changes in the stock exchange industry and provides data on M&A changes in the aggregate revenue structure of major stock exchanges. It describes the fragmentation of the stock market resulting from an increase in stock exchange-like trading venues, such as alternative trading systems (ATSs) and multilateral trading facilities (MTFs), and a split between dark (non-displayed) and lit (displayed) trading.

The Shanghai Composite added 23.82 points or 0.83% to 2895.34 on Friday as China finalised rules that would scrap quotas under two major inbound investment schemes, aiming to facilitate foreign investment in the country. Meantime, US and China trade negotiators agreed that 'good progress' is being made on creating governmental infrastructures to make phase one agreement a success, with both parties expecting to meet obligations under the agreement in a timely manner. Investors also welcomed news that China's foreign exchange reserves increased unexpectedly to $3.091 trillion in April, amid easing strict coronavirus restrictions and a gradual recovery in the economy. The Shanghai Composite finished the holiday-shortened week 1.2% higher. Historically, the China Shanghai Composite Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 6124.04 in October of 2007. The Shanghai SE Composite is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all A-shares and B-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, in China. It is a capitalization-weighted index. The SSE Composite Index has a base value of CNY100 as of December 19, 1990.

The Euro Stoxx 50 decreased 887 points or 23.40% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Euro Area. Historically, the EURO STOXX 50 Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 5522.42 in March of 2000. The EURO STOXX 50 is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 50 Blue-chip companies based in twelve Euro Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX gained 133 points, or 0.9% to close at 14,967 on Friday, boosted by a rise in oil prices and amid signs of easing tensions between the US and China. Prime Minister Trudeau announced on Friday an extension of the emergency wage subsidy program beyond its originally scheduled date in June, aiming to encourage more employers to re-hire staff. Meantime, latest data showed the Canadian economy shed a record 1.99 million jobs in April, less than market expectations of a 4 million drop. For the week, the S&P/TSX rose 2.4%. Historically, the Canada S&P/TSX Toronto Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 17970.51 in February of 2020. The S&P/TSX is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of largest companies by market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada. It is a free float market capitalization weighted index. The index covers approximately 95 percent of the Canadian equities market. The S&P/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index has a base value of CAD1000 as of January 1, 1975. .

The S&P BSE SENSEX advanced 199 points or 0.6% to close at 31,643 on Friday as investor mood was lifted by news that Washington and Beijing had a phone call to discuss the Phase 1 trade deal, with both parties agreeing on improving the atmosphere for its implementation and meeting their obligations. Still, investors remained concerned about the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy after the government announced an extension to the nationwide lockdown by two weeks, in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19. For the week, the S&P BSE SENSEX lost 6.2%. Historically, the India SENSEX Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 42273.87 in January of 2020. The SENSEX (BSE30) is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 30 major companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The companies are chosen based on the liquidity, trading volume and industry representation. The SENSEX, is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index. The Index has a base value of 100 as of 1978-79.

The TEDPIX increased 593824 or 154.60% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Iran. Historically, the Iran TEDPIX Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 980571 in May of 2020. The TEDPIX is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of the major companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

The OMX Vilnius decreased 25 points or 3.43% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Lithuania. Historically, the Lithuania Stock Market OMX Vilnius Index reached an all time high of 750.56 in February of 2020. Lithuania Stock Market OMX Vilnius Index is a total return index which includes all the shares listed on the main and secondary lists on the Vilnius Stock Exchange. Base date is December 31, 1999, with value 100.

The TA-100 decreased 212 points or 13.09% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Israel. Historically, the Israel Stock Market (TA-100) reached an all time high of 1684.78 in January of 2020. The Tel Aviv 100 Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 100 companies with highest market capitalization listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted, total return index. The TA-100 has a base value of 100 as of December 31, 1991.

The SAX decreased 21 points or 5.92% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Slovakia. Historically, the Slovakia Stock Market (SAX) reached an all time high of 512.71 in March of 2005. The Slovakia SAX Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of large companies listed on the Bratislava Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization weighted total return index. The index has a base value of 100 as of September 14, 1993.

The SBITOP decreased 130 points or 13.95% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Slovenia. Historically, the Slovenia Stock Market (SBITOP) reached an all time high of 2675.70 in September of 2007. Slovenian Blue Chip Index SBI Top is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of the most liquid shares traded on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange. It is a free float, capitalization weighted index. The index has a base value of 1000 as of 31 March, 2006. .

The SET 50 decreased 233 points or 21.53% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Thailand. Historically, the Thailand Stock Market (SET50) reached an all time high of 1223.67 in February of 2018. The Bangkok SET50 Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all common stocks listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. It is a capitalization-weighted. The index has a base value of 100 as of April 30, 1975.

The TUN decreased 745 points or 10.59% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Tunisia. Historically, the Tunisia Stock Market (TUNINDEX) reached an all time high of 8457.82 in August of 2018. The Tunis Stock Exchange TUNINDEX Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The TUNINDEX index has a base value of 1000 as of December 31, 1997.

The BIST 100 decreased 18087 points or 15.60% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Turkey. Historically, the Turkey Stock Market (XU100) reached an all time high of 124536.63 in January of 2020. The Istanbul Stock Exchange National 100 Index XU100 is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 100 companies selected from the National Market, real estate investment trusts and venture capital investment trusts listed on The Istanbul Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted index. The XU100 has a base value of 1 as of January 1986.

The USE All Share Index decreased 352 points or 19.35% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Uganda. The Ugandan's USE All Share Index (ALSI) is the benchmark index for the Ugandan equity market which tracks the performance of 16 listed security equities, of which half are local companies and the other half are cross-listed Kenyan companies. It is a market capitalization weighted average index, calculated on a daily basis. The USE All Share Index has a base value of 100 as of December 31st, 2001.

The PFTS decreased 9 points or 1.84% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Ukraine. Historically, the Ukraine Stock Market (PFTS) reached an all time high of 1208.61 in January of 2008. The Ukraine PFTS Index is a benchmark stock market index which tracks the performance of major companies listed on the PFTS Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted. The PFTS index has a base value of 1 as of October 1, 1997.

The ADX General decreased 1039 points or 20.36% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United Arab Emirates. Historically, the United Arab Emirates Stock Market (ADX General) reached an all time high of 5426.25 in April of 2019. The ADX General Index is a benchmark stock market index which tracks the performance of stocks listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. It is a capitalization weighted index. The ADX General Index has a base value of 1000 as of June, 2001.

The FTSE 100 added 82 points or 1.4% to finish at 5,934 on Thursday, as global market sentiment was supported by an unexpected rebound in Chinese exports as factories resumed operations after the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the pound touched a two-week low on news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to announce a very limited easing of coronavirus-related lockdown next week amid concerns about a second peak of infections. Earlier, the Bank of England left interest rates at record lows and its target for bond-buying at £645 billion. Still, policymakers signaled willingness to increase its asset purchase programme as soon as next month to support the economy severely hit by the coronavirus crisis. The BoE sees the economy shrinking by 25% in the April-June period and by 14% in full 2020, before rebounding by 15% in 2021. UK markets will be closed on Friday for a holiday. Historically, the UK FTSE 100 Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 7903.50 in May of 2018. The FTSE 100 Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 100 most capitalized companies traded on the London Stock Exchange. FTSE 100 companies represent about 80 percent of the entire market capitalization of the London Stock Exchange. It is a free-float index. The FTSE 100 has a base value of 1000 as of January 3, 1984.

The BELEX 15 decreased 137 points or 17.11% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Serbia. Historically, the Serbia Stock Market (BELEX15) reached an all time high of 3335.20 in May of 2007. The Belgrade BELEX15 Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 15 biggest companies listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange in Serbia. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The BELEX15 Index has a base value of 1000 as of October 1, 2005.

The ASPI decreased 1537 points or 25.16% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Sri Lanka. Historically, the Sri Lanka Stock Market (CSE All Share) reached an all time high of 7863.74 in February of 2011. The Colombo All-Share Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka. It is a capitalization weighted index. The Colombo All-Share Index has a base value of 100 as of 1985. .

The SMI decreased 1034 points or 9.67% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Switzerland. Historically, the Switzerland Stock Market (SMI) reached an all time high of 11270 in February of 2020. The Swiss Market Index SMI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance 20 largest and most liquid stocks based in the Swiss Exchange. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The SMI companies represent about 85 percent of the Swiss equity market. The SMI has a base value of 1500 as of June 30, 1988.

The TAIEX decreased 1199 points or 9.91% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Taiwan. Historically, the Taiwan Stock Market (TWSE) reached an all time high of 12424.53 in February of 1990. The Taiwan Stock Exchange TAIEX Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all listed common shares traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted index. The TAIEX has a base value of 100 as of January 1, 1966.

The Zimbabwe Industrial Index increased 876 Points or 112.46% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Zimbabwe. Historically, the Zimbabwe Stock Market reached an all time high of 1757.62 in February of 2020.

The OMXS 30 decreased 245 points or 13.57% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Sweden. Historically, the Sweden Stock Market (OMX 30) reached an all time high of 3009.03 in April of 1998. The OMX Stockholm 30 Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 30 stocks that have the largest volume of the trading on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. It is a free float, capitalization weighted index. The OMX 30 index has a base value of 125 as of September 30, 1986. The index has been split by 4 on April 27, 1998.

The STI finished near the flat line at 2,592 on Friday as downbeat corporate earnings results overshadowed easing tensions between the US and China as both countries had a phone call to discuss the Phase 1 trade deal and pledged to fulfill their commitments. Southeast Asia's second-largest lender Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp posted its lowest quarterly profit in seven years and flagged a weak outlook due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Singapore Airlines said it would report a sharp operating loss in the latest quarter also due to a collapse in fuel prices. For the week, the STI lost 1.2%. Historically, the Singapore Stock Market (STI) reached an all time high of 3906.16 in October of 2007. The Straits Times Index STI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of the top 30 companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. It is a capitalization weighted index. The STI Index dates back to 1966. Yet, it was recalculated twice in 1998 and in 2008 according to the FTSE methodology.

The IBC increased 234335 points or 251.84% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Venezuela. Historically, the Venezuela Stock Market (IBVC) reached an all time high of 504835.44 in November of 2018. Venezuela Stock Exchange General Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of most liquid stocks traded on the Caracas Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Caracas). It is a capitalization-weighted index.

The South Africa FTSE/JSE Africa All Shares Index rose more than 1.9% on Friday, the third consecutive day of gains, buoyed by global risk appetite on the back of loosening restrictions and lockdowns in several countries and an easing in tensions between the US and China. . Historically, the South Africa Stock Market reached an all time high of 61776.68 in January of 2018. South Africa's FTSE/JSE Africa All Shares Index is a market capitalisation weighted index. Companies included in this index make up the top 99% of the market capitalisation of all listed companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The KOSPI gained 17.21 points or 0.89% to 1945.82 on Friday, tracking its Asian peers as China finalised rules that would scrap quotas under two major inbound investment schemes, giving qualified foreign institutions unlimited access to Chinese stocks and bonds in the latest step to open the country’s financial industry. Meantime, US and China trade negotiators agreed that 'good progress' is being made on creating governmental infrastructures to make phase one agreement a success, with both parties expecting to meet obligations under the agreement in a timely manner. Finally, South Korea reported 12 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the national tally to 10,822. For the week, the KOSPI lost 0.1%. Historically, the South Korea Stock Market (KOSPI) reached an all time high of 2607.10 in January of 2018. The Korea Stock Exchange Composite KOSPI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all common shares listed on the Korean Stock Exchange. It is a capitalization-weighted index. The KOSPI Index has a base value of 100 as of January 4, 1980. The KOSPI is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of large companies based in South Korea.

The IBEX 35 added 52 points, or 0.8% to 6,783 on Friday, following its European peers amid a general improvement in risk appetite as investors continue to welcome reopening efforts and easing trade tensions between the US and China. Still, recent data showed industrial output slid 12.2% in March, the most since September of 2009, as many factories were forced to shut down operations due to the Covid-19 crisis. The bank sector was among the best performers with Santander rising nearly 2%, the BBVA over 1.2% and Caixabank more than 0.5%. For the week, the IBEX 35 declined 2%. Historically, the Spain Stock Market (IBEX 35) reached an all time high of 16040.40 in November of 2007. The IBEX 35 Index is a benchmark stock market index which tracks the performance of 35 most liquid stocks traded on the Continuous market on the Bolsa de Madrid. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The IBEX 35 index has base value of 3000 as of December 29, 1989.

The PSI 20 decreased 1027 points or 19.51% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Portugal. Historically, the Portugal Stock Market (PSI20) reached an all time high of 15080.99 in March of 2000. The Portuguese Stock Index PSI 20 is a benchmark stock market index which tracks the performance of 20 companies with the largest market capitalization and share turnover in the Euronext Lisbon Stock Exchange. It is a free-float, capitalization weighted index. The PSI 20 Index has a base value of 3000 as of December 31, 1992.

The QE decreased 1712 points or 16.29% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Qatar. Historically, the Qatar Stock Market (QE General) reached an all time high of 14350.50 in September of 2014. The QE General Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of the 20 most liquid companies traded on the Qatar Exchange. It is a capitalization weighted index. The QE General Index has a base value of 1000 as of December 31, 1999.

The BET decreased 1540 points or 15.53% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Romania. Historically, the Romania Stock Market (BET) reached an all time high of 10857.71 in July of 2007. The Bucharest Exchange Trading Index BET 10 is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 10 most liquid stocks listed on the Bucharest Exchange in Romania. It is a capitalization weighted index. BET 10 has a base value of 1000 as of September 22, 1997.

The TASI decreased 1730 points or 20.70% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Saudi Arabia. Historically, the Saudi Arabia Stock Market (TASI) reached an all time high of 20966.58 in February of 2006. The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange. The index has a base value of 1000 as of 1985 and it was reorganized on June 30, 2008.

The FTSE MIB climbed 194 points, or 1.1% to 17,439 on Friday, with Atlantia among the best performers on expectations of higher highway traffic as lockdown measures are lifted. The bank sector recovered from yesterday’s lows while Banco BPM posted better-than-expected profits. Investors await Moody’s and DBRS review on Italy's sovereign debt rating later in the day. Not as bad as expected US jobless data, rising oil prices and easing tensions between the US and China helped sentiment. Still, for the week, the FTSE MIB lost 1.4%. Historically, the Italy Stock Market (FTSE MIB) reached an all time high of 50108.56 in March of 2000. The FTSE MIB (Milano Italia Borsa) Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 40 leading and most liquid and companies listed on the Borsa Italiana. It is a free floating, capitalization-weighted index. The base value of the FTSE MIB Index was set at the level of the MIB 30 Index at the close of trading on October 31, 2003 at 10644 points. .

The JSE decreased 137795 points or 27.12% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Jamaica. Historically, the Jamaica Stock Market (Jamaica SE) reached an all time high of 528380.50 in August of 2019. Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Market Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance all ordinary companies listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

The Nikkei 225 added 504.32 points or 2.56% to 20179.09 on Friday. Shares across the region soared as China finalised rules that would scrap quotas under two major inbound investment schemes, giving qualified foreign institutions unlimited access to Chinese stocks and bonds in the latest step to open the country’s financial industry. Adding to sentiment, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that US and Chinese Trade representatives held a phone call and agreed to remain in communication and cooperation. US and China trade negotiators agreed 'good progress' is being made on creating governmental infrastructures to make phase one agreement a success, with both parties expecting to meet obligations under the agreement in a timely manner. The Nikkei finished the holiday-shortened week 2.9% higher. Historically, the Japan NIKKEI 225 Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 38957.44 in December of 1989. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 225 top rated companies listed in the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is a price-weighted index. The Nikkei 225 has a base value of 176.21 as of May 16, 1949.

The ASE decreased 156 points or 8.55% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Jordan. Historically, the Jordan Stock Market (ASE General) reached an all time high of 5091.89 in June of 2008. The ASE General is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 100 most liquid and largest companies from the First and Second Markets listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The stocks included in the index represent around 90 percent of the aggregate market capitalization of the listed companies at the regular market. The ASE General Index has a base value of 100 as of December 31, 1991. The ASE General is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of large companies based in Jordan.

The Nairobi 20 decreased 639 points or 23.91% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Kenya. Historically, the Kenya Stock Market (NSE20) reached an all time high of 6161.46 in January of 2007. The Nairobi Securities Exchange 20 Share Index NSE20 is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 20 best performing companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The companies are selected based on a weighted market performance for a 12 month period based on market capitalization, number of shares traded, number of deals and turnover.he NSE20 is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of large companies based in Kenya.

The OMX Riga decreased 17 points or 1.68% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Latvia. Historically, the Latvia Stock Market (OMX Riga) reached an all time high of 1143.65 in May of 2018. The OMX Riga Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of all companies listed on the Main and Secondary lists on the Riga Stock Exchange in Latvia. Only companies where a single shareholder controls at least 90% of the outstanding shares cannot be included in the index. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The OMX Riga Index has a base value of 100 as of December 31, 1999.

The Blom decreased 161 points or 20.63% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Lebanon. Historically, the Lebanon Stock Market BLOM reached an all time high of 1238.28 in February of 2017. The BLOM Lebanon Index is a major stock market index which tracks the performance largest companies listed on the Beirut Stock Exchange. It is a free-float weighted equity index.

The LuxX decreased 399 points or 28.74% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Luxembourg. Historically, the Luxembourg Stock Market (LUXX) reached an all time high of 2589.91 in October of 2007. The Luxembourg Stock Exchange Index LUXX is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of ten most valuable companies listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. It is a free-float, capitalization-weighted index. The LUXX Index has a base value of 1000 as of January 4, 1999.

The MBI 10 decreased 286 points or 6.15% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Macedonia. Historically, the Macedonia Stock Market Index (MBI 10) reached an all time high of 10057.77 in August of 2007.

The FBM KLCI erased early losses to close 5 points or 0.4% higher at 1,382 on Friday, as global market sentiment was supported by news that top US and China officials had a phone call to discuss the Phase 1 trade deal, pledging to improve the atmosphere for its implementation and to meet its obligations. On the economic data front, Malaysia's retail sales declined for the first time since comparable records began in January 2013 due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the unemployment rate hit its highest level in 11 years. Investors turned their attention to industrial output data due next week. For the week, the FBM KLCI lost 1.8%. Historically, the Malaysia Stock Market (FBM KLCI) reached an all time high of 1896.23 in July of 2014. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, also known as the FBM KLCI, is a major stock market index which tracks the performance of 30 largest companies by full market capitalization listed on the Main Board of the Bursa Malaysia. It is a free-float (minimum of 15%), capitalization-weighted stock market index. The KLCI Index has a base value of 100 as of January 2, 1977.

The MSE decreased 615 points or 13.15% since the beginning of 2020, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Malta. Historically, the Malta Stock Market (MSE) reached an all time high of 6641.87 in March of 2006.