Last week, unanimous growth of stock markets across the worlds came to a standstill. The American stock market also stopped growing. Decisions of investors were influenced by the FRS decision to taper the quantitative easing program by another USD 10 billion – to USD 65 billion per month.

Statistical data also did not make anyone happy. According to the US Department of Commerce, the number of new homes whose construction was started in the US in January fell 16% compared to the previous month, which is a record-low drop over the last three years. Nevertheless, European markets completed the third week of growth. European investors who earned less than their American counterparts over the previous year are trying not to neglect an opportunity to make money on the current more or less quiet situation. Since the beginning of the year, the cost of borrowings went down significantly even for problem economies of the euro-area. During the current week, the market will expect a new portion of data on the US real estate market. Interest will also focus on the Consumer Confidence Index and durable goods orders.

Financial markets survey 24.02.2014