Stocks Bounce and Havens Drop as Korea Fears Abate: Markets Wrap

The risk-off mood that gripped markets last week showed signs of easing, with shares in Europe following Asian equities higher and American stock futures advancing as the prospect of a war between the U.S. and North Korea receded.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index headed for its first gain in four days, tracking increases across markets including South Korea, Australia and Hong Kong .

Volatility gauges jumped last week and risk assets tumbled as the sudden increase in tension around the Korean peninsula jolted markets globally.

And here are the main moves in markets:

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index increased 0.8 percent as of 11:01 a.m. in London.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index jumped 0.5 percent, the largest advance in more than a week.

Germany’s DAX Index increased 1 percent, the biggest climb in more than a week.

Futures on the S&P 500 Index jumped 0.5 percent, the largest jump in almost four weeks.

Currencies

The euro declined 0.2 percent to $1.1799.

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index increased 0.2 percent, the largest climb in more than a week.

The British pound decreased 0.3 percent to $1.2975, the weakest in more than three weeks.

Commodities

Gold dipped 0.6 percent to $1,281.22 an ounce, the first retreat in a week.

West Texas Intermediate crude declined 0.5 percent to $48.60 a barrel.

Source: Bloomberg Pro Terminal

Junior Trader Stefan Panteleev

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