U.S. futures pointed to a bearish kick off on Wednesday, as ongoing trade disputes, political uncertainty and weak Chinese data weighed on investors.
The S&P 500 futures fell 24 points, or 1.36%, as of 6:35 AM ET (11:35 GMT) while Dow futures slumped 312 points, or 1.34%. Meanwhile tech heavy Nasdaq 100 futures decreased 133 points, or 2.13%.
The market had one of its worst years in a decade in 2018.
"It's little surprise to see a tentative start to 2019," wrote Neil Wilson, an analyst at Markets.com. "Investors should be prepared for more volatility ahead".
Meanwhile factory activity in China contracted for the first time in 19 months, as the U.S-China trade dispute and slowing economic growth has weighed on manufacturers.
The U.S. government also remains shut down, with Congress expected to reconvene on Wednesday. A tweet from U.S. President Donald Trump late on Tuesday suggested he could be open to deal but there were no clear signs that the shutdown would end anytime soon.
Read more:
25 Canada Square, Level 33, office 50, Canary Wharf London, E14 5LQ +44 20 3608 6256
World Financial Markets - 0700 17 600 Varchev Exchange - 0700 115 44
Varchev Finance Ltd is registered in the FCA (FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY) with a passport in the United Kingdom: FCA, United Kingdom - registration number: 494 045, which allows provision of financial services in the United Kingdom.
Varchev Finance Ltd strictly comply with the statutes of the European directive MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments). targeting increased efficiency, transparency and uniformity of financial instruments.
Varchev Finance Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Supervision Commission - Sofia, Bulgaria: License number RG-03-02-05 / 15.03.2006
The information on this site is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
Disclaimer:
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 63,41% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.