Covid-19 Daily Dashboard - 22 September 2020
An overview of key economic and financial metrics.
2 minutes to read
Download an overview of key economic and financial metrics relating to Covid-19 on 22 September 2020.
Equities: In Europe, stocks are mostly higher, with the DAX up +0.6%, STOXX 600 +0.4% and the CAC 40 +0.2%. However, the FTSE 250 is down -0.2%. In Asia, stocks closed lower, with declines recorded by the Kospi (-2.4%), CSI 300 (-1.2%), Hang Seng (-1.0%) and the S&P / ASX 200 (-0.7%). In the US, futures for the S&P 500 are -0.1%.
VIX: After increasing +7.5% yesterday, the CBOE market volatility index is down -0.1% to 27.8. The Euro Stoxx 50 vix is also at 27.8, following a decline of -7.2% over the morning. Both indices remain elevated compared to their long term averages of 19.8 and 23.9.
Bonds: The UK 10-year gilt yield has softened +3bps to 0.18%, while the German 10-year bund yield is +1bp higher at -0.52%. Meanwhile, the Italian 10-year bond yield has compressed -6bps to 0.88%, the lowest it has been since October 2019. The US 10-year treasury yield is currently flat at 0.67%.
Currency: Both sterling and the euro have depreciated to $1.28 and $1.17, respectively. Hedging benefits for US dollar denominated investors into the UK and the eurozone are currently 0.34% and 1.14% per annum on a five-year basis.
Oil: The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is back below $40 per barrel at $39.55, while Brent Crude is currently $41.52.
Baltic Dry: The Baltic Dry increased +1.4% yesterday to 1,314. The index is now +21% higher than it was in January, albeit -33% down from the peak in July.
Gold: Gold depreciated -2% yesterday to $1,910 per troy ounce, the lowest it has been since 11th August.
COVID-19: In the UK, the Prime Minister has announced new restrictions in England relating to location of work, opening hours for hospitality and the wearing of face coverings, which could last throughout the winter. In Madrid, Spain, some residents have had their movement restricted and in the Czech Republic, facemasks have become mandatory in schools for certain age groups. Meanwhile in New Zealand, all restrictions have been lifted, except in Auckland where they are expected to remain in place for a further two weeks.