Bonds/Interest Rates

Wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

A brief look at important company events and economic data releases next week.

There was no ECB rate rise, sparking the biggest fall in commodity prices since 2008. Weak US data helped the Dow down 139 points.

The commodities sell-off continued to snowball last night, assisted by some weak US economic data. Dow down 83.

A desperate 50 basis point interest rate rise has hit Indian markets and growth prospects in response to March headline inflation of 9%.

Barclays Capital’s analysis of monthly seasonal trends shows May tends to be a good month for equities, nat gas and the US dollar, while commodity currencies and aluminium find the going tougher.

Silver continued its plunge and stole the limelight last night as Wall Street bungled along to a mixed close. Dow “unch”.

The RBA has left its cash rate at 4.75% but has hinted of tightening to come.

National Australia Bank sees scope for continued short-term Australian dollar strength against the greenback and lifts forecasts accordingly.

Is it a time for euphoria or a time for fear? Wall Street is undecided. Dow down 3.