Charging stocks markets were on track for a seventh day- and fourth straight month of gains on Friday, as investors bet the United States will lead the world economy out of its COVID-19 slump with a US$6 trillion spending boom.
The results of a Reuters poll of around 300 analysts this week showed most see world stocks continuing to rise this year on robust economic and earnings recoveries, although any serious quickening of inflation would temper enthusiasm. Britain's sterling suffered a minor wobble on talk it might delay a full relaxation of COVID restrictions next month. But it was still on course for its best month against the dollar this year and, at US$1.4192, was close to a three month top.Advertisement
A separate report confirmed a 6.4per cent acceleration in the annualised rate of economic growth last quarter, bolstered by massive fiscal stimulus.