The German share price index DAX graph is pictured at the stock exchange in Frankfurt June 23, 2020. ― Reuters pic
Brexit also vexed investors after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday there was “a strong possibility” Britain and the European Union would fail to strike a trade deal. “Investors are right to be worried,” said Olivier Marciot, a portfolio manager at Unigestion. “If there is no deal, there will be implications. There could be some sort of correction.”Still, investors had bet on stronger economic growth next year as more countries prepare for vaccinations, helping MSCI’s ex-Japan Asia-Pacific index edge up 0.2 per cent and head for its sixth straight week of gains.
At the same time, the number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits grew more than expected last week as mounting Covid-19 infections led to more business restrictions.