Here are four things you need to know in today’s financial markets:
1. Allergan (AGN) Plummets as Much as 20%
Allergan’s shares plummeted as much as 20% in premarket trading after news of new tax aversion moves threatened the company’s deal with Pfizer. The stock recovered slightly, down 16.25% at $232.45 in afternoon trading.
Pfizer agreed to purchase the Dublin-based Allergan in the largest inversion deal in history. Pfizer shares were higher in premarket, up 2.9% at $31.62.
The U.S. Treasury Department is implementing new rules that will make it harder for companies to make inversion deals. Through such deals, U.S. companies reincorporate overseas after acquiring a foreign company.
2. Yen Soars to 17-Month High
As investors flocked to safe haven assets, the yen soared against the dollar to a 17-month high. USD/JPY was at 110.30 in early morning trading.
With the yen continuing to climb higher, there’s been much speculation over how much higher it can go before the Japanese government intervenes.
The yen’s renewed strength may prove to be troubling for the Bank of Japan, which is betting on further quantitative easing to weaken the currency and stir inflation and exports.
3. Oil Slips to Four-Week Low
Oil extended its losses on Tuesday, dropping to a four-week low. Investors are doubting that a proposed agreement between the world’s top oil producers will come to fruition. The meeting is scheduled for April 17, and producers are expected to discuss the possibility of freezing output at January’s levels.
Brent crude was down $0.31 (0.82%) at $37.38, while WTI crude was down $0.24 (0.67%) at $35.46 a barrel.
4. Global Markets Take a Hit
Global markets fell, with European stocks plummeting deep into negative territory. Germany’s DAX fell over 2.5%, as lower oil prices dragged down investor sentiment and weighed on resources companies.
U.S. stocks were mostly lower Tuesday afternoon. Mixed signals from the Federal Reserve policymakers made matters worse. Investors are awaiting data from the service sector, which is due later this afternoon.
Asian markets were mostly lower at closing after overnight losses in U.S. equities and declines in oil prices.
Anthony Young
Latest posts by Anthony Young (see all)
- Samuel Nathan Kahn (Manchester, UK) – Fit to Run Finance Firm - July 31, 2021
- Quarashi’s Ticks the All the Right Boxes… Anonymously - July 16, 2021
- JETT Lifts Off in Miami Launch - July 16, 2021
