Trading Update
13-Jun-14, 9:02am:

Stocks Slide on Weak US Retail Sales and Unrest in Iraq



The Dow struggled yesterday, touching support at 16,738, whilst the FTSE has broken below its up trendline and an ascending triangle pattern.

In contrast, the Nikkei 225 is seeing a rally to 14,977 ahead of a speech from the Bank of Japan Governor, although most Asian markets are also seeing weakness.



Update by Craig Inglis, Head of Product Development,
13-Jun-14, 9:38am:

Carney Sends Sterling Higher with Hint at Rate Hike



Following Mark Carney’s speech at the Mansion House dinner in the City last night, sterling has surged to 19-month highs against the dollar as the BoE Governor pointed to the possibility of an earlier rate hike than expected.



Update by Joe Quinn, Market Analyst,
13-Jun-14, 9:57am:

Will Carney’s Speech Push the Pound Through $1.70?



Following Mark Carney’s Mansion House speech, sterling is taking a run at the $1.70 level as traders factor in an earlier interest rate hike than expected.

Alastair McCaig talks about how a rate hike and tougher regulation for the financial sector might impact the UK economy and the pound going forward.



Update by Alastair McCaig, Market Analyst,
13-Jun-14, 1:00pm: The latest video on our trading blog discusses how markets will react to the returning concerns over conflict in Iraq.

How Will the Fresh Conflict in Iraq Impact Crude Oil and Other Financial Markets?

Update by Gordon Childs, Editor,