Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Global investor confidence continued to fall in December. The State Street Investor Confidence Index (ICI) retreated to 79.8, down 2.8 points from November's revised reading.
According to State Street Global Exchange, confidence among North American investors waned, with the North American ICI decreasing from 79.2 to 74.1. The European ICI had an up-tick of 2.1 points to 94.0 while the Asia ICI increased by 8.7 points to 110.6.
The European ICI had an up-tick of 2.1 points to 94.0 while the Asia ICI increased by 8.7 points to 110.6.
Kenneth Froot, Associate of State Street Global Exchange's research and advisory services business said: "Differences between the Fed and market observers over the importance of quantitative tightening exacerbated the anxiety for markets already on edge from trade disputes, Chinese growth and a slowdown in corporate earnings growth. In fact, the global ICI's low level in December reveals a recent decline that is comparable in severity to what occurred during the global financial crisis."
"Global markets have faced sharp declines in the fourth quarter of 2018, continuing to dent investor confidence, and as we head into 2019, institutional investors will likely have a keen eye on global growth concerns and potential geopolitical headwinds," said Rajeev Bhargava, managing director and head of Investor Behavior Research, State Street Associates.
The Investor Confidence Index, developed by Kenneth Froot...................... To view our full article Click here
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