Morning Briefing: Markets react to Fed decision, earnings in focus

Markets react to Fed decision, earnings in focus... Goldman Sachs to launch loans platform for wealthy investors...

Morning Briefing: Markets react to Fed decision, earnings in focus
Steve Randall
Markets react to Fed decision, earnings in focus

The Fed’s decision to hold interest rates is being digested by world markets Thursday.

The greenback has slipped back following the announcement, giving a 1% boost to gold prices. Oil has eased overnight but the international benchmark Brent remains above $50.

Asia’s major indexes closed in higher as the Fed news, together with corporate earnings, set a positive tone. The Australian export price index fell almost 6%, slightly more than expected.

European markets are trending lower after a stronger start. Earnings are in focus with Germany’s Deutsche Bank surprising investors by doubling pre-tax profits from a year ago, but revenues were patchy leaving the market less impressed.

Wall Street and Toronto are expected to open higher. US durable goods orders data is due.

Goldman Sachs to launch loans platform for wealthy investors

Wealthy investors will be able to apply for loans using their portfolios as collateral when a new Goldman Sachs digital platform launches.

Reuters reports that GS Select will target those with portfolios held by other brokerages and wealth managers and allow borrowers to arrange loans of between U$75,000 and $25 million within a day.

The bank is partnering with Fidelity Investment to find potential clients, who will typically have less than $10 million in investible assets. The plan has been talked about for more than a year but is now coming to market.

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