The last month of the year ended with rising stock markets, although they fell slightly during the last trading days. Progress in the US-China trade talks was one of the main reasons for the positive development – a Phase 1 agreement will probably be signed in mid-January. Although that is positive, it seems likely that the countries will continue their negotiations in years to come.

OMX30 traded marginally down in November, while European and US stock markets rose slightly. Positive GDP figures from the US and third quarter numbers from Germany had a positive impact. The US-China trade talks continued during the month where markets are hoping to reach a Phase 1 agreement by December 15th.

In October, more signs emerged that indicate a weaker global economy. Even so, markets continued in a positive trend. The strong stock market performance can be partly explained by progress in the China-US trade talks, third quarter results that lived up to expectations and further monetary easing where the Fed lowered the interest rate for the third time this year.