Yahoo Finance European Equities: Brexit, Earnings and Economic Data in Focus
Economic Calendar:
Wednesday, 16th October
Italian CPI (MoM) (Sep) Final
Eurozone Core CPI (YoY) (Sep) Final
Eurozone CPI (MoM) (Sep)
Eurozone CPI (YoY) (Sep) Final
Eurozone Trade Balance (Aug)
The Majors
It was a bullish day for the European majors on Tuesday. The DAX30 led the way, rallying by 1.15%, with the EuroStoxx600 and CAC30 up by 1.11% and 1.04% respectively.
Following a bearish start to the week, the majors were able to brush aside continued uncertainty over the ongoing U.S – China trade war.
Positive updates on Brexit from the EU on the possibility of a Brexit deal this week provided strong support for the majors.
Michael Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, spoke on Tuesday of a deal still being possible this week.
From the U.S, corporate earnings were a boost for the global equity markets, with JPMorgan earnings impressing.
The Stats
It a relatively busy day on the Eurozone economic calendar on Tuesday. Economic data included Germany and the Eurozone’s ZEW economic sentiment figures for October.
Of less influence on the day were Germany’s ZEW current conditions and French finalized September inflation figures.
According to the latest ZEW report,
The German ZEW Current Conditions Index fell from -19.9 to -25.3 in October. Economists had forecast a decline to -26.0.
Germany’s ZEW Economic Sentiment Index fell from -22.5 to -22.8 in October, which was better than a forecast of -27.0
The Eurozone’s ZEW Economic Sentiment Index fell from -22.4 to -23.5 in October. Economists had forecast a decline to -33.0.
Concerns over a possible recession weighed on consumer sentiment at the start of the 4th quarter, with progress in the U.S – China trade talks having provided little comfort.
From the U.S, a modest pickup in manufacturing sector activity in New York State was enough to avoid stressing the majors. The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rose from 2 to 4 in October.
The Market Movers
For the DAX: Autos found strong support, with BMW leading the way, rallying by 2.45%. Daimler was also amongst the best performers on the DAX, rallying by 2.26%. Continental and Volkswagen weren’t far behind, with gains of 1.8% and 2.20% respectively.
Bank stocks also found further support. Deutsche Bank rallied by 2.88% to lead the way on the DAX30, while Commerzbank rose by 0.97%
From the CAC, it was also a bullish day for the banks. BNP Paribas and Soc Gen led the way with gains of 3.64% and 2.12% respectively. Credit Agricole saw a more modest rise of 1.51%. For the autos, it was also positive with Renault rising by 1.36%, while Peugeot rallied by 2.85%.
On the VIX Index
The VIX Index saw red for a 5th consecutive day on Tuesday, declining by 7.07%. Following on from a 6.48% fall on Monday, the VIX ended the day at 13.5.
Progress on Brexit and U.S corporate earnings, with JPMorgan Chase earnings, in particular, supported risk appetite on the day.
The Day Ahead
It’s a relatively busy day ahead on the Eurozone economic calendar. Economic data includes finalized September inflation figures for Italy and the Eurozone. Alongside the inflation figures, the Eurozone’s August trade data is also due out.
We would expect the inflation figures to have a relatively muted impact on the majors, however, with Brexit and corporate earnings in focus.
A material narrowing in the Eurozone’s trade surplus could test the majors in the early part of the session.
From the U.S, September retail sales figures will provide direction later in the day. With recession talk continuing to do the rounds, any unexpected slide in sales will impact.
On the earnings front, corporate earnings from the U.S will also have influence. Bank of America and Morgan Stanley’s 3rd quarter results are in focus.
While U.S stats and corporate earnings will be key, expect Brexit chatter to have the ultimate say on the day. With just days remaining until the EU Summit, it’s crunch time for Boris and the Brexiteers.
In the futures market, at the time of writing, the DAX30 was down by 11 points, with the Dow down by 50 points.
This article was originally posted on FX Empire
