By Areena FxHome Depot and Walmart are set to release earnings reports today, with no significant changes to the overall market sentiment. The US dollar is relatively stable. European stock indices are showing a mixed performance as traders remain uncertain amid limited news over the weekend and the return of US trading after Presidents Day.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has disclosed the negotiated wage rate for the fourth quarter, showing a slight decrease from the previous quarter, indicating that wage growth across the Eurozone may have peaked.
Investors are monitoring upcoming statements from Bank of England (BoE) members at a Treasury Committee meeting scheduled to start at 05:15 ET (10:15 GMT).
In Europe, Barclays’ full-year results were mainly in line with expectations, while Air Liquide’s results missed estimates, although the market saw an improved outlook.
In the US pre-market session, earnings reports are expected from companies including CNP, EXPD, FLR, HD, MDT, OMI, VC, and WMT.
Asian markets closed with mixed results, with the Kospi underperforming. European indices also opened mixed, with financials and utilities trending higher, while real estate and materials sectors lagged. Barclay’s earnings boosted the banking sector, while results from Antofagasta weighed down the mining subsector.
Key speakers included the ECB, Sweden’s Central Bank, and officials from Hungary and Japan.
Currency markets saw stability, with the US dollar remaining steady. EUR/USD hovered around the 1.0790 area, shifting the focus to upcoming EU PMI readings. Market participants continued to speculate on when the ECB might begin cutting rates.
Economic data releases included updates from countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, the EU, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, Spain, Hong Kong, Poland, and Italy.
Several bond auctions and other financial events were scheduled for the day across different regions, including Europe, South Africa, the UK, and the US.