KBC Market Research Desk
KBC Bank
European shares opened little changed this morning, but edged higher in the afternoon following stronger US earnings results. For now, US Equities failed to profit from strong earnings and economic data, trading slightly lower.
While foreign ministers from Russia, Ukraine, the US and EU were meeting in Geneva in an attempt to ease tensions, Russian President Putin reiterated today his readiness to deploy troops in eastern Ukraine if diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the crisis.
The US Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index rose more than forecast in April, rising from 9 to 16.6, spurred by a strong rebound in shipments and new orders, while also number of employees gathered pace.
Banks will return €7.536 billion in crisis loans to the ECB next week, again more than market expectations, but slightly less than this week’s repayment of €8.265 billion. Four banks will repay €5.782B from the first LTRO and five banks will return €1.754B from the second.
US Markets close early today. Tomorrow, most European markets are closed in observance of Good Friday and also US Bond & Equity markets remain closed. On Monday, most European markets are closed in observance of Easter Monday..
This non-exhaustive information is based on short-term forecasts for expected developments on the financial markets. KBC Bank cannot guarantee that these forecasts will materialize and cannot be held liable in any way for direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or its content. The document is not intended as personalized investment advice and does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell or hold investments described herein. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources KBC believes to be reliable, KBC does not guarantee the accuracy of this information, which may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions and estimates constitute a KBC judgment as of the data of the report and are subject to change without notice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD stands firm above 0.6500 with markets bracing for Aussie PPI, US inflation
The Aussie Dollar begins Friday’s Asian session on the right foot against the Greenback after posting gains of 0.33% on Thursday. The AUD/USD advance was sponsored by a United States report showing the economy is growing below estimates while inflation picked up. The pair traded at 0.6518.
EUR/USD mired near 1.0730 after choppy Thursday market session
EUR/USD whipsawed somewhat on Thursday, and the pair is heading into Friday's early session near 1.0730 after a back-and-forth session and complicated US data that vexed rate cut hopes.
Gold soars as US economic woes and inflation fears grip investors
Gold prices advanced modestly during Thursday’s North American session, gaining more than 0.5% following the release of crucial economic data from the United States. GDP figures for the first quarter of 2024 missed estimates, increasing speculation that the US Fed could lower borrowing costs.
Bitcoin price continues to get rejected from $65K resistance as SEC delays decision on spot BTC ETF options
Bitcoin (BTC) price has markets in disarray, provoking a broader market crash as it slumped to the $62,000 range on Thursday. Meanwhile, reverberations from spot BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to influence the market.
Bank of Japan expected to keep interest rates on hold after landmark hike
The Bank of Japan is set to leave its short-term rate target unchanged in the range between 0% and 0.1% on Friday, following the conclusion of its two-day monetary policy review meeting for April. The BoJ will announce its decision on Friday at around 3:00 GMT.