The DAX index is almost unchanged in the Friday session. Currently, the DAX is at 12,679, down 0.06% on the day. On the release front, German PPI dipped to 0.3%, matching the estimate. The eurozone current account surplus dropped sharply to 22.4 billion. This was well short of the forecast of 27.2 billion and the lowest surplus since June 2017.
After years of monetary stimulus to boost the eurozone economy, the ECB is close to phasing out its asset-purchase program. The ECB plans to trim its monthly purchases from EUR 30 billion to 15 billion in September and wind up the program in December. Is a rate hike next on the menu? Any clues of a change in monetary policy are bound to affect the euro, as the ECB has not raised rates since 2011. Many analysts are predicting a rate hike in the second half of 2019. However, growing global trade tensions could put a wrinkle in plans to raise rates. The European Commission and the International Monetary Fund have lowered 2018 growth forecasts for the eurozone and for Germany. If the tariff slugfest continues, the euro will likely continue to lose ground.
The eurozone economy is in good shape and stronger growth has resulted in higher inflation levels. In June, euorozone CPI improved to 2.0%, reaching this symbolic level for the first time since February 2017. On an annualized basis, Final CPI also came in at 2.0%. If inflation levels continue to rise, there will be pressure on the ECB to consider raising interest rates, although this is an unlikely scenario before next year. The DAX has enjoyed a strong July, posting gains of 4.3%.
Yuan’s fall extends to a fourth straight day
Economic Calendar
-
2:00 German PPI. Estimate 0.3%. Actual 0.3%
-
4:00 Eurozone Current Account. Estimate 27.2B. Actual 22.4B
Previous Close: 12,686 Open: 12,662 Low: 12,638 High: 12,697 Close: 12,685
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities.
Opinions are the authors — not necessarily OANDA’s, its officers or directors. OANDA’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy apply. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stabilizes near 1.0800 as trading action turns subdued
EUR/USD holds steady near 1.0800 on Thursday and remains on track to end the day in negative territory following upbeat macroeconomic data releases from the US. The action in financial markets turn subdued as trading volumes thin out heading into Easter holiday.
GBP/USD extends sideways grind above 1.2600
GBP/USD fluctuates in a narrow channel above 1.2600 on Thursday. The better-than-expected Initial Jobless Claims data from the US and the upward revision to the Q4 GDP growth help the USD stay resilient against its rivals and limits the pair's upside.
Gold pulls away from daily highs, holds above $2,200
Gold retreats from daily highs but holds comfortably above $2,200 in the American session on Thursday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays near 4.2% after upbeat US data and makes it difficult for XAU/USD to gather further bullish momentum.
XRP price falls to $0.60 support as Ripple ruling doesn’t help Coinbase lawsuit against SEC
XRP programmatic sales ruling by Judge Torres was completely rejected by another US Court that ruled in favor of the SEC in a lawsuit against Coinbase.
Portfolio rebalancing and reflation trades emerge into Q2
Yesterday’s price action pointed at a possible end-of-quarter portfolio rebalancing as the session saw the laggards of the quarter like Apple and Tesla gain, and the stars like Microsoft and Nvidia retreat.