KBC Market Research Desk
KBC Bank
European equities continue their bull run, adding around up to 0.5%. The German Dax significantly outperforms (>+1.5%), reaching a new all‐time high. US stocks open with limited gains as well.
U.K. industrial production rose less than economists forecast in February (0.1% vs 0.3%) as stronger manufacturing output was offset by a drop in oil and gas. Sterling remained robust with EUR/GBP even testing 0.7222 support. The test failed though.
Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Hiroshi Nakaso has tempered market expectations that the bank will expand its stimulus programme later this month, saying a cut in its inflation forecast would not be enough to justify more monetary easing.
Scottish nationalists could win 53 out of 59 seats in Scotland in the May 7 election, a poll‐based forecast showed on Friday, potentially giving a party that wants to break apart the United Kingdom unprecedented influence at the heart of British power.
The Russian rouble continued its rally for a fifth day, as investors flooded back to cash on an enduring truce in eastern Ukraine and high rouble interest rates. USD/RUB dropped from 58.5 to 50.5 this month.
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.
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