• Despite risk‐off sentiment in Asia, European shares opened higher this morning and were further supported by a better EMU manufacturing PMI. US Equities opened slightly higher too.

  • The US manufacturing ISM dropped from 51.8 to 50.8 in April, below the market consensus of 51.4 and reversing part of the previous month’s uptick. Prices paid however picked up sharply.

  • The European Central Bank's exceptional monetary stimulus will take time to boost euro zone inflation although it is already helping growth, Executive Board member Benoit Coeure said on Monday.

  • Gold extends it’s rebound today, rising for a fifth consecutive session, supported by a weaker US dollar. The gold price rose temporarily above $1300/ounce, only a whisker away from last year’s high.

  • Around this time, ECB President Draghi starts a speech on the future of financial markets. Later today, ECB’s Lautenschlaeger and Fed’s Williams are scheduled to speak. Early tomorrow, Australia’s central bank will decide on rates.


 

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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