After recording sharp losses on Wednesday, the DAX has reversed directions in the Thursday session. On the release front, there was disappointing news on the inflation front. German Wholesale Price Index dropped to 0.0%, short of the estimate of 0.5%. The eurozone trade surplus narrowed to EUR 16.7 billion, missing the estimate of EUR 17.0 billion. On Friday, eurozone releases Final CPI
European stock markets have endured a dismal August, with the DAX down 4.6 percent. On Wednesday, the DAX dropped to its lowest level since the first week in July. These losses have corresponded with strong losses from the euro in August, reflective of investors showing a preference for assets like the US dollar over the euro and European shares. Investors are in a better mood on Thursday, on the news that the US and China will be holding trade talks at the end of the month. The negotiations will be handled by low-level officials and are being billed as ‘talks about talks’. Still, the markets are hopeful that the two sides are talking rather than slapping tariffs against each other.
Eurozone GDP in the second quarter managed to beat the estimate, but investors were not impressed. The economy posted a modest gain of 0.4% for a second straight quarter. The estimate stood at 0.3%. Concern about the eurozone economy was underscored by another negative reading from the German Economic Sentiment. The indicator gained ground in August but still remains in negative territory, with a reading of -13.7 points. This marked a fourth straight decline.
Commodities Weekly: No traction for commodities as the dollar softens
Economic Calendar
Thursday (August 16)
- 2:00 German WPI. Estimate 0.5%. Actual 0.0%
- 5:00 Eurozone Trade Balance. Estimate 17.0B. Actual 16.7B
Friday (August 17)
- 5:00 Eurozone Final CPI. Estimate 2.1%
- 5:00 Eurozone Final Core CPI. Estimate 1.1%
*All release times are DST
*Key events are in bold
DAX, Thursday, August 16 at 8:30 DST
Previous Close: 12,163 Open: 12,216 Low: 12,169 High: 12,226 Close: 12,206
