The volatility continues in the equity markets, and the blue-chip DAX has not been immune from sharp swings this week. Currently, the DAX is at 12,208, down 0.83%. In economic news, Final CPI climbed 1.7%, matching the forecast. This was up sharply from 0.8% in March. Final Core CPI rose 1.3%, edging above the estimate of 1.2%. This marked the strongest gain since March 2013.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride on the DAX this week. The index started the week with a 1.5% plunge, but quickly recovered. On Thursday, the DAX soared 1.74%, only to reverse directions on Friday. The markets have been responding to developments in the trade war between the U.S. and China. The U.S. raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods late last week, and the Chinese responded this week with tariffs on $60 billion in U.S. products. The DAX responded with losses, but jumped on Thursday after the U.S. announced a 6-month moratorium on tariffs on European and Japanese cars. As well, an escalation in tensions between the U.S and Iran, which could lead to an interruption in oil shipments, has raised crude prices and sent equity markets sharply lower on Friday.
The eurozone economy has been struggling, and even the German locomotive has shown signs of weakness. The manufacturing sectors have been hit particularly hard, as the global trade war has dampened the appetite for German and European exports. The escalating tariff war between China and the U.S. has exacerbated matters, although there is some relief that the tariffs don’t take effect for several weeks, and the trade talks between the two countries are scheduled to resume shortly.
Economic Calendar
Friday (May 17)
- 5:00 Eurozone Final CPI. Estimate 1.7%. Actual 1.7%
- 5:00 Eurozone Final Core CPI. Estimate 1.2%. Actual 1.3%
*All release times are DST
*Key events are in bold
DAX, Friday, May 17 at 6:50 DST
Previous Close: 12,310 Open: 12,257 Low: 12,190 High: 12,271 Close: 12,208