Indices Face Tough Test in Coming Sessions

European indices are poised to open higher this morning, after stumbling briefly on Tuesday on the back of another batch of worrying trade data from China.

The trade numbers were yet another niggling reminder of the many challenges facing both China and the global economy this year, even if they were distorted somewhat by the timing of Chinese new year. Yet, investors appear to have seen them as simply an opportunity to take their foot off the gas a little, take some profit and wait for further opportunities.

Indices have been on a great run over the last month, during which time many have reversed the bulk of the losses that were suffered at the start of the year, which is some achievement. Many are now trading at important technical levels though so it’s not too surprising that we saw some profit taking.

The DAX is still some way from erasing those heavy losses from the start of the year but is facing a big test to break back above 10,000 having fallen short last week. A failure to do so could strongly suggest that more pain lies ahead, despite the index having lost almost 30% of its value between April last year and its lowest point last month.

DAX 30 Weekly

This morning we’ll get some manufacturing and industrial production numbers from the U.K., which are expected to once again point to difficulties in the sector that has been a constant thorn in the side of the U.K. economy in recent years. This will be followed later by crude oil inventory numbers which will be followed very closely given the resurgence in prices over the last month.

Economic Calendar

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

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Former Craig

Former Craig

Former Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA at OANDA
Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary. His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News. Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.