DAX Steady as Eurozone GDP Matches Expectations

The DAX has ticked higher in the Thursday session. Currently, the DAX is at 12,847, up 0.13% on the day. In economic news, German Factory Orders plunged 2.5%, missing the estimate of 0.7%. In the eurozone, Revised GDP dipped to 0.4%, matching the estimate.

The eurozone economy has been performing well and inflation continues to move higher, raising the question of what’s next for the ECB stimulus program. The ECB currently buys EUR 30 billion each month, and the scheme is scheduled to end in September. The bank has extended the program in the past, but stronger economic conditions have strengthened the case to finally end stimulus. The ECB has not formally discussed the issue, leaving the markets to hunt for any clues about the bank’s plans. On Wednesday, ECB chief economist Peter Praet said that the ECB would commence discussing the issue next week, when the Governing Council meets in Riga, Latvia. Many policymakers favor a gradual reduction in stimulus over several months, rather than completely turning off the tap in September. If the ECB makes any announcements regarding further tapering, we could see some volatility from European stock markets.

Canada will host the leaders of the Group of 7, starting on Friday. These meetings usually do not make the headlines, but this meeting could be explosive, with plenty of bad will between six of the members and President Trump. The reason? The renewal of the tariff spat, courtesy of the U.S slapping aluminum and steel tariffs on the European Union and Canada. Last week, finance ministers from six members of the G-7 were united in their criticism of US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin over the brewing trade war. Will we see a higher profile, repeat performance at this meeting? Canada and Mexico have already announced retaliatory duties on U.S products. The escalating trade battle is sure to dominate the summit, and if the leaders fail to resolve matters, the result could be a nasty trade war between the U.S and its major trading partners.

  USD can’t find a grip

  Dollar softer ahead of G7 Summit

Economic Calendar

Thursday (June 7)

  • 2:00 German Factory Orders. Estimate 0.7%. Actual -2.5%

Friday (June 8)

  • 2:00 German Industrial Production. Estimate 0.4%
  • 2:00 German Trade Balance. Estimate 20.3B
  • Day 1 – G7 Meetings

*All release times are DST

*Key events are in bold

 

DAX, Thursday, June 7 at 6:55 DST

Previous Close: 12,830 Open: 12,874 Low: 12,840 High: 12,916 Close: 12,847

This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher

Market Analyst at OANDA
A highly experienced financial market analyst with a focus on fundamental analysis, Kenneth Fisher’s daily commentary covers a broad range of markets including forex, equities and commodities. His work has been published in several major online financial publications including Investing.com, Seeking Alpha and FXStreet. Based in Israel, Kenny has been a MarketPulse contributor since 2012.