DAX Steady, Investors Eye Eurozone Consumer Confidence

The DAX index is steady in the Friday session. Currently, the DAX is trading at 12,574 points, up 0.06% on the day. On the release front, there are no major events. German PPI improved to 0.1%, but this fell short of the estimate of 0.2%. Later in the day, the eurozone releases consumer confidence, which is expected to remain at zero for a third straight month.

Years of massive stimulus from the ECB have stimulated the eurozone economy, but inflation has not kept up. This was underscored by March inflation numbers. German PPI improved from -0.1% to 0.1%, but missed the estimate of 0.2%. Final CPI came in at 1.3%, up from 1.1% a month earlier. Still, the reading fell short of the estimate of 1.4%. With inflation well below the ECB inflation target of around 2%, there is little pressure on the ECB to tighten its accommodative monetary policy. The ECB’s stimulus program is scheduled to wind up in September, but an increase in interest rates is unlikely before 2019.

The markets are keeping a close eye on the ECB, which meets next week for a policy meeting. Despite stronger economic conditions in the eurozone, the ECB has been in cautious mode. At the March meeting, policymakers took a small step, dropping a pledge to increase stimulus if needed. Will we see additional ‘baby’ steps at the April meeting? The markets are not expecting any change in forward guidance, and concerns over recent trade disputes could mean a dovish statement from ECB President Mario Draghi. Traders shouldn’t expect any dramatic moves next week, as the bank will likely continue to preach patience and prudence.

Where do we go from here ?

Economic Fundamentals

 Friday (April 20)

  • 2:00 German PPI. Estimate 0.2%. Actual 0.1%
  • All Day – OPEC-JMMC Meetings
  • 7:30 German Buba President Weidmann Speaks
  • 10:00 Eurozone Consumer Confidence. Estimate 0 points
  • 11:15 US FOMC Member John Williams Speaks

*All release times are DST

*Key events are in bold

 

DAX, Friday, April 20 at 6:25 DST

Prev. Close: 12,567 Open: 12,556 Low: 12,527 High: 12,586 Close: 12,574

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.