Stock markets around the world are steady to slightly higher as we kick off a big week for economic news. US index futures, WTI crude oil and the FTSE are flat while the Dax and the Nikkei are up 0.3%.
In currencies today, the US Dollar is up slightly against other majors on reports that after a couple of additional interest rate increases, the Fed could start running down its big balance sheet later this year by slowing reinvestment.
Sterling is sliding back this morning following a kerfuffle with Spain on the weekend over the future status over Gibraltar and Scotland that could throw a monkey wrench into Brexit negotiations. With formal negotiations not likely to start for another 6-8 weeks, more posturing, harsh stances, wars of words, veiled threats and speculation look likely that could derive swings in the currency as both sides stake out starting positions for talks. The Euro, meanwhile, may see focus shift to France for a couple of days with the Presidential candidates debating tomorrow night.
It's a big week for economic news starting with today's manufacturing PMI reports. So far, China and the UK have come in above 50 but below expectations. Reports for the US and Canada are due later this morning along with US construction spending. One country which did significantly better than expectations was Norway, which suggests oil economies are turning around and could bode well for Canada. Hints and speculation about upcoming US initiatives on taxation and trade may also attract attention.
Monthly auto sales may also attract attention from traders. Tesla Motors may attract interest after reporting over the weekend that it delivered 25,000 vehicles in Q1, above street expectations.
Corporate News
Tesla Motors delivered 25,000 vehicles in March quarter above street 24,420, production in quarter was 25,418 vehicles
Economic News
Significant announcements released overnight include:
Japan Tankan large manufacturing index 12 vs street 14 and previous 10
Australia Melbourne inflation 2.2% vs previous 2.1%
Australia commodity prices 50.1% vs previous 59.1%
Manufacturing PMI reports:
UK 54.2 vs street 55.0
Germany 58.3 as expected
France 53.3 vs street 53.4
Spain 53.9 vs street 54.7
Italy 55.7 vs street 55.1
Norway 54.7 vs street 52.8
Greece 46.7 vs previous 47.7
Japan 52.4 vs previous 52.6
Australia 57.5 vs previous 59.3
Upcoming significant economic announcements include:
10:00 am EDT US construction spending street 1.0% vs previous (1.0%)
10:30 am EDT FOMC Dudley speaking
3:00 pm EDT FOMC Harker speaking
Manufacturing PMI reports:
9:30 am EDT Canada previous 54.7
9:45 am EDT US Markit street 53.5
10:00 am EDT US ISM PMI street 57.2
10:00 am EDT US ISM prices previous 66.0
10:00 am EDT US ISM new orders previous 65.1
10:00 am EDT US ISM employment previous 54.2
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