European Shares After U.S. Inflation Data; E.C.B. Meeting

European markets expect a cautious opening on Wednesday. Investors will look at the U.S. core inflation footprint while also waiting for a European Central Bank meeting on Thursday. According to reports, the FTSE 100 will rise by about 5 points to 7,582. The DAX is down about 9 points at 14,116. C.A.C. 40 grow by about 17 points to 6,554.

Consumer prices in the U.S. increased 8.5% in March from a year earlier. This is the highest level since 1981, which has further heightened concerns about the Federal Reserve’s tightening monetary policy. Core C.P.I. rose 0.3%, slightly below expectations. U.S. stock futures have moved ahead in pre-market trading. Traders hoped that March might show the peak of inflation; After the main indexes gave up the early rally and closed in red on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Asia-Pacific stocks were higher since China’s exports rose more than expected in March. And New Zealand also raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points. This is the most significant increase in more than 20 years. In Europe, the market focus is adjusted to Thursday’s E.C.B. monetary policy decision. The Governing Council balances growth slowdown and records high inflation, which increases the risk of stagflation.

European Shares and Russia-Ukraine Concerns

E.C.B. policy should remain unchanged at this week’s meeting. Details of the quantitative easing completion will come at the July meeting. The closing of the asset purchase program has already been completed in the third quarter. So Thursday will focus on any changes to these timelines. An earlier finding of Q.E. would open the opportunity for an earlier rate boost.

On Tuesday, the World Trade Organization cut its global trade growth forecast from 3% this year to 4.7%; the reason behind this is the “double whammy” caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War and the COVID-19. He also warned that rising prices could contribute to the food crisis.

U.K.U.K. intelligence suggests Russian forces are preparing for a broader and more concentrated push to expand control over eastern Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary said on Tuesday that the government was working to verify the details of an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

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