• European indices open marginally higher, after gains in Asia
  • Today's macro calendar is not full of major data releases; German data marginally stronger than forecasts
  • US index contracts gain, but give back some of the gains, after disappointing Super Micro (SMCI.US) results

Today's session on global markets is not rich in significant macroeconomic data releases. The VIX index remains above the 23 level, showing that markets are still expecting elevated volatility despite a number of comments from mutual funds and banks. BoJ Deputy Governor Uchida dovishly indicated that the Bank of Japan would not raise rates in the face of volatile global market sentiment; the comment weakened the yen and supported a rebound on the Nikkei. 

Chinese indexes rose after import data surprised positively, suggesting higher demand in the world's second economy. Market sentiment in the U.S. is better, but the opening may be held in a slightly more nervous mood, as results from one of the leading companies AI Super Micro (SMCI.US) severely disappointed revenue and profit expectations; the company issued mixed forecasts and posted its lowest gross margins in Q2 since 2007.

Macro data

7 AM GMT Germany, industrial production in July: -4.1% y/y vs. -4.2% y/y and -6.67% y/y previously (1.4% m/m vs. 1% y/y and -2.5% y/y previously).

  • German exports fell -3.4% m/m in July vs. -1.5% expected and -3.6% previously
  • German imports were 0.3% m/m vs. 2.5 exp. and -6.6% previously
  • Trade balance (seasonally adjusted) was 20.4 billion vs. 21.5 billion exp. and 24.9 billion previously

3:30 PM GMT, Change in oil inventories according to EIA. Expected: -1.8 million barrels vs. -3.4 million previously

  • Gasoline inventories. Expected: -1.8 million barrels vs -3.6 million previously
  • Distillate stocks. Expected: 1 million barrels vs. 1.5 million previously

6:30 PM GMT, Bank of Canada meeting minutes

7 PM GMT, US consumer credit in July. Expected: $10 billion vs. $11.35 billion previously

Statements by central bankers

  • 12 AM GMT - ECB Rehn
  • 6 PM GMT - Fed Collins
  • 8:30 PM GMT - ECB McCaul