North America
Today’s US inflation figures are one of the highlights of the economic calendar this week. Consumer Price Index is expected to have risen by 1.8% in March on the same month last year, up from 1.5% in February.
FOMC minutes for March’s meeting, where interest rates were held, are due after the market opens today.
US futures suggest a gain at the open despite weaker sentiment stemming from the IMF’s gloomy report on the world economy and a potential trade spat between the US and Europe.
In terms of earnings, Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY) is one of the most well-known names to report.
Europe
Today’s European Central Bank press conference overshadows the European economics calendar today.
The UK’s FTSE 100 was rangebound despite an early push from Tesco (TSCO), which published positive full-year results today.
Currency investors are awaiting news from the EU on Britain’s request for a Brexit extension, which is likely to be granted – the question remains for how long Brexit will be delayed.
Asia
China’s Shanghai Composite Index managed a marginal gain today despite weakness across most Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Hong Kong. South Korea’s Kospi was one of the best performers in the region.