European Market Review- February 2016

After some very, very hard weeks in the beginning of 2016, European stock markets started week 9 of 2016 on a positive note, even hitting some recent high points. The next days weren’t as good, and today we are not sure whether they are poised to bounce or will continue to fall. Uncertainty is the main word thrown around the market, and for good reason, too.

Monday trading saw a rebound in Oil prices, as well as a small rally in the Asian markets. Investors were relieved to see good news from some of the worst performing markets of 2016, so European stocks also saw a small growth, managing to touch the maximums set on the 2nd of February of this year. The next two days weren’t as good, and the main European index fell for a weekly loss of 1,09% at the moment of this article. Uncertainty and volatility seem to be the keywords in world markets these days, several of the ongoing complicated situations being still far from solved.

The main drivers for the European stock market in the following weeks the oil prices, emerging markets, the U.S. Dollar as well as new developments in the Brexit situation. The speculation of Great Britain leaving the E.U. was postponed after recent meetings where an agreement has been reached, but the British do not seem particularly happy with the result. The GBP dropped below 1,40 for the first time in years, portraying the fact that the UK Economy might actually benefit from an E.U. exit.

In other news, global markets are still waiting for the Fed meeting during 15-16 March. Until then, the economic calendar is packed with data from the US, including new unemployment and payroll data as well as GDP predictions. The way the U.S. economy goes forward will be key for all world markets, not only the European ones, so keep a close look out for any hints the Fed members might give.

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