Major European indices trade on a mostly lower note.
STOXX Europe 600: -0.5%,
Germany’s DAX: flat,
U.K.’s FTSE 100: -1.0%,
France’s CAC 40: -0.1%,
Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.1%,
Spain’s IBEX 35: -0.5%.
The Swiss National Bank left its policy rate at 0.00%, which was also expected.
Norges Bank left its policy rate at 4.25%, but hinted at a rate hike later this year.
Eurozone
European Central Bank policymaker Kocher said that inflation will stay higher for some time and that the ECB remains ready to act.
April Current Account surplus EUR15.7 bln (expected surplus of EUR18.5 bln; last surplus of EUR14.9 bln). April Construction Output 0.6% m/m (last 1.8%)
U.K.
Bank of England left its bank rate at 3.75%, which was expected, though two policymakers voted for a rate hike.
April three-month Employment Change 100,000 (expected 75,000; last 148,000),
April Average Earnings Index + Bonus 4.4% yr/yr (expected 4.0%; last 4.4%).
April Unemployment Rate 4.9% (expected 5.0%; last 5.0%),
May Claimant Count Change 31,200 (expected 25,800; last 8,300)