Here’s today’s ‘Just A Minute’ bringing you a 60 second summary of what’s happening in the financial markets:
Main Trading Event Of The Day: EUR ECB President Draghi Speaks @ 17.00 GMT
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING TODAY
ECB Interest Rates Too Low For Germany; Draghi Speaks
Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann is reported to have said that the European Central Bank should tighten policy as soon as it can and that its interest rates are too low for Germany, as he referred to tensions in the united front the bank has presented since its major policy shift in June. Weidmann pointed out that many savers in Germany were unhappy with low interest rates but said these were aimed at supporting investment and consumption. The ECB cut interest rates to record lows last month as part of a package of measures to jump-start a sluggish euro zone economy, where inflation is running far below the central bank’s target. The German economy is nonetheless still outperforming other countries in the bloc. Weidmann added that if the Bundesbank were autonomous, Germany would benefit from a tighter rather than a looser monetary policy and warned about the risks of leaving policy loose for too long.
At the monthly news conference, Draghi said risks to the euro zone economic recovery remained primarily negative and left the door open to a possible asset-buying program by the ECB, which Weidmann has cautioned against in all but exceptional circumstances. Weidmann put the onus on governments to act, urging them to shape up their economies and consolidate their budgets as the euro zone recovers from the debt crisis that took it to the brink of break-up. The euro was steady at $1.3604, having wobbled on either side of $1.3600 in the past week. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi is scheduled to give an introductory statement at the quarterly hearing before the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament later in the day.
ECB President Draghi speaks today @ 17.00 GMT.
U.S. Dollar Firms In Subdued Trade; Market Awaits Yellen
The dollar edged up slightly against the yen today as investors awaited events this week including Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s congressional testimony for cues on the outlook for U.S. monetary policy. Investors also awaited a policy review by the Bank of Japan on Tuesday, though the central bank was widely expected to maintain its policy and its broader economic outlook. The BOJ next week may trim its economic growth forecast for the current year, reflecting soft exports and a bigger-than-expected slump in household spending after a sales tax hike in April, though the change would not tip any policy changes to come. The dollar index edged slightly higher to 80.217, nudging away from a two-month low of 79.740 on July 1. Speculators increased their bullish bets on the U.S. dollar in the latest week, with the value of the dollar’s net long position rising to $10.34 billion in the week through July 8. The total value of positions rose from $8.65 billion the previous week when it was the smallest net long on the dollar in five weeks.
Stock Watch: Guardians Could Open Galaxy Of Riches For Disney
When Disney bought Marvel for $4.2 billion in 2009, its stock sank following news of the acquisition. Analysts warned Disney’s superheroes would have to fight extra hard to win box office dollars. However, under the guidance of Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige, the team has been taking more risks and a more character-driven approach to storytelling. So far, it’s paying off. At the time, Disney also inked a landmark deal with Netflix to stream four new and original Marvel series on the platform, starting from 2016. So far, this year has been strong for the Disney/Marvel duo with its latest release, Captain America, dominating at the box office on its opening weekend.
That sums up today’s highlights! Remember to stay in touch for all the latest trading updates of the day - find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. We hope you have a profitable day on the markets.