Mixed Expectations as European Markets Await US Payrolls
European markets gear up for a reserved opening on Friday, following significant losses in the prior session. This trend comes amidst indicators of a strong US labor market stirring apprehensions of rising interest rates, ahead of the critical monthly payroll data release. As of 02:00 ET, Germany's DAX futures contract showed a modest 0.2% gain, alongside France's CAC 40 futures, while the FTSE 100 futures in the UK declined by 0.3%.
Recent US Labor Market Data Sparks Concern
The hefty losses suffered by European stocks on Thursday were influenced by Wall Street's downturn following the release of US labor market data. Indications of a tight labor market suggest the Federal Reserve could resume its monetary policy tightening after a June pause in the year-long rate hiking cycle.
Robust US Employment Data Raises Inflation Fears
Data unveiled on Thursday indicated a higher-than-expected growth in private payrolls for June, up by 497,000 jobs from a downwardly revised 267,000 in May. Jobless claims were as expected, and job openings stood at a significant 9.8 million by May end. These strong readings have stoked worries that the Federal Reserve may be forced to hike interest rates more aggressively to control inflation, drawing attention to the employment report due later Friday.
Rising Fears of US Recession Amidst Prolonged Rate Hikes
Anticipations of prolonged rate hikes risking a US recession weigh heavily, given the critical role of the world's largest economy as a global growth propeller.
Germany's Economic Recovery Progresses Slowly
Meanwhile, in Europe, German industrial production reported a 0.2% decrease in May, suggesting continued struggles in the industrial sector despite a minor boost in the previous month. The biggest economy in the eurozone is grappling with recovery from an earlier recession, as weak global demand, notably from China, burdens its manufacturing sector.
Yellen's China Visit Hopes to Stabilize Tensions
Elsewhere, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is currently visiting China, meeting with top Chinese officials to stabilize the escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Oil Prices Rise Following US Stockpile Decline
Oil prices witnessed a surge on Friday, heading towards a second week of gains following a larger-than-expected reduction in US oil stocks, indicating robust demand from the world's largest crude consumer. This data was supported by the Energy Information Administration's report revealing a 1.5 million barrel reduction in U.S. stockpiles for the week ending June 30.
Spotlight on Other Key Financial Market Indicators
As of 02:00 ET, the Brent contract increased by 0.6% to $76.94, while U.S. crude futures rose by 0.6% to $72.22 a barrel. Both benchmarks were projected to witness about a 2% gain for the second consecutive week. Furthermore, gold futures were up by 0.2% to $1,919.80/oz, and EUR/USD traded 0.1% higher at 1.0893.
