Ibex 35 began today with modest gains, edging higher by about 0.33 percent and reaching 9,241 points in the early trading session. Investors are focusing on upcoming inflation data from the United States, a key indicator that could guide the Fed’s policy choices in the near term. The index’s movement reflects a cautious optimism as market participants weigh macro signals against the prospects for monetary stimulus and economic resilience.
Market attention centers on a busy week that includes significant macro releases. Alongside the US inflation figures, traders will scrutinize quarterly GDP numbers and unemployment data across the euro area, including France and the United Kingdom. These data points are anticipated to shape expectations for growth momentum and labor market strength, influencing trading strategies across Europe.
In the Ibex 35, the leading performers in the first minutes of trading included Telefónica, which rose about 2.1 percent, followed by Grifols with a 1.5 percent gain. Other notable gains came from Red Eléctrica, up roughly 1 percent, Acerinox up around 0.9 percent, and Meliá Hotels International adding about 0.8 percent. Aena showed a flat performance, illustrating the mixed tone as investors balance optimism with caution.
On the downside, banks failed to sustain gains and weighed on the session. CaixaBank and Unicaja led losses among major lenders, each off about 0.6 percent. Other institutions also registered modest declines, with BBVA, Sabadell, and Santander slipping around 0.3 percent, while Bankinter fell roughly 0.2 percent. The banking sector’s performance remains a key barometer for sentiment amid ongoing adjustments in European financial markets.
Broader European markets opened with a cautious tone, yet advancing collectively. The main indices in Paris, London, and Frankfurt posted around 0.2 percent gains, signaling a synchronized start to the week despite varied domestic drivers. The early momentum suggests a measured risk-on posture as investors reassess cyclical names and defensive plays in light of upcoming data and policy cues.
Commodity markets showed mixed movements as European investors watched energy benchmarks. Brent crude, the benchmark for European oil, traded near $86.27 per barrel, reflecting a slight retreat of about 0.5 percent. In contrast, WTI crude in the United States hovered near $79.47, slipping close to 1 percent. These shifts point to ongoing volatility in energy markets, influenced by supply expectations and global demand signals.
Foreign exchange dynamics featured the euro stabilizing around $1.0732 against the dollar, reflecting a muted response to the day’s headlines. In fixed income, the Spanish risk premium stood at approximately 102 basis points, while the yield on the ten-year Spanish bond hovered near 3.36 percent. These metrics underscore the sensitivity of rates to inflation readings and economic outlooks across the eurozone and beyond.
Experts note that the upcoming inflation release in the United States carries significant implications. A hotter-than-expected reading could intensify expectations of tighter monetary policy, while softer data might ease rate-cut prospects. The interplay between US inflation, European growth signals, and bank sector performance will likely dictate the mood of European equities for the remainder of the week and help set the tone for regional risk appetite.