Gold prices edge higher on raised Fed rate cut hopes
Investing.com - European stocks climbed higher Wednesday, tracking gains on Wall Street overnight after mild U.S. inflation data raised expectations of easier monetary policy next month.
At 03:05 ET (07:05 GMT), the DAX index in Germany climbed 0.4%, the CAC 40 in France gained 0.3% and the FTSE 100 in the U.K. rose 0.2%.
Positive global sentiment
Global sentiment received a boost on Tuesday, after the U.S. consumer price index rose just 0.2% in July, an annual increase of 2.7%, an increase that has been seen as mild enough to support expectations of a September rate cut.
Markets are now pricing in nearly a 94% probability of a 25 basis point cut next month, according to CME’s Fedwatch tool, up from nearly 86% a day ago and about 57% a month earlier.
This resulted in the broad-based S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite close at fresh record highs on Wall Street.
This positive tone continued in Asia, with Japan’s Nikkei index also posting a record peak, and has carried on in Europe.
German inflation remains under control
In Europe, German consumer prices were confirmed as having grown 0.3% on the month in July, an annual increase of 2.0%, suggesting that inflation remains under control in the eurozone’s dominant economy.
Data in the United States and other major markets are falling into a Goldilocks zone of not-too-hot inflation that allows central banks to keep the easy money flowing.
The European Central Bank halved its key rate to 2% in the year to June, but stood still last month after predicting that inflation would hover near its target over the medium term, reducing the need for further action.
Quarterly earnings continue
There are more corporate results to digest Wednesday, even as the quarterly earnings season starts to draw to a close.
E.ON (ETR:EONGn) reported a 13% increase in group earnings in the first half of 2025, with the German power giant citing higher investments and improved operating performance.
RENK Group (ETR:R3NK) posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter results on Wednesday, with the German engine manufacturer supported by steady European defense spending.
Vestas Wind (CSE:VWS) Systems said its second-quarter wind turbine order intake fell 44% year-on-year as some customers delayed commitments amid policy uncertainty.
Tui (ETR:TUI1n) raised its full-year EBIT growth forecast after posting its highest-ever third-quarter earnings, supported by record results in its Hotels & Resorts and Cruises divisions.
Crude stable ahead of Trump/Putin meet
Oil prices were largely unchanged Wednesday as an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.prompted caution.
At 03:05 ET, Brent futures dropped 0.1% to $66.09 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 0.1% to $63.11 a barrel.
Trump and Putin are due to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine which has raged since February 2022 and disrupted the oil markets.
Crude inventories in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil consumer, rose by 1.52 million barrels last week, according to data from industry body American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.
Official numbers from the U.S. Energy Information Administration are due later in the session, and could confirm a drop in demand as the summer driving season draws to a close.