{"id":8002,"date":"2021-03-15T05:42:47","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T05:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2021\/03\/15\/european-shares-set-for-cautious-start\/"},"modified":"2021-03-15T05:42:47","modified_gmt":"2021-03-15T05:42:47","slug":"european-shares-set-for-cautious-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2021\/03\/15\/european-shares-set-for-cautious-start\/","title":{"rendered":"European Shares Set For Cautious Start"},"content":{"rendered":"
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European stocks look set to open higher on Monday even as a cautious undertone may prevail amid U.S. yield spike. <\/p>\n

Asian markets<\/span> gave up early gains to turn mixed as benchmark Treasury yields held near a one-year high and China data painted a patchy economic picture.<\/p>\n

China’s industrial output and retail sales surged in the first two months of the year, official data showed today, while weaker-than-expected investment growth and rise in unemployment disappointed markets. <\/p>\n

China’s relentless crackdown on technology<\/span> companies and tightening financial conditions also sapped investor confidence. <\/p>\n

On the Covid-19 front, more countries have suspended the use of AstraZeneca Plc’s vaccine after some concerns around side effects. <\/p>\n

Half of the 20 regions in Italy are entering another lockdown today after a surge in coronavirus<\/span> infections. <\/p>\n

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has topped 119.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.65 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.<\/p>\n

The dollar held firm ahead of this week’s FOMC meeting, with traders looking for the U.S. central bank to address the recent spike in bond yields. <\/p>\n

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said last week that U.S. inflation risks remain subdued despite the Biden administration stimulus. Gold gained ground on inflation worries while Brent crude prices hovered near $70 a barrel.<\/p>\n

Traders also keep an eye on U.S. reports on retail sales, industrial production, housing starts, and regional manufacturing activity this week for clues on the economic outlook. <\/p>\n

The Bank of England rate decision is due on Thursday and no change in policy is expected. <\/p>\n

The Bank of Japan monetary policy decision is slated for Friday, with economists expecting a review of the central bank’s monetary policy strategy. <\/p>\n

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Friday as rising yields after the passage of a $ 1.9 trillion stimulus bill and positive economic data reinforced expectations the economy<\/span> was headed to a high-growth recovery.<\/p>\n

The Dow climbed 0.9 percent to extend its winning streak for the sixth day and close at a fresh record high. The S&P 500 inched up 0.1 percent to a new record closing high while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index gave up 0.6 percent.<\/p>\n

European markets also ended mixed on Friday as Treasury yields resumed their climb and Beijing expanded a crackdown on technology companies. The pan-European Stoxx 600 fell 0.3 percent after a four-session winning streak.<\/p>\n

The German DAX dropped half a percent, while France’s CAC 40 index edged up 0.2 percent and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Business News<\/p>\n<\/div>\n