Financial markets started the week in a cautious tone. Tensions in euro area sovereign bond markets remained in focus, even though the French spread narrowed, as peripherals were flat. Sovereign curves steepened on both sides of the Atlantic as short-term references fell, while long-term ones rose. The euro weakened against its main peers.
On equity markets, European stocks traded mixed, with financials leading gains on a relief bounce, while the French CAC40 underperformed. U.S. equities recorded gains, once again led by AI and technology stocks. The Nasdaq gained 1.1% and closed at a record high.
Oil prices eased modestly, with expectations of higher supply from G7 producers and rising exports from the Middle East offsetting geopolitical tensions in the region. Brent settled at USD 100.3/bbl. This week's focus will be on the release of the Fed’s latest meeting minutes on Wednesday.
BANCO BPI, S.A., com sede na Avenida da Boavista, 1117, 4100-129 Porto; Capital Social: € 1 293 063 324,98; matriculada na CRC Porto sob o número de matrícula PTIRNMJ 501 214 534, como o número de identificação fiscal 501 214 534. Intermediário financeiro registado na CMVM com o n° 300 e no Banco de Portugal sob o código n° 10. Agente de Seguros n.º 419527591, registado junto da Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões em 21/01/2019, e autorizado a exercer atividade nos Ramos de Seguro Vida e Não Vida.