ON DECK FOR TUESDAY, JULY 30

ON DECK FOR TUESDAY, JULY 30

KEY POINTS:

  • Markets tread water ahead of the week’s key developments
  • Eurozone GDP growth lands a pinch faster than guesstimated…
  • …while inflation is tentatively tracking a touch softer
  • Mexico’s economy expected to record sustained growth
  • US JOLTS, consumer confidence & house prices on tap

Moves across global markets are relatively small thus far as they await bigger developments starting tonight with the BoJ and tech earnings into tomorrow when the FOMC’s communications arrive after Canadian GDP for May and June.

In the meantime, all we're left with today is a dump of Eurozone growth and inflation figures that plays second fiddle to more important readings on the path to the ECB's September decision. Big whoopdidoo. Modest US and Mexican data is also on tap.

Softer Eurozone Inflation, Stronger Growth

The first two Eurozone countries have reported inflation figures averaging a touch below expectations. Spain’s CPI print was weaker than expected (-0.5%, -0.3% consensus), but not as weak as a typical month of July (chart 1). Individual German states reported CPI inflation that was roughly in line with expectations for the national number due out later this morning (8amET). Most states landed at 0.3% m/m with one at 0.6%. France and Italy report tomorrow along with the Eurozone tally.

Chart 1: Comparing Spain CPI for All Months of July

Eurozone GDP grew a little faster than expected in Q2 (0.3% q/q, 0.2% consensus). Charts 2 and 3. That matched the prior quarter's mild expansion. France (0.3%, 0.2% consensus) and Spain (0.8%, 0.5% consensus) beat while German disappointed (-0.1%, +0.1% consensus).

Chart 2: Top 4 European Economy Real GDP; Chart 3: Euro Area Real GDP

So, softer inflation and stronger growth are roughly cancel each other out and the deviations are small in any event. It means a little lighter inflation tracking, but less of a push toward required disinflationary spare capacity. The August CPI reading one month from now and Q2 negotiated wages are more likely to carry the ECB's September decision.

Mexico’s economy could post a mild acceleration of back-to-back gains following a brief slow down in Q4 of last year. GDP is expected to grow by about 0.4% q/q SA nonannualized (8amET).

US data may spark some volatility, but likely won’t have much if any bearing on Friday’s nonfarm payrolls call in terms of JOLTS openings for June (10amET) or consumers’ impressions about job availability in the confidence reading for July (10amET). Meanwhile, house prices keep edging higher with a 15th consecutive monthly rise expected for May’s figures (9amET).

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