The euro held its gains in thin trading Tuesday, after a European Central Bank (ECB) official hinted at another wave of stimulus, while fears about China's economy dented the yuan. ECB executive board member Yves Mersch said policymakers have “by no means used up all our ammunition”, according to an excerpt from an interview with the International Bankers Forum. The possibility of more easing - which would tend to weaken the euro - comes after the ECB disappointed markets this month with the limited scope of its newest bid to revive the struggling eurozone economy.
In the US session CB Consumer Confidence figures were released. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had decreased moderately in November, improved in December.
The Index now stands at 96.5 (1985=100), up from 92.6 in November. Analysts were anticipating smaller increase to 93.6. The Present Situation Index increased from 110.9 last month to 115.3 in December, while the Expectations Index improved to 83.9 from 80.4 in November.
As for tomorrow, Spanish CPI and M3 Money Supply data will be published. Spanish CPI is expected to rise by 0.1%, while M3 Money Supply should show decline to 5.2%. In the US session Pending Home Sales figures are scheduled for a release. Analysts are predicting 0.6% increase.
Figures to watch:
Spanish Flash CPI
M3 Money Supply
Pending Home Sales