Opening Bell: U.S. Futures, European Stocks Rise On Earnings, Data; Gold Up

 | May 03, 2021 08:23AM ET

  • Russell 2000 futures point to resumption of Reflation Trade
  • Oil’s improving demand outlook has reversed its technical trajectory
  • h2 Key Events/h2

    Shares in Europe followed US contracts for the Dow Jones, S&P 500, NASDAQ and Russell 2000 higher on Monday after strong earnings last week boosted bullish sentiment along with improving economic prospects, offsetting concerns of rising inflation and higher taxes in Europe. The UK market is closed today for a bank holiday.

    This morning, all four major US futures were in the green, with the reflation trade appearing to be back on track. Contracts on the Russell 2000 outperformed, including by 3:1 for those on the NASDAQ 3:1 at time of writing.

    The dollar was flat but gold gained.

    h2 Global Financial Affairs/h2

    Consumer products and technology stocks buoyed the STOXX Europe 600 Index which was up as much as 0.6% earlier this morning, snapping a four day decline. Slowing the advance was Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (F:GAM) after Citi wrote the company’s guidance disappointed.

    The pan-European benchmark has gained 10% so far this year, supported by economic recovery hopes across the region accelerated by vaccines and ultra-loose fiscal and monetary policy. Restarting growth has been overshadowing a double-dipped contraction. The outlook is the most optimistic since COVID disrupted the free flow of the continental economy.

    Still, geopolitics and the coronavirus resurgence in some developing countries has kept investors cautious, stalling momentum in the last couple of weeks since the primary European benchmark hit its Apr. 19 all-time high, ten sessions after the index surpassed its pre-pandemic, Feb. 19 record high.

    From a technical perspective, the STOXX 600 looks ready for new highs.