Eurozone Deal Remains Elusive

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly Eurozone Deal Remains Elusive

Coffee rebounds following Brazilian Real appreciation.

Chinese stocks cheer signs of further stimulus.

Sterling comes under pressure on inflation concerns.

Today Angela Merkel will host talks with Alex Tsipras, the Greek premier, in a bid to improve relations between the two nations and ensure the future of Greece within the Eurozone. The meeting comes as recent negotiations over the conditions of a Greek bailout package have divided public opinion and strained political ties. Elsewhere, the release of a series of manufacturing and home sales data this week will give investors the opportunity to gauge the health of major global economies. CPI data from the US and the UK will give clarity on the impact of low energy and food prices on inflation and the potential pace of rate hikes.

Commodities

Coffee rebounds following Brazilian Real appreciation. Coffee prices have come under significant pressure this year, falling 24% to US$1.26 per pound last week. This downward trend has been driven by healthy rainfall and a significant depreciation of the Brazilian Real. A weaker Real allows Brazilian producers to export coffee internationally at lower prices in US Dollar terms, without receiving less in their domestic currency. Last week the return of drier weather conditions and a temporary appreciation of the Real on Tuesday caused a reversal of the recent trend with coffee ending the week up 8.7%. US crude fell to a six-year low last week as stockpiles continued to accumulate and shale production showed little to no signs of slowing. US shale producers have shifted focus to rig efficiency and cost reduction to maintain output at current levels. Later in the year the curtailment of exploration spending and fall in the rig count should act to moderate US crude oil production and lift prices.

Equities

Chinese stocks cheer signs of further stimulus. On Sunday, the Chinese premier Li Keqiang pledged to shore up the economy to ensure that it meets its 7% growth target. Chinese equity markets rallied in approval, taking the statement as an indication that further stimulus measures are on their way in the form of reserve requirement reductions and interest rate cuts. The MSCI China A Index ended the week up 7.4% at an all-time high on the news. The FTSE 100 rose 3.0% in the week following the UK Chancellor of the Exchequers announcement of the 2015 pre-election budget. The budget sent energy and real estate stocks higher as the Chancellor announced measures to reduce tax on North Sea oil & gas companies and assist first time homebuyers. The EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index increased 3.6% as tensions mounted between Greece and Germany over reforms necessary in order to secure bailout funds.

Currencies

Sterling comes under pressure on inflation concerns. Following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting last week, a cautious press statement caused the Sterling to rise by 1.5% against the Dollar, the largest daily increase in five and a half years. These gains proved temporary as the Dollar recouped the prior day losses against most major currencies. Furthermore, minutes from the latest BOE meeting highlighted that consumer inflation will likely fall below zero soon and could potentially stay there if energy and food prices keep inflationary pressures at bay. Sterling is likely to continue to experience volatility in coming months, as the lack of a clear favorite in the upcoming general election and the growing popularity of parties on the fringe could lead investors to question the conviction of the British government.

Important Information

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