The DAX has posted small gains in the Tuesday session, as the index remains close to the symbolic 13,000 level. In the Tuesday session, the DAX is at 13,026.50, up 0.16% on the day. On the release front, German and European Manufacturing PMIs were sharp. German Flash Manufacturing PMI ticked lower to 60.5, beating the estimate of 60.1 points. Eurozone Manufacturing PMI improved to 58.6, easily beating the estimate of 57.9 points. Service sector numbers did not keep pace, as German and Eurozone Services PMIs both missed their estimates. On Wednesday, Germany releases Ifo Business Climate.

The Catalan crisis continues, and with the central and Catalan governments entrenched in their positions, the worst may be yet to come. On Saturday, the central government said it was imposing direct rule, invoking Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution. However, there is plenty of uncertainty, as this clause has never been used. Madrid has said it will depose Catalan President Carles Puigemont, take over the media and hold new elections for the region. Unsurprisingly, the Catalan government has condemned this latest salvo and has called for “massive civil disobdience”. Developments are unfolding daily, and investors are nervously watching the trouble in Spain, the eurozone’s fourth largest economy. The European Union has refused to intervene, calling the crisis an internal matter. So far, the woes in Catalonia has not affected the euro.

The eurozone economy has been performing well, with much of the credit going to a robust manufacturing sector in Germany and the eurozone. This was underscored on Tuesday, as manufacturing PMIs were strong and continue to point to expansion. The manufacturing sector remains solid, as global demand for European exports remains strong and consumer spending has been steady. German and European Services PMIs both missed their estimates, but still indicated expansion in the services sector.

The EUR (€1.1764) continues to be trading somewhat unaffected by political uncertainty in Catalonia. Instead, all investor eyes are on the prospect of the European Central Bank (ECB) announcing plans to scale back its bond-buying program on Thursday.

The negative effect of events in Spain are muted, despite the rising tensions ahead of the potential vote in Senate on Friday on constitutional powers such as removing Catalan President Puigdemont.

The EUR's downside remains shallow ahead of the ECB meet. Central bank officials are expected to outline their asset purchase reduction plan. Market guesstimates expect the ECB to begin to taper its current €60B monthly asset purchases in January 2018 with consecutive €10B monthly reductions. This means the ECB would cease balance sheet expansion by the end of Q2 2018.

Elsewhere, investors are waiting for more news on the Fed leadership succession and the U.S budget.

This week will also see rate decisions from the Bank of Canada (Wednesday 10 am EDT), Norges Bank and Riksbank (Oct 26).

1. Stocks mixed results

In Japan, the Nikkei share average extended its record-winning streak to 16-days overnight, supported by buying of large-cap stocks. The index, which was down part of the day, rose +0.5 %, while the broader Topix index rose +0.7%.

Down-under, Australia's S&P ASX 200 benchmark ended fractionally higher, rallying +0.1%.

In Hong Kong, stocks fell amid signs of tighter liquidity. The Hang Seng index fell -0.5%, while the China Enterprises Index lost -0.7%.

In China, blue-chip stocks reached a 26-month high, led by infrastructure and property shares, as investors cheered robust earnings growth and felt comfortable with economic policy as the Communist Party's congress concluded. The blue-chip CSI300 index rose +0.7%, while the Shanghai Composite Index added +0.2%.

In Europe, regional indices trade little changed in a lackluster session, despite stronger than expected manufacturing PMI's readings out of Germany and France.

U.S stocks are set to open unchanged.

Indices: Stoxx600 -0.1% at 390.4, FTSE flat at 7521, DAX +0.2% at 13027, CAC-40 +0.2% at 5395, IBEX-35 +0.2% at 10184, FTSE MIB +0.4% at 22456, SMI -0.3% at 9222, S&P 500 Futures flat

2. Oil prices inch up, support from drop in Iraq exports, gold unchanged

Oil prices have inched higher, finding support from a decline in oil exports from OPEC's second-biggest producer Iraq and a projected extended fall in U.S commercial oil stocks.

Brent crude for December delivery is up +10c at +$57.47 a barrel, while U.S light crude (WTI) is up +6c at +$51.96.

Iraqi oil exports have fallen more than 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) so far this month, as shipments from both the north and the south of the country declined.

The drop in supplies comes as OPEC, Russia and other producers are cutting output by about -1.8m bpd until March 2018 in an effort to drain a glut and support prices.

Investors will take their cues from this week's API and EIA industry data.

Gold is trading sideways ahead of the U.S open, with investors bracing for the possibility of an early announcement on the next U.S Fed Chief. Spot gold has slipped -0.1% to +$1,280.80 an ounce.

3. Yields – wait and see

The European Central Bank (ECB) meeting Thursday is giving investors a strong reason to sit back and wait. The absence of significant data to alter perceptions about the strength of the U.S economy and uncertainty about the details of President's Trumps tax overhaul plan are also encouraging ‘little movement' in the bond market.

Investors are also looking for clarity about whom President Donald Trump will nominate to lead the Federal Reserve. Potential nominees John Taylor, a Stanford economics professor, and Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, are seen by investors as likely to favour raising interest rates at a faster pace than the central bank has suggested it will take. While current Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen and central bank Governor Jerome Powell are seen as more likely to maintain the status quo, in which the Fed projected three rate increases in 2018.

Note: President Trump has said he would like to name his pick before his Nov. 3 trip to Asia.

The yield on 10-year Treasuries have climbed +2 bps to +2.38%. In Germany, the 10-year Bund yield has advanced +2 bps to +0.45%, while in the U.K, 10-year Gilt yield has gained +1 bps to +1.321%.

4. Dollar little changed

The FX markets remain subdued in quiet trading ahead of a plethora of central bank meetings this week. Even this morning's various European PMI's and confidence data (see below) failed to inspire any volatility.

The ECB would likely be keen to make sure its potential QE tapering announcement Thursday does not cause another market tantrum.

Note: In 2015 after the ECB announced QE, Bund yields rallied aggressively from +0% to almost +1% in just seven-weeks.

EUR/USD is a tad higher, trading just above €1.1765, the pound is at £1.3185, while yen is a tad weaker trading atop of ¥113.67.

Elsewhere, weighing on the NZD (N$0.6929) overnight was news that the new Labour/NZ First coalition government outlined some of its priorities, which include a higher minimum wage, review of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) mandate and a ban on the purchase of existing homes by foreigners

5. Eurozone economy appear to slow

Data this morning indicates that the eurozone economy appears to have slowed slightly as it enters Q4 of what has been a strong year.

IHS Markit data this morning said its composite PMI for the eurozone fell to 55.9 in October from 56.7 in September.

Digging deeper, the decline was driven by services companies, which rely more heavily on domestic demand than their manufacturing counterparts.

On the plus side, the survey recorded the fastest growth in employment in over a decade, which keeps alive hopes that regional wages will accelerate and help generate the sustained pickup in inflation sought by the ECB.

Also, the measure of activity in the eurozone's factories rallied to its highest level in six-and-a-half years, an indication that the EUR's appreciation year-o-date has yet to weaken exports.

The lower U.S. rig count number on oil drilling, the OPEC compliance to the output reduction, and the geopolitical tensions in northern Iraq along with discussions of Iran sanctions have helped Oil prices higher. Technically we can see two big inverted head and shoulder patterns pushing the price upward and continuation is expected as both technical and fundamental views are aligned. POC zone 51.65-95 should spike the price more to the upside towards 52.25 and if we see the break of the pattern neckline (52.28) we might see 52.70, 52.98 and 53.48. Currently big momentum candle is forming on 4h and watch for a possible marubozu candle close.

W L3 - Weekly Camarilla Pivot (Weekly Interim Support)

W H3 - Weekly Camarilla Pivot (Weekly Interim Resistance)

W H4 - Weekly Camarilla Pivot (Strong Weekly Resistance)

M H4 - Monthly Camarilla Pivot (Very Strong Monthly Resistance)

M L3 – Monthly Camarilla Pivot (Monthly Support)

M L4 – Monthly H4 Camarilla (Very Strong Monthly Support)

POC - Point Of Confluence (The zone where we expect price to react aka entry zone)

Notes/Observations

Oct Manufacturing PMI and Confidence data improving for Europe (France, Germany and Euro Zone PMI beat expectations)

ECB chief Draghi likely to provide "strong forward guidance" on Thursday to avoid any taper tantrum

Overnight

Asia:

Japan Oct Preliminary PMI Manufacturing: 52.5 v 52.9 prior

New Zealand Labour Leader Ardern (Incoming PM) signed coalition agreement with NZ First. To review and reform Reserve Bank Act; review to include employment and price stability. Has agreement on banning purchase of existing homes from foreign buyers.

Europe:

ECB's Nouy (SSM chief): Reiterates view that there's not much time left for UK banks to secure EU market access after the Brexit

Americas:

President Trump reiterated that he was 'very, very close' to making Fed chair decision

Economic Data

(FI) Finland Sept PPI M/M: 0.5% v 0.1% prior; Y/Y: 4.0% v 3.8% prior

(FI) Finland Sept Unemployment Rate: 8.0% v 7.5% prior

(FR) France Oct Business Confidence: 109 v 109e; Manufacturing Confidence: 111 v 110e

(FR) France Oct Business Survey Overall Demand: 18 v 15 prior

(FR) France Oct Preliminary Manufacturing PMI: 56.7 v 56.0e (13th month of expansion and highest since Apr 2011), Services PMI: 57.4 v 56.9e, Composite PMI: 57.5 v 57.0e

(CZ) Czech Oct Business Confidence: 16.9 v 16.5 prior; Consumer Confidence: 6.3 v 6.8 prior

(ZA) South Africa Aug Leading Indicator: 97.2 v 97.3 prior

(DE) Germany Oct Preliminary Manufacturing PMI: 60.5 v 60.0e (35th month of expansion); Services PMI: 55.2 v 55.5e, Composite PMI: 56.9 v 57.5e

(EU) Euro Zone Oct Preliminary Manufacturing PMI: 58.6 v 57.8e (50th month of expansion), Services PMI: 54.9 v 55.6e, Composite PMI: 55.9 v 56.5e

(PL) Poland Sept Unemployment Rate: 6.8% v 6.9%e

Fixed Income Issuance:

(ID) Indonesia sold total IDR7.0T in 6-month Bills & 2-year,4-year,7-year and 15-Year Project-based Sukuk (PBS)

SPEAKERS/FIXED INCOME/FX/COMMODITIES/ERRATUM

Equities

Indices [Stoxx600 % at XXX, FTSE % at XXX, DAX % at XXX, CAC-40 % at XXX, IBEX-35 % at XXX, FTSE MIB % at XXX, SMI % at Indices [Stoxx600 -0.1% at 390.4, FTSE flat at 7521, DAX +0.2% at 13027, CAC-40 +0.2% at 5395, IBEX-35 +0.2% at 10184, FTSE MIB +0.4% at 22456, SMI -0.3% at 9222, S&P 500 Futures flat]

Market Focal Points/Key Themes: European Indices trade little changed in a lackluster session, despite higher then expected Manufacturing PMI readings out of Germany and France. On the corporate front Dax heavyweight BASF trades slightly lower after reporting results which beat estimates, while Novartis drags on the Swiss SMI despite beating on the top and bottom line. Covestro outperforms after a strong beat, with other notable earnings related risers include AMS, Luxottica, Essilor and SAAB. Elsewhere GFT trades sharply lower after cutting their outlook with Randstad also a heavy faller after missing estimates. Looking ahead notable earners include DOW components McDonalds, Caterpillar, 3M, United Technologies as well General Motors, Fiat and Lockheed Martin.

Equities

Consumer discretionary [Whitbread [WTB.UK] -4.3% (Earnings), Luxotica [LUX.IT] +3.3% (Earnings), Puma [PUM.DE] -2.3% (Earnings)]

Industrials: [Basf [BAS.DE] -0.9% (Earnings), Saab [SAABB.SE] +4.5% (Earnings)]

Financials: [ Commerzbank [CBK.DE] +2.5% (Hire advisers on potential M&A), Randstad [RAND.NL] -5.4% (Earnings)]

Technology: [Basler [BSL.DE] -3% (raises outlook), AMS [AMS.CH] +17% (Earnings)]

Healthcare: [Novartis [NOVN.CH] -1.3% (Earnings), Covestro [1COV.DE] +5.7% (Earnings), Morphosys [MOR>DE] +7.5% (Receives FDA breakthrough therapy designation for its antibody MOR208 in relapsed/refractory DLBCL)]

Speakers

ECB Lending Survey: Banks saw broad-based pickup in loan demand during Q3. Credit standards for mortgages, consumer loans eased in quarter. Banks expected net demand for housing loans to increase in Q4

EU Chief Negotiator Barnier: There is a possible way to negotiate Brexit; work will start on draft treaty on the UK's exit from EU

EU's Juncker: Want a Brexit agreement; not negotiating in a hostile mood

EU's Tusk: EU27 was united in Brexit negotiations; up to London how talks ended

Spain PM Rajoy said to be planning on setting up a Catalonia ministry

Spain Justice Min: Catalonia crisis cannot be solved by just holding regional elections

Austria People Party (OVP) leader Kurz (likely PM-designate): Targeting a new govt before Christmas

Russia Fin Min Siluanov said to seek to tighten currency regulations during crises (**Note: In the past Russian govt officials stated that it was not considering capital controls)

India Finance Ministry said to be prepared to announce steps to counter the slowdown in economic growth

Bank of Japan (BoJ) said to consider again cutting its inflation outlook for FY17/18 (current fiscal year) from 1.1% to 1.0%. (**Next BOJ decision is on Oct 31st)

Japan Finance Ministry (MOF) raised its assessment of regional economies and noted the country was experiencing an economic recovery (prior view was moderate recovery)

Russia Energy Min Novak: To discuss OPEC cooperation and possible oil extension agreement with Saudi Oil Min Falih on Thursday, Nov 2nd. Reiterated view that was too early to take decision on production cut extension

Qatar Oil Min Al Sada (OPEC President):: OPEC to review current production agreement at its Nov meeting; would support any extension of cuts

Saudi Arabia Energy Min Al-Falih: All decisions on table for production cuts

OPEC reportedly will also work on an exit strategy alongside cuts extension at its Nov 30th meeting

Currencies

FX markets subdued in quiet trading ahead of the ECB rate decision on Thursday. Various European PMI and confidence data failed to inspire volatility. Dealers noted that ECB would likely be keen to make sure its potential QE tapering announcement Thursday doesn't cause another market tantrum (**Reminder: In 2015 after the ECB announced QE Bund yields rose from just over 0% in mid-April to almost 1% in late June. EUR/USD fractionally higher just above 1.1765 ahead of the NY morning.

Other major pairs little changed with USD/JPY at 113.62 and GBP/USD at 1.3201

Fixed Income

Bund futures trade at 161.22 down 44 ticks as markets remain choppy. Support lies at 161.00, followed by 160.38. Resistance stands initially at 162.75, followed by 163.51.

Gilt futures trade at 124.32 down 13 ticks following the drop in bund futures. Continued downside eyeing 123.26. Upside targets 124.90 then 125.24.

Tuesday's liquidity report showed Monday's excess liquidity rose to €1.794T from €1.791T and use of the marginal lending facility climbed to €417M from €315M.

Corporate issuance saw $14.2B come to market via 8 issuers, headlined by Citigroup's $4.0B in 5 and 11-year debt.

Looking Ahead

05.30 (UK) Weekly John Lewis LFL sales data

05:30 (EU) ECB allotment in 7-day Main Financing Tender (MRO) tender

05:30 (HU) Hungary Debt Agency (AKK) to sell in 3-month Bills

05:30 (UK) DMO to sell 0.625% 2042 I/L Gilts

06:00 (TR) Turkey to sell 2019, 2024 and 2027 bonds

06:30 (UK) Chancellor of Exchequer Hammond (Fin Min) in Parliament

06:45 (US) Daily Libor Fixing

07:45 (US) Weekly Goldman Economist Chain Store Sales

08:00 (CL) Chile Sept PPI M/M: No est v 2.2% prior

08:00 (HU) Hungary Central Bank (NBH) Interest Rate Decision: Expected to leave the Base Rate unchanged at 0.90%

08:05 (UK) Baltic Dry Bulk Index

08:55 (US) Weekly Redbook Sales

09:00 (BE) Belgium Oct Business Confidence: -3.0e v -3.5 prior

09:00 (EU) Weekly ECB Forex Reserves

09:00 (MX) Mexico Aug IGAE Economic Activity (Monthly GDP) Y/Y: 1.7%e v 1.0% prior

09:00 (RU) Russia announces weekly OFZ bond auction

09:00 (HU) Hungary Central Bank Gov Matolcsy post rate decision statement

09:45 (US) Oct Preliminary Markit Manufacturing PMI: 53.5e v 53.1 prior, Services PMI: 55.2e v 55.3 prior, Composite PMI: No est v 54.8 prior

10:00 (US) Oct Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index: 17e v 19 prior

10:00 (FI) ECB's Liikanen (Finalnd)

11:30 (US) Treasury to sell 4-Week Bills

12:00 (FR) France Sept Net Change in Jobseekers: No est v 22.3K prior; Total Jobseekers; no est v 3.540M prior

13:00 (US) Treasury to sell 2-Year Notes

15:00 (AR) Argentina Aug Economic Activity Index (Monthly GDP) M/M: No est v 0.7% prior; Y/Y: 4.0%e v 4.9% prior

15:00 (AR) Argentina Sept Trade Balance: -$0.9Be v -$1.1B prior

16:30 (US) Weekly API Oil Inventories

The euro is unchanged in the Tuesday session, after starting the week with losses. Currently, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1760, up 0.09% on the day. On the release front, German and European Manufacturing PMIs were sharp. German Flash Manufacturing PMI ticked lower to 60.5, beating the estimate of 60.1 points. Eurozone Manufacturing PMI improved to 58.6, easily beating the estimate of 57.9 points. There are no major US events on the schedule. On Wednesday, Germany releases Ifo Business Climate, and the US will publish US Core Durable Goods Orders.

The crisis in Catalonia has entered its third week, and with the central and Catalan governments entrenched in their positions, the worst may be yet to come. On Saturday, the central government said it would imposing direct rule, invoking Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution. However, there is plenty of uncertainty, as this clause has never been used. Madrid has said it will remove Catalan President Carles Puigemont from power, take over the media and hold new elections for the region. Unsurprisingly, the Catalan government has condemned this latest salvo and has called for “massive civil disobdience”. Developments are unfolding daily, and investors are nervously watching the trouble in Spain, the eurozone’s fourth largest economy. The European Union has refused to intervene, calling the crisis an internal matter. So far, the woes in Catalonia have not affected the euro.

The eurozone economy has been performing well, with much of the credit going to a robust manufacturing sector in Germany and the eurozone. This was underscored on Tuesday, as manufacturing PMIs were strong and continue to point to expansion. The manufacturing sector remains solid, as global demand for European exports remains strong and consumer spending has been steady. German and European Services PMIs both missed their estimates, but still indicated expansion in the services sector.

The Brexit clock is ticking, with Britain leaving the European Union in March 2019. However, negotiations between the parties have foundered, as the sides remain far apart on a number of key issues, including the size of Britain’s bill when it says goodbye to the club. Prime Minister May addressed the 27 EU leaders last week in Brussels, imploring the European to show some flexibility. This didn’t prevent the EU leaders from stating that trade negotiations with Britain would not commence until more progress is made on non-trade matters. Prime Minister May has a razor-thin majority in parliament, and adding to the mix, there are sharp divisions in her cabinet regarding Brexit, with some senior ministers in favor of taking a hard stance and leaving the EU without an agreement if the Europeans fail to soften their position.

The pair maintains positive tone and hit marginally higher high at 3.7236 on Tuesday following Monday’s gap-higher opening, which further accelerated recovery rally from 3.6251 (13 Oct low).

Bulls are looking for renewed attempt through 3.7301 (Fibo 61.8% of larger 3.9414/3.3883 descend) which was dented on Oct 9 short-lived spike to 3.7994.

Close above 3.7301 pivot would generate bullish signal for extension towards lower tops at 3.7482 (07 Apr) and 3.7853 (09 Mar) and possible extension towards 3.7994 spike high.

Bulls are expected to remain fully in play while Monday’s gap stays intact. Gap’s lower boundary is reinforced by sideways-moving10SMA at 3.6651 and only sustained break here would sideline near-term bulls.

Res: 3.7236, 3.7301, 3.7452, 3.7853
Sup: 3.7035, 3.6838, 3.6651, 3.6410

• US earnings key on Tuesday;
• EUR edges higher on strong PMI data;
• EUR gains appear capped ahead of ECB decision.

A rare negative session on Monday in US equity markets could be quickly reversed on Tuesday, with futures pointing to a more positive open on Wall Street.

While there is always the potential for market pullbacks or even corrections, I don’t think we can read too much into Monday’s declines, especially given the long and gradual rally that preceded it and the size of the losses registered. I think what we saw Monday was simply some profit taking and now we’ll see just how bullish investors are at the moment by how quickly and aggressively the dips are seized on. Index futures suggest we won’t have to wait very long at all.

As will remain the case for much of the week, the main driver for equity market sentiment will be company earnings today with 42 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report on the third quarter. This includes the likes of Caterpillar, 3M, United Technologies and McDonald’s, all of which are also components of the Dow and three of which will report before the open, which could drive sentiment early in the session. We’ll also get flash services and manufacturing PMI surveys from the US shortly after the open which could help guide sentiment.

The eurozone recovery is gathering momentum according to surveys released this morning, with employment being a particular highlight from the manufacturing and services PMI reports. While the services PMI eased slightly from last month to 54.9 – which still indicates a strong growth outlook – the manufacturing survey was extremely encouraging and was driven by strong export demand.

While a stronger euro may represent a potential headwind for manufacturing going forward, the ECB is managing the transition very carefully and has repeatedly acted to prevent a damaging appreciation. The ECB is due to meet on Thursday, after which an update should lay out plans for bond buying beyond the end of this year when the current program will expire. While a reduction appears all-but guaranteed, the manner of the scaling down of QE is still apparently being decided on, with an initial €30 billion reduction until next September the most heavily speculation option.

The ECB will likely avoid to committing to anything beyond September – making this tapering process different to that carried out by the Federal Reserve – instead giving the impression that the decision will be made closer to the time, even if the process has already largely been agreed on. With this in mind, it’s hard to envisage a scenario in which the ECB intentionally delivers above what markets are expecting, which could weigh on the euro driven by either profit taking or the usual dovish accompanying commentary.

Elliott Wave Analysis: NZDUSD And AUDUSD

NZDUSD broke to the downside which has been expected as we identified a correction within strong ongoing downtrend. It was a nice a-b-c rally up in wave four. We see pair at a new low now, so it can be wave five which means a new a-b-c may occur by the end of the week. But bearish momentum is very strong so we have to be prepared on extended waves, especially now when Aussie might have finally joined the downtrend. It's interesting to see a new leg down on Aussie despite some corrective rally on gold, so new breakdown on metals could cause a lot of trouble to Australian currency that has room now for 0.7744/69.

NZDUSD, 1H

AUDUSD, 1H

The Kiwi dollar returns to red on Tuesday and hit new five-month low on persisting pressure from political uncertainty on policy steer from country's incoming government.

Brief consolidation of broader descend on Monday was capped by broken psychological 0.7000 support. Bearish techs favor further downside, as current wave C (part of five-wave pattern from 0.7558) approaches its FE123.6% at 0.6907 and could extend to 0.6844 (FE 138.2%).

Caution on strongly oversold slow stochastic on daily chart which suggests correction in coming sessions.

Above 0.7000, next barrier lies at 0.7055 (10 Oct former low), followed by descending 10SMA (0.7075) which is expected to cap extended corrective upticks.

Res: 0.7000, 0.7055, 0.7075, 0.7112
Sup: 0.6907, 0.6854, 0.6844, 0.6817

Crude oil bounced hard back within range defined by support at 50.43 and the strong resistance lies at 52.86 (28/09/2017). Expected to show continued increase within this range.

In the long-term, crude oil has recovered after its sharp decline last year. However, we consider that further weakness are very likely. For the time being the pair lies in an upside momentum. Strong support lies at 35.24 (05/04/2016) while resistance can now be found at 55.24 (03/01/2017 high).