Market Movers European Session – European Indices and EURUSD Down

# Market Movers: European Session – European Indices Down, US Futures Retreat, EUR/USD Down, Gold Up

**Note**: This analysis is generated during the European market session, with European markets actively open. All economic event times are in US Eastern Time (New York time). Nikkei 225 is closed.

## Major News

### Current Market Overview

As the European market session unfolds, major indices are experiencing slight declines, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors. The DAX is down 0.19% at 24,247.19, the EURO STOXX 50 has dropped 0.07% to 5,458.42, and the FTSE 100 is down 0.19% at 9,291.62. Meanwhile, US futures are showing mixed signals ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s anticipated speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, with S&P 500 futures at 6,386.50 (-0.03%), Nasdaq futures at 23,180.75 (-0.17%), and Dow futures slightly up at 44,872.00 (+0.04%). The Nikkei 225 is closed, reflecting a modest gain of 0.05% at 42,633.29.

### Market Reactions and Stock Movements

European stocks opened lower as traders digested the latest details from the EU-U.S. trade deal. This decline follows a broader trend in the U.S. markets, where the S&P 500 has recorded its fifth consecutive losing day, with a notable drop of 150 points on Thursday. Analysts are closely watching Powell’s upcoming speech for insights into future monetary policy, which could further influence market sentiment.

In the tech sector, Nvidia is facing challenges as it reportedly instructed component suppliers to halt production of its H20 chips intended for the Chinese market due to regulatory crackdowns. This news has raised concerns about Nvidia’s supply chain and potential revenue impacts. In contrast, Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, praised TSMC during a visit to Taiwan, calling it one of the greatest companies in history, which may bolster investor confidence in TSMC’s stock.

Additionally, the airline industry is under scrutiny, particularly Spirit Airlines, which is facing uncertainties regarding its financial viability post-bankruptcy. Analysts suggest that the airline’s failure to make decisive operational changes could jeopardize its future.

### Geopolitical Factors and Tariffs

Geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics, particularly between the U.S. and its trading partners. India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen trade ties, countering U.S. tariff threats, particularly concerning oil exports. This move may have implications for global oil prices and trade flows, as India seeks to narrow its trade deficit with Russia.

In the automotive sector, major Japanese car manufacturers have stated they will not raise prices in the U.S. despite existing tariffs. This decision comes amid reports that these companies are absorbing some of the costs associated with U.S. tariffs, which could impact their profit margins but may also keep consumer prices stable in the short term.

Moreover, the ongoing U.S.-China space race is intensifying, with China making significant strides in its lunar ambitions. This competition is expected to have broader implications for technology and defense sectors, as both nations ramp up their investments in space exploration.

### Corporate Earnings and Strategic Moves

Earnings reports continue to shape market expectations, with mixed results from major companies. Workday reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, but its CEO cautioned about challenges in the education and government sectors, which could temper investor enthusiasm.

On the other hand, analysts from Wolfe Research have flagged potential sell candidates, including Southwest Airlines and Lockheed Martin, citing “double misses” in their earnings reports. This could lead to further volatility in their stock prices as investors reassess their positions.

Interestingly, Jefferies has noted a rise in share buyback announcements among S&P 500 companies this year, indicating strong cash flows and a strategic focus on returning value to shareholders. This trend could provide some support to the broader market, as companies look to bolster investor confidence amid uncertain economic conditions.

In the tech space, Google has secured a significant six-year cloud deal worth over $10 billion with Meta, showcasing the competitive landscape between the two companies in the realm of online advertising and artificial intelligence. This partnership may enhance Meta’s data center infrastructure as it pursues growth in AI, potentially providing a competitive edge in the market.

### Conclusion

Overall, the European markets are navigating a complex landscape of corporate earnings, geopolitical tensions, and upcoming monetary policy signals. With Powell’s speech on the horizon, investors remain vigilant, seeking clarity on future interest rate trajectories and their potential impact on market stability. As corporate earnings continue to roll in, the focus will be on how companies adapt to the evolving economic environment and the strategies they employ to maintain growth and shareholder value.

## Performances

### US Futures

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of US futures.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### European and Asian Indices

The following table shows the latest closing price and daily performance of major European and Asian indices.

**Note**:
– Prices are in local currency or points.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.
– Nikkei 225 is closed during European session.

### FX Performance

The following table shows the latest exchange rate and daily performance of major currency pairs.

**Note**:
– Prices are the exchange rate (e.g., EUR/USD = USD per EUR).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### Commodities Performance

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of major commodities.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD per unit (e.g., per barrel for Crude Oil, per ounce for Gold).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### BTC and ETH Performance

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of BTC and ETH.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

## Economic Calendar of Today (Most Important Events)

The following table lists high-importance economic events for today, 2025-08-22, with times in US Eastern Time.

**Notes**:
– **Cur**: Currency associated with the event (with flag emoji).
– **Imp**: Importance (High, Medium, Low, None).
– **Actual**: Reported value (if available).
– **Forecast**: Expected value (if available).

On August 22, 2025, significant economic events are poised to impact financial markets, particularly during the active European trading session.

At 02:00 (US Eastern Time), Germany’s GDP for Q2 was released, showing a contraction of -0.3% compared to expectations of a -0.1% decrease. This larger-than-anticipated decline raises concerns about the health of the Eurozone’s largest economy and could influence the European Central Bank’s monetary policy stance. A weaker GDP figure may lead to increased market volatility for the euro and European equities as investors reassess growth forecasts and potential stimulus measures.

Later in the day, at 10:00 (US Eastern Time), Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak. While no specific forecasts are available, market participants will be keenly attentive to his remarks for any insights into the Fed’s future policy direction, especially in light of recent economic data. His comments could significantly influence the U.S. dollar and broader market sentiment.

Additionally, at 12:00 (US Eastern Time), U.S. President Trump is expected to address economic policies, which could further sway market expectations surrounding fiscal measures and trade relations.

As the European market session remains active, traders are likely to react to these events, with heightened focus on the implications of the German GDP data and the potential insights from Powell and Trump’s speeches. Overall, these developments are critical in shaping market dynamics today.

## Remaining Economic Calendar Comment for the Week (Important Events Only)

For the week of August 23-25, 2025, several key economic events are scheduled that could significantly impact financial markets, particularly the USD and related assets.

On August 23, at 10:00 AM (US Eastern Time), the New Home Sales data for July will be released. This metric is critical as it reflects consumer confidence and housing market health. Analysts will be closely watching for any deviations from expectations, as a stronger-than-anticipated figure could bolster the USD, while a weaker outcome might raise concerns about economic momentum.

The following day, August 24, will be pivotal with three important releases. At 8:30 AM, Durable Goods Orders for July are expected to show a decline of 4.0%. A sharper drop could signal weakening manufacturing activity, potentially leading to a bearish sentiment in equity markets. At 10:00 AM, the CB Consumer Confidence index for August is forecasted at 98.0. A surprise in this index could influence consumer spending expectations and market sentiment. At 10:30 AM, Crude Oil Inventories will be reported, which may impact energy prices and related equities.

On August 25, the GDP growth rate for Q2 is anticipated to be 3.0%. This figure is crucial as it provides insights into overall economic health. Additionally, Initial Jobless Claims data will be released, giving further context to the labor market’s strength.

As the European market session is currently active, traders are likely adjusting their positions in anticipation of these significant releases, reflecting real-time trading activity. Overall, this week presents critical data points that could lead to volatility in the markets, particularly around USD pairs and equities.