European markets were flat overnight.The FTSE rose 26 points...

European markets were flat overnight.

The FTSE rose 26 points (.33%), the DAX rose 20 points (.11%) and the CAC fell 3 points (.05%).

Markets are waiting on the ECB interest rate decision coming out tomorrow. Interest rates are expected to be on hold but the commentary from the ECB on trends will be digested.

Not a good day for markets in the US. US CPI data for March came in hotter than expected. CPI was 3.5% - up from 3.2% in February. US inflation is sticky an seems to be holding very stubbornly withing a range up to just under 4%.


The DOW fell422 points (1.09%), the NBI fell67 points (1.57%), the NASDAQ Composite fell 136 Points (.84% and the Russell small cap index fell 52 points (2.52%).

The fall in the Russell small cap index would indicate a more risk averse environment is creeping into the stock markets.

Of concern is the rise in the US Treasury 10 year bond yield - now us around 4.6%.

Oil prices continue to rise - Brent crude at US$90.60 per barrel.

The gold price is sitting at US$2,333 per oz.

BITCOIN firmed a little overning - now at US$69,900.