Economic calendar: German inflation and US survey data

• European stock markets expect to open higher

• Inflation data from Spain and Germany

• CB consumer confidence seen at 97 in March

Futures markets signal a higher opening for the major European indices today. Moods are improving after a two-way traffic in the Suez Canal has been fully resumed and over 100 vessels have crossed the waterway since. US yields revisited recent highs, strengthening the US dollar and pressuring precious metals. Equities are holding firm in spite of pick-up in yields but traders should stay on guard.

When it comes to today's macro releases, EUR traders will be offered March inflation data from Spain and Germany. EURUSD may also become more active at 3:00 pm GMT when CB consumer confidence data for March is released. Weekly API data is expected to point to a minor build in oil inventories.

8:00 am BST - Spain, HICP inflation for March (flash). Expected: 0.6% YoY. Previous: -0.1% YoY

1:00 pm BST - Germany, CPI inflation for March (flash). Expected: 1.7% YoY. Previous: 1.3% YoY

3:00 pm BST - US, Conference Board consumer confidence for March. Expected: 97. Previous: 91.3

9:40 pm BST - API report on oil inventories. Expected: +0.2 mb

Central bankers' speeches

• 5:00 pm BST - Fed Bostic

• 7:00 pm BST - Fed Williams