Economic calendar: US earnings season begins this week

• European stock markets seen opening lower

• US earnings season begins this week

Stock markets in Europe are expected to launch new week slightly below Friday's closing prices. Economic calendar is empty today with the European retail sales reading being the only data print scheduled. However, it rarely has an impact on indices or FX markets. Investors will also hear from one ECB member and one Fed member.

Things are about to get more interesting for stock traders as the Wall Street earnings season for Q1 2021 begins this week. Today's earnings calendar is light but more companies will start reporting from Wednesday, when major US banks publish their results.

9:00 am BST - Euro area, retail sales for February. Expected: 1.5% MoM. Previous: -5.9% MoM

Central bankers' speeches

• 8:45 am BST - ECB Panetta

• 6:00 pm BST - Fed Rosengren

US earnings releases

• Aphria (APHA.US) - before market open