While the Nasdaq 100 is surging again today, the euro is in retreat ahead of tomorrow’s expected ECB rate cut, says Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at online trading platform IG.

Stocks rally following US inflation data

Risk sentiment had been kept in check ahead of the inflation print today, but the news has unleashed fresh buying. Technically the ‘Santa Rally’ doesn’t usually start for a few more days, but the Nasdaq 100 has got its gains in early, surging to a new record high. Interestingly, we have seen the dollar push higher too even though today’s figures are unlikely to mean the Fed will swerve from a rate cut next week. But looser rates should mean stronger economic growth, reinforcing the desire of investors to keep investing in the US.

Canada cuts rates, ECB’s turn next?

The euro is dropping against the dollar and sterling ahead of the ECB’s decision tomorrow. It will be the second bank to do so in 24 hours, following Canada’s lead this afternoon. While both the ECB and the Fed are in easing mode, they are conducting this policy for very different reasons – for the ECB, it’s a question of doing what it can to prop up an ailing economy whereas the Fed can enjoy gently easing policy to support more solid growth.

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