Investors Await U.S. Inflation Data and Earnings Reports

Global shares mostly rose on Monday as investors awaited earnings reports from top global companies and a consumer prices report that will serve as a gauge for U.S. inflation. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.4% in early trading, reaching 8,095.02, while Germany’s DAX edged up 0.5% to 18,258.45. Britain’s FTSE 100 saw a slight increase to 18,258.45. U.S. shares were poised to dip slightly, with Dow futures down 0.1% at 39,198.00 and S&P 500 futures falling nearly 0.1% to 5,248.50. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 0.9% to close at 39,347.04, and Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.2% to 7,789.10. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.1% to 2,717.65. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added less than 0.1% to 16,732.85, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.7% to 3,047.05.

Market analyst Yeap Jun Rong from IG noted, 'Gains may be limited as the U.S. consumer price index report this week could lead to reservations.' The U.S. government is set to release its March report on consumer prices, following a strong job market performance in March. Concerns about inflation rising above 3% persist, especially with energy prices on the uptick. Benchmark U.S. crude fell to $86.01 a barrel, while Brent crude declined to $90.19 a barrel. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar edged up to 151.89 Japanese yen from 151.61 yen, and the euro dipped to $1.0831 from $1.0841.

The upcoming U.S. consumer price index report and the recent trends in energy prices are key factors influencing global markets. Investors are closely monitoring economic recovery indicators and geopolitical tensions that could impact energy prices. The week ahead will provide further insights into market movements as earnings reports and inflation data take center stage.