Market sentiment remains cautious ahead of inflation data and potential ECB decision

Trading on Europe's major stock exchanges remained subdued on Tuesday, as investors largely maintained their positive momentum from the start of the week, but exercised caution ahead of upcoming key inflation data and an expected rate cut by the ECB in the following week. The EuroStoxx 50 posted a marginal gain, while both France's CAC 40 and Britain's FTSE 100 experienced slight declines. Market participants no longer seem to be concealing their expectations for an imminent reduction in the key interest rate, a notion supported by recent remarks from the European Central Bank. Analysts, represented by Jochen Stanzl and Jürgen Molnar, reflect a consensus that further monetary easing could follow by year-end, especially if the inflation trend is downward. In retail, ABN Amro is a topic of discussion, with a considerable appreciation following the acquisition of the private bank Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe, significantly strengthening its business in Germany. On the other hand, the shares of DocMorris, buoyed by analyst opinions and the digitalization of healthcare, are experiencing a notable recovery. The other side of the price movements is marked by Fevertree, with the ideals of the British beverage manufacturer clouded by more skeptical analyst assessments. Visually impacted by dividend cuts, the shares of Alstom and Carrefour present themselves in the loss column.