Regarding macro data releases, euro area industrial production rose 0.3% m/m in July following a -0.6% contraction in the previous month, and the German Zew economic sentiment index unexpectedly picked up. In the US, August retail sales rose 0.6% on a monthly basis, beating consensus expectations of 0.2% growth, while industrial production advanced 0.1% m/m.
In commodities markets, crude prices rose for a second straight session, with the barrel of Brent trading around $68.5, as concerns mounted about Russian supply amid Ukrainian strikes on critical oil infrastructures. Gold continued to rise ahead of expected monetary easing in the US and hit a new record as it hovered close to $3,700 per ounce.
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