Market Information Monday 29 January 2024

Oil prices rose again on Friday. Both the prices for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate and Brent increased by as much as 1%, resulting in the highest price levels in two months. On a weekly basis, prices increased by over 6%. Possible explanations for the increase include factors such as news about additional stimulus measures in China, unexpectedly large inventory declines, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The financing of small businesses is under pressure, as indicated by the Financing Monitor of Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Despite a substantial need for funding in SMEs, these businesses struggle to navigate the path to financiers. A mere 42% sought financing last year, with 58% of micro-businesses abandoning their search prematurely, marking a 10% increase from 2022. While internal financing is common, it compromises financial resilience. Additionally, the share of bank financing has, for the first time, dropped below 50%, with over 40% opting for alternative sources like crowdfunding, leasing, and factoring companies.

German consumer confidence for February unexpectedly worsened, as revealed by measurements from research firm GfK, which conducts forward-looking assessments. The confidence index dropped to -29.7, compared to -25.4 the previous month, adjusted from an earlier forecast of -25.1.

The 6M Euribor decreased with 1 basis point to 3.91% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap increased with 1 basis point to 2.68% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.