Market Information Thursday 16 April 2020

Statistics Netherlands has reported that the number of new applications for unemployment benefits rose to 38,000. As a result, the number of people currently on unemployment benefits in the Netherlands has risen to 250,000. The increase in the number of unemployment benefits was the strongest in the hospitality sector, temporary employment sector and culture sector.

Oil prices decreased sharply yesterday, following a report by the US energy agency EIA. It showed that domestic demand in the United States has fallen to its all-time low. The report is a first confirmation that the agreed production restrictions of OPEC and other countries are probably not enough to restore oil prices. Yesterday, the price for a barrel of Brent oil decreased approximately 6.5% to USD 27.69 at the close of the market.

Destatis has announced that inflation in Germany in March 2020 was 1.4% on an annual basis. This figure corresponds to a previous provisional estimate. In February 2020, inflation was 1.7% on an annual basis. Based on the harmonized European measurement method, inflation was 1.3% in March 2020.

The 6M Euribor decreased with 2 basis points to -0.20% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap decreased with 5 basis points to -0.07% 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.