Marketmind: Bitcoin is back, stocks wobble

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Ankur Banerjee:

Earnings from big hitters, a crowded economic calendar and anxiety over the Israel-Hamas war will likely keep investors jittery as Europe wakes up, while bitcoin prices have struck an 18-month high.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan whipsawed between gains and losses, touching a fresh 11-month low before reversing course to nudge back into the black. Futures point to a lower open in European bourses.

Treasuries remain in the headlines with yields on 10-year notes briefly hitting 5% on Monday before quickly declining. It was last at 4.846% in Asian hours.

The decline in yields weighed on U.S. dollar and provided some relief to the fragile yen. The Japanese currency was at 149.57 per dollar having touched the symbolic 150 level on Friday and on Monday.

Investor attention will be on flash PMIs from Britain, France, the euro zone and the United States, which will provide clues on the economic picture ahead of the central bank bonanza that starts with ECB meeting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, bitcoin prices soared on the back of rising speculation about the possibility of a bitcoin exchange-traded fund.

In corporate news, tech bellwethers Microsoft (NASDAQ:) and Google-parent Alphabet (NASDAQ:) report earnings later on Tuesday.

In Europe, investors closely watch earnings from Barclays and whether French luxury group Kering (EPA:) faced slowing demand in third quarter like its rival LVMH.

In bad news for chocolate lovers, futures on ICE will test a fourth successive record high on Tuesday as traders bet shrinking demand will not be enough to offset a severe downturn in supply.

Key developments that could influence markets on Tuesday:

Economic events: Oct flash PMI for Germany, France, UK and Euro zone; UK August ILO unemployment rate

Earnings: Barclays, Puma, Microsoft and Google-parent Alphabet.