German yields are 2-3bps higher, with the curve lightly steepening. Moves in long-end JGBs once again set the tone at the European open, following a soft 40-year auction overnight. Steepening flow in futures (Bund/Schatz block) will have also contributed to the EGB curve moves.
- Long-end Bund supply was digested smoothly, and may have weighed a little on the space ahead of the 1030GMT bidding deadline, despite the small size.
- Bund futures are -20 at 130.75, with initial support at 130.46 (50-day EMA). Today's range has been just 30 ticks wide.
- The spread has been set for today’s 10-year Spanish syndication. MNI expects a E10-13bln size.
- 10-year EGB spreads to Bunds are up to 1bp wider, with European equity futures softening. The BTP/Bund spread remains just below the 100bp handle.
- 1-year ahead ECB expectations surprisingly rose to 3.1% Y/Y (vs 2.8% cons, 2.9% prior). However, longer-term expectations were steady, limiting the market reaction. French Q1 GDP confirmed flash estimates at 0.1% Q/Q.
- Regional focus remains on Friday’s flash inflation data from Spain, Germany and Italy.