Europe

"Apprehension" - that's how Citi describes trader sentiment as a new week begins, in which the bank points to various event risks over the coming five days. The one markets are focusing on over say, the FOMC on Wednesday, is the political noise coming from Washington. The investigation into Russia’s alleged meddling in the 2016 election is back in focus as President Trumps’ son-in-law testifies, along with Trump Jr and Paul Manafort later in the week. As such, risk sentiment seems apprehensive ahead of the inevitable headlines

Commercial Property Market Is Inflated and May Burst Again

by David McWilliams

Dublin property investors had better hope that Brexit happens soon.

• Kushner, Russian Ambassador Had Undisclosed Contact (WSJ)
• Democrats take aim at big companies in economic blueprint (Reuters)
• Trump open to signing Russia sanctions legislation (Reuters)
• Schumer Predicts Trump Firing Mueller Would Be GOP Tipping Point (BBG)
• Senate GOP Unsure of What Health-Care Measure They Will Vote On (WSJ)
• Japan PM Abe denies favors for friend amid falling support (Reuters)
• Britain’s Economy Is Almost Flatlining (BBG)
• Wall Street Outlasts Congress on Banker Pay, But Still Loses (WSJ)

In a mixed session, which has seen Asian stocks ex-Japan broadly higher, the European Stoxx 600 index dropped as much as 0.6% after data Markit PMI data signalled euro-area economy grew in July at its slowest pace in six months while carmakers extended declines on continued concern about antitrust collusion in the industry.  Germany’s DAX Index was hardest-hit euro-area benchmark, down as much as 0.8%. Autos continued to be the worst-performing sector on the Stoxx Europe 600 after EU and German regulators said they are studying possible collusion among German automakers.

The Israel Lobby : Time for a Second Edition

Paul Craig Roberts