European stock futures are indicating a higher open, despite worse than expected China data. China’s industrial production slowed to 8.6% in the January to February period, adding to the poor data we have already seen at the beginning of the week. On Monday, markets took a negative reaction to the poor data but have failed to react this morning. Gains are likely to be capped as investors digest the state of the second largest economy.
Retail Sales and Unemployment Claims will help investors analyse the state of the US economy later today. Investors are likely to keep a sharp eye on the data to try gauge any sign of a recovery in the US economy after the recent frigid weather.