European stocks have opened relatively firm this morning, printing gains ahead of Bernanke’s testament to Congress. The FTSE 100 is looking to test 6,600 once again and will likely need U.S. support later on today to establish any breakthrough. The market will be hoping for a distinct absence of any reason to sell, namely no further evidence of tapering anytime soon.
Gold is unchanged, trading steadily at $1,285. If volatility is to hit the market as a result of unexpected information later today, gold is likely one key destination, and to consider Bernanke’s understanding of the concerns congress has over asset purchases is to evaluate the downside.