Prior 57.1The good news is that Spain’s services sector continues to maintain growth conditions to start the year. However, there is a notable downshift with the reading here well missing on estimates. Sluggish demand was to blame with an easing of new business growth, the weakest since June last year.That aside, employment growth remains positive and business confidence also continues to pick up. The latter is seen improving to a ten-month high in fact. The slight downside is that input cost pressures remained a concern for firms in January, with latest data showing another month of elevated input price inflation.HCOB notes that:“The latest HCOB PMIs indicate that growth momentum in Spain’s private sector eased somewhat at the start of the year, with both the services sector and manufacturing contributing to the slowdown. This cooling follows an exceptionally strong final quarter of 2025, when GDP expanded by 0.8% quarter‑on‑quarter. Given the diminishing underlying impulses, such a rapid pace of expansion is unlikely to be sustained throughout 2026. Growth of business activity in Spain’s services sector softened at the beginning of the year, albeit from a high level. While this points to a normalization of growth dynamics, the sector’s overall expansion remains robust. However, new orders data reveal a moderation in demand momentum, with foreign orders in particular declining, especially from key euro area partners, whose weaker economic performance is increasingly reflected in Spanish export demand. Despite the slowdown in January, firms remain confident about the business outlook for the year ahead. This optimism is also mirrored in hiring intentions: companies anticipate a higher workload and continued growth and are therefore seeking to expand capacity. Yet this comes with a cost. Input price inflation in the services sector – driven largely by labour costs – have stabilised at elevated levels following the inflationary surge in 2022. Wage pressures therefore remain a challenge, both from a corporate profitability and a price‑stability perspective.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Spain’s services sector growth is stalling, and here’s why that matters for traders: The latest reading of 57.1 indicates growth, but it’s significantly below expectations, signaling potential weakness in consumer demand. This could impact the euro, especially if the trend continues, as sluggish demand often leads to tighter monetary policy from the ECB. Traders should keep an eye on related assets like EUR/USD, which could see volatility if the euro weakens further. If the services sector doesn’t pick up, we might see a shift in market sentiment, pushing traders to reassess their positions. Watch for any updates on new business growth—if it continues to decline, it could trigger a sell-off in the euro. On the flip side, if the services sector rebounds, it could provide a buying opportunity. But right now, the risk is tilted towards further downside. Keep an eye on the 56.0 level in EUR/USD; a break below could signal a more significant downturn. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the 56.0 level in EUR/USD closely; a break below could indicate further euro weakness amid slowing services sector growth.
Italy January services PMI 52.9 vs 51.4 expected
Prior 51.5Composite PMI 51.4 vs 50.3 prior Key findings:Stronger growth in output, but softer rise in inflows of new business Outlook dims with hiring activity slowing Cost pressures cool but charge inflation picks upComment:Commenting on the PMI data, Nils Müller, Junior Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said: “The Italian services economy entered 2026 on a firmer footing, with the HCOB Italy Services PMI rising to 52.9 in January from 51.5 in December. The pick‑up in activity moved the headline index back above its historical trend and extended the current growth sequence to fourteen months. Firms reported healthy levels of client onboarding and new public tender wins, despite a moderation in total new business growth and another marginal decline in export sales. While still solid by historical standards, the slowdown in new inflows signals that demand dynamics have become slightly less supportive at the start of the year. “Employment continued to expand in January, with firms hiring across a range of operational and specialist roles. However, the pace of job creation remained only slight as companies increasingly showed caution around additional spending. Backlogs of work fell marginally again, suggesting that capacity is broadly aligned with current workloads. “Price developments were mixed. Input cost inflation eased to its weakest rate in three months, even as staffing and energy expenses continued to rise. Output charge inflation, however, accelerated to a six‑month high as firms passed through these cost burdens more decisively. “Business expectations deteriorated for a second month running and slipped to a five‑month low. Although firms remain optimistic overall, expectations are now well below the historical average, held back by concerns over competitive pressures and subdued economic prospects. This downshift in confidence is also consistent with the latest international growth projections. According to the IMF, Italy is set to grow by only 0.7 percent in 2026, broadly in line with other forecasts yet notably lower than the euro area’s expected 1.3 percent, indicating that economic momentum may remain comparatively restrained.” This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The latest PMI data shows a slight uptick in growth, but here’s the catch: new business inflows are slowing down. For traders, this mixed signal could mean volatility in the eurozone markets, particularly in the forex space. A PMI reading of 51.5 indicates expansion, but the decline in new business suggests that growth may not be sustainable. This could lead to a cautious approach from investors, especially if hiring activity continues to slow. Keep an eye on the euro against the dollar; if it breaks below key support levels, we might see a more significant pullback. Also, watch for any shifts in inflation metrics, as rising charge inflation could impact central bank policies moving forward. The real story is whether this PMI uptick is a blip or a trend—traders should be prepared for both scenarios as we head into the next quarter. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the euro’s performance against the dollar closely; a break below key support could signal a deeper pullback amid slowing new business inflows.
France January final services PMI 48.4 vs 47.9 prelim
Prior 50.1Composite PMI 49.1 vs 48.6 prelimPrior 50.0The headline reading is better than the initial estimate but still points to a first contraction in three months for France’s services sector. Of note, new business is seen declining at its fastest pace in six months. The good news at least is that employment conditions are seen holding up while firms’ expectations for growth in the year ahead were the most upbeat since September last year.HCOB notes that:“France’s private sector economy currently presents a diverging picture. Manufacturing has shown tentative signs of gradual recovery in recent months, while the service sector entered the new year on a softer footing, reflected in a cooling of activity. As a result, the composite index has slipped back below the growth threshold, due to the heavier weight of services in the overall economy. “At the start of the year, France’s service sector experienced a fresh setback. Order books were notably sparse, with clients displaying caution. Against this backdrop, it is all the more noteworthy that forward‑looking business expectations have risen significantly. This optimism appears to rest on the assumption that a resolution to the protracted budget deadlock will help reduce uncertainty, thereby supporting both consumption and investment momentum. “Labour market prospects in the French service sector appear to be broadly balanced. Survey data have pointed to a modest recovery in hiring throughout the second half of 2025, though simultaneous reports of diminishing work backlogs suggest this trend could be a fragile one. Should new business continue to fall short, the labour market outlook could become more challenging over the coming months. “Price dynamics in the French services sector remain modest for the time being. Where feasible, firms are attempting to pass higher costs, which are predominantly wage‑related, on to customers in an effort to preserve margins. Overall, cost pressures are below their historical average, indicating that no meaningful inflationary impulse appears to be building in the service sector at present.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight France’s services sector just reported its first contraction in three months, and here’s why that matters: The Composite PMI reading of 50.1, while slightly better than the initial estimate, signals a troubling trend with new business declining at the fastest pace in six months. For traders, this could indicate a slowdown in economic activity, which might lead to a bearish sentiment in related markets. If the services sector continues to weaken, we could see a ripple effect on the euro, particularly against the dollar, as investors reassess growth prospects. Watch for any further declines in the PMI, as a sustained drop below 50 could trigger a more significant sell-off in both the euro and equities tied to the French economy. On the flip side, if the PMI stabilizes or improves in the coming months, it could provide a buying opportunity for those looking to capitalize on a rebound. Keep an eye on the next PMI release and related economic indicators, as they could set the tone for trading strategies in the forex market, particularly for euro pairs. The immediate focus should be on the 50.0 level; a break below that could signal deeper issues ahead. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the Composite PMI closely; a sustained drop below 50 could trigger bearish sentiment in the euro and related markets.
Germany January final services PMI 52.4 vs 53.3 prelim
Prior 52.7Final Composite PMI 52.1 vs 52.5 prelimPrior 51.3Key findings:Employment falls at joint-fastest rate since June 2020 Comment:Commenting on the PMI data, Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said: “Without the service sector, Germany’s economy would look in an even worse state than it is currently portrayed in the ongoing debate. In January, service providers ensured that the economy as a whole grew, with the service sector continuing to do most of the heavy lifting. Continued growth in the service sector can be expected in the coming months, as new business has increased for the fourth month in a row. For the first time since mid-2023, orders from abroad are playing an important role in supporting growth. In general, the mood in the service sector appears to be relatively good, which is underlined by the fact that companies are much more confident about the future than they were a month ago. The corresponding index has risen to its highest level since May 2024. “Service providers clearly feel able to charge higher prices for their services, which is a sign of strength. This observation supports the theory that the economy is on the upswing, as higher prices can usually be best enforced during an economic upturn. Although part of the increase in sales prices is also due to higher cost inflation, the jump in inflation in sales prices is greater than that of costs. On average, companies have therefore probably succeeded in achieving slightly higher profit margins. “The fairly sharp decline in employment in the service sector is somewhat surprising after workforces grew for most of last year, especially since business activity has increased. We do not see this development as the beginning of a trend, although it cannot be ruled out that many companies are considering strategies for boosting productivity, i.e., maintaining at least constant business activity with fewer staff, which likely includes the use of artificial intelligence. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Germany’s Composite PMI at 52.1 signals a slowdown, and here’s why that matters: The slight dip from the preliminary 52.5 indicates that while the economy is still expanding, the pace is slowing, particularly in the employment sector, which is falling at its fastest rate since June 2020. This could lead to increased volatility in the euro, especially against the dollar, as traders reassess growth expectations. If the service sector continues to weaken, we might see a ripple effect across related markets, including equities and bonds, as investor sentiment shifts. Keep an eye on the 52.0 level; a breach could signal a more pronounced downturn. On the flip side, some might argue that the PMI still reflects growth, albeit slow, and could attract bargain hunters looking for undervalued assets. However, with employment trends worsening, the risks of a recession loom larger. Watch for upcoming economic indicators, particularly employment data, as they could provide further insight into the health of the German economy and the euro’s trajectory. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the 52.0 level on the Composite PMI; a drop below could trigger euro volatility and impact related markets.
Eurozone January final services PMI 51.6 vs 51.9 prelim
Prior 52.4Composite PMI 51.3 vs 51.5 prelimPrior 51.5Both the services and composite readings are four-month lows, signaling a sustained loss of momentum and leaving the overall rate of growth well below its historical average. The drag in January is largely due to flagging demand conditions as new orders barely rose on the month, while employment stagnated.HCOB notes that:“Service companies in the eurozone have expanded their business activities for the eighth month in a row. The growth trajectory can be described as decent, but the situation is still not comfortable. Companies hardly hired any new staff in January. The fact that new business barely grew also shows that the recovery in this sector is still fragile. “The expansion of the service sector is relatively broad-based geographically. In Germany, Italy, and Spain, there has been growth in each month since September, with France an outlier. There, the difficult political situation appears to be affecting business, which was also reflected in a significant slump in business activity in January. Another dampener is that growth has slowed significantly in Spain and somewhat in Germany, while Italy has seen a slight acceleration. Overall and on a positive note, service providers are as confident as they were in mid-2024 that they will expand their business activity over the next twelve months. “The European Central Bank is not currently particularly concerned about inflation, as the inflation target of 2% appears to have been achieved. However, it is still worth keeping a close eye on services inflation, as it remains quite sticky and if energy prices rise again – as they are currently doing due to the cold weather – the calm could quickly come to an end. In this respect, ECB members will be a bit concerned by the significant rise in cost inflation in the services sector and the visible increase in sales prices inflation that was signalled by the PMI. At its meeting on February 5, at which key interest rates are expected to remain unchanged, the ECB could refer to this very point.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The latest PMI readings are a wake-up call for traders: growth is stalling. With the composite PMI dropping to 51.3, down from 52.4, we’re seeing a clear slowdown in economic activity. This is significant because it suggests that demand is weakening, which could lead to lower consumer spending and, ultimately, impact corporate earnings. For day traders and swing traders, this could mean adjusting positions in sectors sensitive to economic growth, like consumer discretionary and industrials. Watch for how this data influences market sentiment in the coming days, especially if the trend continues. If we see further declines, it could trigger a broader sell-off, particularly in equities. On the flip side, this slowdown might prompt central banks to reconsider their tightening policies, which could provide a temporary boost to risk assets. Keep an eye on the 50 level in the PMI as a psychological threshold; a drop below could signal a recessionary environment. Also, monitor related markets like commodities and currencies, as they often react to shifts in economic outlooks. 📮 Takeaway Watch the PMI closely—if it drops below 50, expect potential sell-offs in growth-sensitive sectors and a shift in central bank policy.
Qualcomm stock analysis ahead of earnings: Expected move, positioning, and our score
Market snapshot for QCOM before its earnings tonightIt’s been a whirlwind 24 hours for Wall Street as a big divergence hits US stocks, leaving many investors wondering if the long-awaited cyclical trade is finally back in season. The shift comes on the heels of what many are calling the worst day of the year in the Nasdaq, a session marked by high volatility that managed to make even Bitcoin look steady by comparison.The tech sector remains under the microscope, especially as AMD shares fall on a disappointing AI outlook despite a solid earnings beat, highlighting just how high the bar has been set for artificial intelligence plays. As we move into the next trading session, all eyes are on the charts to see if tech shares face a key test or if this recent selloff is merely a healthy correction in a broader bull market.Tonight, many stock investors are with their eyes on Alphabet and Qualcomm (QCOM) earnings. QCOM shares are trading near the lower end of their post-earnings range as the market heads into the next earnings report, scheduled for Feb 04 after the market close.Since the previous earnings release, QCOM has drifted meaningfully lower, reflecting a broader cooling phase across large-cap technology rather than a single, sharp negative catalyst. With earnings approaching, the key question for traders and investors is not just direction, but whether there is still a real edge going into the event.The expected move into QCOM earnings (important context)One useful reference ahead of earnings is the expected move, which is derived from options pricing, often referred to as the implied straddle.For Qualcomm, the current implied move into earnings is about 6%.A critical educational point for newer investors:This is not a forecastIt does not imply bullish or bearish directionIt simply reflects how much the options market is pricing in movement either up or downIn other words, the market is saying that a roughly 6% move is plausible, but it has no conviction yet on direction.What underlying activity suggests for QCOM earnings tonightRecent market participation points to a subtle but important shift.Selling pressure has remained present, but its effectiveness has declined. Over recent sessions, downside attempts have struggled to generate sustained follow-through. Instead of accelerating lower, price has repeatedly stalled and rotated.From an educational standpoint, this matters because:Strong trends require price to be accepted at new levelsWhen price stops progressing despite heavy participation, it often signals balance or absorption, not momentumThis does not indicate aggressive accumulation. It suggests that selling is no longer being freely accepted, which changes the risk profile going into earnings.QCOM’ stock analysis bottom line: The longer-term structure vs recent behaviorFrom a longer-term perspective, Qualcomm remains in a corrective phase that began after the prior earnings report. That structural damage has not yet been repaired.However, recent behavior tells a more nuanced story. Over the past few weeks, price action has shifted from directional decline to overlapping, range-like trade. This reflects a transition from one-sided control toward uncertainty and balance.When longer-term weakness meets short-term stabilization, conviction typically compresses rather than expands, especially ahead of major events like earnings.Key price areas to watch$146 to $148 Active stabilization zone. Holding above this area keeps the basing process intact.Below $146 Sustained acceptance below this level would suggest sellers have regained control.$150 to $152 Upside attempts that stall here would reinforce range behavior rather than signal a trend reversal.These zones matter more than predictions heading into earnings.Market bias score for QCOM earnings tonight and how to read itMarket bias score: -1 (slightly bearish, improving)A brief explanation of the scale:Scores range from -10 (very bearish) to +10 (very bullish)Readings near zero indicate low edge and higher uncertaintyThe closer the score is to zero, the less directional conviction the market is offeringA -1 score reflects lingering longer-term weakness, but also clear signs that downside pressure is losing efficiency. This is not a strong bearish setup, and it is not a bullish one either.Technical Analysis for QCOM before Earnings: Qualcomm Breakdown$QCOM Daily: Bear flag breakdown active; but oversold nearBear Flag Confirmation: The stock recently broke out of a consolidation pattern that formed the “flag” portion of a bear flag. This breakdown below the lower support line typically signals a continuation of the prior downtrend.Pitchfork Resistance: Using the Andrews’ Pitchfork, the price action struggled to reclaim the median line, eventually falling through the lower parallel. This confirms that the bears are firmly in control of the current channel.Support Search: Since the breakdown, $QCOM$ has been searching for a floor, recently hovering near the $152 level. Continued weakness could lead to a test of the psychological $150 support zone.Relative Strength Divergence: While the price remains weak, the Relative Strength vs. S&P 500 (SPX) indicator below the chart is beginning to flatten or curve while the price makes lower lows. This “bullish divergence” suggests that the selling pressure is reaching an exhaustion point relative to the broader market.Educational Point: Price vs. Relative StrengthA key lesson here is the difference between absolute price and relative strength. A stock can be in a clear downtrend (absolute weakness) while its relative strength starts to bottom out. When a stock stops falling faster than the S&P 500, it often precedes a “mean reversion” rally. Traders watch for the RS line to turn upward as a “leading indicator” that the stock is becoming a value play for institutional buyers, even before the price chart officially turns bullish.This Andrews’ Pitchfork technical guide is useful because it explains how the median line of the fork acts as a magnet for price, which helps explain why the current breakdown away from that line is so significant for Qualcomm’s trend.What does this all mean for different types of Qualcomm stock investors before earnings tonight?For those considering short positions When the bias is near zero and the expected move is already priced around 6%, downside bets, especially via options, can become tricky. Even if price moves lower by a few percent, option premiums may already reflect much of that risk, potentially leading to poor
ECB and BOE meetings this week to be rather straightforward – Morgan Stanley
The central bank bonanza will return tomorrow with both the ECB and BOE delivering on their respective monetary policy decisions. No major fireworks are expected whatsoever, so it should be rather straightforward. And that is precisely what Morgan Stanley is arguing as we look to the decisions tomorrow.On the ECB, the firm notes that:”We expect the ECB to remain on hold, and keep its messaging unchanged. The decision will likely revolve around downside risks, focusing on increased trade uncertainty, growth momentum, and the exchange rate.”As for the BOE decision, Morgan Stanley is siding with a 6-3 vote on the bank rate in favour of keeping it unchanged. Their short-form note says that:”We expect a 6-3 vote for a hold, with inflation projected at target in 2026, and with slack upped on a higher jobless rate. We expect unchanged guidance.”The more detailed version outlines that they are expecting Ramsden, Dhingra, and Taylor to dissent for a 25 bps rate cut. On the bank rate vote itself, they see “risks a bit more skewed towards a 5-4 vote split than a 7-2 one”. Adding that:”We can tally up five plausible votes for a cut – Taylor, Dhingra, Breeden, Ramsden and Mann – although we think that neither Breeden nor Ramsden would vote for a cut against Bailey, should there be enough external members’ votes to deliver one.”As for policy moves by the central bank, they note that:”We think that the terminal rate could fall to 3%, with cuts in March, July and November. A faster global growth uptick than projected by Morgan Stanley, as well as a sharp change in fiscal policy direction in the UK, remain key risks to that view.”Just keep in mind that in December, they had February pegged for a rate cut and have now pushed that to March. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Tomorrow’s ECB and BOE decisions could set the tone for the rest of the week, and here’s why: traders are bracing for a non-event, but complacency could be risky. With both central banks expected to maintain their current policies, the focus will be on any hints regarding future rate changes. If the ECB signals a more dovish stance, we could see the euro weaken against the dollar, impacting forex pairs like EUR/USD. Conversely, if the BOE hints at tightening, GBP could gain traction. Traders should keep an eye on the market’s reaction post-announcement, especially around key levels—like 1.10 for EUR/USD and 1.25 for GBP/USD. The real story is how these decisions might influence market sentiment and volatility, particularly in the lead-up to the U.S. inflation data later this month, which could shift the narrative entirely. Watch for any unexpected comments from central bank officials that could spark volatility. The market’s current calm could be a precursor to sharp moves, so stay alert. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the ECB and BOE announcements tomorrow; any unexpected comments could trigger volatility in EUR/USD and GBP/USD around key levels.
UK January final services PMI 54.0 vs 54.3 prelim
Prior 51.4Final Composite PMI 53.7 vs 53.9 prelimPrior 51.4Key findings:Output growth rebounds to a five-month high Solid increase in new work Job losses continue, despite improved business optimism Comment:Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The latest survey revealed an encouraging start to 2026 for the UK service sector, following a sluggish end to last year. Output growth was the fastest for five months, supported by an uplift in investment sentiment and greater new order intakes. A number of firms suggested that post-Budget clarity had contributed to a broader improvement in client confidence, while some also cited rising export sales. “Despite a recovery in total new work, service providers still reported that consumer demand was constrained by squeezed disposable incomes, while risk aversion in response to geopolitical tensions was a factor holding back business spending. “Service sector companies appear cautiously optimistic about their growth prospects for the next 12 months, with confidence the highest seen since October 2024. However, there were again gloomy signals for the UK labour market outlook as staff hiring decreased at a steeper pace in January as firms looked to offset rising payroll costs. Another sharp increase in overall input prices contributed to the fastest rate of output charge inflation for five months.” This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The recent PMI data showing a rebound to a five-month high is crucial for traders: it indicates potential economic recovery and could influence market sentiment. With SOL currently at $96.01, the improved business optimism reflected in the PMI could lead to increased investment flows into risk assets like cryptocurrencies. If this trend continues, we might see SOL testing resistance levels around $100. However, job losses persist, which could temper enthusiasm and create volatility. Traders should keep an eye on how these economic indicators affect broader market trends, especially in the crypto space. A sustained move above $100 could trigger bullish momentum, while a failure to hold current levels might lead to a pullback. Here’s the thing: while the PMI data is positive, the underlying job losses could create a mixed sentiment. Watch for any shifts in trading volume or sentiment indicators that might signal a change in direction for SOL and related assets. 📮 Takeaway Monitor SOL closely; a break above $100 could signal bullish momentum, while job losses may introduce volatility.
Gold still poised to return to hit the $6,000 mark by year-end, says Deutsche
The sharp pullback since last week is not deterring gold buyers whatsoever and we’re already seeing that in the price action over the past two days. The recovery is looking solid and we’re now approaching a decisive moment on the charts for the precious metal as outlined here.As the parabolic surge higher cools and price settles down a bit, Deutsche Bank is arguing that the outlook remains very much bullish for gold this year. They outline three key reasons for that conviction:”We argue that the adjustment in precious metal prices overshot the significance of its ostensible catalysts. Moreover, investor intentions in precious (official, institutional, individual) have not likely changed for the worse as of yet.””Gold’s thematic drivers remain positive and we believe investors’ rationale for gold (and precious) allocations will not have changed.””We see signs that China has been a prominent driver of precious metal investment flows. Thus, the rise in SGE premiums late last week is an important sign of amplified buying interest in gold.”In that lieu, the firm argues that:”Together these suggest the rationale for a positive outlook has not changed from that described last week. We reiterate our gold USD 6,000/oz target.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Gold’s recent pullback isn’t shaking buyers, and here’s why that matters: the price action over the last two days shows resilience, suggesting a potential breakout is on the horizon. With SOL currently at $96.01, traders should keep an eye on correlated assets like gold, especially as it approaches key resistance levels. If gold can break through its recent highs, it could trigger a wave of buying across precious metals, impacting related markets like silver and even cryptocurrencies that often react to macroeconomic shifts. The broader context here is crucial; a strong recovery in gold could signal a shift in investor sentiment, moving funds away from riskier assets like SOL. Watch for gold to test its resistance around recent highs—if it holds, we might see a bullish trend that could spill over into crypto markets. Conversely, if it fails, expect a potential sell-off that could drag SOL down with it. 📮 Takeaway Monitor gold’s resistance levels closely; a breakout could boost SOL and other correlated assets significantly in the coming days.
Eurozone January preliminary CPI +1.7% vs +1.7% y/y expected
Prior +1.9%; revised to +2.0%Core CPI +2.2% vs +2.3% y/y expectedPrior +2.3%The headline reading meets estimates with core annual inflation easing slightly in January. That being said, just be wary that Eurostat has introduced some methodological changes to the inflation estimates as of this report, as seen here. Overall, the changes in the four main special aggregates (food, alcohol & tobacco, energy, non-energy industrial goods, and services) are quite negligible. To be more specific, they range from -0.04% to +0.02%.The good news at least is that services inflation is seen easing slightly from 3.4% in December to 3.2% in January. However, food price inflation remains elevated at 2.7% – compared to 2.5% last month.At around the same time, we’re getting the Italian preliminary CPI estimate for January as well. The data as per the following:CPI +1.0% vs +1.0% y/y expectedPrior +1.2%HICP +1.0% vs +0.9% y/y expectedPrior +1.2% This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Core CPI easing to 2.2% is a mixed bag for traders right now. While it meets expectations, the slight drop could signal a cooling inflation trend, which might influence the Fed’s next moves. Traders should keep an eye on how this affects ETH, currently at $2,226.36, especially as inflation data can sway risk appetite in crypto markets. If inflation continues to ease, we could see a shift in sentiment, potentially pushing ETH higher. However, the methodological changes by Eurostat could introduce volatility or confusion in the data interpretation. Watch for ETH to hold above key support levels around $2,200; a break below could trigger further selling pressure. Conversely, if it holds, it might attract buyers looking for a rebound. Here’s the thing: while the core CPI data looks favorable, don’t ignore the potential for market overreactions. Keep an eye on broader economic indicators and how they correlate with crypto movements, especially in the coming weeks as more data rolls in. 📮 Takeaway Monitor ETH’s support at $2,200; a hold above could signal bullish momentum, while a drop below may lead to further declines.