As noted in the morning note European indices remained in a range throughout the session. Basic Resources remained in the lead joining Banks, Energy, and Retail with gains of over a percent. Tech continued to ease a bit lower, finished off a percent with the split of gainers to losers evening split sector-wise.

The UK FTSE100 was the best performer in the region with the Pound steadily working lower throughout the session.  Yesterday the British Chambers of Commerce lowered their FY19 and FY20 growth forecasts.   This morning Parliamentary Speaker Bercow said PM May will not be allowed to stage a third vote unless serious changes are made to her plan.

Conglomerate Okla fell 2.2% on headlines their CEO is stepping down.  Their Chairman wants a Norwegian to take over but evidently is adamant that a person of Nordic-descent heads the firm.  He cited the nature of their culture would demand it.

Insurer Talanx rallied 2.7% post earnings.  The firm though is facing losses on exposure to the Ethiopian Air Boeing 737 Max crash.  The company also highlighted larger natural catastrophe losses vs FY17.

Brazil’s Ibovespa is trading higher today, breaching the 100,000 level for the first time ever.

From earlier: Commerzbank +7.2%, Deutsche Bank +4.2%, Allianz -.4%,  DWS +9.1%, ING -1%, Worldpay +9.3%. 

In Australia tonight RBA Minutes from March will be released along with Housing prices which are expected to show further contraction in the 4Q.  In Europe, region-wide construction output is expected along with ZEW survey readings. Earnings/employment data is expected in the UK along with Swiss trade data and Watch Export readings.