MARKET OVERVIEW - European consumers are still not ready to open their wallets.

Foreks - Oxford Economics reports that European consumers are not yet ready to open their wallets. In a note, Tomas Dvorak from Oxford Economics highlighted positive signs in household consumption in the Eurozone during the second half of last year, driven by falling inflation and increased purchasing power; however, he cautioned that upcoming trade tariffs could hinder this recovery.

Dvorak stated, "The direct impact of higher prices will reduce purchasing power at a time when leading indicators show wage growth is slowing." The economist also noted that sectors affected by tariffs could face job losses, potentially harming employment levels.