Oh, Honestly! European Markets Do the Hokey Pokey: A Muggle's Guide to Monday's Mayhem

Bank Holiday Blues (for the Brits at Least)

Honestly you'd think after all these years I'd understand bank holidays! The U.K. markets are closed leaving the rest of Europe to its own devices. It's a bit like when Ron tries to brew a potion unsupervised – you never know what you're going to get. The European bourses opened with a bit of a mixed bag which is about as predictable as Professor Trelawney's prophecies.

Germans Charge Ahead (Slightly)

Germany's DAX is up a whole 0.22%. Ooh thrilling! It reminds me of when Harry manages to catch the Snitch just as we're about to lose a Quidditch match. A small victory but a victory nonetheless. Meanwhile the FTSE MIB is hovering around flat – about as exciting as a Ministry of Magic memo – and the French CAC 40 is down 0.43%. Honestly can't these markets just pick a direction?

Santander's Polish Partner Swap: A Magical Merger?

Now this is more interesting! Santander's doing a bit of a switcheroo in Poland with Erste Group Bank acquiring stakes in Santander Bank Polska and a Polish asset manager. Shares in Erste Group are up 6.2%! Clearly someone's been taking their Felix Felicis. Let's hope this isn't another Gilderoy Lockhart esque scheme that backfires spectacularly.

Swiss Inflation Vanishes! Did Someone Say 'Evanesco'?

Swiss inflation has fallen to 0%. Zero! It's like it vanished into thin air. I wouldn't be surprised if someone accidentally cast an Evanesco charm on the entire economy. Lower than expected they say. Well I should think so! Consumer price data from Turkey is also expected so let's hope they haven't got any mischievous pixies running around causing chaos.

Earnings and Interest Rates: A Week of Economic Divination

The earnings front is a bit quiet at the start but fear not! Novo Nordisk BMW Maersk and Commerzbank are all set to report. It's like waiting for the Sorting Hat to decide your fate. Central Banks across Europe including Sweden's Riskbank Norway's Norges Bank and the Bank of England will also be announcing their latest interest rate decisions. Let's hope they make wise choices unlike Cornelius Fudge most of the time.

Aussie Ups and Downs and the Fed's Great Expectations

Many Asian markets are closed probably having a much deserved rest. Australian stocks fell after their Prime Minister secured a second term. U.S. stock futures were last lower even after a winning week. Trade tensions and interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve are looming. The Fed is expected to hold steady which is a relief. I'm all for stability unlike the ever changing passwords to the Gryffindor common room!