European Markets Open Mixed: Stoxx 600 Slightly Up

European markets opened the new trading week in mixed territory just an hour ago, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 gaining slightly to trade up 0.03%. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index was 0.07% higher at 8,439, Germany’s DAX was down 0.13% at 18,748, France’s CAC was 0.4% lower at 8,216, and Italy’s FTSE MIB was up 0.4% at 34,808.

This comes as China reportedly moves ahead with plans to sell long-term bonds worth $138 billion. China has begun plans to sell one trillion yuan ($138.24 billion) of ultra-long-term bonds, with the first batch of sovereign bonds set to be issued from May 17. These bonds, announced in March, are designed to fund major projects aligned with national strategies.

In other news, Shein, a fast-fashion retailer from China, is reportedly boosting its preparations to go public in London following regulatory challenges in the U.S. Shein filed to go public in the U.S. in late November, valued at $66 billion, but is now turning its focus to the London Stock Exchange.

Additionally, China’s April inflation came in slightly higher than expected, with consumer prices rising at a faster pace than forecasted. The consumer price index in April recorded a 0.3% increase year-on-year, higher than the 0.2% forecast by economists.

Looking ahead, stocks face a key inflection point this week with April inflation data. Wednesday’s consumer price index report will provide insight into the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy direction. Investors are eagerly awaiting the CPI print to determine whether rate hikes are truly off the table.

Overall, stock futures are little changed, setting the stage for an eventful week in the financial markets. Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories.