Increased Spreads on Precious Metals

Market Overview

As of February 6, 2026, the financial markets are experiencing a brief pause following a volatile start to the week. Investors are focusing on key economic data releases, particularly from Canada and the United States, which may influence market sentiment.

Key Economic Releases

• Canada: Labor market report expected to show an unemployment rate of 6.8% with a slight increase in employment.
• United States: The preliminary University of Michigan index is anticipated to provide insights into consumer sentiment.
• Additional attention is on oil sector activity and consumer credit data.

Economic Calendar Highlights

Several important economic indicators were released earlier today:

• Germany:
  • Foreign Trade Balance: Actual 17.1 bn EUR (forecast 14.1 bn; previous 13.6 bn)
  • Industrial Production: Actual -1.9% (forecast -0.3%; previous 0.2%)
• Sweden: Consumer Inflation: CPI (m/m) actual 0.1% (forecast 0.4%)
• Norway: Industrial Processing: Actual -0.1% (previous 2%)
• France: Foreign Trade Balance: -4.1 bn EUR
• Switzerland: Unemployment Rate: 3%
• USA: Consumer Credit: 8.5 bn USD (December)

Market Sentiment

The overall market sentiment is expected to remain calm as investors digest the economic data. The focus on central bank policies, particularly from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England, has overshadowed stock market volatility.

Conclusion

In summary, while the economic calendar presents several important data points, the market is likely to experience a period of stability. Investors should remain vigilant as the outcomes of these reports could lead to shifts in market dynamics, particularly in the precious metals sector where spreads have been noted to increase.