European Midday Briefing: Stocks Continue to -2-

All that really matters is if the Federal Reserve announces an interest-rate cut on June 12. Until then, everything that crosses the tape-from earnings reports to economic data-is commentary or, at best, a short-term, tactical-trading opportunity leading up to the main event.

China's Service Economy Expands Further, Adding to Signs of Recovery

A private gauge of China's services activities notched a 15th straight month of growth, adding to signs of green shoots in the world's second-largest economy as government stimulus measures kick in.

The Caixin services purchasing managers index rose to 52.7 in March from 52.5 in February, Caixin Media Co. and S&P Global said Wednesday. A reading above the neutral 50 mark suggests expansion, while one below indicates contraction.

Trump Leads Biden in Six of Seven Swing States, WSJ Poll Finds

Donald Trump is leading President Biden in six of the seven most competitive states in the 2024 election, propelled by broad voter dissatisfaction with the national economy and deep doubts about Biden's capabilities and job performance, a new Wall Street Journal poll finds.

The poll of the election's main battlegrounds shows Trump holding leads of between 2 and 8 percentage points in six states-Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina-on a test ballot that includes third-party and independent candidates. Trump holds similar leads when voters are asked to choose only between him and Biden.

Israel Blames Misidentification for Strike That Killed Gaza Aid Workers

The Israeli military's initial investigation into a strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza found that a mistake in identifying the target was to blame, as Israel responds to international condemnation and tries to contain the fallout from a hunger crisis in the enclave.

The Monday-night strike that hit workers with World Central Kitchen-an aid group founded by celebrity chef José Andrés and one of the most important providers of food assistance in the Gaza Strip-came amid rising international concerns about the conduct of Israel's nearly six-month war against Hamas.

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This article is a text version of a Wall Street Journal newsletter published earlier today.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 03, 2024 05:31 ET (09:31 GMT)

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