London Open Briefing: Thursday, September 24, 2026
European markets open with a cautious tone this Thursday morning, following declines in major equity indices. The USTEC fell 0.67%, the JP225 was down 0.62%, the US500 declined 0.42%, the US30 lost 0.26%, and the DE40 moved 0.19% lower since the reference point. In the currency space, USDCHF saw a 0.18% decline. The US Dollar leads currency strength over the past 24 hours, up 0.45%, while the Australian Dollar is the weakest, down 0.52%. The risk meter currently registers at +0.10, indicating a slightly risk-on sentiment.
Today’s session is marked by several key central bank announcements. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is scheduled to release its Interest Rate Decision at 08:00 UTC, with consensus and previous rates both at 0.00%. This will be followed by an SNB Press Conference at 08:00 UTC and an SNB News Conference at 08:30 UTC. The Norwegian Krone will also be in focus, with the Norges Bank Interest Rate Decision and Monetary Policy Report due at 08:00 UTC, the previous rate being 4%, alongside a Norges Bank Press Conference at 08:30 UTC. In economic data, Germany’s Ifo Current Business Situation and Ifo Business Expectations are expected at 08:30 UTC, with consensus figures at 88.3 and 91.2 respectively. Retail books show disagreement on GBPJPY by 20 points, while crowd positioning has shifted toward long on AUDJPY by 8pt, US30 by 10pt, and XAUUSD by 10pt over the last 24 hours.
Traders will closely monitor the Swiss National Bank’s announcements for potential market impact.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | USTEC -0.67%, JP225 -0.62%, US500 -0.42% |
| Currency strength, 24h | USD strongest at +0.45%, AUD weakest at -0.52% |
| Risk meter | +0.10 (mildly risk-on) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 UTC | CHF | SNB Press Conference | High | – |
| 08:00 UTC | CHF | SNB Interest Rate Decision | High | 0.00% |
| 08:00 UTC | NOK | Norges Bank Interest Rate Decision | Medium | – |
| 08:00 UTC | NOK | Norges Bank Monetary Policy Report | Medium | – |
| 08:30 UTC | NOK | Norges Bank Press Conference | High | – |
| 08:30 UTC | CHF | SNB News Conference | High | – |
| 08:30 UTC | EUR | Germany Ifo Current Business Situation | Medium | 88.3 |
| 08:30 UTC | EUR | Germany Ifo Business Expectations | Medium | 91.2 |
Times are UTC. This brief describes measured market state and the published schedule. It is not financial advice and nothing in it is a trade recommendation.