Ibex 35 Tumbles 1.64% Amid Inflation Concerns

The Ibex 35 index declined by 1.64% in the past week, closing at 19,513.8 points. The benchmark for the Spanish Stock Exchange was influenced by various factors, including concerns over AI, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and monetary policy decisions from major central banks.

Manuel Pinto, an analyst from XTB, warned that inflation is forcing central banks to act, and if it affects consumer demand more than expected, it could lead to economic crises. This week saw the 'quadruple witching hour' event, where options and futures on indices and stocks expired simultaneously in Europe and the US.

The Bank of Japan raised its reference interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, its highest level since 1995. Consumer expectations for inflation over twelve months rose from 2.9% in July to 3% in August, according to a European Central Bank survey. Additionally, Aramco decided to cancel supplies to European refineries for October.