Europe Roundup: Euro hits two-month high vs dollar, European shares tick higher, Gold gains, Oil rises -August 17th,2026

The euro rose to a two-month high versus the U.S. dollar on August 17, after traders dialed back expectations for a near-term U.S. rate hike. Softer U.S. economic data had already pushed the dollar lower for a third straight session, down 0.2%, while investors also appeared comfortable looking past the Middle East crisis. Markets cited cooler-than-expected inflation and strong tech earnings as sentiment boosters. Oil traded mixed, with Iran urging Washington to accept defeat. The report also lists upcoming auctions and data, including flash PMIs, France BTF sales, and U.S. 3- and 6-month bill auctions, plus upcoming TIC transactions.