US continuing jobless claims for week ending Aug 22: 1.779 mln (consensus 1.79 mln). Prior reading revised to 1.771 mln from 1.778 mln.

Putin said Ukrainian military morale is currently low and desertion rates are high.

Germany services PMI final for August 49.7, down slightly from July’s 49.8 but revised up from a 48.5 preliminary reading. The index remains below 50, yet firms reported improved demand and employment while citing tighter financial conditions, elevated costs and cautious clients as headwinds. S&P Global Market Intelligence associate director Phil Smith said activity is more stable than a few months ago and underlying demand and employment indicators are sending encouraging signals.