December E-mini S&Ps (ESZ14 +1.43%) this morning are up +1.30% and European stocks are up +1.53% as Italian and Spanish government bonds gained on the prospects of additional ECB stimulus.

June E-mini S&Ps (ESM14 +0.03%) this morning are up +0.05% at a new all-time high and European stocks are up +0.25% at a 5-1/2 year high after manufacturing activity in China last month expanded at the fastest pace in 5 months.

Weakness the prior week was due in part to traders exiting positions for vacation during the holiday-shortened week, protecting big capital gains, cashing out to pay taxes on capital gains, and “delta hedging” on put options.