USD remains under pressure, post the weaker than expected JOLTS and factory orders reports which set the stage for another strong rally in Treasuries as they heightened beliefs the FOMC is nearing the end of its tightening cycle. Yields plunged on the data headlines. RBNZ surprised, raised to 5.25% from 4.75% – the country’s economy is headed for recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. US Stock markets sold off slightly into the afternoon with declines of about -0.5% as the weaker data dominated. BoE’s Hunt hinted for a rate rise in May. Pound at its highest level in 10 months, with slightly stronger than expected economic growth and an uptick in inflation in February raising the chances of higher interest rates. German manufacturing orders much stronger than expected.
- FX – USDIndex ranging 101.11-101.29. EUR steady above 1.0950. JPY lifted extending 3-day gains, currently at 131.50 from 133.75 high against USD. Sterling boosted to 1.2522 reaching June 2022 highs.
- Stocks – Asian stock markets struggled, and European stock futures are also mostly in the red, after another disappointing data round in the US undermined confidence in the recovery and left Wall Street with another loss. Japanese markets underperformed and the Nikkei lost -1.7%. Walmart shares -1% afterhours as it sticks with cautious sales outlook for first quarter. Ford’s quarterly sales jump 10% as supply improves.
- Commodities – USOil is sideways between $80- $82 as concerns of further tightening support oil prices for now.
- Gold – rallied to $2026.
- Cryptocurrencies – BTC extending above $28.5k.
Today – Service PMI’s from EZ, UK & US ISM Services & Trade Balance and ADP Private Payrolls.
Biggest FX Mover @ (07:30 GMT) NZDUSD (+0.52%). Spiked to 0.6378. MAs flattened, MACD line below histogram, RSI turn below 80 and Stochastic at 55 indicating the end of the rally.
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Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
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