Tuesday 8th January: US-China trade talks resume – USD weakened for a third consecutive day.
The US and China resumed talks on trade Monday in Beijing, with President Trump expressing optimism about the outcome because of the damage being inflicted by US tariffs on China’s economy.
Monday 7th January: Weekly technical outlook and review.
Friday’s non-farm payrolls widely exceeded expectations, adding 312k jobs in December compared to the 179k consensus. Average hourly earnings rose 0.4% last month, beating expectations of 0.3%, while the US unemployment rate ticked higher to 3.9% from 3.7%.
Friday 4th January: US non-farm payrolls next on tap – remain vigilant.
In recent sessions, the British pound recouped all of its lost ground from the so-called ‘flash crash’ observed in early Asian hours Thursday that struck lows of 1.2373.
Thursday 3rd January: US ADP non-farm employment numbers eyed today.
Apple’s recent announcement concerning a dismal quarter – and with some shock results in China partly to blame – rattled the Australian dollar in Asia trade today.
Friday 21st December: USD crunches beneath 96.50 – further selling possible.
Bank of England kept rates unchanged as expected. Guidance was also untouched as the bank reiterated ongoing tightening of monetary policy at a gradual pace.
Thursday 20th December: Bank of England take center stage today – potential volatility for GBP-related markets ahead.
The FOMC raised the fed funds rate target by 25bps, as expected. The central bank also narrowed the trajectory of rate hikes, envisaging two hikes in 2019.
Wednesday 19th December: FOMC takes center stage today – expected to lift rates by 25bps to 2.25-2.50%.
The Fed is expected to lift rates by 25bps to 2.25-2.50%, with risks the hiking trajectory could be narrowed. The tone of the statement and Chair Powell’s press conference is expected to tilt dovish, reflecting a data-dependent FOMC.
Tuesday 18th December: US housing data eyed.
A fading US dollar on the back of significantly weaker-than-expected Empire State manufacturing and NAHB indices, as well as US President Trump renewing his criticism on the Federal Reserve.
Monday 17th December: Weekly technical outlook and review.
US equities sustained additional loss over the course of last week, despite an earnest attempt to reclaim control of the 2018 yearly opening level at 24660.
