Australian Dollar (AUD) Buoyed by News of End to China’s Coal Ban
The Australian Dollar (AUD) leaped on Wednesday after reports that China would soon be ending its ban on imported Australian coal.
Gains for the Australian Dollar were capped by concerns over China’s soaring Covid case levels, however.
With no significant data, AUD exchange rates could continue to be driven by Chinese Covid developments today.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Bolstered by Risk-On Mood
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) was boosted by a return of risk appetite yesterday. The ‘Kiwi’ also benefitted from its correlation to a strong Australian Dollar.
In the absence of any notable NZD releases movement in the New Zealand Dollar may be tied to market sentiment today. Will an continued improvement in risk appetite send the ‘Kiwi’ higher?
Pound (GBP) Slips as Food Inflation Climbs to Fresh Record High
The Pound (GBP) fell on Wednesday. A drop in public inflation expectations lessened Bank of England (BoE) rate hike bets pulling Sterling lower.
A fresh record-high rise in food inflation stoked UK cost of living concerns and added to the Pound’s woes yesterday.
If the final reading of December’s services PMI confirms the sector avoided a contraction, it could boost the Pound today.
Euro (EUR) Falls amid Signs of Narrower Eurozone Recession
The Euro (EUR) slipped on Wednesday amid a risk-on market mood. The Russian invasion of Ukraine also kept pressure on EUR.
Hopes for a milder recession in the Eurozone limited losses the Euro however, on the back of an upwardly revised services PMI.
Looking ahead, a forecast narrowing in Germany’s trade surplus could weighed on the Euro if figures print as forecast.
US Dollar (USD) Volatile Ahead of FOMC Minutes
The US Dollar (USD) initially fell on Wednesday amid a healthy risk appetite. A above-forecast contraction in manufacturing sector output added to USD’s losses.
Job openings figures lent support to the US Dollar however, as they bolstered Federal Reserve rate hike bets ahead of the publication of the latest FOMC minutes.
Looking ahead, the US Dollar could attract support later tonight if a solid ADP employment report bolsters expectations for Friday’s more influential non farm payroll release.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Rises Despite Oil Price Downturn
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) climbed against most of its peers on Wednesday. Tumbling crude oil prices tempered CAD’s gains, however.
The Canadian Dollar could slip if the country’s trade surplus eases as forecast today. Shifts in oil prices could also prompt movement in CAD.
Data Releases
Jan 4th 17:00 EUR German Balance of Trade (Nov) €4.5bn
Jan 4th 19:30 GBP S&P Global/CIPS UK Services PMI (Dec) 50
Jan 4th 20:00 EUR PPI (Nov) -0.9%
Jan 4th 23:30 CAD Balance of Trade (Nov) C$0.61bn
Jan 4th 23:15 USD ADP Employment Change (Dec) 150,000
Jan 4th 23:30 USD Initial Jobless Claims (Dec/31) 225,000