Australian Dollar (AUD) Falls as China’s Service Sector Struggles
The Australian Dollar (AUD) slipped yesterday. The ‘Aussie’ dropped as latest PMI figures from China confirmed a contraction in the country’s services sector for a fourth consecutive month.
AUD found some support from news that China would be reopening its border with Hong Kong, however.
With no significant data today, movement in the ‘Aussie’ will likely be driven by any further news out of China.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Plummets amid Risk-Off Impulse
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) tumbled against its rivals on Thursday. The ‘Kiwi’ was pulled lower by its correlation to the Australian Dollar and a risk-off impulse.
With no data releases today, the New Zealand Dollar will likely be affected by shifts in risk appetite.
Pound (GBP) Drops as Service PMI Revised Lower
The Pound (GBP) fell on Thursday. A downward revision in December’s service sector performance added to fears that UK businesses could struggle in 2023.
Bumper profits for some of the UK’s retail and hospitality giants lent some limited support to the Pound, however.
An uptick in UK house prices in December may bolster the Pound today if figures print as forecast.
Euro (EUR) Bolstered by ECB Rate Hike Bets
The Euro (EUR) firmed yesterday amid persistent European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate hike bets. A widening of Germany’s trade surplus also bolstered the Euro.
A drop in Eurozone PPI limited the Euro’s upside potential however. The data saw EUR investors moderate ECB rate hike expectations.
A forecast fall in Eurozone inflation and contraction in German factory orders could pull the Euro lower today.
US Dollar (USD) Jumps as Signs of Tight Labour Market Add to Fed Rate Hike Bets
The US Dollar (USD) leaped on Thursday as the latest jobs data pointed to a tight labour market. Employment change figures rose by more than forecast, and jobless claims fell.
The data added to Federal Reserve rate hike bets following the latest FOMC minutes. The minutes indicated the Fed was committed to fighting inflation.
More upbeat employment data could push USD higher today. An above forecast non farm payroll print would likely underpin demand for the US Dollar.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Boosted by Oil Price Rebound
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) rose on Thursday. CAD was pushed higher by a rebound in crude oil price and a strong US Dollar, although gains were capped by Canada’s first trade deficit in 11 months.
If unemployment prints at 5.2% as forecast, the evidence of a tight labour market could boost CAD.
Data Releases
Jan 6th 17:00 EUR German Factory Orders (Nov) -0.5%
Jan 6th 20:00 EUR Inflation Rate (Dec) 9.7%
Jan 6th 20:00 EUR Retail Sales (Nov) 0.5%
Jan 6th 23:30 CAD Unemployment Rate (Dec) 5.2%
Jan 6th 23:30 USD Non Farm Payrolls (Dec) 200000
Jan 6th 23:30 USD Unemployment Rate (Dec) 3.7%
Jan 7th 01:00 USD SM Non-Manufacturing PMI (Dec) 55