Australian dollar (AUD) dented by slowing employment growth
The Australian dollar (AUD) slipped to multi-month lows against its stronger peers yesterday after some lacklustre Australian jobs data.
Employment growth slowed more than forecast in October, adding to expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may soon start considering interest rate cuts.
With domestic data thin on the ground today, the risk-sensitive Australian dollar may be driven by the market mood.
New Zealand dollar (NZD) struggles in absence of data
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) traded in tandem with the ‘Aussie’ yesterday, with the ‘kiwi’ striking multi-month lows against some rivals and wavering elsewhere amid a lack of New Zealand data.
This morning’s manufacturing PMI could influence NZD exchange rates through the start of today’s session, while risk appetite may drive most movement later on.
Pound (GBP) undermined by ‘Trump trade’
The pound (GBP) found itself on the back foot yesterday amid ongoing fears that Donald Trump’s proposed trade tariffs will be harmful to the UK economy.
Meanwhile, a lack of British data meant Sterling struggled to find support.
Looking ahead, the UK’s latest GDP figures take centre stage this evening. If the British economy slowed in the third quarter, as expected, the pound could face significant pressure.
Euro (EUR) pressured amid EU-US trade war fears
The euro (EUR) also suffered in the aftermath of Trump’s election victory, as tariffs could lead to a damaging EU-US trade war.
Furthermore, a larger-than-expected decline in Eurozone industrial production put pressure on EUR, although disagreement among European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers over the pace of rate cuts seemed to cushion the common currency.
In the absence of more impactful data today, Germany’s latest wholesale prices release may affect EUR. Could an uptick in prices boost the euro?
US dollar (USD) extends gains as Republicans hold the House
The US dollar (USD) continued its recent rally yesterday after confirmation that the Republican Party secured a majority in the House of Representatives, with the GOP now controlling both chambers of Congress.
This paves the way for President-Elect Donald Trump to push through policies that many believe will lead to higher inflation and therefore force the Federal Reserve to deliver fewer rate cuts.
Tonight, the latest US retail sales figure could lend USD further support, if we see another expansion in domestic sales growth last month.
Canadian dollar (CAD) boosted by rising oil prices
The oil-sensitive Canadian dollar (CAD) climbed yesterday, as rising crude prices boosted demand for the ‘loonie’.
Oil price dynamics may drive CAD exchange rates again today. If prices continue to tick higher, so could the Canadian dollar.
Data releases
07:30 NZD Business NZ PMI (Oct)
17:00 EUR German Wholesale Prices (Oct)
17:00 GBP GDP Growth Rate (Q3)
23:30 USD Retail Sales (Oct)