FX News Today

Fed governor Brainard noted some pick-up in inflation, in her comments on CNBC, with the core PCE rising to a 1.7% y/y pace in January. But that’s only one data point, she stressed, and she wants to see a pattern of increases moving toward the 2% target. Core inflation has also remained stubbornly low. She believes there’s reason for price pressures to build, especially if oil prices stabilize, upward pressures on the dollar abate, and the firming economy boosts demand. But she also sees troubling signs that inflation has moved lower of late, as she noted various downside risks to growth from abroad. She abstained from giving signs on the timing of a hike, but emphasized the two Fed mandates of growth and stable prices, and noted that there hasn’t been much progress on the latter. That suggests she won’t vote for a hike next week, or in the near future. He comments were consistent with prior remarks.

Fischer: the Fed would prefer not to use negative rates, he said in Q&A. The FOMC has been looking at what other countries have been doing, in terms of employing various policy tools, and he noted that negative rates have worked somewhat better than expected. Additionally, it seems in his mind it’s a moot point as he indicated the US is not that far away on inflation, and he sees price pressures picking up once oil and the dollar stabilize.

US consumer credit rose $10.5 bln in January after a revised $21.4 bln surge in December (was $21.3 bln). November’s $14.0 bln increase was nudged up to $14.1 bln. Non-revolving credit remained the leader, climbing $11.6 bln compared to the prior $15.9 bln increase (revised from $15.4 bln). Revolving credit declined $1.1 bln versus the prior $5.5 bln gain (revised from $5.8 bln). It’s the first decline for that component since February 2015.

Main Macro Events Today

• Final EMU Q4 GDP: The final reading of Eurozone Q4 GDP is expected to be confirm growth rates of 0.3% q/q and 1.5% y/y, but is too backward looking to change the outlook. The focus will be on the breakdown, which is likely to show that domestic demand and consumption remain the mainstay of growth, but investment seems to be also picking up, judging by national data already released.

• BoE Governor Carney Speech: Markets look forward to governor Carney’s speech in order to have clues on the banks future rates policy. We expect the BoE to stave off from hiking rates until Q4 2016 or Q1 2017. Continued disinflationary pressures along with slowing emerging market growth, together with abatement in domestic economic momentum, have been quelling BoE tightening ambitions.
• BoC Rates Decision: No change is expected to the 0.50% policy rate. A better than expected Q4 GDP gain relative to bank expectations (+0.8% vs flat) along with three months of export gains through January are supportive of a repeat of the cautiously constructive growth outlook. We could see a bit more optimism creeping in, given the good news on GDP and exports, along with firming oil and commodity prices and financial markets that have stabilized/improved after a poor start to the year.

• Canada Housing Starts and Permits: We expect starts, due Tuesday, to improve to a 175.0k unit rate in February (median 182.5k) after the back to back declines in December to 172.5k and January to 165.9k from 212.0k in November.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

The AUD, NZD and emerging nation currencies gained ground against the USD, JPY and other currencies, continuing to outperform as stocks in Asia built on weekly gains, posting the best winning streak of the year in many cases. AUDUSD logged a three-month high at 0.7376, and AUDJPY a one-month peak. USDJPY, meanwhile, recouped to near 114.00 from the low 113s. EURUSD consolidated in the mid-1.09s after yesterday’s short-covering rally following above-forecast data out of the Eurozone. In the stock market realm, Japan’s Nikkei closed 0.3% for the better, up by over 4% on the week, while the main Chinese indexes are set to make today the fourth consecutive daily gain. Oil prices have continued to consolidate the 30%-plus gains seen from January lows amid signs of an improving supply-demand balance. The PBoC’s cutting of its reserve requirement ratio for big commercial banks on Monday, expectations of more stimulus from the ECB at its meeting next Thursday, and encouraging data in the US this week, coupled with market-satisfyingly confident-but-cautious guidance from Fed policymakers have collectively underpinned the prevailing risk-on sentiment this week. Attention is now on today’s US payrolls report, which is expected to show a decent 190k headline gain.

Dallas Fed’s Kaplan sounded relatively dovish emphasizing patience on rate hikes and policy accommodation, especially relative to tighter global financial conditions so far this year. That said, he sees resilience in the US economy for 2016 with a 1.9% GDP forecast, once accounting for slowing global growth and tighter financial conditions. As a Texas-based policy maker he sees potential ripple effects from weakness in the energy sector, though oil inventories may begin to fall by mid-2017. He also forecasts the jobless rate falling at a slower pace this year, though a low rate is more sustainable given global overcapacity. Kaplan said that inflation as tracked by the Dallas Fed ticked up in January, which bears watching. Markets remain inert ahead of payrolls.

Yesterday’s US reports revealed disappointments across the factory goods, ISM-NMI, and claims figures that trimmed prospects for both GDP and payrolls, though the pattern of upside surprises in US data over the past week remains intact despite today’s setbacks. The productivity report tracked estimates with welcome Q4 boosts in productivity and output alongside big downward bumps in Q3 and Q4 compensation that allowed a hefty trimming in Q3 and Q4 growth for unit labor costs.

Talks between OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers are on the table potentially in the first half of April, according to a Gulf OPEC delegate, but have not been formally set just yet. The source believes the meeting would likely be held in Doha, or some other Gulf city. A production “freeze” at elevated levels was agreed between the Saudis and Russia, but a wider agreement remains to be hammered out. Oil prices continue to consolidate gains in the meantime.

Main Macro Events Today

• US Employment: February nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by 190k, with a 180k private payroll gain. Forecast risk: upward, as improving claims could provide a lift. Market risk: downward, as substantial weakness could impact the path of rate hikes. The unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.9%. The workweek is expected to remain at 34.6 from January. Hourly earnings are expected to be up 0.1% which would leave a 2.5% y/y rise. Hours-worked should be up 0.1% for the month following a 0.4% increase last month.

• Canada Ivey PMI: Canada’s Ivey PMI is expected to drop to 60.0 in February after jumping to 66.0 in January. The run-up in the January Ivey did not mean sentiment across Canada switched from mild pessimism in December to a level of optimism not seen since February of 2012’s 66.5 reading. Underlying not seasonally adjusted data typically sees big swings over November, December and January that are proving difficult to adjust in the seasonally adjusted series. That was likely again the case this time around.

• Canada Trade: The trade deficit is projected to widen modestly to -C$0.8 bln in January (median -C$1.0 bln) from -C$0.6 bln in December. We see a 0.5% m/m gain in exports after the 3.9% surge in December. We see a 0.5% m/m gain in exports after the 3.9% surge in December. Imports are expected to rise 1.0% in January after the 1.6% bounce in December. Oil prices are a key risk, having plunged in January, which should weigh on import and export values.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Caixin China Services PMI disappointed in February and came in at 51.2 while analysts expected a 0.2 point rise to 52.6 from January. Index is still an indication of expanding services sector but growth was modest and much weaker than the average growth in long term. The survey shows that contraction in the manufacturing sector can spill over into service sector. This could be a red flag for the government and push it to increase its stimulative efforts further. Chinese government has been trying to replace manufacturing and export with private consumption as a key driver for the economy.

Fed’s Beige Book reiterated growth expanded in most Districts, according to the report prepared by the KC Fed, with contacts generally optimistic over future economic growth. Consumer spending increased in most regions, but some weakness was noted in KC and Dallas. Auto sales remained elevated. Manufacturing was mostly flat, but conditions varied considerably across Districts. Most note weak demand originating from the energy sector, not surprisingly. Additionally, the stronger dollar and weaker global growth outlook were headwinds to exports. Nonfinancial services activity was up slightly, with demand for staffing services in the rise. Transportation was mixed. Residential real estate was mostly on the rise, while home inventories were low. Residential construction activity had strengthened. Nonresidential sales also improved. Labor market conditions continued to improve. Wage growth varied from flat to strong across the 12 Districts, and most noted consumer prices were holding steady.

SF Fed’s Williams said that domestic demand is overwhelming weakness from abroad and he sees the US service sector as the driver next year, while inflation should move back to 2% over the next couple years. He doesn’t see the stock market a good indicator of where the economy is going and doesn’t think that China will be a huge risk to the US economic outlook. Williams sees no tangible risk that the US will fall into recession and the Fed strategy of raising rates is the right one. He still sees some accommodation as needed, but over time favors normalization. This is in keeping with his more bullish view of the economy and consistent favoring of normalizing rates for this hawkish dove.

The 214k February ADP rise beat the analyst estimates. The mining-restrained 5k rise in February goods jobs included a big 27k increase for construction jobs follows yesterday’s solid construction spending report to signal encouraging prospects for that sector, though we saw a 9k drop for factory jobs. A stronger than expected 208k climb for service sector jobs explained the headline ADP overshoot, and countered fears of a weakening service sector. U.S. reports over the last week have largely countered the market narrative of a slowing economy despite the big hit to trade revealed in last Friday’s trade data.

Main Macro Events Today

• EMU Final Services PMI: The Eurozone Markit Services PMI for February, is expected to be confirmed at 53.0, unchanged from the preliminary reading. Confidence has been coming off, although mainly in the manufacturing sector, which is more focused on global headwinds and slowing emerging market growth. The services sector continues to benefit from robust domestic demand and PMI levels suggest ongoing expansion, but growth momentum is clearly slowing down and even a better than expected number would do little to dampen demands for further easing from the ECB.

• US initial jobless claims: Jobless claims are expected to be 270k in the week-ended February 27. Continuing claims are expected to fall to 2,229k for the week-ended February 20. Forecast risk: upward, as the end of the holidays should slow layoffs. Market risk: downward, as weaker than expected data could slow the path of rate hikes

• US Factory Orders: January factory orders are expected to grow 2.0% with inventories down 0.2%. Forecast risk: upward, given the stronger topline durable inventory numbers. Market risk: downward, as weaker data could impact the path of rate hikes.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Swiss growth much better than expected at +0.4% q/q, up from -0.1% in Q3 (revised down from 0.0%). The median forecast had been for a 0.2% rise. The y/y figure was also +0.4%, down from 0.8% in Q3 but above the 0.1% median forecast. The jump in the franc in January 2015 following the SNB’s abandonment of its former cap, along with sluggishness in the Eurozone economy have been dragging on the Swiss economy, though the year finished well with the 0.4% growth the best quarterly performance of 2015.

ECB’s Draghi brandished his dovish bazooka again, noting that the bank’s policy review in March will be seen against the background of increased downside risks to the prior outlook and there “are no limits” to how far we are willing to deploy our instruments within our mandate to achieve our objective of inflation rates below but close to 2% over the medium-term. Moreover, Euro area inflation dynamics continue to be weaker than expected. Speaking from Frankfurt, Draghi continues to keep expectations high for action in March, which helped relegate the already weak euro to session lows after being weighed firmer rounds of US data earlier.

The US February ISM rose to 49.5 (median 48.5) from 48.2 in January while US construction spending grew by 1.5% (median 0.5%) in January following a 0.6% (was 0.1%) pace in December and US Markit manufacturing PMI slid to 51.3 in the final February print, from 52.4 in January, though it improved slightly versus the 51.0 flash February reading. This just beats the all-time low of 51.2 set in December.

Canada’s real GDP grew 0.8% in Q4, contrary to expectations (median flat) following the revised 2.4% bounce in Q3 (was +2.3%, q/q saar). The separate December GDP tally showed a 0.2% gain (m/m, sa) that topped expectations (median +0.1%) after the 0.3% bounce in November. The BoC expected a flat reading for real Q4 GDP, so these reports further trim the chances for a near term rate cut from the bank. Note, however that trade made a sizable contribution to growth as exports fell by less than imports, consumption slowed and business investment contracted. So at first glance the dynamics of the Q4 report appear to be roughly in-line with bank projections. Yet these are better than anticipated reports overall, notably the December GDP gain that shows the economy with some momentum going into 2016.

Main Macro Events Today

• Euro Area PPI: The Euro Area Producer Price Index (Y/Y) for January is released today and is expected to come in almost unchanged at -2.9%. December reading was -3.0%. This should put ammunition in the hands of the doves in the ECB.

• US ADP Employment Change: The ADP unemployment survey for February is due today with an expectation of 195K new jobs against the previous number of 205K.

• US Fed Beige Book: Traders look forward to this month’s Beige Book release as it is used by the FOMC to help in their interest rate decisions. In the previous release, the Philadelphia Fed stated that the economy was expanding moderately while consumer spending remained mixed.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Reserve Bank of Australia held rates steady at 2.00%, as was widely expected. Policy remains, not surprisingly, data and event driven as the bank will follow new information to see if the improvement in the job market is sustainable and (repeating a key line from February) whether the “recent financial turbulence portends weaker global and domestic demand.” Notably, Stevens now says “continued low inflation would provide scope for easier policy” should that be needed to support demand. He said it “may” provide scope back in February. He was again largely constructive on domestic growth, saying that the expansion in the non-mining parts of the economy strengthened in 2015. On the exchange rate, he said it “has been adjusting to the evolving economic outlook.”

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), restarted easing operations on Monday. The bank added approximately $100 billion worth of long-term financing into the Chinese economy to mitigate the pain from increased unemployment and bankruptcies in those industries that have been suffered from overcapacity. According to a statement on PBOC website the bank was cutting the reserve requirement ratio, or the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves, by 50 basis points, taking the ratio down to 17 percent for the biggest lenders.

China’s manufacturing sentiment shrunk in February, adding to ongoing concerns over the pace of slowing in China’s economy. The official manufacturing PMI fell to 49.0 in February from 49.4 in January. The Caixin manufacturing PMI declined to 48.0 in February from 48.4 in January.

Yesterday’s US reports revealed a sharp 8-point Chicago PMI February plunge to 47.6 alongside a 3-point uptick in the Dallas Fed index to -31.8 from a -34.6 expansion-low. We also saw a 2.5% January drop in the pending home sales index to a lean 1.4% y/y rise, which reinforces the view that housing sector growth is moderating despite a winter weather-lift. Yesterday’s figures counter Friday’s more encouraging reports that documented resilience in the US economy to the global growth pull-back.

Main Macro Events Today

• EMU Unemployment Rate: So far the slowdown in confidence indicators hasn’t reached the labour market and jobless numbers continue to come down. We are looking for a further decline in the German sa number of 10K (median same) in February, which would leave the jobless rate unchanged at 6.2%. Eurozone January unemployment meanwhile is seen steady at 10.4%, with headline rates coming off highs, but disparities across countries remaining large and youth unemployment still much too high. With confidence indicators heading south and global headwinds getting stronger, it seems only a matter of time until the labour market starts to feel the chill.

• Canada GDP: The Q4 and December GDP reports are due today. These two releases are the key reports in a busy week. December GDP is expected to moderate to a 0.1% m/m pace (median same) following the 0.3% gain in November. The separate real GDP measure is seen edging 0.3% higher in Q4 (median is for no change) after the 2.3% bounce in Q3. The reports will show a domestic economy that was limping along, yet still expanding, going into the new year.

• US Manufacturing ISM: The February ISM is expected to decline to 48.0 (median 48.5) from 48.2 in January and 48.0 in December. Other measures of February producer sentiment have been mixed and despite some headline improvements the various components of the releases have remained weak which could spell downside risk for the ISM. Broadly speaking, we expect the ISM-adjusted average of all measures to decline to 48 for the month, a new cycle low, from 49 in January and 50 in December.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Asian stock markets moved higher and are heading for a second weekly gain, with China bouncing back after the central bank said it sees room for monetary easing. The ASX closed with a marginal loss, but most other markets are up as G20 finance heads discuss stimulus efforts and U.S. and U.K. stock futures are also up. Oil prices are slightly down on the day, but above USD 33 per barrel as risk appetite returns. BoE’s Carney warns against “zero sum game” of negative interest rates, while highlighting sizeable downside risks”. Released overnight U.K. GfK consumer confidence came in much weaker than expected. The European calendar still has EMU ESI Economic Confidence as well as preliminary February inflation data from France, Spain and Germany.

Japan’s national CPI was as expected, with the total CPI and core CPI (excluding fresh food only) coming up zero (0.0%) in January on an annual basis after respective gains of 0.2% y/y and 0.1% y/y in December. The core CPI, which takes out food and energy, grew 0.7% y/y in January after the 0.8% rise in December. Tokyo CPI was up 0.1% y/y in February, contrary to an expected drop following an 0.3% pull-back in January. The Tokyo core CPI fell 0.1% y/y in February, also better than expected after the 0.1% drop in January. The outlook remains less than upbeat for Japan’s economic and CPI growth, as the shock-and-awe of negative rates is not having the desired impact.

PBoC’s Zhou said China has room to add accommodation, saying “China still has some monetary policy space and multiple policy instruments to address possible downside risks.” Current policy is “prudent and relatively accommodative” he said. The Shanghai Comp is a modest 0.6% higher and the CSI 300 up 0.8% after suffering 6% declines Thursday, aided today by Zhou’s comments, a steady Yuan and lower money market rates. The Hang Seng has bounced 1.6% while the Nikkei 225 is 0.8% higher.

SF Fed dove Williams said the “Taylor Rule” is too rigid and forecast-reliant, and he opposes tying monetary policy to a single rule. Otherwise on monetary policy he largely repeated the “gradual rate hikes, further economic growth, inflation rebound” mantra. Williams sees no sign of a looming recession, and is less concerned about Chinese growth than others, in Q&A following his speech. However, he still wants to “take things slowly” on rates. He acknowledged that negative rates are potentially in the policy toolbox, but such actions won’t be taken over the foreseeable future, especially as there are unintended consequences. Domestic demand will be the main driver of the U.S. economy over the next couple of years. Indeed, he sees upside risks from consumer spending fueled by low energy prices.

The US initial jobless claims rose to 272k (median 270k) from 262k for the week-ended February 13. Continuing claims fell to 2,253k from 2,272k (was 2,273k) for the week-ended February 6. This is near levels last seen in 2006. The four-week average fell to 272k from 273k and 281k before that. Claims are averaging 268k in February, 284k in January and 277k in December.

 Main Macro Events Today

• German Consumer Price Index: The February Y/Y CPI numbers are released today and are expected to come in at 0.2%, down 0.3% from January. Low inflation numbers are due to soft energy prices while the annual contraction eased in December. This suggests that there is no real danger of a deflationary spiral.

• US Gross Domestic Product: The second release on Q4 GDP is out on Friday and we expect the headline to be revised down to 0.5% (median 0.4%) from 0.7% in the first release and 2.0% in Q3. Driving our expectations for downward revisions we expect to see inventories revised down by $14 bln and construction spending revised down by $8 bln. However, we expect some offset from an $11 bln upward revision in net exports and a $2 bln upward revision in equipment spending.

• US Personal Income: January personal income is out Friday and should reveal a 0.4% (median 0.4%) increase for headline income with consumption growing by 0.3% (median 0.3%). This compares to December figures of 0.3% for income and unchanged for consumption. We expect the chain price index to reveal a flat rate for the headline with a 0.3% core increase.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Rumors China will boost its deficit spending for an additional 1% in GDP saw oil and equity prices surge higher, to the detriment of Treasuries. The S&P bounced back into the green after a better than 1% decline earlier and closed up by 0.44%, while WTI crude closed higher and is now trading near $32.00 again.

BoC Schembri: A resilient financial system could withstand a housing shock. He noted that public authorities have “taken appropriate measures to mitigate it.” And the vulnerability should stabilize as the economy improves, household incomes rise and interest rates normalize. He noted that the vulnerability associated with elevated household debt has been on the rise over the past decade. That debt has become more concentrated in highly leveraged households. Hence, the bank’s assessment hinges on both the magnitude of that debt and its distribution. Overall, there is nothing really new here, as the BoC continues to express confidence in the stability of the financial system and for a gradual, orderly resolution to currently elevated levels of household debt. In other words, based on their outlook, household debt is not going to hamper their ability to keep rates at currently lean levels for an extended period or to cut rates.

US New home sales fell 9.2% in January to a 494k rate from a 544k clip in December. February last year set a new high back to February ’08 and compares to a low of 270k in Feb. ’11. The headline was weaker than the median forecast of 520k. Sales climbed in the Northeast (3.4%) and South (1.8%), but fell in the Midwest (-5.9%) and West (-32.1%). The median sales price fell 4.5% to $278,800 from $295,800 (was $288,900).

US Markit services PMI fell 3.4 points to 49.8 in the flash February print, after dipping to 53.2 in January from 54.3 in December. Indeed, the index has been slipping since hitting 56.1 in November. This is the lowest reading since October 2013 while it was 57.1 a year ago. The employment component dipped to 54.2 from 54.3. The flash composite index slid to 50.1 in February from January’s 53.2, and is also the weakest print since October 2013. The headline drop into contractionary territory is bad news for the services sector, which has been a stalwart for the health of the overall economy and will exacerbate the erosion in equities and risk-off trades today.

 

Main Macro Events Today

• UK GDP: YoY fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product from is out today. This is the second release and no change is expected from the previously published 1.9% number.

• Eurozone CPI: no change is expected on today’s January YoY Consumer Price Index release from 0.4% change in December.

• US January durable goods orders: expected to grow 2.0%. Shipments expected at 0.5%. Inventories expected to grow 0.1%. I/S ratio expected at 1.68, steady from December. Forecast risk: downward, as there was a decrease in Boeing orders in January.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Oil and stocks traded lower after the Saudi Oil Minister seemed to indicate that a producer freeze was not universally accepted, while extending an olive branch to shale producers and caution on the outlook for oil prices, which would ultimately depend on market forces. That followed the Iranian Oil Minister saying the freeze was “ridiculous and laughable.” On net, WTI crude is back near $31 bbl, NASDAQ  close 1.62% lower, while the S&P 500  finished yesterday’s trading down by 1.25%.

Japanese services PPI fell 0.6% in January after a 0.1% December gain. The annual pace slowed to 0.2% y/y from 0.4% y/y previously, and has eased from the 0.7% y/y pace registered in August. This is not good news for the BoJ which has pulled out all stops via a shift to negative rates to try to combat deflation and a slowing in growth.

KC Fed’s George said March should be a “live” meeting, in a Bloomberg Radio interview, holding true to her hawkish feathers. Indeed, she flatly stated it’s her objective to remove some policy accommodation. Note that she is a voter this year too. She expects about 2% growth this year and doesn’t believe that recent data suggest a shift in the outlook since December. The FOMC has to look at the medium term in making policy decisions, adding it’s too soon to say if the market volatility to start the year will alter her views. She believes inflation is stable and doesn’t believe in deflation. She does see some headwinds from the oil market and the dollar. At the same time Fed VC Fischer said we simply don’t know what we’ll do in March, in the text of his speech on “Recent Monetary Policy Developments.” He noted the further improvement in the labor market and the pickup in some spending indicators. But he said it’s too early to judge the ramifications of market turmoil, adding that the Committee is closely monitoring global economic and market conditions. However, if the recent financial market developments lead to a sustained tightening of financial conditions, that could impact U.S. growth and inflation. He also said that cheaper oil prices suggest inflation could remain low for a longer period of time than anticipated.

US Consumer Confidence fell to 92.2 from 97.8 (was 98.1, median 97.5) in January. Last January’s 103.8 headline set a new high back to Oct ’07, the recent low was 40.9 in October ’11.Expectations fell to 78.9 from 85.3 (was 85.9) in January. Current conditions rose to 112.1 from 116.1 (revised from 116.4) from January. The job strength differential fell to -2.1 from -0.6 in January. Inflation data’s one year ahead number fell to 4.7% from 4.8% in January.

 

Main Macro Events Today

• US New Home Sales: January new home sales are out Wednesday and should reveal a 4.4% headline decline to a 520k (median 520k) pace for the month from 544k in December and 491k in November. Already released housing data for January had starts slowing to 1.099 mln from 1.143 mln in December and existing home sales increased to 5.470 mln from 5.450 mln in December.

• The US Services ISM: is expected to rise to 54.0 from 53.5 in January. The July spike to 59.6 set a new post-recession high. Forecast risk: downward, given weakness in earlier month releases. Market risk: downward, as a run of weak data could impact rate hike timelines. The ISM-adjusted figure for the ISM-NMI tends to track that of the Philly Fed.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

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Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

Sterling has taken a beating, losing 2% to the dollar, while the currency’s six-month implied volatility shot to 12%, the highest since Nov 2011. It’s all about Brexit, with the debate now very much in full swing following the weekend announcement that the in-out referendum will be held on Jun-23, which in turn followed PM Cameron’s obtainment from Brussels of revised terms of EU membership. The big kicker was London mayor Boris Johnson, who yesterday detonated a bombshell of headlines by announcing that he will be backing the ‘out’ campaign.

Moody’s warned UK about Brexit “economic costs”, which it says will be greater than the “economic benefits, “and, in the event, said it would consider assigning a negative outlook on its Aa1 rating of UK sovereign debt unless the country “managed to negotiate a new trade agreement with the EU that preserves at least some of the trade benefits of EU membership.” Moody’s warned of a “prolonged period of uncertainty.” Cable’s Jan-22 low at 1.4202 looks more than likely to be breached, which would put sterling at the lowest levels since March 2009.

UK CBI industrial trends unexpectedly slumped in February to a -17 reading in the headline total orders reading, down from -15 in the month prior and off the median forecast for an improvement to -12. Among the components, export orders lifted to -19 from -22, but output expectations fell to +11 from +14 and selling prices dipped to -3 from -1. Sterling dipped to fresh lows in the wake of the data, though selling pressure is more to do with prevailing Brexit worries.

US Markit PMI fell to 51.0 in the flash February manufacturing PMI from 52.4 in January. It’s the lowest reading since October 2012 and was at 55.1 a year ago. The new order index slid to 51.7 from 53.6, and the order backlog reading dropped to its lowest since September 2009. The report is another reflection of the erosion in manufacturing. Indeed, Markit reported the slowdown was “overwhelmingly linked” to the softer underlying demand patterns, weaker business sentiment, alongside uncertainty regarding the general economic outlook. Weather was cited by only a small minority of participants.

US Chicago National Activity index rebounded to 0.28 in January from a revised -0.34 in December (was -0.22) and -0.39 in November (was -0.36). This breaks a string of 5 negative prints, and is the highest since July. Today’s data brought the 3-month moving average up to -0.15 from -0.30 (revised from -0.24) and -0.20 in November (revised from -0.19). This is a 3rd tier report that won’t really impact the markets.

Main Macro Events Today

• German GDP: second release is expected to confirm the Q4 output at 0.3% (Q/Q) and 1.3% (Y/Y).

• German IFO: sentiment index is expected to come in at 106.7, slightly below the 107.3 in January. January’s reading was a disappointment and was the weakest number since February last year. December was revise down to 108.6 from 108.7. Global concerns about the outlook for the world economy and falling oil prices clearly have hit German confidence.

• US Existing Home Sales: January existing home sales are out Tuesday and should reveal a 0.7% headline increase to 5.500 mln (median 5.355 mln) clip for the month from 5.460 mln in December and 4.760 mln in November. The big November-December swing was driven by the implementation of new “know before you sign” regulation that pushed some November closings into December. There is some downside risk to the January headline as that effect unwinds.

• US Consumer Confidence: February consumer confidence is out Tuesday and should reveal an increase to 98.5 (median 97.5) from 98.1 in January. The first release on Michigan Sentiment for February had the headline falling to 90.7 from 92.0 in January but the IBD/TIPP Poll for the month improved to 47.8 from 47.3 and the Bloomberg Weekly Consumer Comfort survey is poised to average a slightly higher 44.4 from 44.3 in January.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

FX News Today

The yen has held firm amid a moderate risk-off theme in Asia, where stock markets traded mostly lower after Wall Street’s best-in-eight-weeks three-day rally came to an end. USDJPY dipped to a four-day low at 112.71, while the equity market correlative AUDJPY cross fell 1.9%. Both USDJPY and AUDJPY still remain comfortably above trend lows, while most of the main Asian equity indexes are still about 3% higher on the week despite today’s declines. Oil prices are down about 1% but remain a good 20% or so above trend lows. Japanese data today were discouraging, with the all Industry activity index falling 0.9% m/m in December, below the -0.3% median forecast, while department store sales tumbled 1.9% y/y in January.

BoE MPC’s Weale is concerned about market expectations regarding when the central bank will hike interest rates. He remarked in an interview with the Irish Times that “I would be surprised if people had to wait as long as markets are currently implying,” although he added that “markets may well turn out to be right.” BoE deputy governor Cunliffe also described yesterday this as unwarranted, which caused sterling to rally, although the latest survey from Reuters found a consensus among market economists expecting the a tightening by around the end of this year. Weale argued that the disinflationary effects of last sterling strength “is not an effect that is going to last forever,” and that “if we look at core measures of inflation, those are closer to the target but still below the target.” He said that wage pressure as a key issue. While prospects of BoE tightening remain in the distance, Cunliffe and Weale’s interjections are clearly aimed at balancing the market narrative.

SF Fed’s Williams has not really changed his outlook on the US or the global economy, despite the recent fluctuations, he said, adding that he will adjust his views on conditions and the policy path with more data. The “daily dives” in equity markets are not accurate reflections of the economy and shouldn’t be viewed as “the four horsemen of the apocalypse.” Growth is still estimated in the 2.25% area for the year and the unemployment rate should dip further and hit 4.5% by later in the year. He is not happy about the inflation rate but expects it to return to 2% over the next 2 years. He is monitoring potential risks and “closely watching” developments abroad. This isn’t anything new from Williams, and he is not a voter this year.

Yesterday’s US reports were encouraging on net, though with diverging signals from a tightening in initial claims but with big February Philly Fed component declines and a 0.2% January leading indicators drop. For claims, we saw a 7k decline to just 262k in the BLS survey week to leave a 23k two-week drop that reversed elevated holiday levels and left upside risk for our 190k February payroll estimate. For Philly Fed, the slight headline rise to -3.5 accompanied a sharp ISM-adjusted drop to a 45.5 three-year low thanks to declines in every component.

Main Macro Events Today

• US Consumer Price Index: the January headline CPI is expected to decline 0.1%, while the core index rises 0.1%. Forecast risk: downward, as further weakness in gasoline prices could weigh. Market risk: downward, as inflation undershoots may affect the timing of additional rate hikes.

• Canada Retail Sales: are expected to fall 1.0% in December after the 1.7% surge in November. The ex-autos sales aggregate is seen declining 0.7% m/m in December after the 1.1% bounce higher in November. An as expected drop in total retail sales that is accompanied by a similar sized pull-back in the “real” (price adjusted) sales basis would partly counter the firm manufacturing and wholesale shipment gains seen in December. We expect an 0.2% gain in December GPD.
• Canada CPI: We expect the CPI, due today, to expand at a 1.7% y/y pace in January, accelerating slightly from the 1.6% growth rate in December. CPI is seen falling 0.1% month comparable basis in January after the 0.5% plunge in December. Gas prices fell 7.0% in January compared to December, which is expected to weigh on month comparable CPI.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

If you wish to get the latest forex brokers news,you can visit our Top Forex Brokers official website:

http://www.topforexbrokerscomparison.com

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.