Tag Archives: Marketinsight

Money News Overview Wednesday 10th January 2024: GBP/EUR exchange rate remains above the 200-day moving average

In terms of data, the Eurozone unemployment rate fell to 6.4% in November, well below the 6.5% forecast. However, the release had no effect on the euro. Meanwhile, German industrial production fell 0.7% for November vs. (+0.2% forecast).

There are no significant economic data releases today. Following a 0.3% drop in October, France recorded a 0.5% increase in November industrial production. The overall picture for Eurozone manufacturing activity remains bleak. Instead, the spotlight today will be on central bank speakers as markets refine their forecasts for interest rates in the coming year.

On the currency front, the major pairings remained in tight trading ranges. The dollar edged marginally higher in the limited price activity to notice, supported by a milder tone to risk appetite. In other news, the yen fell overnight on the back of some disappointing earnings reports.

The data calendar is currently somewhat limited. Meanwhile, remarks made by Bank of England Governor Bailey in evidence to the Treasury Select Committee will be watched closely. Speeches by New York Fed President Williams and ECB Board member Schnabel will be of particular interest.

Money News Overview Tuesday 9th January 2024: All eyes on US inflation reports this week

Markets kick off the day with the UKs British Retail Consortium (BRC) December retail activity report. It has shown in the report that spending has dropped for the festive period likely due to consumer confidence. 

Later today, the EU releases their Unemployment figures where it is expected that the rate of people in the Eurozone who are currently unemployed but seeking work is to remain at 6.5% for the last quarter. 

Looking ahead this week, in the UK there we have the release of the GDP figures whereby markets expect it to show some small growth of 0.2% month on month, alongside this release there will be UK Industrial Production reports in Manufacturing where the growth is expected to come in at 0.3%. 

The key releases this week will be in the US, where they will release their Consumer Price Index figures. Markets currently forecast there to be an increase to 3.2% which is up 0.1% on this time last year. 

Investors will keep a keen eye on the report, with any surprise movement potentially having a heavy impact on the dollar rate. 

As for the dollar, the pound has continued yesterday’s rally rising 50 basis points. As for the pound-euro rate, the pound has continued to hold just above the yearly average. 

Dollar Weakens as Markets Eye ECB Rate Cut Decision

Money News Overview Friday 5th January 2024: The US labour market report is the focus of attention

The US labour market data for December will be today’s major economic announcement. Payrolls are expected to increase by 170k vs. the previous 199k back in December.

Despite the tight market, pay growth slowed last year, and more indications of this are expected today, with annual growth falling to 3.9% from 4.0% earlier.

Overall, the report is likely to show that interest rates have peaked but will not provide strong evidence for the Federal Reserve to decrease rates sooner.

The December construction PMI survey in the UK is anticipated to show a somewhat slower rate of contraction. According to the consensus forecasts, the headline index will grow from 45.5 to 46.1, remaining below the critical 50 level.

The main currency pairings were trading in very narrow ranges. The dollar was under some marginal downward pressure among the few market movements to note. However, the greenback quickly recovered its losses. Meanwhile, the yen was on the defensive, losing about 1%.

US election dollar impact 2024 announcements this week

Money News Overview Thursday 4th January 2024: UK services PMI to reach 6-month high

Economic data released earlier this morning showed inflation in France has increased to 3.7 percent. EU-harmonised inflation also increased to 4.1 percent.

Purchasing Managers Index figures in the services sector dominate this morning’s data and are set to be released in Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the European Union.

The Euro has been on a downward trend against the Pound this week. A better-than-expected EU PMI release across the board will show signs of support for the Euro.

Markets are forecasting UK PMI figures in the services sector to release at 52.7, remaining above the neutral 50 mark for the second consecutive month. This release demonstrates an expansion in the UK services sector and is a positive for the UK economy.

Inflation in Germany is anticipated to shadow the CPI release in France earlier this morning and also rise to 3.7 percent year-on-year.

This afternoon, US employment figures round off the day. The most significant release is forecasting the monthly change in US employment to rise to 115k.

Investors will keep a close eye on the EU inflation release tomorrow. The total number of goods and services purchased by consumers in the European Union is set to surge to 3 percent.  

With no significant economic data scheduled for today, market attention will shift to key UK data releases later in the week.

Money News Overview Tuesday 2nd January 2024: PMI releases dominate the start of the year

A new year begins with a flurry of PMI releases across Europe and the UK, with markets forecasting the UKs manufacturing sector to fall to 46.5 from 47.2. This remains well off the 50-point figure that markets use as a benchmark indicator to see if there is growth in the that specific sector.

Later this week, there are some key inflation figures being released in Europe with German inflation data being released on Thursday. Markets expect inflation to rise to 3.8 percent which is an increase of 0.6 percent.

Alongside the release of German inflation, the eurozone will release their figures which markets are also expecting inflation to rise to 3 percent, up from 2.4 percent. This potentially signals that the rate cuts the European Central Bank have been implementing are yet to take full effect.

On Friday, markets also see the release of US Employment figures along with their ISM Non-Manufacturing Survey.

On the currency front, the pound has started the new year on the front foot against both the dollar and the euro, with the pound toying with 5-month highs against the dollar.