$USGDPQQ -U.S GDP (Q3/2024)ECONOMICS:USGDPQQ
(Q3/2024)
source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- The US economy expanded an annualized 3.1% in Q3, higher than 2.8% in the 2nd estimate and above 3% in Q2.
The update primarily reflected upward revisions to exports and consumer spending that were partly offset by a downward revision to private inventory investment.
Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, were revised up.
GDP
Pound higher as Services PMI rises, job report nextThe British pound has moved higher on Monday, after declining 1% last week. In the European session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2747, up 0.30% on the day.
The UK Services PMI rose to 51.4 in December, up from 50.8 in November, which was a 13-month low. This beat the market estimate of 51.0, but points to weak business activity as demand for UK exports has been weak and confidence among services providers remains subdued.
UK manufacturing is mired in a depression, and the PMI fell to 47.3 in December, down from 48.0 in November and shy of the market estimate of 48.2. This marked the lowest level in eleven months, as production and new orders showed an accelerated decrease.
The weak PMI data followed Friday's GDP report, which showed a 0.1% decline for a second straight month in October. This missed the market estimate of 0.1%. GDP rose just 0.1% in the three months to October.
The UK releases employment and wage growth numbers on Tuesday. The economy is projected to have lost 12 thousand jobs in the three months to October, after a sparking 200 thousand gain in the previous report. Wages including bonuses is expected to climb to 5% from 4.8%.
The Bank of England meets on Thursday and is expected to hold the cash rate at 4.75% after cutting rates by 25 basis points in November. The economy could use another rate cut but inflation remains a risk to upside, with CPI climbing in October to 2.3% from 1.7%. The BoE will be keeping a close eye on wage growth, which has been a driver of inflation.
The US releases PMIs later today. Manufacturing remained in contraction territory in November at an upwardly revised 49.7 and there is optimism that the new Trump administration's protectionist stance could benefit US manufacturers.
The services sector is in good shape and improved in November to 56.1, up from 55.0 in October. The uncertainty ahead of the US election is over and lower interest rates have contributed to stronger expansion in services.
GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2638. The next resistance line is 1.2668
1.2592 and 1.2562 are the next support levels
Euro rally ends, Eurozone GDP expected to accelerateThe euro is steady on Friday after jumping 0.7% a day earlier. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.0581, down 0.06% at the time of writing.
The eurozone wraps up the week with the GDP and job growth reports and the market is expecting an improvement. Third-quarter GDP is expected to improve to 0.4% q/q from o.2% in the second quarter. Job growth if forecast to tick upwards to 0.2% q/q, up from 0.1% in Q2.
In France, the political chaos continues. A no-confidence vote passed this week and has left the country without a functioning government. Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned on Thursday after just three months in office. President Emmanuel Macron said he will name a new prime minister shortly but the political crisis could push up French interest rates and the country's large debt.
Germany, once the powerful locomotive of the eurozone, has faltered badly and has hampered growth in the eurozone. This week's German manufacturing data was dismal. The Manufacturing PMI remains mired in contraction and was unchanged at 43.0 in November. Factory orders for October declined by 1.5% after a 7.2% gain a month earlier. On Friday, industrial production fell 1% in October, after a 2% decline in September and shy of the market estimate of 1.2%.
The German Services PMI slipped into contraction in November and there is political instability, as the coalition German government collapsed in November. A snap election has been scheduled for Feb. 23, 2025.
The US wraps up the week with the nonfarm payroll report. With inflation largely contained, the employment growth is once again a key release can move the US dollar. The November report is expected to rise to a respectable 200 thousand, after a weak gain of 12 thousand in October, which was driven downwards by hurricanes and work stoppages at Boeing.
EUR/USD faces resistance at 1.0615 and 1.0644
1.0562 and 1.0533 are providing support
Aussie tumbles to 4-month low after soft GDPThe Australian dollar has taken a tumble on Wednesday. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6416, down 1.1% on the day at the time of writing. Earlier, the Australian dollar dropped as low as 0.6407, its lowest level since August 5.
Australia’s GDP report was a disappointment, falling short of expectations. GDP rose 0.3% q/q in the third quarter, following three straight quarters of 0.2% growth. This missed the market estimate of 0.5%. Annually, GDP rose 0.8%, below the Q2 gain of 1% and shy of the market estimate of 1.1%.
A key reason why GDP growth has been weak is soft household consumption. Consumers have been battered by high interest rates and stubborn inflation, and private domestic demand was negligible in the second and third quarters.
The soft GDP report was a bust with the markets and sent the Australian dollar tumbling lower. The report is unlikely to cause any changes from the Reserve Bank of Australia, which has been in a prolonged “higher for longer” stance. The RBA has managed to bring headline inflation within the target of 2%-3%, but remains concerned about underlying inflation, which rose to 3.5% in October.
The RBA makes its next rate announcement on Dec. 10 and is widely expected to maintain the cash rate at 4.35%, where it has been for over a year. The markets aren’t expecting a rate cut before May 2025, although a surprise decline in inflation in the coming months could push the central bank to lower rates in Q1 2025.
AUD/USD has pushed below support at 0.6447. Below, there is support at 0.6382
0.6563 and 0.6613 are the next resistance lines
Australian dollar eyes GDPThe Australian dollar is drifting on Tuesday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6461, down 0.20% on the day at the time of writing.
Australia’s economy is expected to improve in the third quarter, with a market estimate of 0.4% q/q. This follows a disappointing gain of 0.2% in Q2, the weakest growth in five quarters, as household spending declined. On a yearly basis, GDP is expected to tick up to 1.1% compared to 1% in the second quarter.
The Australian economy continues to groan under the weight of high interest rates, which the Reserve Bank of Australia implemented in order to tame high inflation. Now that inflation has come down, there is pressure on the RBA to respond with lower rates. The RBA has become an outlier as most major central banks are in the middle of an easing cycle while the RBA has held rates for over a year.
RBA Governor Bullock has remained hawkish, reiterating that underlying inflation is too high for the RBA’s liking and that a rate hike is not off the table. Headline inflation has fallen to 2.1%, well within the RBA’s target bank of 2%-3%, but the RBA remains concerned about underlying inflation, which accelerated in October to 3.5%, up from 3.2% a month earlier.
The market isn’t buying the warning of higher rates and expects the next rate move to be a cut sometime in mid-2025. That means that consumers will have to grapple with high rates for months, barring an unexpected fall in underlying inflation.
In the US, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Monday that he is leaning toward a cut in December but could change his mind if inflation surprised on the upside. The US releases November CPI one week prior to the rate announcement and the release will be a key factor as to whether the Fed cuts or maintains interest rates.
AUD/USD Technical
AUD/USD tested resistance at 0.6478 earlier. Next, there is resistance at 0.6514
0.6441 and 0.6405 are the next support levels
Yen rally fizzles, Tokyo Core CPI expected to riseThe Japanese yen is lower on Thursday, after climbing 2.4% over the past two trading sessions. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 151.83, up 0.57% on the day. On the data calendar, Japan releases Tokyo Core CPI. In the US, the financial markets are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday and there are no US events.
Tokyo Core CPI, a leading indicator of nationwide inflation trends, will be released on Friday. The market estimate for November stands at 2.1% y/y, following a 1.8% gain in October, which was the lowest level since April. The headline rate is expected to rise from 1.8% to 1.9%.
October inflation numbers have been mixed. The Bank of Japan Core CPI index surprised on the downside with a 1.5% gain, down from 1.7% in September. However, services inflation inched up to 2.9%, up from 2.8% in September and above the forecast of 2.5%. If the Tokyo inflation release accelerates as expected, it will likely raise expectations of a rate hike from the Bank of Japan at the Dec. 19 meeting.
Inflation isn’t the only item on the minds of BoJ policymakers. There is significant political uncertainty both at home and abroad. Prime Minister Ishiba lost his majority in parliament in the October election and needs opposition support to pass a supplementary budget. In the US, President-elect Trump is threatening to slap tariffs on its trading partners, which could have massive negative implications for Japan’s auto industry, a key sector of the economy.
On Wednesday, US GDP (second estimate) confirmed the initial estimate gain of 2.8% for the third quarter. This indicates solid economic growth, which has been helped by strong consumer spending. The worries about a recession have subsided and the Fed has signaled that it plans to gradually continue trimming interest rates.
USD/JPY is testing resistance at 151.60. Above, there is resistance at 152.75
149.97 and 148.82 are the next support levels
British pound jumps, US PCE inflation meets expectationsThe British pound has posted sharp gains on Wednesday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at .1.2669, up 0.81% on the day.
There are no UK releases today, but in the US it’s a busy data calendar. US GDP (second estimate) showed a gain of 2.8%, unchanged from the initial estimate. The economy is expected to show growth of 2.6% in the third quarter, below second-quarter growth of 3% but still a respectable clip.
The US economy has remained surprisingly resilient despite high interest rates, as the Federal Reserve tightened policy in order to contain inflation. The economy showed some cracks due to high rates but the economy has avoided a recession as the economy has been growing and the labor market has cooled but not collapsed. Consumer spending and confidence remain solid and this has helped propel economic growth. Consumer spending rose to 3.5% in the second quarter and consumer confidence increased in October.
The US personal consumption expenditures price index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator, came in as expected. The PCE price index was unchanged in October at 0.2% m/m, in line with expectations. Annually, the PCE price index rose 2.3%, matching the market estimate but above the September gain of 2.1%.
The core rate, which excludes food and energy, gained 0.3% m/m, the same as September and in line with the market estimate. Annually, the gain of 2.8% in October was up from the 2.7% gain in September and matched expectations.
The markets have raised the odds of a 25-basis point cut at the Dec. 18 meeting, even though both the headline and core PCE inflation readings rose in October. The probability of a 25-bp cut currently stands at 70% up from 59% a day ago, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.
GBP/USD has pushed above resistance at 1.2620 and is testing resistance at 1.2673. Next, there is resistance at 1.2729
1.2564 and 1.2511 are providing support
US Debt Exploding Relative To Real GDPUS debt has risen more than 90% since 2016, with no meaningful increase in economic growth inflation-adjusted (Real terms) meaning we pay more for goods and services showing a higher nominal GDP.
As you can see in the chart the economy used to grow faster than debt and even outpaced debt in 70s, 80s and 90's.
As I have shown before on tradingview, The annual US Gov't spending as a percentage of annual GDP is now 45% and it has been even higher.
My question to you is this. next recession when Real GDP falls and politicians tell you we have to increase deficits and spending to "stimulate" the economy. How much higher will the debt go relative to real GDP?
New Zealand dollar eyes RBNZ rate announcementThe New Zealand dollar is in positive territory on Tuesday, after a four-day losing streak. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.5850, up 0.09% on the day. Earlier, the New Zealand dollar fell as low as 0.5797, its lowest level since Nov. 1.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand makes its rate announcement on Wednesday and the markets have priced in a jumbo rate cut of a 50 basis point for a second straight meeting. This would bring the cash rate to 4.25%, its lowest level since November 2022.
The RBNZ has done a good job of lowering inflation, which fell to 2.2% in the second quarter. This is the first time in over three years that inflation is within the target band of between 1 and 3 percent. Still, elevated rates have taken a heavy toll on the economy, as GDP declined 0.2% in the second quarter and likely fell in Q3 as well, which would mark a recession. The central bank’s aggressive rate-cutting is aimed at providing the economy with a much-needed boost.
The New Zealand dollar stands to be the big loser from an oversized rate cut. The currency plunged around 1% after the 50-bp chop in October and we could see another sharp drop on Wednesday if the central bank cuts again by 50 basis points.
The Federal Reserve releases the minutes of the November meeting later today. At the meeting, the Fed lowered rates by 25 basis points. Investors will be looking for insights about what the Fed may have planned for the Dec. 18 meeting. A few weeks ago, a second straight 25-bp cut appeared likely but with the US economy remaining strong, the Fed may opt to pause. Interest-rate future markets are currently pricing in a cut at 59% and a pause at 41%, according to the CME’s Fed Watch.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.5857. Above, there is resistance at 0.5898
There is support at 0.5793 and 0.5752
Japan GDP beats forecast, yen ends skidThe Japanese yen is in positive territory today, putting the brakes on a four-day skid. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 155.54 down 0.45% on the day.
Japan’s economy expanded by 0.9% in the third quarter, below the revised 2.2% gain in Q2 but above the market estimate of 0.7%. Quarterly, GDP rose 0.2%, lower than the 0.5% gain in Q2 and matching expectations.
The GDP numbers were not sparkling but point to a second straight quarter of growth. August economic activity was dampened due to a “megaquake” alert and a fierce typhoon which caused widespread destruction and disruption.
Private consumption, which comprises more than half of the country’s GDP showed strong growth of 3.6% y/y, despite the weather issues. This is an encouraging sign for the Bank of Japan, which wants to see inflation rise to demand and consumption. The BoJ has been vague about the timing of a rate hike but the markets are looking at December or January as likely dates. The yen has been wobbly and is down 2.3% in November. If the yen’s downswing continues, the BoJ could decide to hike rates at the Dec. 19 meeting. There is also the possibility of the Ministry of Finance intervening in the currency markets if the yen declines sharply.
The US wraps up the week with retail sales for October, with a market estimate of 1.9%. Retails sales eased to 1.7% y/y in September, which was an 8-month low. Monthly, retail sales are expected to inch up to 0.4% from 0.3%. Consumer spending has been generally strong and consumer confidence should improve now that the uncertainty over the US election is over.
USD/JPY has pushed below support at 1.5601 and is testing 1.5560. The next support line is 1.5493
1.5668 and 1.5709 are the next resistance lines
USD/JPY hit 15-week high, Japan GDP nextThe Japanese is lower for a fourth straight trading day and has declined 2.1% during that time. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 155.85 up 0.25% on the day.
The markets are braced for a sharp slowdown in third-quarter GDP, which will be released early Friday. The market estimate stands at 0.7% y/y, compared to a revised 3.1% in the second quarter. On a quarterly basis, GDP is expected to ease to 0.2%, following a revised 0.7% gain in Q2. The strong GDP numbers in the second quarter reflected wage negotiations in the spring which resulted in sharp wage increases and a recovery in the auto industry.
The BoJ meets next on Dec. 19 and key data such as the GDP release and inflation will be important factors ahead of the meeting. As well, wages have been rising which could translate into increased consumer spending and demand-driven inflation.
In the US, the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose in October to 2.4% y/y, up from a revised 1.9% gain in September. The core rate also rose to 3.1% from a revised 2.9% in September. The increase in PPI comes on the heels of consumer inflation (CPI) which rose from 2.4% y/y to 2.6%. The core rate remained unchanged at 3.3%.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to change its plans due to the rise in inflation, which had decelerated for six straight months. The path of inflation can be bumpy and Fed policymakers won’t be losing sleep over a single monthly increase. If inflation accelerates next month, however, there will be some concern and we could hear calls for an oversized half-point cut in December.
USD is testing resistance at 155.95. Above, there is resistance at 1.5643
There is support at 155.15 and 154.67
$USGDPQQ -U.S GDP (Q3/2024)ECONOMICS:USGDPQQ 2.8%
Q3/2024
source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
-The US economy expanded an annualized 2.8% in Q3 2024,
below 3% in Q2 and forecasts of 3%, the advance estimate from the BEA showed.
Personal spending increased at the fastest pace since Q1 2023 (3.7% vs 2.8% in Q2),
boosted by a 6% surge in consumption of goods (6% vs 3%) and a robust spending on services (2.6% vs 2.7%), mostly prescription drugs, motor vehicles and parts, outpatient services and food services and accommodations.
Government consumption also rose more (5% vs 3.1%), led by defense spending.
In addition, the contribution from net trade was less negative (-0.56 pp vs -0.9 pp), with both exports (8.9% vs 1%) and imports (11.2% vs 7.6%) soaring, led by capital goods, excluding autos. On the other hand, private inventories dragged 0.17 pp from the growth, after adding 1.05 pp in Q2.
Also, fixed investment slowed (1.3% vs 2.3%), led by a decline in structures (-4% vs 0.2%) and residential investment (-5.1% vs -2.8%).
Investment in equipment however, soared (11.1% vs 9.8%).
$EUGDPQQ -Europe's GDP (Q3/2024) ECONOMICS:EUGDPQQ 0.4%
Q3/2024
source: EUROSTAT
- The Eurozone GDP expanded 0.4% on quarter in the three months to September 2024,
the strongest growth rate in two years, following a 0.2% rise in Q2 and above forecasts of 0.2%
The German economy expanded 0.2%, surprisingly avoiding a recession, after a downwardly revised 0.3% decline in Q2.
GDP growth also quickened in France (0.4% vs 0.2% in Q2) and the Spanish economy remained robust (0.8% vs 0.8%).
In addition, the Portuguese economy grew 0.2%, the same as in Q2 while the GDP in Ireland (2% vs -1%) and Austria (0.3% vs 0%) rebounded and grew faster in Lithuania (1.1% vs 0.3%).
On the other hand, the Italian economy stalled, following a 0.2% rise in Q2 and Latvia remained in contraction (-0.4% vs -0.3%). Year-on-year, the Eurozone GDP expanded 0.9%, the best performance since the Q1 2023, compared to a 0.6% rise in the previous quarter and higher than forecasts of 0.8%.
The ECB expects the GDP in the Eurozone to expand 0.8% this year.
Tracking Economy with this Ratio – Copper vs Gold RatioThe Fed is using the Copper / Gold ratio in tracking economy and its growth.
Currently, the copper / gold ratio is still trending downward, which indicates that the economy may not be recovering that soon.
Copper Oil Futures & Options
Ticker: HG
Minimum fluctuation:
0.0005 per pound = $12.50
Disclaimer:
• What presented here is not a recommendation, please consult your licensed broker.
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CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups in real-time and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
$CNGDPYY - China's GDP (Q3/2024)ECONOMICS:CNGDPYY Q3/2024
source: National Bureau of Statistics of China
-The Chinese economy expanded 4.6% YoY in Q3 of 2024,
compared with market forecasts of 4.5% and a 4.7% rise in Q2.
It marked the slowest annual growth rate since Q1 2023, amid persistent property weakness, shaky domestic demand, deflation risks, and trade frictions with the West.
The latest figures came as Beijing had intensified stimulus measures to boost economic recovery and rebuild confidence.
In September alone, there were some positive signs:
industrial output and retail sales both saw their largest increases in four months, and the urban jobless rate fell to a three-month low of 5.1%.
On the trade front, however, exports rose the least in five months while imports were sluggish. In the first three quarters of the year, the economy grew by 4.8%, compared with China’s full-year target of around 5%.
During the period, fixed investment rose by 3.4% yoy, topping consensus of 3.3%.
Pound shrugs as UK economy grew by 0.2%The British pound is showing little movement on Friday in what has been a very quiet week for the currency. In the European session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3071, up 0.10% on the day and its lowest level.
The UK economy showed slight improvement in August with a 0.2% m/m gain, after no growth in both June and July. This was in line with expectations and the pound’s reaction has been muted. Services, construction and manufacturing were all in positive territory, as the economy continues to show signs of growth. On a yearly basis, GDP rose 1%, up from a revised 0.9% in August but shy of the market estimate of 1.4%.
The slight rebound in the economy comes at a convenient time for the government, which will release the autumn Budget on October 30. The government is counting on the Bank of England to continue cutting rates in order to boost economic growth. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has said that kick-starting the weak UK economy is the “number one priority.
The Bank of England delivered its first rate cut of the new cycle in August but stayed on the sidelines in September. The next meeting is on November 7 and the UK releases inflation and employment data ahead of the meeting, which will likely determine whether Bank policy makers feel comfortable making another quarter-point cut.
The US wraps up the week with the producer price index for September. Headline PPI is expected to tick lower to 1.7% y/y, compared to 1.6% in August. The core rate, however, is projected to rise to 2.7%, up from 2.4% in August. With inflation largely beaten, the Federal Reserve’s primary focus has shifted from inflation to employment. Still, an unexpected PPI reading in either direction could have an impact on the movement of the US dollar.
GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.3058. Above, there is resistance at 1.3095
1.3023 and 1.2986 are the next support levels
New Zealand dollar sinks after RBNZ cuts by 50 bpsThe New Zealand dollar is sharply lower on Wednesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6079 in the European session, down 0.96% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowered the cash rate by 50 basis points on Wednesday to 4.75%. The RBNZ cut rates by 25-bps in August, the first rate cut in over four years. The jumbo rate cut had been priced in by the markets but the dramatic move has sent the New Zealand dollar sharply lower.
The rate statement noted that inflation was within the target range and was “converging on the 2% midpoint”. This is a remarkable turnaround by the central bank, which only a few months ago was warning that inflation was too high and could force the Bank to raise rates. The RBNZ had projected that initial rate cut would not occur before mid-2025 but has moved up the timetable in dramatic fashion.
The decision to cut rates by 50 bps is not surprising, given that inflation has been falling and GDP contracted in the second quarter. New Zealand releases the quarterly inflation report next week and if inflation is within expectations, it could set up another rate cut at the November meeting.
The RBNZ would like to continue trimming rates but the sharp decline of the New Zealand dollar is a concern. The New Zealand dollar has plunged 4.25% in October and has slipped to a seven-week low. Today’s oversized cut sent the kiwi sharply lower and further cuts will add downward pressure on the currency.
NZD/USD has pushed below several support levels and is testing support at 0.6079. Below, there is a monthly support level at 0.5995
There is resistance at 0.6131 and 0.6153
NZD/USD - RBNZ poised to cut, but by how much?The New Zealand dollar is down for a sixth straight day and has fallen 3.6% during that time. NZD has stabilized on Tuesday and is trading at 0.6120 in the North American session, down 0.07% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets on Wednesday and is widely expected to a cut rates, but by how much? The markets have priced in an oversize rate cut of 50 basis points, but a modest cut of 25 bps cannot be ruled out.
The RBNZ joined the rate-cutting club of major central banks in August after holding rates for over a year. The August cut which brought the cash rate down to 5.25%, marked the first rate cut in over four years. That move surprised the markets as the central bank had projected its first rate cut would not take place until mid-2025.
Why would the RBNZ slash by 50 bps? Elevated interest rates have weighed on economic activity and GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter. Inflation eased to 3.3% in the second quarter, closer to the RBNZ’s upper band of the 1-3% target range.
The RBNZ’s latest projections have inflation falling to 2.3% in Q3. The inflation report won’t be released until next week and if the RBNZ chops rates by 50 bps and inflation is higher than the RBNZ estimate, it will put the central bank in an awkward position.
Another factor which supports a 50-bps cut is that the Federal Reserve lowered rates by 50 bps in September, which allows the RBNZ to do the same without risking a sharp decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6137 and 0.6161
There is support at 0.6100 and 0.6076
USD/JPY jumps as BoJ Core CPI stallsThe Japanese yen is sharply lower on Wednesday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 144.49, up 0.89% at the time of writing.
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates and continue on the path to normalization. The BoJ lifted rates out of negative territory in March but rates are barely above zero and the markets are expecting further hikes, although the timing remains unclear. This has made the BoJ an outlier among the major central banks, which have lowered rates in response to falling inflation.
In Japan, inflation has been on the rise and hit 3.0% in August after running at 2.8% in the prior three months. The BoJ has signaled that it will raise rates but has been cautious, and Governor Ueda said on Tuesday that the central bank can afford to wait and is not in any rush to hike rates.
The US Conference Board consumer confidence index is usually not a market-mover but a very soft reading on Tuesday sent the US dollar lower against most of the major currencies. The index slipped to 98.7 in September, down sharply from a revised 105.6 in August and below the market estimate of 103.8. The US labor market has deteriorated and consumers are worried about job security.
The US releases GDP (third estimate) for the second quarter with a forecast of 3.0%. This would confirm the second estimate and point to stronger economic growth after a 1.4% gain in the first quarter. Still, the Fed may be planning another jumbo rate cut – the markets have priced in a 50-basis point cut at the next meeting in November, according to CME’s FedWatch.
USD/JPY has pushed above resistance at 143.67 and 144.23. Above, there is resistance at 145.23
There is support at 142.67 and 142.11
RSI Flags Gold Risks Before GDP, PCE Data? Gold is set to face two major US economic data points this week, following last week’s surprise 50-basis-point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve: U.S. GDP figures on Thursday and Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) on Friday
Danielle DiMartino Booth of Quill Intelligence argues the Fed’s larger-than-expected cut signals concerns over potential negative GDP revisions, casting doubt on the chances of a “soft landing” for the U.S. economy.
Jerome Powell is also going to be speaking on Thursday at the 2024 U.S. Treasury Market Conference. But his remarks may take a backseat to the data.
The 4-hour Relative Strength Index (RSI) has climbed above 70, signaling overbought conditions and suggesting caution for gold buyers. If the metal turns corrective, the price could test $2,613.
AUD/USD rises to eight-month high, RBA nextThe Australian dollar has started the week with gains. AUD/USD touched a high of 0.6850, its highest level this year. In the North American session, the Australian dollar is trading at 0.6842, up 0.51% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to maintain the cash rate at 4.35% at Tuesday’s meeting. The RBA has held rates since November, making it an outlier among the major central banks, most of which have lowered interest rates. Underlying inflation is at 3.9%, much higher than the target of between 2% and 3%. Australia releases August CPI on Wednesday, with headline CPI expected to fall to 2.8%, compared to 3.5% in July.
The RBA was more cautious than other central banks during the rate-tightening cycle and its cash rate peaked one percent below the Federal Reserve. The flip side is that the RBA has been less aggressive as far as cutting rates and Governor Bullock has said that there are no plans to cut before February 2025.
The RBA’s rate hikes have chilled economic growth as consumption has fallen sharply and GDP grew by only 1% in the second quarter. Still, the labor market has remained robust and unemployment is at 4.2%, as large-scale immigration has boosted the economy and helped avoid a recession.
In the US, today’s PMIs had no impact on AUD/USD. The manufacturing PMI slipped to 47.0 in September, down from 47.9 in August and well off the market estimate of 48.5. This was the lowest level in thirteen months as new orders fell sharply. The services sector is in better shape as the PMI ticked lower to 54.4, compared to 54.6 in August and slightly above the market estimate of 54.3.
0.6865 has held in resistance since December 2023. Above, there is resistance at 0.6923
0.6781 and 0.6723 are the next support levels
NZ dollar eyes Fed meet, New Zealand GDPThe New Zealand dollar has posted gains on Wednesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6211 at the time of writing, up 0.44% on the day.
Federal Reserve meetings are traditionally predictable affairs and don’t move the needle of the financial markets. Fed decision makers signal their intentions ahead of time in order to minimize market volatility. Today’s decision is up in the air and it remains unclear what the Fed is going to deliver – will it be a modest 25-basis point cut or a jumbo 50-bps slash? Market pricing of today’s cut has been swinging wildly, which could result in volatility after the decision.
The Fed has maintained a stance of ‘higher for longer’ for over a year and has brought down inflation close to the 2% target. The expectation not long ago was that the Fed would kick off the new rate-tightening cycle with a traditional 25-bps cut.
What has complicated matters is the recent deterioration in the US labor market. Job growth has fallen sharply and spooked the markets, with fears that the US economy could fall into a recession. The darkening employment picture has boosted the likelihood of a 50-bps cut, but such a deep cut could send a signal that the economy is in deep trouble and unnerve investors.
The markets will be keeping a close eye on the Fed’s ‘dot plot’, which will signal the expected rate path over the next few years as well as updated economic forecasts. The Fed is expected to be aggressive in its rate cuts, now that inflation is largely beaten and the employment picture has deteriorated.
Overshadowed by the dramatic Fed meeting, New Zealand will release second-quarter GDP early on Thursday. The markets are bracing for a contraction in growth. In the first quarter, the economy showed slight growth of 0.2% q/q and 0.3% y/y. This is expected to fall to -0.4% q/q and -0.5% y/y.
NZD/USD has pushed above resistance at 0.6199. Above, there is resistance at 0.6240
There is support at 0.6153 and 0.6112