AUD/USD slides on Trump tariff threatsThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Tuesday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6252, down 0.62%.
Investors are keeping a closer eye on the third-quarter inflation report, which will be released early on Wednesday. CPI is expected to ease to 2.5% from 2.8%. This is the final tier-1 event prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate meeting on Feb. 18 and could be the determining factor as to whether the RBA finally lowers interest rates. The markets have priced in about an 80% chance of a quarter-point cut at the February meeting. The RBA has maintained the cash rate at 4.35% since Nov. 2023 and has been an outlier among other major central banks, most of which have entered an easing cycle.
The US dollar is showing broad strength today, after US President Trump said on Monday that he would impose tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper imported to the U.S. Trump reiterated that he plans to levy a baseline universal tariff on all imports. Trump's tariff plans would likely raise inflation and could destabilize the financial markets, which displayed strong swings during Trump's first week in office.
China's services and manufacturing sectors both decelerated in January and missed expectations. The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2, down from 52.2 in December and shy of the forecast of 51.8. With the exception of November, service activity has been stagnant, with readings barely above the 50 level, which separates expansion from contraction. Domestic demand weakened and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies have dampened foreign sales.
The manufacturing sector is struggling and contracted in January, easing to 49.1, compared to 50.1 in December and missing the market estimate of 50.1. This was the first contraction since September 2024 and the sharpest decline in five months. Manufacturing output and foreign orders weakened in January and the weak global economy could mean further headwinds in 2025 for the manufacturing sector.
China's government has implemented stimulus measures in order to boost the economy and GDP hit 5% in 2024. Still, deflation has persisted and consumer spending remains weak. The government will have to inject further stimulus in order to boost domestic consumption, a key engine of economic growth.
AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6278. Below, there is support at 0.6225
0.6366 and 0.6419 are the next resistance lines
Pmis
AUD/USD slides on soft Chinese dataThe Australian dollar is in negative territory on Monday. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6276, down 0.59%. The Australian dollar is coming off its best weekly performance since Nov. 2023, gaining 2% against the US dollar.
China's services and manufacturing sectors both decelerated in January and missed expectations. The non-manufacturing PMI fell to 50.2, down from 52.2 in December and shy of the forecast of 51.8. With the exception of November, service activity has been stagnant, with readings barely above the 50 level, which separates expansion from contraction. Domestic demand weakened and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies have dampened foreign sales.
The manufacturing sector is struggling and contracted in January, easing to 49.1. compared to 50.1 in December and missing the market estimate of 50.1. This was the first contraction since September 2024 and the sharpest decline in five months. Manufacturing output and foreign orders weakened in January and the weak global economy could mean further headwinds in 2025 for the manufacturing sector.
China's government has implemented stimulus measures in order to boost the economy and GDP hit 5% in 2024. Still, deflation has persisted and consumer spending remains weak. The government will have to inject further stimulus in order to boost domestic consumption, a key engine of economic growth.
Australia releases the National Australia Bank business confidence index early on Tuesday. The index fell sharply to -3 in November, down sharply from 5 in October. The markets are expecting a rebound for December, with a forecast of 3 points. Investors are also keeping an eye on the third-quarter inflation report, which will be released on Wednesday. CPI is expected to ease to 2.5% from 2.8%. This is the final tier-1 event prior to the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate meeting on Feb. 18.
AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6284. Below, there is support at 0.6256
0.6308 and 0.6336 are the next resistance line
Euro surges close to 1%, German CPI loomsThe euro has started the week with sharp gains. In the European session, EUR/USD is currently trading at 1.0403, up 0.91% on the day.
Germany's economy may not be in great shape. but inflation has been moving higher and the trend is expected to continue when December CPI is released later today. Inflation rose from 2% to 2.2% in November, its highest level in four months, and is expected to hit 2.4% in December. Service inflation is at 4% and core CPI at 3%, which indicates the battle to contain inflation isn't over.
Once the locomotive of Europe, Germany's economy has faltered badly and has slowed the eurozone's recovery. Germany's once mighty auto industry has been hurt by weaker Chinese demand due to the slowdown in the the world's second-largest economy. As well, China has gained a larger share of the global automotive market, at the expense of German auto exports. Unsurprisingly, Germany's manufacturing sector is stuck in contraction territory.
Germany's services sector moved back into expansion mode in December, as the Services PMI rose to a revised 51.3, up from 49.3 in November. The eurozone Services PMI improved to a revised 51.6, up from 49.5 in November. Spain continues to impress with its economic data, as the Services PMI climbed to 57.3, up from 53.1 in November. This marked a sixteenth straight month of expansion and was the highest level of growth since April 2023.
The US releases Final Services PMI later today. The market estimate for December stands at 58.5, compared to 56.1 in November. This points to strong business activity, which has been the linchpin of the US economy.
EUR/USD has pushed above resistance at 1.0331. Above, there is resistance at 1.0436 and 1.0564
There is support at 1.0203 and 1.0098
Pound steady after hot UK wage growth, CPI nextThe Canadian dollar continues to lose ground. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.4315, up 0.48% at the time of writing. The Canadian dollar has declined 2.2% in December and is trading at its lowest level since mid-March.
Canada's inflation eased to 1.9% in November, down from 2% in October and shy of the market expectations of 2%. However, the trimmed-mean core rate remained unchanged at 2.7%, higher than the market estimate of 2.5%. This is above the Bank of Canada's target of 2% and will complicate plans to continue to lower interest rates.
The BoC has been the leader among major central banks in lowering rates, with five rate cuts since June for a total of 175 basis points. The central bank chopped the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.25% last week but indicated in the rate statement that it expected a "more gradual approach to monetary policy", which means we can expect 25-bp increments in rate cuts if there are no surprises in inflation or employment data.
US retail sales sparkled, another sign that the US economy remains robust. Retail sales jumped 3.8% y/y in November, following an upwardly revised 2.9% in October. This was the highest annual gain since last December. Monthly, retail sales rose 0.7%, above the upwardly revised 0.5% gain in October and the market estimate of 0.5%.
US consumers have opened their wallets for the holiday season and motor vehicles and online sales helped drive the gain. The strong retail sales report didn't change expectations for a rate cut on Wednesday, which stand at 99%, according to the CME's FedWatch.
US PMIs on Monday pointed to a mixed bag. The Services PMI rose in December to 58.5 from 56.1 in November and above the forecast of 55.7. This was the highest level in over three years as the services economy is showing impressive expansion. The manufacturing sector is in dreadful shape and weakened to 48.3, down from 49.7 in November and below the market estimate of 49.8. Output and new orders are down as the demand for exports remains weak.
USD/CAD is testing resistance at 1.4289. Above, there is resistance at 1.4343
1.4191 and 1.4137 are the next support levels
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
British retail sales decline, pound extends lossesThe British pound is lower for a straight third trading day on Friday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2543, down 0.36% on the day.
UK retail sales disappointed in October, with a sharp decline of 0.7% m/m. This follows a downwardly revised 0.1% gain in September and missed than the market estimate of 0.3%. Annually, retail sales rose 2.4%, well below the market estimate of 3.2%. The September reading was revised downwards from 3.9% to 3.2%.
The sharp drop in retail sales can be attributed to low consumer confidence and the recent Budget. The GfK consumer confidence index showed an improvement, rising from -21 to -18, but this points to a very pessimistic British consumer who is thinking twice before making discretionary purchases.
The Reeves Budget on Oct. 31 dampened consumer spending, as the government had warned about “difficult decisions” and proceeded to deliver a Budget with some 40 billion pounds worth of tax increases. Understandably, consumers held back on spending in October and retail sales were down across most categories.
The economy has slowed since the July election and services and manufacturing activity have decelerated for three straight months. The UK releases the Services and Manufacturing PMIs later today. The Services PMI is expected to remain unchanged at 52.0, while the Manufacturing PMI if projected to inch up to 50.0, up from 49.9. If the PMIs are weaker than expected, the pound could respond with losses.
The US will also publish manufacturing and services PMIs on Friday, with little change expected. The Manufacturing PMI is expected to rise from 45.5 to 45.8, and the Services PMI, which has been showing solid growth, from 55 to 55.2.
GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2557, followed by support at 1.2525
There is resistance at 1.2609 and 1.2641
British pound falls to 6-month low, retail sales nextThe British pound has lost ground on Thursday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2506, down 0.44% on the day. Earlier, the pound dropped as low as 1.2593, its lowest level since mid-May.
It’s a busy Friday in the UK, highlighted by the retail sales report. We’ll also get a look at consumer confidence and the services and manufacturing PMIs.
The UK releases October retail sales on Friday and the markets are bracing for a downswing. The market estimate stands at 3.4% y/y, compared to 3.9% in September, the highest since Feb. 2022. Monthly, retail sales are expected to decline by 0.3%, following a 0.3% gain in September. The UK consumer remains in a sour mood, as the cost of living and high interest rates continue to squeeze households. The GfK consumer confidence index is expected to remain unchanged in November at -21.
The UK manufacturing sector has been struggling. The October PMI was revised downwards to 49.9, which indicates stagnation. The PMI has decelerated for three straight months and the weak global demand will likely continue to weigh on manufacturing in the months ahead. The market estimate for November stands at 50.0.
The services sector is in better shape and has shown 12 consecutive months of growth. The PMI has also eased for three straight months, raising concerns about the health of the economy. The market estimate for November is 52.0, unchanged from the October figure.
The US will also publish manufacturing and services PMIs on Friday, with little change expected. The Manufacturing PMI is expected to rise from 45.5 to 45.8, and the Services PMI, which has been showing solid growth, from 55 to 55.2.
There is resistance at 1.2666 and 1.2702
GBP/USD pushed below support at 1.2618 and tested support at 1.2582 earlier
Euro jumps to 10-day highThe euro has posted strong gains on Monday. EUR/USD is trading at 1.1126 in the North American session at the time of writing, up 0.49% today. The euro is at its highest level since Sept. 6.
It’s a quiet day on the data calendar, with no tier-1 events. In the US, the Empire State Manufacturing index rebounded to 11.5 in September, much higher than the August reading of -4.7 and the market estimate of -3.9. This was a shocker as the manufacturer index had contracted nine straight times before today’s reading.
Tuesday will be busier, with German ZEW economic sentiment index and US retail sales. German ZEW economic sentiment plunged to 19.2 in August, down from 41.8 in July. The market estimate for September stands at 17.1. US retail sales are expected to fall to 2.2% y/y in August, down from 2.7% in July.
This week’s key event is the Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday, with a 25 basis-point cut practically guaranteed. Will the Fed opt for an oversize 50-bps cut or play it safe with a 25-bps move? The rate cut odds continue to swing wildly. After last week’s producer price index reading, the odds of a 50-bps point cut soared to 41%, up from just 13% before the release, according to the CME’s FedWatch tool. That has increased to 59% today.
The uncertainty over what the Fed will do could last right up to the wire. The Fed is in a quandary as it needs to balance the risk of inflation moving higher against the recent weakness in the labor market. A modest 25-bps cut may not be sufficient to improve the employment picture, while a 50 bps cut might send a message that the Fed believes the economy is in deep trouble.
EUR/USD is testing resistance at 1.118. Above, there is resistance at 1.1160
There is support at 1.1060 and 1.1018
ISM Manufacturing & ISM Services PMI Combined show trigger levelISM Manufacturing and ISM Services PMI Combined 🪢
This week the ISM PMI's were released as follows:
🚨ISM Manufacturing PMI = 47.2 (contractionary)
✅ISM Services PMI = 51.5 (expansionary)
With both metrics offering mixed signals, I decided to make a chart that combines the ISM Manufacturing and ISM Services PMI into one dataset on the chart.
Interestingly it provided a clean chart with many patterns to observe, and useful forward looking trigger levels to keep an eye on. Don't forget you can update on this chart data anytime on my TradingView page with one click.
At present you can see that the data is compressed into a something resembling a "Darvas Box". I understand this not price but data, however this economic data is clearly in a compressed channel and appears uncertain in terms of a definitive direction. It has also never been in a pattern like this for this long in the past, which could mean a break out up or down is closer than it is further away.
Prior patterns have demonstrated that break throughs of both diagonal and horizontal support lines has resulted in significant downward movements. This is evident on the chart and this is something we can watch out for should we break below the box.
Consistent with past recession's the Combined PMI dropped below the 50 level (🔴red circles) way back in Dec 2022. Since then we have oscillated around the 50 level in the compressed box in indecisive fashion.
Never has the data behaved specifically this way in the past, specifically for this long. There are no other compressed boxes of data lasting this long. At some stage the ISM Data will push the its way out of this box I have drawn and it could be a good indicator to observe for early signals of the direction of the economy in the U.S. as a whole (both services and manufacturing combined)
As always, this chart in on my TradingView page, and you can click on it at any stage to get an updated reading on the chart so you can quickly get a visual update on the direction of the U.S. Economy via combined ISM PMI's.
Enjoy
PUKA
GBP/USD hits 1-month high, UK PMIs nextThe British pound is showing limited movement on Wednesday, after a four-day rally in which it surged 1.7% against the retreating US dollar. GBP/USD is trading at 1.3047 in the North American session at the time of writing, up 0.1% on the day.
The annual meeting at Jackson Hole has added significance this year as the Federal Reserve is expected to deliver a milestone rate cut in September. Fed Chair Powell will address the gathering on Friday and investors will be looking for clues about the anticipated September move.
The Fed last cut rates in March 2020, early in the Covid pandemic. The Fed has maintained its benchmark rate at 5.25% -5.5% for over a year and all signals point to an initial rate cut at the September 18 meeting.
The most likely scenario is a quarter-point cut but earlier this month the financial markets were routed and expectations for a large half-point cut soared. Now that the markets have recovered, a quarter-point cut is once again the most likely scenario.
With inflation under control, the Fed is keeping a close eye on the US labor market, which may be cooling too fast for the Fed. The July employment report showed a sharp drop in nonfarm payrolls and a rise in unemployment and the financial markets went into panic mode. Powell is sure to touch upon employment and inflation in his speech on Friday and his take on the economic outlook could move the US dollar.
The UK will release the July PMI report on Thursday. The manufacturing and services sectors are both showing growth, as the UK economic picture has improved. The services PMI is expected to inch upwards to 52.9, up from 52.8 in June. Manufacturing has been accelerated for three straight months but the PMI is projected to remain at 52.1. We’ll hear from Bank of England Governor Bailey on Friday at the Jackson Hole symposium.
GBP/USD tested support at 1.3020 earlier. Below, there is support at 1.2989
1.3067 and 1.3098 are the next resistance lines.
USD/JPY dips after US services data stumblesThe Japanese yen has rebounded on Thursday and is trading at 161.01, down 0.43% on the day. The yen has been on a slide over the past four weeks and has declined by 3.9% during that time. On Wednesday, the yen fell as low as 161.95, its lowest level since 1986. US markets are closed today for the Fourth of July holiday.
The US ISM Services PMI disappointed on Wednesday, dropping to 48.8 in June. This was well below the May reading of 53.8 and the market estimate of 52.6 and marked the weakest reading since May 2020. The 50.0 level separates contraction from expansion.
The Federal Reserve won’t mind the weak services data as its looks for signs of a slowdown before it lowers interest rates. The employment component of the Services PMI eased to 46.1 from 47.1 and the US market will be in the spotlight on Friday with the release of nonfarm payrolls for June. The markets are bracing for a gain of 190 thousand, compared to the surprisingly strong gain of 272 thousand in May. If nonfarm payrolls fall below the 200 thousand level, it will lend strong support for a rate cut in September, which currently has a 66% probability, according to the CME’s FedWatch.
Japan’s Household Spending reeled off 13 straight declines before ending the streak with a gain of 0.5% m/m for April. The May report will be released early Friday and a weak gain of 0.1% is expected. Japanese consumers have been squeezed by high prices and weak consumer consumption is hampering sustained economic growth, which the Bank of Japan wants to see before it tightens monetary policy.
USD/JPY Technical
USD/JPY has pushed below the support at 1.6148 and is testing support at 161.00
There is resistance at 162.18 and 162.66
GBP/USD steady despite plunge in retail salesThe British pound continues to have a quiet week in which it has stayed close to the 1.27 line. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2715, up 0.13% at the time of writing in the European session.
UK retail spending slumped in April with a 2.3% m/m decline. This followed a revised 0.2% decline in March and was much weaker than the market estimate of -0.4%. It was the largest decrease in four months, driven by a sharp fall gasoline and non-food items. Most sectors reported a drop in sales volume as unusually rainy weather put a damper consumer spending. On an annualized basis, retail sales fell 2.7%, after a revised 0.4% gain in March and missing the market estimate of -0.2%.
Is the UK economy fading? The economy performed well in the first quarter, with Q1 GDP rising 0.6% q/q, its strongest quarter in over two years. The weak retail sales could be indicative of a weaker second quarter, which would support the BoE lowering the current cash rate of 5.25% which is throttling economic activity. With inflation falling to 2.3% in April, the 2% target is within striking distance and speculation has risen that the BoE will start to lower rates as early as August.
In the US, the services and manufacturing sectors showed improvement in May. Services PMI jumped to 54.8 in May, up from 51.3 in April and above the market estimate of 51.3. This was the highest level in a year and pointed to improving business activity despite high interest rates. Manufacturing remains weak but the PMI rose from 50.0 to 50.9, which shows very modest growth. The 50 level separates contraction from expansion.
GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2710. Above, there is resistance at 1.2736
1.2674 and 1.2648 are the next support levels
USD/JPY steady as Japanese PMIs mixedThe Japanese yen is slightly lower on Thursday. USD/JPY is trading at 156.70, down 0.08% on the day at the time of writing.
Japan’s PMIs for April were a mixed bag and the yen didn’t show much reaction. Services PMI dipped to 53.6, down from 54.3 in March and just shy of the forecast of 53.8. This was the smallest growth in services since February.
Manufacturing PMI showed improvement and rose to 50.5, up from 49.6 in March and above the market estimate of 49.7. This was the first growth since May 2023 as manufacturing has been in a prolonged slump. The 50 level separates contraction from growth.
The Japanese economy is showing signs of improving after first-quarter GDP declined. Inflation has been easing, which could hamper the ability of the Bank of Japan to increase rates without reigniting deflation.
With inflation falling around the globe, major central banks have been under pressure to lower interest rates. The central banks remain cautious, however, and the Fed minutes indicated that there was a discussion to raise rates at the May 1st meeting. Other central banks are also unclear about their rate path – the Reserve Banks of Australia and New Zealand held rates at their most recent meetings but also considered hiking rates.
The FOMC minutes noted that policy makers are not confident about lowering rates at this stage and want to see more evidence that inflation will continue to drop and remain sustainable around the 2% target. This message is consistent with what we have been hearing from a host of Fed members, although the markets have priced in a September rate cut.
USD/JPY tested support at 156.02 earlier. Below, there is support at 156.33
157.07 and 157.32 are the next resistance lines
China Caixin PMI SummaryChina Caixin PMI Summary
Surveys completed by 650 SME's in China have indicated that China's smaller manufacturing and service providers remain in expansionary mode in April 2024 with all three data releases coming in as expected or higher than expected with readings >50 = Expansionary.
Manufacturing - 51.4
Increased from 51.1 in Mar 2024 to 51.4 in Apr 2024
✅Above expectations of 51
Services - 52.5
Decreased from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to 52.5 in Apr 2024
✅In line with expectations of 52.5
Composite - 52.8
Increased from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to 52.8 in Apr 2024
✅Above expectations of 52.5
Macro Monday 45~The China Caixin PMI (Manu, Serv & Composite)Macro Monday 45
The China Caixin PMI
(Services and Composite released Today Monday)
Last week week we looked at the China Caixin Manufacturing PMI which will revise today with its updated readings that were released last Tuesday.
We will also look at the China Caixin Services PMI and the Caixin Composite PMI (a combination of the Services and Manufacturing PMI's) as these will both be released later today.
1.Manufacturing PMI – Already released
2. Services PMI – Released Today 6th May 2024
3. Composite PMI Released Today 6th May 2024 (both 1 + 2 combined)
What is the Caixin PMI?
▫️ The is an S&P Global report released monthly.
▫️ The Caixin PMI focuses on small & medium sized enterprises (SME’s) in China.
▫️ Surveys a small sample size of 650 private and state owned manufacturers and service providers.
Why Focus on China PMI's?
China, the 2nd largest economy in the world at approx. $18 trillion is often referred to as the world’s manufacturing superpower. In 2019, the Chinese manufacturing sector contributed nearly $4 trillion towards the country’s total economic output. Manufacturing accounted for almost 30% of China’s GDP during 2019 demonstrating the importance of manufacturing and the surveys completed by the manufacturers through the Purchaser Managers Index (PMI) surveys. Incredibly, in 2023 China’s manufacturing continued to increase and contributed 31.7% to China GDP, furthermore China’s exports reached record highs of $3.36 trillion. For a country that gets a lot of bad economic press, the economic data from manufacturing and exports suggests China is adaptable and is currently in expansionary territory. This will be further evident from the PMI charts we are about to review also.
Like most PMI’s the data will generally be derived from the following sub indicies; New Orders, Output, Employment, Supplier Deliveries and Inventories.
Reading both PMI’s:
>50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector compared to the previous month.
< 50 represents contraction
A reading of 50 indicates no change.
The Charts
China Caixin Manufacturing PMI - APR 2024
✅51.4 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
▫️ Increased from 50.9 in Feb 2024 to 51.1 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increased from 51.1 in Mar 2024 to 51.4 in Apr 2024 – Figures for April were released on the 30th April 2024 (last week).
✅The Caixin Manufacturing PMI has remained expansionary for 6 consecutive (Nov 2023 – Apr 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 lows of 40.3, since then making a series of higher lows and recently sustaining 6 months of expansionary readings.
China Caixin Services PMI - Mar 2024
✅52.7 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
⏳ April Figures released today (pending)
▫️ Increased from 50.2 in Sept 2023 to 52.7 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increase/decrease from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to ??? in Apr 2024 – Figures for April are released on today Monday 6th April 2024.
✅The Caixin Services PMI has remained expansionary for 15 consecutive months (Jan 2023 – Mar 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 lows of 26.5 when services took a huge hit during COVID-19 lockdowns, since then making a series of higher lows and recently sustaining 15 months of expansionary readings.
China Caixin COMPOSITE PMI - Mar 2024
✅52.7 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
⏳ April Figures released today (pending)
THIS IS THE SUBJECT CHART AT OUTSET
▫️ Increased from 50 in Oct 2023 to 52.7 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increase/decrease from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to ??? in Apr 2024 – Figures for April are released on today Monday 6th April 2024.
✅The Caixin Composite PMI has remained expansionary for 5 consecutive months (Nov 2023 – Mar 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 similar to Manufacturing and Services PMI charts above. Looking at the composite chart, one can see that we moving sideways since Dec 2023 (Dec 52.6, Jan 52.5, Feb 52.5 & Mar 52.7). We are comfortably in the expansionary green zone on the composite.
In Summary
(subject to tomorrow’s readings for the Services and Composite PMI but we assume expansionary)
China Caixin Manufacturing PM I
↗️ Expansionary
The Caixin Manufacturing PMI for April 2024 rose to 51.4, marking the sixth straight month of expansion and the fastest growth since February 2023
China Caixin Services PMI
↗️ Expansionary
As of March 2024, the Caixin Services PMI increased slightly to 52.7, indicating growth in the services sector for the 15th consecutive month
(April 2024 Figures Release Today)
China Caixin COMPOSITE PMI
↗️ Expansionary
The Composite PMI reached 52.7 in March 2023, the highest since May 2023, showing the fifth consecutive month of growth in overall private sector activity.
(April 2024 Figures Release Today)
All the above readings suggest a continued expansion across China’s services and manufacturing sectors, reflecting improvements in demand and business activity across the SME cohort.
All these charts are available on my Tradingview Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next 5 - 10 years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide I provided. I hope its helpful
Lets get after it again this week 💪🏻
PUKA
Pound edges higher as UK Services PMI beats estimateThe British is in positive territory on Friday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2555, up 0.16% at the time of writing.
The service sector accelerated in April, as the Services PMI rose to 55.0, up from 53.1 in April. This was the strongest level since May 2023 and services has shown growth for six straight months, with readings above the 50 level. The PMI survey noted that business and consumer spending were higher in April and reflective of an improving UK economy. The positive report has given the British pound a slight boost on Friday.
The US labour market has remained surprisingly strong and has weathered the Federal Reserve’s steep rate hikes. The March nonfarm payrolls report sizzled at 303,000, well above expectations. The April data is unlikely to be as strong, but the market forecast of 243,000 would indicate that the labour market remains tight. The markets will be keeping a close eye on wage growth, which contributes to inflation. Wages rose 0.3% m/m in April and are expected to remain unchanged in the April release. The unemployment rate is also expected to remain unchanged at 3.8%.
The Federal Reserve reiterated at this week’s meeting that inflation remained too high to lower rates. Still, the markets were relieved that Fed Chair Powell appeared to rule out the next rate move being a rate hike and that sent the US dollar lower against the major currencies. Just one month ago, the markets had fully priced in a rate cut in September but the probability has fallen to 61%, with a 73% probability of a cut in November.
GBP/USD tested resistance at 1.2563 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 1.2590
1.2517 and 1.2490 and providing support
AUD/USD stabilizes after taking a tumble, Fed nextThe Australian dollar has steadied on Wednesday after sliding 1.4% a day earlier. AUD/USD is up 0.19%, trading at 0.6489 at the time of writing in the North American session.
Australian dollar slides after soft retail sales
Retail sales in Australia fell 0.4% m/m in March, following a downwardly revised 0.2% gain in February and shy of the market estimate of 0.2%. The decrease in sales was felt across all industries, as consumers held tight to the purse strings. On an annualized basis, retail sales grew by just 0.8% in March, the lowest level since August 2021.
The Australian dollar responded with sharp losses to the disappointing retail sales release. China posted soft PMIs which also weighed on the Aussie. The manufacturing PMI eased to 50.4 in April, down from 50.8 and just above the market estimate of 50.3. The services PMI fell to 51.2, compared to 53.0 in March and below the market estimate of 52.2.
The data indicates that manufacturing and services are showing little growth, another sign of the slowdown in China, which is Australia’s largest export market. Weaker economic activity in China means less demand for Australian exports, which is weighing on the Australian dollar.
Will Powell make a hawkish pivot?
The Federal Reserve meets later today, with little doubt that it will maintain interest rates for a sixth straight time. The target range for the benchmark rate of 5.25% to 5.5% hasn’t changed since July and the Fed has shown that it is willing to prolong its “higher for longer” stance as long as is needed. Fed Chair Powell is expected to have a hawkish message for the market, which would likely provide the US dollar with a boost.
AUD/USD Technical
AUD/USD is putting pressure on resistance at 0.6504. Above, there is resistance at 0.6537
0.6439 and 0.6406 are the next support levels
USD/JPY shrugs after US GDPThe Japanese yen has edged lower on Thursday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 147.62, up 0.08%.
The US economy continues to surprise with stronger-than-expected data. On Wednesday, the services and manufacturing PMIs both accelerated and beat the estimates, followed by first-estimate GDP for the fourth quarter earlier today.
The economy sparkled with an expansion of 3.3% q/q, blowing past the consensus estimate of 2.0%. This follows the blowout gain of 4.9% in the third quarter. Consumer spending remained strong at 2.8%, compared to 3.1% in the third quarter. The US economy expanded in 2023 at 2.5% y/y, up from 1.9% in 2022. The US dollar's reaction to the positive GDP report has been muted.
There were concerns earlier this year that the economy might tip into a recession, as the Fed continued to raise interest rates to beat down inflation. However, solid consumer spending and a resilient labour market have boosted economic growth and the Fed is well on its way to achieving the tricky task of a soft landing for the economy.
On the inflation front, the core personal expenditure price index was unchanged at 2% in the fourth quarter, while the headline index rose 1.7%, down sharply from 2.6 in Q3. The week wraps up with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index on Friday, considered the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. The PCE price index and core PCE price index are expected to edge slightly lower in January, which would be an encouraging sign that the inflation is moving lower.
Japan releases Tokyo Core CPI, a key inflation indicator, on Friday. The consensus estimate for January stands at 1.9% y/y for January, after a 2.1% gain in December. If the estimate proves correct, it would mark the first time in almost two years that it has fallen below the BoJ's target of 2%.
USD/JPY is testing resistance at 147.54, followed by resistance at 148.44
There is support at 146.63 and 145.73
USD/CAD eyes Bank of CanadaThe Canadian dollar is showing limited movement on Wednesday. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3436, down 0.19%.
The Bank of Canada will announce its first rate decision of 2024 later today. The BoC has maintained the cash rate at 5.0% for three straight times and barring further acceleration in inflation, the rate-tightening cycle is over. The key question is the timing of a rate cut. The BoC would love to chop rates and kick-start the weak economy, but a rate cut appears unlikely unless inflation moves closer to the 2% target.
We've seen the Federal Reserve grapple with the "last mile" of the inflation battle, as inflation remains stubborn in the range of 3-4%, higher than the 2% target. The BoC has managed to push inflation down from a high of 8.1% in mid-2022 but rose slightly in December to 3.4%. Inflation is currently driven by services and housing costs, which are unlikely to fall considerably in the near term. This means that further rate hikes may not be effective in pushing inflation lower.
The BoC has little reason to raise rates, but it is reluctant to start cutting rates while inflation remains well above the target and wage growth is still high. That leaves BoC policymakers with a strong reason to continue holding rates and remaining cautious until inflation moves closer to the 2% target. When can we expect the BoC to hit the rate-cut button? Two of Canada's major banks, RBC and BMO, expect a rate cut in mid-2024, while TD Bank is projecting an initial rate cut in the spring.
USD/CAD is testing support at 1.3451. Below, there is support at 1.3360
There is resistance at 1.3520 and 1.3611
EUR/USD slips, Eurozone inflation risesThe euro is in negative territory on Friday. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.0908, down 0.33%.
Eurozone inflation has been falling and dropped to 2.4% y/y in November, within striking distance of the 2% target. The downward trend reversed itself in December, as CPI jumped to 2.9%, just below the consensus estimate of 3.0%. This was the first uptick in inflation since April. There was better news from Core CPI, which dropped to 3.4% y/y, matching the consensus estimate and down from 3.6% in November. This marked the lowest level for the core rate since March 2022.
The eurozone inflation report should not have come as a surprise, as Germany, the bellwether of the eurozone, posted similar numbers earlier this week. German CPI rose to 3.7% y/y, up from 3.2%, while the core rate fell from 3.7% to 3.5%. I don't expect the European Central Bank to lose much sleep over a spike in one inflation report but policy makers will be on the alert for inflation continuing to rise. The drop in Core CPI is an encouraging sign, as the core rate is considered a more accurate gauge of inflation trends than the headline release.
All eyes will be on the US payrolls release later today. The consensus for the December report stands at 199,000, up from 170,000 in November. The markets will be keeping an eye on wage growth, which is projected to ease to 3.9% y/y, compared to 4.0% in October. This would mark the lowest annual gain since mid-2021. The Fed would like to see wage growth decline as it is a driver of inflation. Fed policymakers will be pleased if the releases are within expectations, as it would indicate that the labour market remains solid but is slowly cooling.
The US will also release the ISM Services PMI for December. The services sector has expanded for 11 straight months and is expected at 52.7 for December, little changed from 52.6 a month earlier.
EUR/USD is testing support at 1.0944. Below, there is support at 1.0917
1.0974 and 1.1001 are the next resistance lines
GBP/USD rises on Services PMI, Construction PMI nextThe British pound has edged higher on Thursday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2698, up 0.27%.
UK Services Final PMI was a bright note on Thursday. The PMI rose to 53.4 in December, up from 50.9 in November and above the preliminary estimate of 52.7. This marked a second straight expansion after posting three consecutive declines. This was the fastest rate of expansion since June, as consumer demand showed improvement and service providers showed increased optimism over business conditions. The British pound retreated after the PMI release but has managed to recover much of these losses.
The UK wraps up the week with Construction PMI on Friday. The December PMI is expected at 46.0, which would mark a fourth straight decline. The construction industry has been hit hard by the weak UK economy and house building remains weak in both the residential and commercial sectors.
In the US, the FOMC minutes were a disappointment in comparison to all the buzz generated after the Fed's December meeting. The Fed has been hawkish for months but made a surprise pivot at the meeting, saying it expected three rate cuts in 2024. This is much more cautious than the six cuts priced in by the markets, but it nevertheless marked a major shift for the Fed, which sent the US dollar lower and the equity markets higher.
The minutes acknowledged that the current benchmark rate was at or near a peak and that members expected to lower rates this year. However, members cautioned there was an “unusually elevated degree of uncertainty” about the rate path, which would depend on economic conditions.
The takeaway from the minutes is that the Fed is eyeing rate cuts but hasn't determined when it would start trimming rates. The markets have priced in the probability of a rate cut by March at around 80% and are expecting five or six cuts this year. It will be interesting to see if the Fed continues to try and dampen these expectations.
GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2689. Above, there is resistance at 1.2714
There is support at 1.2652 and 1.2627
EUR/USD stabilizes after slide, FOMC minutes loomThe euro has steadied on Wednesday after sustaining sharp losses a day earlier. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.0932, down 0.08% and its lowest level since December 21.
The US dollar has been struggling in recent weeks but came flying out of the gates on Tuesday, the first trading day of the New Year. The euro fell 0.88% against the dollar, its worst one-day showing since October. The dollar's spike could be due to profit-taking as the data calendar was light on Tuesday and the dollar gained ground against all of the major currencies.
It's a busy day for US releases after a lull during the week of Christmas. The ISM Manufacturing PMI is expected to rise to 47.1 for December, compared to 46.7 in November. The manufacturing sector has been in a miserable slump and hasn't shown expansion since October 2022. Manufacturers have been squeezed by weak demand abroad and high borrowing costs. With the Fed expected to start cutting rates in March, we could see manufacturing respond with increased business activity.
The Federal Reserve releases the FOMC meeting of the December meeting later today. The meeting was highly significant as the Fed surprised the markets by failing to push back against rate-cut fever. The Fed signalled that it expected to trim rates three times in 2024, a major pivot from the well-worn script of 'higher for longer'. Investors will be looking for details about the shift in Fed policy which has boosted the equity markets and weighed on the US dollar.
Germany and the eurozone will post the December inflation reports on Thursday. Last week, Spain posted lower-than-expected inflation numbers. Inflation has eased to 3.2% in Germany and 2.4% in the eurozone, as the ECB's target of 2% is getting closer. Will the December numbers show inflation continues to fall? If so, the European Central Bank will be under pressure to lower rates. ECB President Lagarde has so far dismissed talk of rate cuts, but she may need to shift her hawkish stance if inflation continues to fall, as the eurozone economy is struggling and could use some relief in the form of rate cuts.
There is resistance at 1.1069 and 1.1102
1.0958 and 1.0887 are the next support lines