Major U.S. stock-indexes higher on Thursday as Apple shares and health stocks lifted the market ahead of the crucial Federal Reserve meeting next week. Global markets were under pressure earlier in the day after data showed a drop in producer prices and car sales in China and slowing capital spending in Japan.
Most of Dow stocks in positive area (24 of 30). Top looser - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, -0.88%). Top gainer - Apple Inc. (AAPL, +2.35).
All S&P index sectors in positive area. Top gainer - Healthcare (+1,4%).
At the moment:
Dow 16249.00 +70.00 +0.43%
S&P 500 1944.00 +10.50 +0.54%
Nasdaq 100 4290.00 +43.50 +1.02%
10 Year yield 2,23% +0,05
Oil 45.67 +1.52 +3.44%
Gold 1111.20 +9.20 +0.83%
Polish equity market closed higher on Thursday. The broad market measure, the WIG index, advanced 1.42%. Sector performance in the WIG Index was mixed. Banking stocks (+3.16%) recorded the biggest gain, supported by the Polish parliament speaker's statement that it was unlikely that the FX loan conversion bill would be passed before the October election. At the same time, food sector (-0.78%) fared the worst.
The large-cap stocks' measure, the WIG30 Index, surged by 1.84%. In the index basket, banking names BZ WBK (WSE: BZW), PEKAO (WSE: PEO), HANDLOWY (WSE: BHW), PKO BP (WSE: PKO) and MBANK (WSE: MBK) generated the biggest gains, soaring by 2.96-4.36%. ENEA (WSE: ENA) also was among top performers, adding 3.8%. On the other side of the ledger, ENERGA (WSE: ENG) led the decliners with a 1.97% drop, followed by KERNEL (WSE: KER) and BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB), sliding a respective 1.85% and 1.37%.
Stock indices closed lower on the weak economic data from Asia. The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 5.9% in August, missing forecasts of a 5.5% fall, after a 5.4% decline in July. It was the biggest decline since 2009.
Core machine orders in Japan dropped 3.6% in August, missing expectations for a 3.7% rise, after a 7.9% decline in July.
On a yearly basis, core machine orders in Japan rose 2.8% in August, missing forecasts of a 10.5% gain, after a 16.6% rise in July.
Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone was mixed. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France fell 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a flat reading in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.1% decline.
The decline was driven by a drop in electrical and electronic equipment output, which fell 2.0%.
On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 0.7% in July, after a 1.0% gain in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.7% increase.
Spanish statistical office INE released its industrial production figures for Spain on Thursday. Industrial production in Spain was up 0.6% in July, after a 0.4% gain in June.
On a yearly basis, industrial production in Spain climbed at adjusted 5.2% in July, after a 4.5% increase in June.
Halifax released its house prices data for the U.K. on Thursday. House prices in the U.K. increased 2.7% in August, after a 0.4% fall in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.6% decline.
On a yearly basis, house prices climbed 9.0% in the three months to August, after a 7.8% increase in the three months to July. July's figure was revised down from a 7.8% gain.
"The shortage of second-hand properties for sale on the market is resulting in upward pressure on house prices. At the same time, economic recovery, real earnings growth and very low mortgage rates are supporting housing demand. Strengthening demand and highly constrained supply are likely to mean that house price growth continues to be robust in the short-term," Halifax's housing economist Martin Ellis said.
Indexes on the close:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 100 6,155.81 -73.20 -1.18 %
DAX 10,210.44 -92.68 -0.90 %
CAC 40 4,596.53 -68.06 -1.46 %
Oil prices rose on the U.S. initial jobless claims data. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending September 05 in the U.S. declined by 6,000 to 275,000 from 281,000 in the previous week, in line with expectations. The previous week's figure was revised down from 282,000.
Gains were limited by U.S. oil inventories data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its crude oil inventories data on Thursday. U.S. crude inventories climbed by 2.57 million barrels to 458.0 million in the week to September 4. It was the biggest one-week increase since April.
Analysts had expected U.S. crude oil inventories to rise by 200,000 barrels.
Gasoline inventories increased by 384,000 barrels, according to the EIA.
Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, declined by 897,000 barrels.
U.S. crude oil imports fell by 396,000 barrels per day.
Refineries in the U.S. were running at 90.9% of capacity, down from 92.8% the previous week.
Earlier, the weak economic data from China and Japan weighed on oil prices. The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 5.9% in August, missing forecasts of a 5.5% fall, after a 5.4% decline in July. It was the biggest decline since 2009.
Core machine orders in Japan dropped 3.6% in August, missing expectations for a 3.7% rise, after a 7.9% decline in July.
On a yearly basis, core machine orders in Japan rose 2.8% in August, missing forecasts of a 10.5% gain, after a 16.6% rise in July.
Saudi Arabia said on Thursday that there is no need to hold an OPEC summit, according to sources familiar with the matter. The sources said that Saudi Arabia believes that it is better not to interfere in the market.
WTI crude oil for October delivery increased to $45.20 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Brent crude oil for October rose to $48.67 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe.
Gold price increased on a weaker U.S. dollar. But gains were limited as the uncertainty over the Fed's interest rate hike continue to weigh on gold. It remains unclear if the Fed will start raising its interest rate in September or not.
The weak Chinese economic data supported gold price. The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 5.9% in August, missing forecasts of a 5.5% fall, after a 5.4% decline in July. It was the biggest decline since 2009.
October futures for gold on the COMEX today increased to 1108.60 dollars per ounce.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its crude oil inventories data on Thursday. U.S. crude inventories climbed by 2.57 million barrels to 458.0 million in the week to September 4. It was the biggest one-week increase since April.
Analysts had expected U.S. crude oil inventories to rise by 200,000 barrels.
Gasoline inventories increased by 384,000 barrels, according to the EIA.
Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, declined by 897,000 barrels.
U.S. crude oil imports fell by 396,000 barrels per day.
Refineries in the U.S. were running at 90.9% of capacity, down from 92.8% the previous week.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Thursday that Japan's economy will likely avoid a recession.
He also said that it is possible that the central bank's 2% inflation will not be achieved next year if oil prices decline further.
Kuroda pointed out that the BoJ would not lower a 0.1% interest rate floor.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at the World Economic Forum in Dalian that there will be no hard landing in China as the government is capable to support the economy.
"If there are signs that our economy is sliding, we have the adequate resources to deal with it," he said.
Li pointed out that China meet all its economic targets for this year.
Japan's Cabinet Office released its core machine orders data on Thursday. Core machine orders in Japan dropped 3.6% in August, missing expectations for a 3.7% rise, after a 7.9% decline in July.
On a yearly basis, core machine orders in Japan rose 2.8% in August, missing forecasts of a 10.5% gain, after a 16.6% rise in July.
The total number of machinery orders gained 2.2% in August.
Manufacturing orders slid 5.3% in August, while non-manufacturing orders fell 6.0%.
The U.S. Commerce Department released wholesale inventories on Thursday. Wholesale inventories in the U.S. fell 0.1% in July, beating expectations for a 0.3% gain, after a 0.9% increase in June. It was the first decline since May 2013.
June's figure was revised down from a 0.9% rise.
The decrease was partly driven by a drop in inventories of non-durable goods. Inventories of non-durable goods declined 0.5% in July, while inventories of durable goods gained 0.1%.
Wholesale sales fell by 0.3% in July, after a 0.4% rise in June.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party member Kozo Yamamoto said in an interview on Thursday that the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting on October 30 would be a "good opportunity" to ease monetary policy further. He pointed out that the central bank should raise the annual pace of asset purchases by at least 10 trillion yen.
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its September meeting minutes on Thursday. 8 members voted to keep the central bank's monetary policy unchanged. Ian McCafferty voted to hike interest rate by 0.25%.
MPC members noted that the risks from the slowdown in the Chinese economy rose since August.
"Global developments do not as yet appear sufficient to alter materially the central outlook described in the August Report, but the greater downside risks to the global environment merit close monitoring for any impact on domestic economic activity," the statement said.
MPC members said that the healthy domestic expansion continued.
"Domestic momentum is being underpinned by robust real income growth, supportive credit condition, and elevated business and consumer confidence," the minutes said.
MPC members pointed that the interest rate hike will be gradual when the Bank of England starts to raise its interest rate.
EUR/USD: $1.1100(E680mn), $1.1150(E893mn), $1.1200(E1.16bn)
USD/JPY: Y118.75-85($1.0bn), Y120.00($1.74bn), Y120.60-70($650mn), Y121.00($1.4bn), Y121.05-20($900mn), Y121.50($919mn)
EUR/JPY: Y135.00(E300mn)
GBP/USD: $1.5400(GBP239mn), $1.5520(Gbp235mn) *EUR/GBP: GBP0.7300(E542mn)
AUD/USD: $0.7000(A$697mn, $0.7100(A$294mn) *NZD/USD: $0.6500(NZ1.47bn)
USD/CAD: C$1.3100($583mn), C$1.3200($466mn), C$1.3300($375mn), C$1.3350($1.12bn)
U.S. stock-index futures declined as market volatility continues to prevail before the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week.
Global Stocks:
Nikkei 18,299.62 -470.89 -2.51%
Hang Seng 21,562.5 -568.81 -2.57%
Shanghai Composite 3,196.22 -46.87 -1.45%
FTSE 6,141.18 -87.83 -1.41%
CAC 4,593.26 -71.33 -1.53%
DAX 10,177.06 -126.06 -1.22%
Crude oil $44.14 (-0.02%)
Gold $1108.00 (+0.54%)
The U.S. Labor Department released its import and export prices data on Thursday. The U.S. import price index plunged by 1.8% in August, missing expectations for a 1.6% decrease, after a 0.9% decline in July. It was the largest fall since January.
The decline was mainly driven by lower fuel import prices, which dropped 14.2% in August.
Imported food prices were up 0.3% in August, while prices for imported capital goods decreased 0.2%.
A stronger U.S. currency lowers the price of imported goods.
U.S. export prices declined by 1.4% in August, after a revised 0.4% fall in July. July's figure was revised down from a 0.2% decline.
(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)
Barrick Gold Corporation, NYSE | ABX | 6.34 | 1.12% | 6.0K |
Yandex N.V., NASDAQ | YNDX | 11.41 | 0.71% | 23.1K |
Procter & Gamble Co | PG | 68.48 | 0.00% | 2.3K |
The Coca-Cola Co | KO | 38.30 | 0.00% | 3.1K |
Wal-Mart Stores Inc | WMT | 65.12 | 0.00% | 27.5K |
ALTRIA GROUP INC. | MO | 53.02 | 0.00% | 0.7K |
Johnson & Johnson | JNJ | 92.20 | -0.02% | 0.3K |
Starbucks Corporation, NASDAQ | SBUX | 54.68 | -0.02% | 0.7K |
General Motors Company, NYSE | GM | 29.25 | -0.03% | 5.9K |
Chevron Corp | CVX | 74.87 | -0.07% | 10.7K |
Boeing Co | BA | 132.50 | -0.11% | 1.6K |
Goldman Sachs | GS | 185.31 | -0.20% | 18.5K |
Microsoft Corp | MSFT | 42.97 | -0.23% | 3.3K |
AT&T Inc | T | 32.70 | -0.24% | 3.0K |
International Business Machines Co... | IBM | 144.69 | -0.25% | 3.5K |
Merck & Co Inc | MRK | 51.80 | -0.25% | 0.4K |
Apple Inc. | AAPL | 109.85 | -0.27% | 451.3K |
Exxon Mobil Corp | XOM | 71.80 | -0.28% | 2.8K |
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., NYSE | FCX | 10.07 | -0.28% | 122.2K |
Verizon Communications Inc | VZ | 45.26 | -0.29% | 2.8K |
Ford Motor Co. | F | 13.49 | -0.30% | 1.3K |
Intel Corp | INTC | 29.15 | -0.31% | 14.7K |
McDonald's Corp | MCD | 95.13 | -0.31% | 0.7K |
ALCOA INC. | AA | 9.54 | -0.31% | 8.5K |
Visa | V | 69.38 | -0.32% | 4.5K |
Home Depot Inc | HD | 113.6 | -0.32% | 0.4K |
Nike | NKE | 109.5 | -0.33% | 1.1K |
Pfizer Inc | PFE | 31.85 | -0.34% | 2.5K |
Cisco Systems Inc | CSCO | 25.85 | -0.35% | 0.5K |
Walt Disney Co | DIS | 101.52 | -0.38% | 3.6K |
Google Inc. | GOOG | 610.31 | -0.39% | 9.1K |
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP | AIG | 58.00 | -0.43% | 2.9K |
Citigroup Inc., NYSE | C | 50.66 | -0.43% | 2.7K |
JPMorgan Chase and Co | JPM | 61.86 | -0.51% | 5.5K |
Amazon.com Inc., NASDAQ | AMZN | 514 | -0.56% | 9.5K |
Twitter, Inc., NYSE | TWTR | 26.99 | -0.70% | 14.5K |
Yahoo! Inc., NASDAQ | YHOO | 31.03 | -0.70% | 15.6K |
General Electric Co | GE | 24.37 | -0.73% | 14.4K |
Facebook, Inc. | FB | 89.71 | -0.81% | 54.4K |
Tesla Motors, Inc., NASDAQ | TSLA | 246.15 | -1.11% | 7.5K |
Statistics Canada released its capacity utilisation rate on Thursday. Canadian capacity utilisation rate declined to 81.3% in the second quarter from 82.6% in the first quarter. The first quarter's figure was revised down from 82.7%.
The decline was driven by a fall in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and manufacturing industries. The capacity utilisation rate in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry dropped to 75.9% in the second quarter decreased from 78.9% in the first quarter.
The capacity utilization rate fell in 13 of the 21 major categories in the manufacturing sector in the second quarter.
Upgrades:
Bank of America (BAC) upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Wells Fargo
Downgrades:
Other:
The U.S. Labor Department released its jobless claims figures on Thursday. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending September 05 in the U.S. declined by 6,000 to 275,000 from 281,000 in the previous week, in line with expectations. The previous week's figure was revised down from 282,000.
Jobless claims remained below 300,000 the 19th straight week. This threshold is associated with the strengthening of the labour market.
Continuing jobless claims increased by 1,000 to 2,260,000 in the week ended August 29.
Statistics Canada released its new housing price index on Thursday. New housing price index in Canada rose 0.1% in July, missing expectations of a 0.2% gain, after a 0.3% rise in June.
The increase was driven by gains in Toronto and Oshawa region.
On a yearly basis, new housing price index in Canada climbed 1.3% in July, after a 1.3% gain in June.
The Bank of England (BoE) released its interest rate decision on Thursday. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion. This decision was widely expected.
Analysts expect that the BoE will start to raise its interest rate in early 2016.
The central bank cut its GDP forecast for the third quarter to 0.6% from 0.7% due to the recent weak manufacturing and industrial production data
The Hellenic Statistical Authority released its unemployment data on Thursday. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Greece rose to 25.2% in June from 25.0% in May.
The number of unemployed fell by 2,609 persons compared with May 2015.
The youth unemployment rate declined to 48.3% in June.
Economic calendar (GMT0):
(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)
01:30 Australia Changing the number of employed August 39.2 Revised From 37.9 5 17.4
01:30 Australia Unemployment rate August 6.3% 6.2% 6.2%
01:30 China PPI y/y August -5.4% -5.5% -5.9%
01:30 China CPI y/y August 1.6% 1.8% 2.0%
06:45 France Industrial Production, m/m July 0.0% Revised From -0.1% 0.2% -0.8%
06:45 France Industrial Production, y/y July 1.0% Revised From 0.7% 0.7%
11:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%
11:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility
11:00 United Kingdom MPC Rate Statement
The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies ahead of the release of the U.S. economic data. The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. is expected to decrease by 7,000 to 275,000 last week.
Wholesale inventories in the U.S. are expected to rise 0.3% in July, after a 0.9% gain in June.
The euro traded slightly lower against the U.S. dollar after the mixed economic data from the Eurozone. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France fell 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a flat reading in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.1% decline.
The decline was driven by a drop in electrical and electronic equipment output, which fell 2.0%.
On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 0.7% in July, after a 1.0% gain in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.7% increase.
Spanish statistical office INE released its industrial production figures for Spain on Thursday. Industrial production in Spain was up 0.6% in July, after a 0.4% gain in June.
On a yearly basis, industrial production in Spain climbed at adjusted 5.2% in July, after a 4.5% increase in June.
The British pound traded higher against the U.S. dollar after the release of the Bank of England's (BoE) interest rate decision. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion. This decision was widely expected.
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its September meeting minutes today. 8 members voted to keep the central bank's monetary policy unchanged. Ian McCafferty voted to hike interest rate.
MPC members noted that the risks from the slowdown in the Chinese economy rose since August.
The Canadian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar ahead of the release of the economic data from Canada. Canada's new housing price index is expected to rise 0.2% in July, after a 0.3% gain in June.
The Canadian capacity utilization rate is expected to decrease 81.7% in the second quarter from 82.7% in the first quarter.
EUR/USD: the currency pair fell to $1.1171
GBP/USD: the currency pair rose to $1.5447
USD/JPY: the currency pair increased to Y121.33
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
12:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter II 82.7% 81.7%
12:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM July 0.3% 0.2%
12:30 U.S. Import Price Index August -0.9% -1.6%
12:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims September 282 275
14:00 U.S. Wholesale Inventories July 0.9% 0.3%
23:50 Japan BSI Manufacturing Index Quarter III -6
EUR/USD
Offers 1.1225 1.1250 1.1270-75 1.1300 1.1320 1.1335 1.1350 1.1390-1.140
Bids 1.1175-80 1.1160 1.1145-50 1.1120 1.1100 1.1085 1.1070 1.1050
GBP/USD
Offers 1.5500/10 1.5450
Bids 1.5330/20 1.5305/00 1.5290
EUR/GBP
Offers 0.7300-05 0.7320 0.7350 0.7380-85 0.7400
Bids 0.7260-65 0.7250 0.7225-30 0.7200 0.7185 0.7155-60
EUR/JPY
Offers 135.50 135.80 136.00 136.30 136.50 136.80 137.00
Bids 135.00 134.80-85 134.65 134.50 134.30 134.00
USD/JPY
Offers 121.00 121.20 121.35 121.50 121.80 122.00
Bids 102.60-65 120.40 120.25 120.00 119.80-85 119.50
AUD/USD
Offers 0.7080-85 0.7100 0.0.7120-25 0.7150 0.7180 0.7200
Bids 0.7045-50 0.7020 0.7000 0.6980-85 0.6965 0.6950
Stock indices traded lower as Asian stock markets closed lower on the Chinese economic data. The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 5.9% in August, missing forecasts of a 5.5% fall, after a 5.4% decline in July. It was the biggest decline since 2009.
Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone was mixed. The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France fell 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a flat reading in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.1% decline.
The decline was driven by a drop in electrical and electronic equipment output, which fell 2.0%.
On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 0.7% in July, after a 1.0% gain in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.7% increase.
Spanish statistical office INE released its industrial production figures for Spain on Thursday. Industrial production in Spain was up 0.6% in July, after a 0.4% gain in June.
On a yearly basis, industrial production in Spain climbed at adjusted 5.2% in July, after a 4.5% increase in June.
Halifax released its house prices data for the U.K. on Thursday. House prices in the U.K. increased 2.7% in August, after a 0.4% fall in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.6% decline.
On a yearly basis, house prices climbed 9.0% in the three months to August, after a 7.8% increase in the three months to July. July's figure was revised down from a 7.8% gain.
"The shortage of second-hand properties for sale on the market is resulting in upward pressure on house prices. At the same time, economic recovery, real earnings growth and very low mortgage rates are supporting housing demand. Strengthening demand and highly constrained supply are likely to mean that house price growth continues to be robust in the short-term," Halifax's housing economist Martin Ellis said.
Current figures:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 100 6,200.27 -28.74 -0.46 %
DAX 10,283.01 -20.11 -0.20 %
CAC 40 4,644.66 -19.93 -0.43 %
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) released its interest rate decision on Wednesday. The RBNZ lowered its interest rate to 2.75% from 3.00% on Wednesday as widely expected by analysts. The central bank noted that further monetary policy easing is possible.
"Some further easing in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) seems likely. This will depend on the emerging flow of economic data," the RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler said.
Market participants were surprised by the RBNZ governor's comments.
Wheeler noted the country's economy is adjusting to the drop in export prices, and is now growing at an annual rate of around 2%.
He pointed out that further depreciation of the New Zealand dollar is appropriate.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) lowered its oil output forecasts for 2015 and 2016. Oil output in the U.S. is expected to be 9.2 million barrels a day this year and 8.8 million barrels a day in 2016.
Oil price forecasts were also cut. The WTI crude oil price is expected to be $53.57 a barrel in 2016, down 1.6% from its previous estimate, while the Brent crude oil price is expected to be $58.57 a barrel in 2016, down 1.4% from the previous forecast.
EUR/USD: $1.1100(E680mn), $1.1150(E893mn), $1.1200(E1.16bn)
USD/JPY: Y118.75-85($1.0bn), Y120.00($1.74bn), Y120.60-70($650mn), Y121.00($1.4bn), Y121.05-20($900mn), Y121.50($919mn)
EUR/JPY: Y135.00(E300mn)
GBP/USD: $1.5400(GBP239mn), $1.5520(Gbp235mn) *EUR/GBP: GBP0.7300(E542mn)
AUD/USD: $0.7000(A$697mn, $0.7100(A$294mn) *NZD/USD: $0.6500(NZ1.47bn)
USD/CAD: C$1.3100($583mn), C$1.3200($466mn), C$1.3300($375mn), C$1.3350($1.12bn)
Halifax released its house prices data for the U.K. on Thursday. House prices in the U.K. increased 2.7% in August, after a 0.4% fall in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.6% decline.
On a yearly basis, house prices climbed 9.0% in the three months to August, after a 7.8% increase in the three months to July. July's figure was revised down from a 7.8% gain.
"The shortage of second-hand properties for sale on the market is resulting in upward pressure on house prices. At the same time, economic recovery, real earnings growth and very low mortgage rates are supporting housing demand. Strengthening demand and highly constrained supply are likely to mean that house price growth continues to be robust in the short-term," Halifax's housing economist Martin Ellis said.
Spanish statistical office INE released its industrial production figures for Spain on Thursday. Industrial production in Spain was up 0.6% in July, after a 0.4% gain in June.
On a yearly basis, industrial production in Spain climbed at adjusted 5.2% in July, after a 4.5% increase in June.
Output of capital goods jumped 10.2% year-on-year in July, output of intermediate goods climbed 3.6%, energy production was up 9.4%, while consumer goods output rose 1.5%.
The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France fell 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a flat reading in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.1% decline.
The decline was driven by a drop in electrical and electronic equipment output, which fell 2.0%.
Manufacturing output was down 1.0% in July, while construction output increased 1.0%.
Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management declined 0.4% in July.
On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 0.7% in July, after a 1.0% gain in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.7% increase.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its labour market data on Thursday. Australia's unemployment rate fell to 6.2% in August from 6.3% in July, in line with expectations.
The number of employed people in Australia climbed by 17,400 in August, beating forecast of a rise by 5,000, after a gain by 39,200 in July. July's figure was revised up from a rise by 37,900.
Full-time employment rose by 11,500 in August, while part-time employment climbed by 5,900.
The participation rate declined to 65.0% in August from 65.1% in July.
The Chinese National Bureau of Statistics released its consumer and producer price inflation data for China on Thursday. The Chinese consumer price index (CPI) rose at annual rate of 2.0% in August, exceeding expectations for a 1.8% increase, after a 1.6% gain in July.
The increase was driven by rises in food prices. Food prices rose at an annual rate of 3.7% in August, while non-food prices increased 1.1%.
On a monthly basis, consumer price inflation increased 0.5% in August, after a 0.3% rise in July.
The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 5.9% in August, missing forecasts of a 5.5% fall, after a 5.4% decline in July. It was the biggest decline since 2009.
West Texas Intermediate futures for October delivery slid to $44.02 (-0.29%), while Brent crude fell to $47.26 (-0.67%) ahead of a closely-watched weekly report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg expect a 250,000 barrels rise in U.S. crude inventories in the week to September 4.
Meanwhile weak economic data from such Asian countries as China and Japan intensify concerns over the global economic growth and demand for oil at times of global supply glut.
Gold has stabilized at $1,105.80 (+0.34%) near a four-week low after yesterday's sharp decline, which was driven by strong data on U.S. labor market. The number of vacancies in the U.S. rose to 5.75 million in July from 5.323 million in June (revised from 5.249 million). Meanwhile the number of people, who found jobs, fell to 4.98 million in July from 5.18 million in the previous month. Analysts believe that a gap between the number of vacancies and the number of employed might mean that it's hard for employers to fill all vacancies at the current level of wages. Health of the labor market is one of key factors, which Fed policymakers consider when making decisions on interest rates. Higher rates would harm demand for the non-interest-bearing bullion.
Gold has failed to find a strong safe-haven demand despite the recent turmoil in stock markets around the globe, signaling that U.S. monetary policy is the key fundamental factor for its direction.
EUR / USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.1382 (1210)
$1.1334 (1207)
$1.1297 (530)
Price at time of writing this review: $1.1222
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.1153 (422)
$1.1123 (972)
$1.1082 (2127)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date October, 9 is 45296 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1500 (4642);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date October, 9 is 58282 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0700 (5833);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.29 versus 1.33 from the previous trading day according to data from September, 9
GBP/USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.5605 (1353)
$1.5508 (2180)
$1.5412 (647)
Price at time of writing this review: $1.5367
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.5289 (678)
$1.5193 (2694)
$1.5095 (1450)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date October, 9 is 19602 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5500 (2180);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date October, 9 is 18023 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5200 (2694);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 0.92 versus 0.90 from the previous trading day according to data from September, 9
* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.
** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.
U.S. stock markets fell on Wednesday in a volatile session. Early gains were driven by expectations that Chinese authorities will take additional steps to stimulate the country's slowing economy. Global stock markets have suffered from intense volatility for weeks. Investors are trying to assess influence of China's economic slowdown on the global economy.
Investors remained focused on prospects of U.S. interest rates. Before the recent turmoil in stocks analysts expected the Federal Reserve to raise rates in September. The Fed can still conduct a rate hike next week, but many experts have moved their expectations till December or the beginning of 2016.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 239.11 points, or 1.4%, to 16253.57. The S&P 500 declined 27.37 points, or 1.4%, to 1942.04. The Nasdaq Composite Index lost 55.40 points, or 1.2%, to 4756.53.
This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng lost 2.15%, or 476.46 points, to 21,654.85. China Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.96%, or 31.16 points, to 3,211.93. The Nikkei plunged 3.39%, or 637.14 points, to 18,133.37.
Asian stocks fell as weak data from the region added to concerns over the global economic growth.
Japanese stocks fell amid a weak core machinery orders report (-3.6% in August vs +3.7% expected) and profit taking after yesterday's gains. Declines in U.S. stocks have also made their negative contribution.
Economic calendar (GMT0):
Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual
01:30 Australia Changing the number of employed August 39.2 Revised From 37.9 5 17.4
01:30 Australia Unemployment rate August 6.3% 6.2% 6.2%
01:30 China PPI y/y August -5.4% -5.5% -5.9%
01:30 China CPI y/y August 1.6% 1.8% 2.0%
The yen fell against the U.S. dollar after senior LDP lawmaker Yamamoto unexpectedly said that the Bank of Japan should expand its asset purchases by ¥10 trillion at its meeting on October 30. He added that reaching the 2% inflation target in the first half of 2016 is BOJ's top priority. Earlier Japan Prime Minister Abe also noted the need for additional stimulating measures. His words have great influence on markets as his party will stay in charge for the coming three years.
The Australian dollar advanced against the greenback amid positive employment data. The unemployment rate came in at 6.2% in August. The reading matched expectations and slid below the 6.3% level seen in July.
The New Zealand dollar fell against the U.S. dollar after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% and signaled that further easing is possible. RBNZ Governor Wheeler said that lower official cash rate was needed to cushion drop in export prices
EUR/USD: the pair fluctuated within $1.1195-45 in Asian trade
USD/JPY: the pair rose to Y121.30
GBP/USD: the pair traded within $1.5350-60
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
06:45 France Industrial Production, m/m July -0.1% 0.2%
06:45 France Industrial Production, y/y July 1.0%
11:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5%
11:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility
11:00 United Kingdom MPC Rate Statement
12:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter II 82.7% 81.7%
12:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM July 0.3% 0.2%
12:30 U.S. Import Price Index August -0.9% -1.6%
12:30 U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims August 2257 2250
12:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims September 282 275
14:00 U.S. Wholesale Inventories July 0.9% 0.3%
15:00 U.S. Crude Oil Inventories September 4.667 0.2
23:50 Japan BSI Manufacturing Index Quarter III -6
(raw materials / closing price /% change)
Oil 44.11 -0.09%
Gold 1,105.30 +0.30%
(pare/closed(GMT +3)/change, %)
EUR/USD $1,1215 +0,12%
GBP/USD $1,5359 -0,20%
USD/CHF Chf0,9754 -0,32%
USD/JPY Y120,40 +0,43%
EUR/JPY Y135,01 +0,53%
GBP/JPY Y184,91 +0,23%
AUD/USD $0,6982 -0,53%
NZD/USD $0,6288 -0,81%
USD/CAD C$1,3260 +0,38%
(index / closing price / change items /% change)
Nikkei 225 18,770.51 +1,343.43 +7.7 %
Hang Seng 22,131.31 +872.27 +4.1 %
S&P/ASX 200 5,221.13 +105.88 +2.1 %
Shanghai Composite 3,243.92 +73.47 +2.3 %
FTSE 100 6,229.01 +82.91 +1.3 %
CAC 40 4,664.59 +66.33 +1.4 %
Xetra DAX 10,303.12 +31.76 +0.3 %
S&P 500 1,942.04 -27.37 -1.4 %
NASDAQ Composite 4,756.53 -55.40 -1.2 %
Dow Jones 16,253.57 -239.11 -1.4 %
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
01:30 Australia Changing the number of employed August 38.5 5
01:30 Australia Unemployment rate August 6.3% 6.2%
01:30 China PPI y/y August -5.4% -5.5%
01:30 China CPI y/y August 1.6% 1.8%
06:45 France Industrial Production, m/m July -0.1% 0.2%
06:45 France Industrial Production, y/y July 1.0%
11:00 United Kingdom BoE Interest Rate Decision 0.5% 0.5%
11:00 United Kingdom Asset Purchase Facility
11:00 United Kingdom MPC Rate Statement
12:30 Canada Capacity Utilization Rate Quarter II 82.7% 81.7%
12:30 Canada New Housing Price Index, MoM July 0.3% 0.2%
12:30 U.S. Import Price Index August -0.9% -1.6%
12:30 U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims August 2257 2250
12:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims September 282 275
14:00 U.S. Wholesale Inventories July 0.9% 0.3%
15:00 U.S. Crude Oil Inventories September 4.667
23:50 Japan BSI Manufacturing Index Quarter III -6