(raw materials / closing price /% change)
Light Crude 59.26 -1.15%
Gold 1,227.70 +0.17%
(index / closing price / change items /% change)
Nikkei 225 17,257.4 -155.18 -0.89%
Hang Seng 23,312.54 -211.98 -0.90%
Shanghai Composite 2,926.66 -13.34 -0.45%
FTSE 100 6,461.7 -38.34 -0.59%
CAC 40 4,225.86 -2.05 -0.05%
Xetra DAX 9,862.53 +62.80 +0.64%
S&P 500 2,035.33 +9.19 +0.45%
NASDAQ Composite 4,708.16 +24.14 +0.52%
Dow Jones 17,596.34+63.19 +0.36%
(pare/closed(GMT +2)/change, %)
EUR/USD $1,2410 -0,31%
GBP/USD $1,5730 +0,10%
USD/CHF Chf0,9678 +0,17%
USD/JPY Y118,63 +0,69%
EUR/JPY Y147,22 +0,39%
GBP/JPY Y186,62 +0,80%
AUD/USD $0,8268 -0,59%
NZD/USD $0,7816 -6,41%
USD/CAD C$1,1519 +0,34%
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
04:30 Japan Industrial Production (MoM) (Finally) October +0.2% +0.2%
04:30 Japan Industrial Production (YoY) (Finally) October -1.0% -1.0%
05:30 China Retail Sales y/y November +11.5% +11.5%
05:30 China Fixed Asset Investment November +15.9% +15.8%
05:30 China Industrial Production y/y November +7.7% +7.5%
10:00 Eurozone Employment Change Quarter III +0.2% +0.2%
10:00 Eurozone Industrial production, (MoM) October +0.6% +0.2%
10:00 Eurozone Industrial Production (YoY) October +0.6% +0.6%
13:30 U.S. PPI, m/m November +0.2% -0.1%
13:30 U.S. PPI, y/y November +1.5% +1.6%
13:30 U.S. PPI excluding food and energy, m/m November +0.4% +0.1%
13:30 U.S. PPI excluding food and energy, Y/Y November +1.8% +1.5%
14:55 U.S. Reuters/Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (Preliminary) December 88.8 89.6
Stock indices closed little changed on better-than-expected U.S. retail sales. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a 0.5% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise.
Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.5% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.4% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.
These figures showed that the U.S. economy is strengthening.
306 banks borrowed 129.84 billion euros in the auction (European Central Bank's targeted longer-term refinancing operation (TLTRO)).
Germany's final consumer price index was flat in November.
On a yearly basis, German final consumer price index rose 0.6% in October, higher than the previous reading of 0.5% gain.
France's consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.2% increase, after a flat reading in October.
On a yearly basis, French consumer price index fell to 0.4% in November from 0.5% in October. Analysts had expected the consumer inflation to remain at 0.5%.
Investors speculate that the European Central Bank will consider quantitative easing at its meeting in January.
The Greek ASE Index fell 7.4%. The Greek ASE Index dropped 13% on Tuesday as the Greek government announced that it would hold presidential elections on December 17. Analysts had not expected this decision. That was the biggest drop since 1987.
Indexes on the close:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 100 6,461.7 -38.34 -0.59%
DAX 9,862.53 +62.80 +0.64%
CAC 40 4,225.86 -2.05 -0.05%
The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies after the better-than-expected U.S. retail sales. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a 0.5% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise.
Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.5% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.4% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.
These figures showed that consumer spending in the U.S. rose in the fourth quarter after slowing in the second quarter.
The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending December 06 in the U.S. fell by 3,000 to 294,000 from 297,000 in the previous week. Analysts had expected the number of initial jobless claims to climb to 299,000.
The U.S. business inventories rose by 0.2% in October, in line with expectations, after a 0.3% gain in September.
The euro fell against the U.S. dollar. 306 banks borrowed 129.84 billion euros in the auction (targeted longer-term refinancing operation (TLTRO)).
Germany's final consumer price index was flat in November.
On a yearly basis, German final consumer price index rose 0.6% in October, higher than the previous reading of 0.5% gain.
France's consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.2% increase, after a flat reading in October.
On a yearly basis, French consumer price index fell to 0.4% in November from 0.5% in October. Analysts had expected the consumer inflation to remain at 0.5%.
The British pound traded higher against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic reports from the U.K.
The Canadian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the weaker-than-expected Canadian new housing price index. New housing price index increased 0.1% in October, missing expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.1% rise in September.
The Swiss franc declined against the U.S. dollar. The Swiss National Bank's (SNB) kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.00 - 0.25% and also kept the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro.
The SNB reiterated that it will defend the 1.20 francs per euro exchange rate floor. The central bank also said that consumer inflation will decline next year and the risk of deflation has risen.
The New Zealand dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the kiwi rose against the greenback after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) interest rate decision. The RBNZ kept its interest rate unchanged at 3.50%. This decision was expected by analysts.
The RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler said that interest rate hike "is expected to be required at a later stage" because of the economic growth of around 3% and as New Zealand's jobless rate declines. Monetary policy adjustments "will depend on data", he added.
The Australian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the Aussie traded mixed against the greenback after the mixed labour market data from Australia. Australia's unemployment rate increased to 6.3% in November from 6.2% in October, in line with expectations.
The number of employed people in Australia rose by 42,700 in November, beating expectations for an increase by 15,200, after a gain by 13,700 in October. October's figure was revised down from an increase by 24,100.
The Melbourne Institute's consumer inflation expectations for Australia decreased to 3.4% in December from 4.1% in November.
The Japanese yen declined against the U.S. dollar. Japan's core machinery orders dropped 6.4% in October, missing expectations for a 1.7% fall, after a 2.9% rise in September.
On a yearly basis, Japan's core machinery orders fell 4.9% in October, after a 7.3% gain in September.
Japan's tertiary industry index fell 0.2% in October, missing expectations for a 0.1% decline, after a 1.3% rise in September. September's figure was revised up from a 1.0% gain.
West Texas Intermediate crude fell to the lowest level since July 2009 as Saudi Arabia questioned the need to cut output, bolstering speculation that OPEC's biggest producer will defend market share.
Futures fell as much as 1.4 percent in New York while Brent slipped 0.8 percent. The market will correct itself, according to Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi. Global demand for crude from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will drop next year by about 300,000 barrels a day to 28.9 million, the least since 2003, the group predicted yesterday.
Oil's collapse into a bear market has been exacerbated as OPEC's three largest members offered the deepest discounts on exports to Asia in at least six years. The group decided against reducing its output quota at a meeting last month, letting prices drop to a level that may slow U.S. production that's surged to the highest level in more than three decades.
"The market is in free fall," Stephen Schork, president of Schork Group Inc., a consulting group in Villanova, Pennsylvania, said by phone. "Prices will continue to fall until the Saudis signal that they are prepared to take action or we see the global economy pick up."
WTI for January delivery fell 27 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $60.67 a barrel at 10:02 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Futures touched $60.09, the lowest since July 15, 2009. Total volume was 34 percent above the 100-day average for the time of day. The U.S. benchmark is down 38 percent this year.
Brent for January settlement slipped 11 cents to $64.13 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Volume was 6.4 percent higher than the 100-day average. The North Sea crude traded at a $3.46 premium to WTI. Prices are down 42 percent in 2014.
The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz said today in a speech in New York that it will take two years "before the Canadian economy returns to steady growth". But he added that it is impossible "without vigorous and innovative financial intermediation".
Poloz noted that "global regulatory reform was absolutely essential".
The U.S. Commerce Department released the business inventories data on Thursday. The U.S. business inventories rose by 0.2% in October, in line with expectations, after a 0.3% gain in September.
Business sales declined 0.8% in October.
Sales by manufacturers rose 0.4%, while sales by wholesalers were up 0.2%.
The business inventories/sales ratio remained unchanged at 1.30 months in October. The business inventories /sales ratio is a measure of how long it would take to clear shelves.
Statistics Canada released its new housing price index on Thursday. New housing price index increased 0.1% in October, missing expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.1% rise in September.
On a yearly basis, the index climbed 1.6% in October.
Prices were unchanged in 10 of the 21 metropolitan areas.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) released its interest rate decision today. The SNB kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.00 - 0.25% and also kept the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro.
The SNB reiterated that it will defend the 1.20 francs per euro exchange rate floor. Introducing of negative rates is not excluded, the central bank said. The central bank also said that consumer inflation will decline next year and the risk of deflation has risen.
The SNB President Thomas Jordan said that the exchange rate cap is the key instrument to avoid a tightening of monetary conditions.
Switzerland's central bank expects "that global economic growth will gradually firm over the course of next year", but "the global economic outlook is still dominated by downside risks".
Inflation forecast was revised down to 0.0% in 2014, to -0.1% in 2015 and to 0.3% in 2016.
The SNB increased gross domestic product (GDP) to 1.5%-2.0% in 2014. Swiss GDP is expected to be about 2% next year.
The U.S. Commerce Department released the retail sales data on Thursday. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a 0.5% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise.
Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.5% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.4% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.
These figures showed that consumer spending in the U.S. rose in the fourth quarter after slowing in the second quarter.
The increase was driven by lower gasoline prices and strong job growth. Gasoline prices declined due to falling oil prices.
Sales at clothing retailers climbed 1.2%, while sales at electronics and appliance stores rose 0.9% in November. Sales at auto dealers gained 1.7%.
U.S. stock futures advanced as retail sales rose in November by the most in eight months and jobless claims declined.
Global markets:
Nikkei 17,257.4 -155.18 -0.89%
Hang Seng 23,312.54 -211.98 -0.90%
Shanghai Composite 2,926.66 -13.34 -0.45%
FTSE 6,457.79 -42.25 -0.65%
CAC 4,215.82 -12.09 -0.29%
DAX 9,833.58 +33.85 +0.35%
Crude oil $60.25 (-1.25%)
Gold $1220.30 (-0.75%)
(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)
Wal-Mart Stores Inc | WMT | 83.00 | +0.02% | 0.3K |
The Coca-Cola Co | KO | 41.67 | +0.17% | 0.7K |
Intel Corp | INTC | 36.50 | +0.22% | 27.5K |
Cisco Systems Inc | CSCO | 26.94 | +0.26% | 15.7K |
International Business Machines Co... | IBM | 160.92 | +0.26% | 1.2K |
Procter & Gamble Co | PG | 90.24 | +0.27% | 2.3K |
Merck & Co Inc | MRK | 59.71 | +0.30% | 1.6K |
Johnson & Johnson | JNJ | 106.57 | +0.31% | 0.2K |
Microsoft Corp | MSFT | 47.07 | +0.36% | 1.6K |
United Technologies Corp | UTX | 113.95 | +0.40% | 0.1K |
Visa | V | 263.00 | +0.49% | 1.2K |
Verizon Communications Inc | VZ | 46.41 | +0.50% | 0.3K |
General Electric Co | GE | 25.40 | +0.51% | 17.9K |
Goldman Sachs | GS | 193.00 | +0.52% | 0.4K |
Boeing Co | BA | 125.29 | +0.52% | 5.6K |
Caterpillar Inc | CAT | 93.51 | +0.53% | 0.2K |
Walt Disney Co | DIS | 91.00 | +0.57% | 4.1K |
AT&T Inc | T | 32.72 | +0.71% | 4.4K |
3M Co | MMM | 159.42 | +0.75% | 6.8K |
JPMorgan Chase and Co | JPM | 61.16 | +0.79% | 3.1K |
Home Depot Inc | HD | 99.80 | +0.87% | 0.3K |
McDonald's Corp | MCD | 91.00 | +1.11% | 0.7K |
Exxon Mobil Corp | XOM | 88.60 | -0.08% | 15.4K |
UnitedHealth Group Inc | UNH | 98.98 | -0.11% | 2.6K |
Chevron Corp | CVX | 104.65 | -0.20% | 6.6K |
Travelers Companies Inc | TRV | 103.57 | -0.66% | 0.1K |
Upgrades:
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) upgraded to Outperform from Underperform at Credit Agricole
Downgrades:
Travelers (TRV) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at UBS
Other:
Procter & Gamble (PG) initiated with a Mkt Perform at Raymond James
USD/JPY 118.00 (USD 583m) 118.15 (USD 480m) 119.00 (USD 650m) 120.00 (USD 320m) 120.20 (USD 480m)
EUR/USD 1.2300 (EUR 551m) 1.2350 (EUR 800m) 1.2385 (EUR 453m) 1.2400 (EUR 990m) 1.2415-25 (EUR 740m) 1.2500 (EUR 1.4bln)
GBP/USD 1.5605 (GBP 361m)
USD/CHF 0.9700
AUD/USD 0.8350 (AUD 350m)
USD/CAD none
EUR/GBP 0.7855 (EUR 802m) 0.7890 (EUR 278m) 0.8000 (EUR 1bln)
EUR/CHF 1.2000 (EUR 2bln)
AUD/NZD 1.0755 1.0900 (AUD 500m)
Economic calendar (GMT0):
(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)
00:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation December 4.1% 3.4%
00:01 United Kingdom RICS House Price Balance November 20% 15% 13%
00:30 Australia Changing the number of employed November +13.7 Revised From +24.1 +15.2 +42.7
00:30 Australia Unemployment rate November 6.2% 6.3% 6.3%
07:00 Germany CPI, m/m (Finally) November 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
07:00 Germany CPI, y/y November +0.5% +0.5% +0.6%
07:45 France CPI, m/m November 0.0% +0.2% -0.2%
07:45 France CPI, y/y November +0.5% +0.5% +0.4%
08:30 Switzerland SNB Interest Rate Decision 0.25% 0.25% 0.25%
08:30 Switzerland SNB Monetary Policy Assessment
08:30 Switzerland SNB Press Conference
09:00 Eurozone ECB Monthly Report
10:15 Eurozone Targeted LTRO 82.6 129.8
The U.S. dollar traded mixed against the most major currencies ahead of the U.S. economic data. The U.S. retail sales are expected to rise 0.3% in November, after a 0.3% decline in October.
Retail sales excluding automobiles are expected to climbs 0.1% in November, after a 0.3% rise in October.
The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. is expected to increase by 2,000 to 299,000.
The euro traded mixed against the U.S. dollar after the targeted longer-term refinancing operation (TLTRO) from the Eurozone and consumer price inflation from Germany and France. 306 banks borrowed 129.84 billion euros in the auction.
Germany's final consumer price index was flat in November.
On a yearly basis, German final consumer price index rose 0.6% in October, higher than the previous reading of 0.5% gain.
France's consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.2% increase, after a flat reading in October.
On a yearly basis, French consumer price index fell to 0.4% in November from 0.5% in October. Analysts had expected the consumer inflation to remain at 0.5%.
The British pound traded lower against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic reports from the U.K.
The Canadian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar ahead of Canadian new housing price index. Canada's new housing price index is expected to rise 0.2% in October, after a 0.1% gain in September.
The Swiss franc traded mixed against the U.S. dollar after the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) interest rate decision. The SNB kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.00 - 0.25% and also kept the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro.
The SNB reiterated that it will defend the 1.20 francs per euro exchange rate floor. The central bank also said that consumer inflation will decline next year and the risk of deflation has risen.
EUR/USD: the currency pair traded mixed
GBP/USD: the currency pair fell to $1.5650
USD/JPY: the currency pair rose to Y118.88
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
13:30 Canada New Housing Price Index October +0.1% +0.2%
13:30 U.S. Retail sales November +0.3% +0.3%
13:30 U.S. Retail sales excluding auto November +0.3% +0.1%
13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 297 299
13:30 U.S. Import Price Index December -1.3% -1.7%
15:00 U.S. Business inventories October +0.3% +0.2%
21:30 New Zealand Business NZ PMI November 59.3
EUR/USD
Offers $1.2600, $1.2570, $1.2530, $1.2505
Bids $1.2375, $1.2340, $1.2290/00, $1.2245
GBP/USD
Offers $1.5825, $1.5800, $1.5760/65
Bids $1.5665, $1.5625, $1.5600, $1.5540
AUD/USD
Offers $0.8500, $0.8450, $0.8400, $0.8370
Bids $0.8260, $0.8220, $0.8200, $0.8100
EUR/JPY
Offers Y149.80, Y149.00, Y148.85, Y148.25/30, Y147.95
Bids Y146.40, Y146.00, Y145.50/60
USD/JPY
Offers Y122.00, Y121.80, Y121.00, Y120.00/90, Y119.50/55
Bids Y117.40, Y117.20, Y117.00, Y116.30
EUR/GBP
Offers stg0.8000, stg0.7980, stg0.7950
Bids stg0.7900, stg0.7840, stg0.7830/20, stg0.7800
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) released its interest rate decision on Wednesday. The RBNZ kept its interest rate unchanged at 3.50%. This decision was expected by analysts.
The RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler said that interest rate hike "is expected to be required at a later stage" because of the economic growth of around 3% and as New Zealand's jobless rate declines. Monetary policy adjustments "will depend on data", he added.
Wheeler noted that the exchange rate of the kiwi "does not reflect the decline in export prices this year and remains unjustifiably and unsustainably high". "A further significant depreciation" is expected by New Zealand's, he said.
The RBNZ governor pointed out that low interest rates "continue to support domestic demand".
Wheeler expect that dairy prices will recover in 2015.
The central bank revised its inflation and growth forecasts. Inflation is expected to be 1.1% in the 12 months ending March 31, 2015. The RBNZ said that inflation in New Zealand won't reach 2% until the fourth quarter of 2016.
The economic growth in the year ending March 2016 was revised to 3.1% from 2.6%, while the economic growth in the year ending March 2017 was revised to 3.0% from 2.2%.
European indices are trading lower after the ECB's latest round of TLTRO loans and ahead of key U.S. data on retail sales and initial jobless claims due 13:30 GMT. Banks borrowed 129.8 billion euros of four-year loans from the ECB, little more than half of the maximum offered by the central bank, fuelling expectations for further monetary stimulus and the ECB buying sovereign bonds next year. The FTSE 100 index lost -0.62% quoted at 6,460.06 points. France's CAC 40 declined -0.18% trading at 4,220.13 and Germany's DAX 30, being the only index trading with a plus, rose +0.17 to 9,815.98 points.
Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate recovered from five-year lows helped by a weaker U.S. dollar. Brent Crude added +0.98% trading at USD64.87 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate gained +0.80% currently quoted at USD61.43. Oil prices were under further pressure after comments from Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi on Wednesday that he sees no reason why Saudi Arabia should trim output rates and that the oil price is going to balance itself. Other OPEC members are evaluating whether to call for an emergency meeting early next year or not.
Yesterday Kuwait offered the biggest discount to its Asian customers since December 2008, following Saudi Arabia and Iraq and the OPEC published data showing that demand for its crude will fall to its lowest in 2015 in more than ten years.
Gold prices fell for a second day pulling back from Tuesday's strong gains currently quoted at USD1,220.70 or -0,38% a troy ounce as equity markets rebounded and concerns over political instability in Greece and restrictions on China's debt markets were shrugged off. As the ECB's second round of TLTRO was well accepted expectations for a quantitative easing lowered. Markets await key U.S. data on retail sales and initial jobless claims later in the session at 13:30 GMT.
Despite recent gains the metal is likely to remain vulnerable in the short term amid signs that the strengthening of the US economic recovery may prompt the Federal Reserve to start raising interest rates sooner than expected.
GOLD currently trading at USD1,226.30
USD/JPY 118.00 (USD 583m) 118.15 (USD 480m) 119.00 (USD 650m) 120.00 (USD 320m) 120.20 (USD 480m)
EUR/USD 1.2300 (EUR 551m) 1.2350 (EUR 800m) 1.2385 (EUR 453m) 1.2400 (EUR 990m) 1.2415-25 (EUR 740m) 1.2500 (EUR 1.4bln)
GBP/USD 1.5605 (GBP 361m)
USD/CHF 0.9700
AUD/USD 0.8350 (AUD 350m)
USD/CAD none
EUR/GBP 0.7855 (EUR 802m) 0.7890 (EUR 278m) 0.8000 (EUR 1bln)
EUR/CHF 1.2000 (EUR 2bln)
AUD/NZD 1.0755 1.0900 (AUD 500m)
European indices recover after the political turmoil in Greece and the slump in energy and commodity prices. Markets were under pressure yesterday after Prime Minister Antonis Samaras announced bringing forward a parliamentary vote on a new head of state on December 17th. Markets were further weighed down by China's decision to set new restrictions on collateral for short-term loans. The FTSE 100 index is currently trading +0.33% quoted at 6,521.44 points, Germany's DAX 30 added +0.52% trading at 9,850.86 after German CPI on a monthly basis was in line with expectations and +0.6% on a yearly basis beating expectations by +0.1%. France's CAC 40 added +0.49%, currently trading at 4,248.44 points. France's CPI disappointed with a reading of -0.2%. Analysts expected a rise of +0.2%.
Markets await the ECB's Monthly report published at 09:00 GMT and Eurozone's Targeted LTRO at 10:15 GMT.
U.S. markets closed significantly lower on Wednesday. The DOW JONES lost -1.51% closing at 17,533.15 points, the S&P 500 slumped -1.64%, the biggest decline in 7 weeks, with a final quote of 2,026.14 points. Markets were weighed down by energy stocks as oil prices continued to decline to a five-year low after the OPEC cut its forecast on demand for Crude in 2015.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng is trading -0.73% at 23,352.84. China's volatile Shanghai Composite closed at 2,926.66 points, a decline of -0.45, shedding earlier gains.
Japan's Nikkei lost -0.89% closing at 17,257.4 after reaching 7 ½ year highs at the start of the week.
Economic calendar (GMT0):
(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual
00:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation December 4.1% 3.4%
00:01 United Kingdom RICS House Price Balance November 20% 15% 13%
00:30 Australia Changing the number of employed November +24.1 +15.2 +42.7
00:30 Australia Unemployment rate November 6.2% 6.3% 6.3%
07:00 Germany CPI, m/m (Finally) November 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
07:00 Germany CPI, y/y November +0.5% +0.5% +0.6%
The greenback traded steady against the euro and the British pound. The common currency previously continued to rally back from a 2 ½ year low at USD1.2246 hit on Monday. Investors continued to sell the U.S. dollar for profit awaiting important U.S. data later in the day.
The Australian dollar traded higher against the U.S. dollar. Consumer Inflation Expectation declined from a previous reading of 4.1% to 3.4% but the number of people employed rose unexpectedly by 42,700 in November, beating estimates of 15,000 by far. The Unemployment Rate stayed at 6.3% in line with expectations.
New Zealand's dollar added gains for a third day. Yesterday the RBNZ kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%. RBNZ Wheeler said that growth is expected to remain at or above trend through 2016 with more jobs being created and inflation pressure is going to stay modest - still further rate increases might be needed in the future. As diary prices keep falling the kiwi's exchange rate is "unjustifiably and unsustainably high", he said.
The Japanese yen lost after 3 days of gains again against the greenback on speculation that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will win the elections this weekend and continue his "Abenomics" and even extend his stimulus measures - a policy that has weakened the Japanese yen. Japanese Core Machinery Orders declined by -6.4%. Analysts had forecasted a decline of -1.7% for October. Year on year the orders slumped from +7.3% to -4.9%.
EUR/USD: the euro traded steady against the greenback
USD/JPY: the U.S. dollar traded stronger against the yen
GPB/USD: The British pound traded steady against the U.S. dollar
The most important news that are expected (GMT0):
(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)
07:45 France CPI, m/m November 0.0% +0.2%
07:45 France CPI, y/y November +0.5% +0.5%
08:30 Switzerland SNB Interest Rate Decision 0.25% 0.25%
08:30 Switzerland SNB Monetary Policy Assessment
08:30 Switzerland SNB Press Conference
09:00 Eurozone ECB Monthly Report
10:15 Eurozone Targeted LTRO 82.6
13:30 Canada New Housing Price Index October +0.1% +0.2%
13:30 U.S. Retail sales November +0.3% +0.3%
13:30 U.S. Retail sales excluding auto November +0.3% +0.1%
13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 297 299
13:30 U.S. Import Price Index December -1.3% -1.7%
15:00 U.S. Business inventories October +0.3% +0.2%
21:30 New Zealand Business NZ PMI November 59.3
EUR / USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.2573 (2956)
$1.2532 (1782)
$1.2503 (363)
Price at time of writing this review: $ 1.2440
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.2388 (761)
$1.2350 (1499)
$1.2298 (2149)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 9 is 46593 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,2500 (6764);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 9 is 54005 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,2000 (7260);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.16 versus 1.18 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 10
GBP/USD
Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)
$1.6002 (1564)
$1.5904 (1681)
$1.5807 (1556)
Price at time of writing this review: $1.5709
Support levels (open interest**, contracts):
$1.5592 (966)
$1.5494 (1037)
$1.5396 (838)
Comments:
- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 9 is 16576 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5700 (1796);
- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 9 is 17377 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5200 (1653);
- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.04 versus 1.08 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 10
* - 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.