CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Forex News Timeline
12:23 Gold ticks up as US Dollar, Treasury yields ease
Gold (XAU/USD) opens the week on a moderately positive tone, favored by a mild US Dollar (USD) reversal amid lower US Treasury yields.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Gold reversal from last week’s highs finds some support as the US Dollar retreats.Lower US yields and a softer Dollar might provide some support for Gold as the market readies for the Fed interest-rate decision.XAU/USD remains under pressure, dangerously close to the $2,635 support area.Gold (XAU/USD) opens the week on a moderately positive tone, favored by a mild US Dollar (USD) reversal amid lower US Treasury yields. The precious metal, however, is still close to recent lows following a 2.5% sell-off late last week.
US Treasury yields pull back on Monday following a sharp rally last week, erasing some of the recent bullish pressure on the US Dollar. Investors seem wary of placing directional US Dollar bets as they brace for the all-important Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy decision on Wednesday.
The market is almost fully pricing an interest rate cut, but only gradual easing next year. This, coupled with expectations that Donald Trump’s policies will stir inflationary pressures, is acting as a tailwind for the US Dollar.
Daily digest market movers: Gold finds support amid ongoing geopolitical tensions Gold is suffering on expectations of a shallow Fed easing cycle but keeps drawing support from the highly volatile situation in the Middle East.
Israel keeps attacking military targets in Syria and considering an expansion of the Golan Heights settlements, which has met with the opposition of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
In Monday’s calendar, the US S&P Preliminary PMIs are expected to show a moderate contraction in manufacturing activity and slower growth in the services sector.
The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index is also expected to have deteriorated to a reading of 12 in December, from 31.2 in the previous month.
The impact of these figures on the Dollar, however, is likely to be limited ahead of Wednesday’s Fed decision.
The CME Group’s Fed Watch Tool shows a 97% chance that the US central bank will cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday. Still, for 2025, markets are pricing in just two more cuts, fewer than the three seen earlier this month. Technical analysis: XAU/USD remains under bearish pressure Gold’s rally was capped again at the $2,720 resistance area last week before trading lower. A potential double top at the aforementioned level and Thursday’s bearish engulfing candle are giving hopes for bears.
The support area at $2,635 is holding the downside attempts, but the commodity is lacking upside momentum. Previous support levels at $2,675 might act as resistance ahead of the $2,692 (December 12 high) level.
On the downside, below the December 9 low at around $2,630, the next bearish target would be the November 25, 26, and December 6 low at around $2,610.
XAU/USD 4-Hour Chart Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold? Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold? Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets? Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on? The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
US Treasury yields pull back on Monday following a sharp rally last week, erasing some of the recent bullish pressure on the US Dollar. Investors seem wary of placing directional US Dollar bets as they brace for the all-important Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy decision on Wednesday.
The market is almost fully pricing an interest rate cut, but only gradual easing next year. This, coupled with expectations that Donald Trump’s policies will stir inflationary pressures, is acting as a tailwind for the US Dollar.
Daily digest market movers: Gold finds support amid ongoing geopolitical tensions Gold is suffering on expectations of a shallow Fed easing cycle but keeps drawing support from the highly volatile situation in the Middle East.
Israel keeps attacking military targets in Syria and considering an expansion of the Golan Heights settlements, which has met with the opposition of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
In Monday’s calendar, the US S&P Preliminary PMIs are expected to show a moderate contraction in manufacturing activity and slower growth in the services sector.
The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index is also expected to have deteriorated to a reading of 12 in December, from 31.2 in the previous month.
The impact of these figures on the Dollar, however, is likely to be limited ahead of Wednesday’s Fed decision.
The CME Group’s Fed Watch Tool shows a 97% chance that the US central bank will cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday. Still, for 2025, markets are pricing in just two more cuts, fewer than the three seen earlier this month. Technical analysis: XAU/USD remains under bearish pressure Gold’s rally was capped again at the $2,720 resistance area last week before trading lower. A potential double top at the aforementioned level and Thursday’s bearish engulfing candle are giving hopes for bears.
The support area at $2,635 is holding the downside attempts, but the commodity is lacking upside momentum. Previous support levels at $2,675 might act as resistance ahead of the $2,692 (December 12 high) level.
On the downside, below the December 9 low at around $2,630, the next bearish target would be the November 25, 26, and December 6 low at around $2,610.
XAU/USD 4-Hour Chart Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold? Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold? Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets? Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on? The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
12:21 Oil: China’s apparent oil demand declines – ING
The latest industrial output data from China shows that refiners reduced activity in November.
The latest industrial output data from China shows that refiners reduced activity in November. Crude processed in the month fell to the lowest in five months at around 14.3m b/d as some processors shut plants for seasonal maintenance. Cumulative apparent demand fell by 3.3% YoY to 14m b/d over the first 11 months of the year, ING’s commodity analyst Ewa Manthey and Warren Patterson note.
Cumulative apparent demand falls
“The latest data from Baker Hughes shows that the number of active US oil rigs remained unchanged over the week at 482, after rising by five in the preceding week. The total rig count (oil and gas combined) also remains steady at 589 over the reporting week. Primary Vision’s frac spread count, which gives an idea of completion activity, decreased by three over the week to 217.”
“Weekly positioning data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) shows that managed money net long position in NYMEX WTI dropped after rising for two consecutive weeks. Money managers trimmed net longs in NYMEX WTI by 12,448 lots over the week to 103,986 lots as of 10 December 2024. On the other hand, exchange data shows that speculators have built fresh longs of 5,349 lots in ICE Brent over the last week, leaving them with 162,273 lots of net long position.”
“In products, net bullish bets for gasoline jumped to their highest level since mid-April 2024. Speculators boosted the net longs for gasoline by 6,546 lots (after reporting declines for two straight weeks) to 73,037 lots for the week ending 10 December 2024. There are suggestions that the gasoline supply could tighten next year due to the planned refinery outages and closures. LyondellBasell’s Houston refinery is set to close by the end of the first quarter and will start idling as early as January. The refinery processes about 264k b/d.”
12:16 GBP/JPY advances to near 194.70 as flash UK Composite PMI expands steadily
The GBP/JPY pair climbs to near 194.70 after the release of the S&P Global/CIPS United Kingdom (UK) PMI data for December.
.fxs-event-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-event-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-event-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:12px}.fxs-event-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-event-module-header{color:#1b1c23;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;line-height:20px;margin:0;padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;padding-right:32px}.fxs-event-module-header label{cursor:pointer;display:block}.fxs-event-module-header label:after,.fxs-event-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:17.6px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:20.8px;margin:4px 0 0 0}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title-description-wrapper{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;padding-bottom:16px;margin-bottom:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar{padding:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-section{padding:0}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:12.8px;line-height:17px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{display:flex;align-items:center;align-content:center;gap:4px;color:#e4871b;font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-read-more svg{width:16px;height:16px}.fxs-event-module-read-more:hover span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-release{margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:2px}.fxs-event-module-release>p{font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-release>p>strong{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:700}.fxs-event-module-release>p>span{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:400}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a{color:#e4871b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a:hover>span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-container{margin:16px 0 0 0;border-top:1px solid #ececf1;padding:12px 0 0 0}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-release p{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{font-size:22.4px;line-height:25.6px}.fxs-event-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-event-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-event-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}GBP/JPY jumps to near 194.70 on steady growth in the preliminary UK Composite PMI data for December.The BoJ and the BoE are expected to leave interest rates unchanged on Thursday at 0.25% and 4.75%, respectively.This week, investors will also focus on the UK employment and inflation data for both the UK and Japan.The GBP/JPY pair climbs to near 194.70 after the release of the S&P Global/CIPS United Kingdom (UK) PMI data for December. The report showed that the Composite PMI advanced at a steady pace to 50.5. Faster-than-expected expansion in service sector output neutralizes the impact of a sharp decline in manufacturing.
A steady growth in the PMI data has strengthened the Pound Sterling (GBP) against its major peers.
This week, investors brace for high volatility in the Pound Sterling’s price action due to the packed UK economic calendar. They will pay close attention to Tuesday’s employment data for the three months ending October and Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for November, which will influence market speculation about the Bank of England’s (BoE) interest rate decision on Thursday.
According to market expectations, traders expect the BoE to leave interest rates unchanged at 4.75%, with a 7-2 vote split in which seven Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members are expected to support a steady decision on key borrowing rates. BoE members Swati Dhingra and Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden are expected to support an interest rate reduction of 25 bps.
Investors will also pay close attention to BoE Governor Andrew Bailey’s press conference for fresh interest rate guidance for 2025. Traders see the BoE reducing interest rates three times next year.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen (JPY) is also expected to remain highly volatile this week as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is scheduled to announce the last monetary policy decision of this year along with the BoE on Thursday. Investors expect the BoJ to keep borrowing rates steady at 0.25% as uncertainty over the likely global trade war due to higher import tariffs from incoming United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has limited its potential of hiking them further.
This week, Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for November will also be released, a day after the policy decision.
Economic Indicator
BoJ Interest Rate Decision
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) announces its interest rate decision after each of the Bank’s eight scheduled annual meetings. Generally, if the BoJ is hawkish about the inflationary outlook of the economy and raises interest rates it is bullish for the Japanese Yen (JPY). Likewise, if the BoJ has a dovish view on the Japanese economy and keeps interest rates unchanged, or cuts them, it is usually bearish for JPY. Read more. Next release: Thu Dec 19, 2024 03:00 Frequency: IrregularConsensus: 0.25%Previous: 0.25%Source: Bank of Japan
12:01 Italy Consumer Price Index (YoY) registered at 1.3%, below expectations (1.4%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (YoY) registered at 1.3%, below expectations (1.4%) in November
12:01 Italy Consumer Price Index (MoM) came in at -0.1% below forecasts (0%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (MoM) came in at -0.1% below forecasts (0%) in November
12:01 Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (YoY) came in at 1.5% below forecasts (1.6%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (YoY) came in at 1.5% below forecasts (1.6%) in November
12:01 Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (MoM) registered at -0.1%, below expectations (0%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (MoM) registered at -0.1%, below expectations (0%) in November
12:00 Eurozone Labor Cost meets forecasts (4.6%) in 3Q
Eurozone Labor Cost meets forecasts (4.6%) in 3Q
11:57 India Trade Deficit Government rose from previous $27.14B to $37.84B in November
India Trade Deficit Government rose from previous $27.14B to $37.84B in November
11:50 DXY: Mixed ahead of Fed rate meeting – OCBC
US Dollar (USD) traded mixed this morning ahead of the much anticipated FOMC meeting this Thu (3am SGT).
US Dollar (USD) traded mixed this morning ahead of the much anticipated FOMC meeting this Thu (3am SGT). A 25bp cut is more or less a done deal (markets pricing ~93% probability of a cut) but the focus is on the refreshed dot plot, which will provide guidance on Fed members’ expectation on rate cut trajectory into 2025 - 26. The previous dot plot back in Sep guided for 4 cuts and markets are now pricing in about 3 cuts. DXY was last at 106.81 levels.
DXY above the ‘head’ can nullify the H&S pattern
“Bearish momentum on daily chart faded while RSI fell. Head and shoulders (H&S) pattern remains intact with DXY trading near second shoulder. A rise in DXY back above the ‘head’ would nullify the H&S pattern.”
“But at point of writing, DXY is respecting the second shoulder. We watch price action. A play-out of the H&S pattern requires a decisive break below neckline support. Next support at 106.20/50 levels (23.6% fibo, 21 DMA), 105 levels (38.2% fibo retracement of Sep low to Nov high, 50 DMA). Resistance at 107.20 (both shoulders), 108 (2024 high).”
“This week brings empire manufacturing, prelim PMIs (Mon); retail sales, IP (Tue); housing starts, building permits (Wed); FOMC, GDP, existing home sales (Thu); core PCE, personal spending, income, Kansas City Fed manufacturing index (Fri).”
11:41 JPY: Less than 20% of a BoJ rate hike on Thursday – ING
After a raft of source-based stories over the last two weeks, the market now attaches a less than 20% probability to a 25bp Bank of Japan hike this Thursday.
After a raft of source-based stories over the last two weeks, the market now attaches a less than 20% probability to a 25bp Bank of Japan hike this Thursday. USD/JPY looks biased to the 155 area ahead of the rate meeting, ING’s FX analyst Chirs Turner notes.
USD/JPY looks biased to the 155 area
“Our team thinks the chances are higher. However, helping to swing the BoJ's decision may be the level of USD/JPY. This has crept up to 154 recently, helped by both these source stories plus the sell-off in the US Treasury market.”
“While our medium-term valuation models show the yen as the most undervalued currency in the G10 space, our baseline forecasts do, however, show USD/JPY moving steadily higher through 2025 as US Treasury yields rise. The yen will remain the hedge against the inevitable periods of risk asset corrections in 2025, but barring surprise US macro weakness, 2025 should be bullish for USD/JPY.”
“For this week, we think USD/JPY looks biased to the 155 area ahead of Thursday's BoJ rate meeting.”
11:37 EUR/USD: It’s Germany’s turn to vote – OCBC
Chancellor Scholz had called for a vote of confidence on Wed and the Bundestag will vote later today.
Chancellor Scholz had called for a vote of confidence on Wed and the Bundestag will vote later today. To survive the vote, Scholz would need to receive the support of an absolute majority of 367 votes. EUR was last at 1.0513 levels, OCBC’s FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note
Risks are modestly skewed to the upside
“In the event, Scholz fails, then Germany is likely to make way for elections on 23 Feb 2025. Far-right AfD is calling for Germany to leave the European Union, the EUR and Paris climate deal as the party prepares for early elections in Feb-2025. The concern here is the explicit language to quit EU unlike its manifesto ahead of the European parliament elections previously in Jun-2024.”
“EUR was a touch firmer, despite Moody’s downgrade of French rating. President Macron has appointed François Bayrou as the new PM of France. The far-left party La France Insoumise has announced it will launch a no-confidence vote to bring down PM Bayrou while other parties appear less aggressive and have laid down conditions for their support. Ongoing political uncertainties in France, Germany may weigh on EUR but like we had flagged, these are already known unknowns and for EUR to push lower, a new catalyst is required (i.e. a hawkish Fed, etc.).”
Mild bullish momentum on daily chart is intact while RSI rose. Risks are modestly skewed to the upside. Resistance here at 1.0540 (21 DMA, 23.6% fibo retracement of Oct high to Nov low), 1.0610 and 1.0670 (38.2% fibo). Support at 1.0460, 1.0410 levels.
11:33 UK Preliminary Services PMI rises to 51.4 in December vs. 51.0 expected
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) contracted further to 47.3 in December from 48.0 in November.
UK Services PMI edged higher to 51.4 in December, beat estimates.Manufacturing PMI in the UK fell further to 47.3 in December.GBP/USD extends gains above 1.2650 after UK business PMIs.The seasonally adjusted S&P Global/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) contracted further to 47.3 in December from 48.0 in November. The data missed the market consensus of 48.1
11:30 United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Manufacturing PMI came in at 47.3, below expectations (48.1) in December
United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Manufacturing PMI came in at 47.3, below expectations (48.1) in December
11:30 USD: Dollar holds gains – ING
It's Fed week, and the central bank is expected to cut its target policy band by 25bp to 4.25-4.50% on Wednesday.
It's Fed week, and the central bank is expected to cut its target policy band by 25bp to 4.25-4.50% on Wednesday. That is fully priced, and as our US economist James Knightley here, more interest will be had in how the Federal Reserve prepares to explain skipping its meeting in January, ING’s FX analyst Chirs Turner notes.
DXY can find support near 106.50/70
“New Fed forecasts should also reduce the number of expected rate cuts in 2025 to three from four. This is all currently priced by the market, but there seems little reason for the Fed to dovishly surprise this week and we see the dollar staying supported.”
“Additionally, tomorrow's release of November retail sales is expected to show healthy 0.4% month-on-month growth in the retail sales control group – suggesting US consumer habits are alive and well. But as seen in previous weeks, the dollar could also get dragged around by events overseas, where pressure looks likely to stay on the Chinese renminbi, and we should expect more rate cuts in Europe and elsewhere.”
“As a side note, we see the occasional references to the risk of another 1985 Plaza Accord to weaken the dollar. We take the view that 2025 will be more akin to 1983-1984, when more air was pumped into the dollar bubble. DXY should again find support near 106.50/70 and should push back above 107.00.”
11:30 Silver price today: Silver rises, according to FXStreet data
Silver prices (XAG/USD) rose on Monday, according to FXStreet data.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Silver prices (XAG/USD) rose on Monday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $30.67 per troy ounce, up 0.61% from the $30.48 it cost on Friday.
Silver prices have increased by 28.87% since the beginning of the year. Unit measure Silver Price Today in USD Troy Ounce 30.67 1 Gram 0.99
The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, stood at 86.68 on Monday, down from 86.88 on Friday. Silver FAQs Why do people invest in Silver? Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets. Which factors influence Silver prices? Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices. How does industrial demand affect Silver prices? Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices. How do Silver prices react to Gold’s moves? Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver. (An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, stood at 86.68 on Monday, down from 86.88 on Friday. Silver FAQs Why do people invest in Silver? Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets. Which factors influence Silver prices? Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices. How does industrial demand affect Silver prices? Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices. How do Silver prices react to Gold’s moves? Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver. (An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
11:30 United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Services PMI above expectations (51) in December: Actual (51.4)
United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Services PMI above expectations (51) in December: Actual (51.4)
11:30 United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Composite PMI: 50.5 (December)
United Kingdom S&P Global/CIPS Composite PMI: 50.5 (December)
11:15 AUD/USD clings to gains near 0.6370 amid a softer USD not out of the woods yet
The AUD/USD pair sticks to its mildly positive bias through the first half of the European session on Monday, albeit it lacks any follow-through buying.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}AUD/USD attracts some buyers on Monday amid a modest USD downtick.The RBA’s dovish tilt and China’s economic woes cap gains for the Aussie.Traders seem reluctant to place directional bets ahead of the Fed decision. The AUD/USD pair sticks to its mildly positive bias through the first half of the European session on Monday, albeit it lacks any follow-through buying. Spot prices remain close to over a one-year low touched last Friday and currently trade around the 0.6365-0.6370 region, up just over 0.15% for the day.
The US Dollar (USD) kicks off the new week on a weaker note amid a modest pullback in the US Treasury bond yields and turns out to be a key factor lending some support to the AUD/USD pair. That said, the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) dovish tilt, along with China's economic woes, act as a headwind for the Australian Dollar (AUD). Apart from this, expectations for a less dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) favor the USD bulls and suggest that the path of least resistance for spot prices remains to the downside.
Investors now seem convinced that the US central bank will slow the pace of its rate-cutting cycle amid signs that the progress in lowering inflation toward the 2% target has stalled. This, in turn, has been a key factor behind the recent rise in the benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield to a three-week high and validates the positive outlook for the buck. Apart from this, geopolitical risk and US-China trade war fears should benefit the safe-haven buck, warranting some caution before placing bullish bets around the AUD/USD pair.
Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive bets and opt to wait for the outcome of the highly-anticipated FOMC policy meeting on Wednesday. The Fed is widely expected to lower borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps), though it could adopt a more cautious stance on cutting rates. Hence, the focus will be on the accompanying policy statement, which, along with Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments at the post-meeting press conference, will drive the USD demand and provide a fresh impetus to the AUD/USD pair.
Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar?
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar?
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar?
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar?
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar?
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
11:13 ECB’s de Guindoa: We will continue in the same direction as in the past few months
European Central Bank (ECB) Vice President Luis de Guindos said on Monday, “in the near term, we will continue in the same direction as in the past few months.” Further comments Our confidence that inflation will converge to the target in 2025 is reflected in our monetary policy.
.fxs-related-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-related-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{text-decoration:none;color:#1b1c23;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;line-height:20px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a:hover,.fxs-related-module-related-link:hover,.fxs-related-module-related-link:hover a{color:#e4871b}.fxs-related-module-related-link a:hover{text-decoration:none}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-related-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}}
European Central Bank (ECB) Vice President Luis de Guindos said on Monday, “in the near term, we will continue in the same direction as in the past few months.”
Further comments
Our confidence that inflation will converge to the target in 2025 is reflected in our monetary policy.
When there is a trade war, exchange rates become more volatile, so traditional protectionism would be very negative.
Related newsECB’s Kazimir: Gradual, step-by-step approach through 25 bps rate cuts is most prudent strategyEurozone Preliminary Manufacturing PMI steadies at 45.2 in December vs. 45.0 expectedEUR/USD – Ready for drop? [Video]
11:09 Pound Sterling moves higher ahead of flash UK-US PMI data
The Pound Sterling (GBP) gains to near 1.2645 against the US Dollar (USD) in Monday’s London session.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}The Pound Sterling climbs to near 1.2650 against the US Dollar ahead of the release of the flash PMI data for both the UK and the US.This week, investors will focus on monetary policy decisions from the Fed and the BoE as well as UK employment and inflation data.Traders price in an interest-rate reduction from the Fed while the BoE is expected to leave them unchanged.The Pound Sterling (GBP) gains to near 1.2645 against the US Dollar (USD) in Monday’s London session. The GBP/USD pair rises as the US Dollar trades subdued, with the US Dollar Index (DXY) hovering around 107.00. Investors brace for a high level of volatility from the pair this week as both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE) are set for their last monetary policy meeting of the year on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
Divergent moves are expected from both the central banks as the Fed is widely anticipated to cut its key borrowing rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.25%-4.50%, while the BoE is expected to leave them unchanged at 4.75%. Still, as the main interest-rate decisions from both the central banks have already been priced in by market participants, investors will be majorly focusing on the policy outlook for 2025.
According to current market expectations, traders expect three interest rate cuts from both central banks in 2025.
This week, the Pound Sterling will also be influenced by the United Kingdom (UK) employment data for three months ending October and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for November, which will be released on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Any sharp deviation in the labor market and inflation numbers from estimates could influence market speculation for the BoE interest rate action on Thursday and policy outlook expectations for 2025.
Daily digest market movers: Pound Sterling rises at start of Fed-BoE policy decisions week In Monday’s session, the Pound Sterling and the US Dollar will be guided by the flash S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for the UK and the United States (US) for December. The UK PMI report is expected to show the overall business activity expanded at a slightly faster rate from the prior release of 50.5. UK Service PMI is estimated to have increased to 51.0 from 50.8. The Manufacturing PMI, which gauges activities in the factory sector, is expected to have risen to 48.1 from 48.0 in November. A mild improvement in the manufacturing sector output is unlikely to cheer market participants as a figure below 50.0 indicates that overall activity contracted. Market participants are already worried about the health of the UK manufacturing sector as data released on Friday showed that industrial and manufacturing production unexpectedly contracted in October. Investors will pay close attention to Tuesday’s labor market data to gauge hiring levels in the private sector after a recent survey by the UK Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) showed that an increase in employers’ contribution to National Insurance (NI) from 13.8% from 15% has led to dissatisfaction among employers. Meanwhile, the US flash PMI data is expected to show cooler growth in the overall business activity due to a slowdown in both the manufacturing and the services sector. Investors will look for cues about the impact of the election of Donald Trump as President on demand and inflation expectations.
Technical Analysis: Pound Sterling finds cushion near 1.2640The Pound Sterling rises to near 1.2645 against the US Dollar on Monday after a three-day losing streak. The outlook of the GBP/USD pair remains bearish as all short-to-long Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) are sloping lower.
Still, the upward-sloping trendline drawn from the October 2023 low around 1.2035 continues to provide support to Pound Sterling bulls near 1.2600.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers near 40.00. Should the RSI drop below 40.00, a bearish momentum will set off.
Looking down, the pair is expected to find a cushion near the psychological support of 1.2500. On the upside, the December 6 high of 1.2810 will act as key resistance.
Pound Sterling FAQs What is the Pound Sterling?
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE). How do the decisions of the Bank of England impact on the Pound Sterling?
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects. How does economic data influence the value of the Pound?
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall. How does the Trade Balance impact the Pound?
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
11:08 ECB’s Kazimir: Gradual, step-by-step approach through 25 bps rate cuts is most prudent strategy
European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Peter Kazimir said on Monday, “gradual, step-by-step approach through 25 basis points (bps) rate cuts is the most prudent strategy.” Additional quotes More aggressive monetary easing would require a dramatic shift in conditions.
European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Peter Kazimir said on Monday, “gradual, step-by-step approach through 25 basis points (bps) rate cuts is the most prudent strategy.”
Additional quotes
More aggressive monetary easing would require a dramatic shift in conditions.
Europe’s economic malaise is largely structural, demands solutions beyond the remit of monetary policy.
Market reaction
EUR/USD was last seen trading at 1.0515, up 0.10% on the day.
11:01 NZD/USD holds gains above 0.5750 following mixed data from China
NZD/USD breaks its four-day losing streak, trading around 0.5780 during the European hours on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}NZD/USD remains stronger following the release of domestic and Chinese data.China's Industrial Production rose by 5.4% YoY in November, exceeding market expectations of a 5.3% increase.The US Dollar remains subdued as Treasury yields hold thin losses.NZD/USD breaks its four-day losing streak, trading around 0.5780 during the European hours on Monday. The New Zealand (NZD) remains stronger following the recent data from its largest trading partner, China. However, the upside of the Kiwi Dollar could be restrained due to the increased likelihood of a further aggressive easing approach from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) early in 2025.
Recent reports indicate that China, a key trade partner for New Zealand, saw industrial output perform better than expected. However, this optimism was tempered by significantly lower-than-forecast Retail Sales and a continued decline in house prices.
China's annual Industrial Production rose by 5.4% in November, surpassing the market expectation of a 5.3% increase. In contrast, Retail Sales grew by 3.0% year-on-year in November, falling short of the anticipated 4.6% and the previous reading of 4.8%.
Domestically, the Business NZ Performance of Services Index climbed to 49.5 in November, up from 46.2 in October, marking its highest level since February. Additionally, the Food Price Index increased by 1.3% year-on-year in November, slightly above the 1.2% rise recorded in October.
The US Dollar (USD) remains subdued amid tepid US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision set for Wednesday. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce a 25 basis point rate cut in its final monetary policy meeting of 2024. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing in a quarter basis point cut at the Fed's December meeting.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar against its six major peers, trades near 106.80 with 2-year and 10-year yields on US Treasury bonds standing at 4.23% and 4.38%, respectively, at the time of writing.
New Zealand Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the New Zealand Dollar?
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD), also known as the Kiwi, is a well-known traded currency among investors. Its value is broadly determined by the health of the New Zealand economy and the country’s central bank policy. Still, there are some unique particularities that also can make NZD move. The performance of the Chinese economy tends to move the Kiwi because China is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. Bad news for the Chinese economy likely means less New Zealand exports to the country, hitting the economy and thus its currency. Another factor moving NZD is dairy prices as the dairy industry is New Zealand’s main export. High dairy prices boost export income, contributing positively to the economy and thus to the NZD. How do decisions of the RBNZ impact the New Zealand Dollar?
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) aims to achieve and maintain an inflation rate between 1% and 3% over the medium term, with a focus to keep it near the 2% mid-point. To this end, the bank sets an appropriate level of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the RBNZ will increase interest rates to cool the economy, but the move will also make bond yields higher, increasing investors’ appeal to invest in the country and thus boosting NZD. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken NZD. The so-called rate differential, or how rates in New Zealand are or are expected to be compared to the ones set by the US Federal Reserve, can also play a key role in moving the NZD/USD pair. How does economic data influence the value of the New Zealand Dollar?
Macroeconomic data releases in New Zealand are key to assess the state of the economy and can impact the New Zealand Dollar’s (NZD) valuation. A strong economy, based on high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence is good for NZD. High economic growth attracts foreign investment and may encourage the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to increase interest rates, if this economic strength comes together with elevated inflation. Conversely, if economic data is weak, NZD is likely to depreciate. How does broader risk sentiment impact the New Zealand Dollar?
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) tends to strengthen during risk-on periods, or when investors perceive that broader market risks are low and are optimistic about growth. This tends to lead to a more favorable outlook for commodities and so-called ‘commodity currencies’ such as the Kiwi. Conversely, NZD tends to weaken at times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty as investors tend to sell higher-risk assets and flee to the more-stable safe havens.
11:01 Eurozone Preliminary Manufacturing PMI steadies at 45.2 in December vs. 45.0 expected
The Eurozone manufacturing sector remained in contraction while the services sector activity improved in December, according to the data from the HCOB's latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) Survey published on Monday.
Eurozone Manufacturing PMI stayed unchanged at 45.2 in December, beating 45.0 estimate.Bloc’s Services PMI rose to 51.4 in December vs. 49.4 expected.EUR/USD keeps gains near 1.0500 after German, Eurozone PMI data. The Eurozone manufacturing sector remained in contraction while the services sector activity improved in December, according to the data from the HCOB's latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) Survey published on Monday.
The Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) stayed unchanged at 45.2 in December, bettering the estimated 45.0.
The bloc’s Services PMI expanded to 51.4 in December from 49.5 in November. The data came in above the market consensus of 49.4 and reached a two-month high.
The HCOB Eurozone PMI Composite improved to 49.5 in December vs. November’s 48.3. The data hit a two-month top.
EUR/USD reaction to the Eurozone PMIs dataEUR/USD defends bids above 1.0500 on the mixed Eurozone PMI data, adding 0.09% on a daily basis.
11:00 Eurozone HCOB Composite PMI climbed from previous 48.3 to 49.5 in December
Eurozone HCOB Composite PMI climbed from previous 48.3 to 49.5 in December
11:00 Eurozone HCOB Manufacturing PMI registered at 45.2 above expectations (45) in December
Eurozone HCOB Manufacturing PMI registered at 45.2 above expectations (45) in December
11:00 Eurozone HCOB Services PMI above expectations (49.4) in December: Actual (51.4)
Eurozone HCOB Services PMI above expectations (49.4) in December: Actual (51.4)
10:32 German Preliminary Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly drops to 42.5 in December vs. 43.8 expected
The German manufacturing sector activity worsened in December while the services sector returned to expansion, the preliminary business activity report published by the HCOB survey showed Monday.
.fxs-major-currency-prices-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:8px 16px}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table{width:100%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:1rem}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table th{background-color:#f2f2f2}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td{color:#fff}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.green{background-color:#9cd6cd}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.red{background-color:#faafb5}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.blue-grey{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-legend{font-size:11px;margin:8px;color:#49494f}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.dark-green{background-color:#39ad9a}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-green{background-color:#9cd6cd}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.gray{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-red{background-color:#faafb5}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.strong-red{background-color:#f55e6a}Germany’s Manufacturing PMI fell to 42.5 in December vs. 43.8 forecast.Services PMI for the German economy bounces to 51.0 in December vs. 49.2 estimate.EUR/USD picks up fresh bids above 1.0500 after mixed German PMIs.The German manufacturing sector activity worsened in December while the services sector returned to expansion, the preliminary business activity report published by the HCOB survey showed Monday.
The HCOB Manufacturing PMI in the Eurozone’s top economy dropped to 42.5 this month, compared to November’s 43.0 while missing the estimates of 43.8.
Meanwhile, Services PMI rebounded to 51.0 in December from 49.3 in November. The market forecast was 49.2 in the reported period. The gauge set a two-month high.
The HCOB Preliminary German Composite Output Index came in at 47.8 in December vs. 47.2 in November. The index was at its highest in two months.
FX implicationsEUR/USD picks up fresh bids despite the mixed German data, currently trading 0.16% higher on the day at 1.0515.
Euro PRICE Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Euro (EUR) against listed major currencies today. Euro was the strongest against the Japanese Yen. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD -0.17% -0.20% -0.03% -0.10% -0.23% -0.36% -0.30% EUR 0.17% 0.01% 0.24% 0.13% 0.10% -0.12% -0.08% GBP 0.20% -0.01% 0.10% 0.12% 0.09% -0.15% -0.10% JPY 0.03% -0.24% -0.10% -0.08% -0.20% -0.31% -0.19% CAD 0.10% -0.13% -0.12% 0.08% -0.08% -0.26% -0.21% AUD 0.23% -0.10% -0.09% 0.20% 0.08% -0.22% -0.19% NZD 0.36% 0.12% 0.15% 0.31% 0.26% 0.22% 0.03% CHF 0.30% 0.08% 0.10% 0.19% 0.21% 0.19% -0.03%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Euro from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent EUR (base)/USD (quote).
10:30 Germany HCOB Manufacturing PMI below forecasts (43.8) in December: Actual (42.5)
Germany HCOB Manufacturing PMI below forecasts (43.8) in December: Actual (42.5)
10:30 Germany HCOB Services PMI came in at 51, above expectations (49.2) in December
Germany HCOB Services PMI came in at 51, above expectations (49.2) in December
10:30 Germany HCOB Composite PMI increased to 47.8 in December from previous 47.2
Germany HCOB Composite PMI increased to 47.8 in December from previous 47.2
10:19 Lagarde speech: Will cut rates further if incoming data confirm that disinflation is on track
On Monday, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde is speaking at an Annual Economics Conference on ‘Pillars of Resilience Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts’.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
On Monday, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde is speaking at an Annual Economics Conference on ‘Pillars of Resilience Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts’.
Key quotes
Will cut rates further if incoming data confirm that disinflation is on track.
Past bias to keeping rates 'sufficiently restrictive' no longer warranted.
We are close to achieving our target.
Inflation momentum for services has dropped steeply recently.
Euro zone growth likely to take hit from fresh us protectionist measures.
Market reaction
The following comments fail to move the needle around the Euro, with EUR/USD trading flat on the day near 1.0500.
ECB FAQs What is the ECB and how does it influence the Euro?
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy for the region. The ECB primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means keeping inflation at around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is by raising or lowering interest rates. Relatively high interest rates will usually result in a stronger Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. What is Quantitative Easing (QE) and how does it affect the Euro?
In extreme situations, the European Central Bank can enact a policy tool called Quantitative Easing. QE is the process by which the ECB prints Euros and uses them to buy assets – usually government or corporate bonds – from banks and other financial institutions. QE usually results in a weaker Euro. QE is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the objective of price stability. The ECB used it during the Great Financial Crisis in 2009-11, in 2015 when inflation remained stubbornly low, as well as during the covid pandemic. What is Quantitative tightening (QT) and how does it affect the Euro?
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse of QE. It is undertaken after QE when an economic recovery is underway and inflation starts rising. Whilst in QE the European Central Bank (ECB) purchases government and corporate bonds from financial institutions to provide them with liquidity, in QT the ECB stops buying more bonds, and stops reinvesting the principal maturing on the bonds it already holds. It is usually positive (or bullish) for the Euro.
10:15 France HCOB Manufacturing PMI registered at 41.9, below expectations (43) in December
France HCOB Manufacturing PMI registered at 41.9, below expectations (43) in December
10:15 France HCOB Composite PMI up to 46.7 in December from previous 45.9
France HCOB Composite PMI up to 46.7 in December from previous 45.9
10:15 France HCOB Services PMI above expectations (46.4) in December: Actual (48.2)
France HCOB Services PMI above expectations (46.4) in December: Actual (48.2)
10:13 EUR/GBP consolidates above 0.8300 ahead of PMI figures from Eurozone, UK
EUR/GBP moves sideways following two days of gains, trading around 0.8320 during the European hours on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}EUR/GBP holds its position ahead of PMI data from both economies.The Euro appreciated after President Macron's appointment of centrist ally François Bayrou as France's Prime Minister.The BoE is anticipated to take a cautious and gradual approach to easing monetary policy.EUR/GBP moves sideways following two days of gains, trading around 0.8320 during the European hours on Monday. Traders are awaiting Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data from both economies to gauge private business activities for both the manufacturing and services sectors.
The EUR/GBP cross gained ground as the Euro received support following President Emmanuel Macron's appointment of centrist ally François Bayrou as France's Prime Minister, raising hopes for political stability. Macron had pledged to swiftly select a new candidate after Michel Barnier was forced to resign following a confidence vote in Parliament.
Moreover, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said on Friday that cutting interest rates solely to stimulate the economy would be a mistake. According to Holzmann, the ECB’s primary responsibility is to ensure price stability, not to fuel economic growth. "Lowering rates now to boost the economy would contradict our current stance," he said, as reported by Bloomberg.
The upside of the EUR/GBP cross could be limited as the Pound Sterling (GBP) may appreciate due to the increased likelihood of the Bank of England (BoE) adopting a gradual pace of policy easing compared to other central banks in Europe and North America. The BoE and other forecasting bodies expect that inflation will rise next year in the wake of UK finance minister Rachel Reeves' big-spending budget. However, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey indicated four interest rate cuts in 2025, which could limit the upside of the British Pound (GBP) and support the EUR/GBP cross.
Interest rates FAQs What are interest rates?
Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation. How do interest rates impact currencies?
Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. How do interest rates influence the price of Gold?
Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold. What is the Fed Funds rate?
The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
10:02 Turkey Budget Balance rose from previous -186.27B to -16.65B in November
Turkey Budget Balance rose from previous -186.27B to -16.65B in November
09:35 EUR/USD edges higher ahead of flash Eurozone-US PMI data, Fed decision remains key event
EUR/USD ticks higher to near 1.0515 in Monday’s European session ahead of the HCOB Eurozone preliminary Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for December on both sides of the Atlantic.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}EUR/USD gains slightly to near 1.0515 ahead of the preliminary PMI data of both the Eurozone and the US for December.The ECB is expected to cut interest rates further by 100 bps next year.Investors will keenly focus on the Fed’s dot plot for fresh interest rate projections in the US.EUR/USD ticks higher to near 1.0515 in Monday’s European session ahead of the HCOB Eurozone preliminary Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for December on both sides of the Atlantic. The PMI report is expected to highlight the divergent fortunes of the Eurozone and US economies, with analysts expecting that overall business activity contracted faster in the Eurozone due to a decline in both manufacturing and service sector output while continuing to expand in the US. This scenario supports more interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank (ECB) and weighs on the Euro (EUR).
The ECB cut its Deposit Facility rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 3% on Thursday, accumulating a total of 100 bps interest rate reductions this year. Given that Eurozone inflation has come under control and officials are worried about growing economic risks, market participants expect the ECB to deliver another 100 bps reduction in its key borrowing rates by June 2025.
On Friday, a significant number of ECB policymakers backed further policy easing and a gradual move towards the neutral rate, which they expect to be around 2%. French central bank Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau told France's BFM business radio: “There will be further rate cuts next year." When asked about interest rate projections, he said, "I note that we are collectively rather comfortable with the financial markets' interest rate forecasts for next year."
For more guidance on interest rates, ECB President Christine Lagarde will deliver a keynote speech and participate in a panel at the Bank of Lithuania's event on European economic and political resilience.
On the political front, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as the new prime minister on Friday. He replaced Michel Barnier, who lost a no-confidence vote because he failed to pass the budget, which included tax hikes worth 60 billion Euros to cut the fiscal deficit. Bayrou, who is expected to face similar challenges in his administration, is scheduled to meet leaders of the Far Right and left wing on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, according to Reuters.
Daily digest market movers: EUR/USD will be influenced by Fed’s policy this week The mild upside in the EUR/USD pair is driven by a slight decline in the US Dollar (USD) amid uncertainty ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision, which will be announced on Wednesday. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, edges lower but trades close to the key resistance of 107.00. The Fed is widely anticipated to cut its key borrowing rates by 25 bps to 4.25%-4.50%. Therefore, investors will pay close attention to the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections or the so-called “dot plot”, which shows where policymakers see the Federal Funds Rate heading in the medium and longer term. According to a Bloomberg survey conducted from December 6 to 11, a majority of economists expect a less dovish Fed outlook for 2025. Economists see the Fed reducing interest rates three times next year on the assumption that progress in the disinflation process has slowed. The survey also indicated that economists have become more worried about upside risks to inflation than downside risks to employment due to incoming President-elect Donald Trump's policies, including mass deportations, new tariffs, and tax cuts. In Monday’s session, investors will focus on the United States (US) S&P Global PMI report for December, which will be published at 14:45 GMT.
Technical Analysis: EUR/USD holds above 1.0500EUR/USD trades above the psychological figure of 1.0500 but continues to struggle around the three-day resistance near 1.0535. The major currency pair remains below the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) around 1.0545, suggesting a bearish near-term trend.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) revolves around 40.00. The bearish momentum should trigger if the RSI (14) falls below 40.00.
Looking down, the two-year low of 1.0330 will provide key support. Conversely, the 20-day EMA will be the key barrier for the Euro bulls.
Euro FAQs What is the Euro?
The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day, according to data from the Bank of International Settlements. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% of all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
09:34 GBP/USD Price Forecast: Hovers below 1.2650, descending channel’s upper boundary
GBP/USD breaks its three-day losing streak, trading around 1.2640 during the early European hours on Monday.
.fxs-major-currency-prices-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:8px 16px}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table{width:100%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:1rem}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table th{background-color:#f2f2f2}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td{color:#fff}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.green{background-color:#9cd6cd}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.red{background-color:#faafb5}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.blue-grey{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-legend{font-size:11px;margin:8px;color:#49494f}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.dark-green{background-color:#39ad9a}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-green{background-color:#9cd6cd}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.gray{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-red{background-color:#faafb5}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.strong-red{background-color:#f55e6a}GBP/USD remains below the descending channel’s upper boundary, aligned with the nine-day EMA at 1.2684 level.The bearish sentiment prevails as the 14-day RSI remains below the 50 mark.The primary support appears at the four-week low of 1.2487.GBP/USD breaks its three-day losing streak, trading around 1.2640 during the early European hours on Monday. The daily chart analysis shows an ongoing bearish bias as the pair is confined within the descending channel pattern.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is positioned below the 50 level, strengthening the bearish sentiment. Additionally, the GBP/USD pair falls below the nine- and 14-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which indicates that the short-term price momentum is weaker, signaling the potential for continued price weakness.
On the downside, the GBP/USD pair may navigate the region around its four-week low of 1.2487, which was recorded on November 22. A break below this level could strengthen the bearish bias and put downward pressure on the pair to approach the lower boundary of the descending channel, aligned with its yearly low at 1.2299, reached on April 22.
The GBP/USD pair may find initial resistance around the descending channel’s upper boundary, aligned with the nine-day EMA at the 1.2684 level. A break above this level could weaken the bearish sentiment and support the pair to explore the area around its five-week high of 1.2811 level, marked on December 6.
GBP/USD: Daily ChartBritish Pound PRICE Today
The table below shows the percentage change of British Pound (GBP) against listed major currencies today. British Pound was the strongest against the US Dollar. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD -0.12% -0.14% -0.09% -0.06% -0.18% -0.26% -0.28% EUR 0.12% 0.04% 0.13% 0.13% 0.12% -0.05% -0.10% GBP 0.14% -0.04% -0.04% 0.09% 0.08% -0.12% -0.14% JPY 0.09% -0.13% 0.04% 0.02% -0.07% -0.14% -0.10% CAD 0.06% -0.13% -0.09% -0.02% -0.07% -0.21% -0.23% AUD 0.18% -0.12% -0.08% 0.07% 0.07% -0.17% -0.22% NZD 0.26% 0.05% 0.12% 0.14% 0.21% 0.17% -0.04% CHF 0.28% 0.10% 0.14% 0.10% 0.23% 0.22% 0.04%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the British Pound from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent GBP (base)/USD (quote).
09:30 Switzerland Producer and Import Prices (YoY) rose from previous -1.8% to -1.5% in November
Switzerland Producer and Import Prices (YoY) rose from previous -1.8% to -1.5% in November
09:30 Switzerland Producer and Import Prices (MoM) came in at -0.6% below forecasts (0.2%) in November
Switzerland Producer and Import Prices (MoM) came in at -0.6% below forecasts (0.2%) in November
09:12 Forex Today: Big central bank week starts with flash PMIs
Here is what you need to know on Monday, December 16: Market participants gear up for a critical week that will feature several major central banks' last policy meeting of the year.
.fxs-major-currency-prices-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:8px 16px}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table{width:100%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:1rem}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table th{background-color:#f2f2f2}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td{color:#fff}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.green{background-color:#9cd6cd}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.red{background-color:#faafb5}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.blue-grey{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-legend{font-size:11px;margin:8px;color:#49494f}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.dark-green{background-color:#39ad9a}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-green{background-color:#9cd6cd}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.gray{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-red{background-color:#faafb5}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.strong-red{background-color:#f55e6a}
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
Here is what you need to know on Monday, December 16:
Market participants gear up for a critical week that will feature several major central banks' last policy meeting of the year. Ahead of these key events, flash Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for December from Germany, the Eurozone, the UK and the US will be watched closely by investors on Monday.
The US Dollar (USD) Index benefited from rising Treasury bond yields and the cautious market mood, gaining nearly 1% in the previous week. Early Monday, the USD Index fluctuates in a tight range below 107.00. The US economic calendar will also offer NY Empire State Manufacturing Index data for December. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve (Fed) will announce monetary policy decisions and publish the revised Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) following its two-day meeting.
US Dollar PRICE Last 7 days
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies last 7 days. US Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD 0.51% 0.85% 2.52% 0.49% 0.30% 1.09% 1.40% EUR -0.51% 0.36% 2.15% 0.07% -0.12% 0.66% 0.97% GBP -0.85% -0.36% 1.59% -0.28% -0.47% 0.31% 0.60% JPY -2.52% -2.15% -1.59% -2.01% -2.09% -1.52% -1.03% CAD -0.49% -0.07% 0.28% 2.01% -0.15% 0.59% 0.89% AUD -0.30% 0.12% 0.47% 2.09% 0.15% 0.79% 1.08% NZD -1.09% -0.66% -0.31% 1.52% -0.59% -0.79% 0.28% CHF -1.40% -0.97% -0.60% 1.03% -0.89% -1.08% -0.28%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
During the Asian trading hours, the data from Australia showed that the Judo Bank Composite PMI edged lower to 49.9 in December from 50.2 in November. Meanwhile, Retail Sales in China increased by 3% on a yearly basis in November, falling short of the market expectation for a 4.6% growth. After posting small weekly losses last week, AUD/USD holds steady above 0.6350 to begin the week.EUR/USD gained traction on Friday and snapped a five-day losing streak. In the European morning on Monday, the pair clings to small daily gains above 1.0500. European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will be delivering a speech during the European trading hours.
After posting large losses on Thursday, GBP/USD continued to push lower and touched its weakest level since late November near 1.2600 on Friday. The pair stages a technical correction toward 1.2650 on Monday.USD/JPY preserved its bullish momentum and rose more than 2% in the previous week. The pair stays in a consolidation phase at around 153.50 in the early European session. Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.5 from 49 in November and Services PMI improved to 51.4 from 50.5.Gold turned south in the second half of the previous week and registered large losses on Thursday and Friday. XAU/USD holds its ground on Monday and trades slightly above $2,650.
Central banks FAQs What does a central bank do?
Central Banks have a key mandate which is making sure that there is price stability in a country or region. Economies are constantly facing inflation or deflation when prices for certain goods and services are fluctuating. Constant rising prices for the same goods means inflation, constant lowered prices for the same goods means deflation. It is the task of the central bank to keep the demand in line by tweaking its policy rate. For the biggest central banks like the US Federal Reserve (Fed), the European Central Bank (ECB) or the Bank of England (BoE), the mandate is to keep inflation close to 2%. What does a central bank do when inflation undershoots or overshoots its projected target?
A central bank has one important tool at its disposal to get inflation higher or lower, and that is by tweaking its benchmark policy rate, commonly known as interest rate. On pre-communicated moments, the central bank will issue a statement with its policy rate and provide additional reasoning on why it is either remaining or changing (cutting or hiking) it. Local banks will adjust their savings and lending rates accordingly, which in turn will make it either harder or easier for people to earn on their savings or for companies to take out loans and make investments in their businesses. When the central bank hikes interest rates substantially, this is called monetary tightening. When it is cutting its benchmark rate, it is called monetary easing. Who decides on monetary policy and interest rates?
A central bank is often politically independent. Members of the central bank policy board are passing through a series of panels and hearings before being appointed to a policy board seat. Each member in that board often has a certain conviction on how the central bank should control inflation and the subsequent monetary policy. Members that want a very loose monetary policy, with low rates and cheap lending, to boost the economy substantially while being content to see inflation slightly above 2%, are called ‘doves’. Members that rather want to see higher rates to reward savings and want to keep a lit on inflation at all time are called ‘hawks’ and will not rest until inflation is at or just below 2%. Is there a president or head of a central bank?
Normally, there is a chairman or president who leads each meeting, needs to create a consensus between the hawks or doves and has his or her final say when it would come down to a vote split to avoid a 50-50 tie on whether the current policy should be adjusted. The chairman will deliver speeches which often can be followed live, where the current monetary stance and outlook is being communicated. A central bank will try to push forward its monetary policy without triggering violent swings in rates, equities, or its currency. All members of the central bank will channel their stance toward the markets in advance of a policy meeting event. A few days before a policy meeting takes place until the new policy has been communicated, members are forbidden to talk publicly. This is called the blackout period.
09:10 EUR/USD Price Forecast: Retains negative bias near 1.0500 ahead of ECB’s Lagarde speech
The EUR/USD pair trades in positive territory around 1.0510 during the early European session on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}EUR/USD recovers to near 1.0510 in Monday’s early European session. The negative view of the pair prevails below the 100-day EMA with the bearish RSI indicator. The initial support level emerges at 1.0432; the first upside barrier is seen at the 1.0600-1.0610 regions. The EUR/USD pair trades in positive territory around 1.0510 during the early European session on Monday. However, the upside for the cross might be limited due to the dovish stance of the European Central Bank (ECB).
The ECB decided to cut interest rates for the fourth time this year last week and kept the door open to further easing as the Eurozone economy is weighed by political instability at home and the potential Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Later on Monday, traders await the preliminary Eurozone HCOB Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for December for fresh impetus, along with the ECB’s President Christine Lagarde speech.
Technically, the bearish outlook of EUR/USD remains intact as the major pair is below the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) holds below the midline around 43.35, suggesting that further downside looks favorable.
The first downside target emerges at 1.0432, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band. A breach of this level could see a drop to 1.0332, the low of November 22. Further south, the next contention level is seen at 1.0290, the low of November 30, 2022.
On the bright side, the immediate resistance level is located in the 1.0600-1.0610 zone, representing the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band and the psychological level. Sustained bullish momentum above the mentioned level could see a rally to 1.0764, the 100-day EMA. The additional upside filter to watch is the 1.0800 barrier. EUR/USD daily chartEuro FAQs What is the Euro? The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day, according to data from the Bank of International Settlements. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% of all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
The ECB decided to cut interest rates for the fourth time this year last week and kept the door open to further easing as the Eurozone economy is weighed by political instability at home and the potential Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Later on Monday, traders await the preliminary Eurozone HCOB Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for December for fresh impetus, along with the ECB’s President Christine Lagarde speech.
Technically, the bearish outlook of EUR/USD remains intact as the major pair is below the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) holds below the midline around 43.35, suggesting that further downside looks favorable.
The first downside target emerges at 1.0432, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band. A breach of this level could see a drop to 1.0332, the low of November 22. Further south, the next contention level is seen at 1.0290, the low of November 30, 2022.
On the bright side, the immediate resistance level is located in the 1.0600-1.0610 zone, representing the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band and the psychological level. Sustained bullish momentum above the mentioned level could see a rally to 1.0764, the 100-day EMA. The additional upside filter to watch is the 1.0800 barrier. EUR/USD daily chartEuro FAQs What is the Euro? The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day, according to data from the Bank of International Settlements. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% of all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
08:30 India WPI Inflation came in at 1.89% below forecasts (2.2%) in November
India WPI Inflation came in at 1.89% below forecasts (2.2%) in November
08:10 FX option expiries for Dec 16 NY cut
FX option expiries for Dec 16 NY cut at 10:00 Eastern Time via DTCC can be found below.
FX option expiries for Dec 16 NY cut at 10:00 Eastern Time via DTCC can be found below.
EUR/USD: EUR amounts 1.0400 1.1b 1.0450 1.3b 1.0500 3.4b 1.0530 1.1b 1.05550 2.2b 1.0575 1.5b 1.0600 7.9b
GBP/USD: GBP amounts 1.2625 485m 1.2800 627m
USD/JPY: USD amounts 152.45 950m 153.00 971m 155.00 545m
USD/CHF: USD amounts 0.8800 991m
AUD/USD: AUD amounts 0.6350 887m 0.6460 635m
USD/CAD: USD amounts 1.4300 900m
NZD/USD: NZD amounts 0.5620 759m 0.5855 706m
EUR/GBP: EUR amounts 0.8300 487m 0.8325 557m
08:06 EUR/JPY gains ground above 161.50 ahead of ECB’s Lagarde speech
The EUR/JPY cross gains traction to near 161.65 during the early European session on Monday.
EUR/JPY drifts higher to 161.65 in Monday’s Asian session, up 0.22% on the day. The BoJ is expected to keep rates on hold on Thursday. Hope for political stability after Macron appointed a new Prime Minister lifts the EUR, but ECB’s dovish shift might cap its upside. The EUR/JPY cross gains traction to near 161.65 during the early European session on Monday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens amid the growing speculation that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will keep interest rates steady in the December meeting on Thursday. Later on Monday, the preliminary Eurozone December Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data will be released. Also, the European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde is set to speak later in the day.
The BoJ is scheduled to hold its last policy meeting of the year on December 18-19. The markets are currently pricing in less than a 30% chance of a rate hike in December. Several BoJ policymakers appear to be in no rush to tighten their monetary policy further with little risk of inflation overshooting despite Japan's still near-zero borrowing costs. This, in turn, exerts some selling pressure on the JPY and creates a tailwind for EUR/JPY.
On the Euro front, French President Emmanuel Macron named François Bayrou, a centrist ally, as prime minister on Friday. The hope for political stability provides some support to the shared currency. However, the upside for the EUR might be capped as the ECB opens the door for further rate cuts.
The ECB cut interest rates by a quarter point to 3.0% last week and warned that growth would be weaker than it had previously forecast. Traders in swaps markets anticipate the ECB to carry out a further five quarter-point cuts by next September, which would take the deposit rate to 1.75%.
The BoJ is scheduled to hold its last policy meeting of the year on December 18-19. The markets are currently pricing in less than a 30% chance of a rate hike in December. Several BoJ policymakers appear to be in no rush to tighten their monetary policy further with little risk of inflation overshooting despite Japan's still near-zero borrowing costs. This, in turn, exerts some selling pressure on the JPY and creates a tailwind for EUR/JPY.
On the Euro front, French President Emmanuel Macron named François Bayrou, a centrist ally, as prime minister on Friday. The hope for political stability provides some support to the shared currency. However, the upside for the EUR might be capped as the ECB opens the door for further rate cuts.
The ECB cut interest rates by a quarter point to 3.0% last week and warned that growth would be weaker than it had previously forecast. Traders in swaps markets anticipate the ECB to carry out a further five quarter-point cuts by next September, which would take the deposit rate to 1.75%.
07:17 AUD/JPY Price Forecast: Rises to near 98.00 amid potential for bullish divergence
The AUD/JPY cross extends its gains for the second successive day, trading around 98.20 during the Asian hours on Monday.
.fxs-major-currency-prices-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:8px 16px}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table{width:100%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:1rem}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table th{background-color:#f2f2f2}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td{color:#fff}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.green{background-color:#9cd6cd}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.red{background-color:#faafb5}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.blue-grey{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-legend{font-size:11px;margin:8px;color:#49494f}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.dark-green{background-color:#39ad9a}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-green{background-color:#9cd6cd}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.gray{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-red{background-color:#faafb5}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.strong-red{background-color:#f55e6a}AUD/JPY gains ground due to a potential for momentum shift to bullish from bearish bias.An emergence of a bullish sentiment is possible if the RSI rises above the 50 mark.The initial support appears at the psychological level of 98.00, followed by the nine-day EMA at 97.50.The AUD/JPY cross extends its gains for the second successive day, trading around 98.20 during the Asian hours on Monday. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is positioned slightly below the 50 level, indicating a bearish momentum is still in play. If the RSI rises above 50, it would signal an emergence of a bullish bias.
Additionally, a review of the daily chart indicates that the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) remains below the 50-day EMA. This alignment suggests that short-term price momentum is weaker compared to the longer-term trend, signaling the potential for continued price weakness.
The initial support for the AUD/JPY cross is located at the psychological level of 98.00, followed by the nine-day EMA at 97.50. A decisive break below this level could open the gates for the currency cross to navigate the region around its four-month low of 93.59, which was recorded on September 11.
On the upside, the AUD/JPY cross could test its primary resistance near the 50-day EMA at the 98.92 level. A decisive break above this level would signal strengthening bullish momentum, potentially driving the pair toward the five-month high of 102.41, last reached on November 7.
AUD/JPY: Daily ChartAustralian Dollar PRICE Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD -0.16% -0.15% 0.08% -0.07% -0.25% -0.27% -0.26% EUR 0.16% 0.06% 0.34% 0.15% 0.07% -0.07% -0.06% GBP 0.15% -0.06% 0.16% 0.09% 0.01% -0.13% -0.12% JPY -0.08% -0.34% -0.16% -0.15% -0.32% -0.33% -0.27% CAD 0.07% -0.15% -0.09% 0.15% -0.13% -0.21% -0.21% AUD 0.25% -0.07% -0.01% 0.32% 0.13% -0.12% -0.14% NZD 0.27% 0.07% 0.13% 0.33% 0.21% 0.12% -0.02% CHF 0.26% 0.06% 0.12% 0.27% 0.21% 0.14% 0.02%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
07:05 Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD consolidates around $30.55 area, 100-day SMA
Silver (XAG/UD) kicks off the new week on a subdued note and consolidates last week's retracement slide from or over a one-month high.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Silver struggles to gain any meaningful traction on Monday and languishes near a two-week low.Bears await a sustained break and acceptance below the 100-day SMA before placing fresh bets.Any attempted recovery might be seen as a selling opportunity and is likely to remain capped.Silver (XAG/UD) kicks off the new week on a subdued note and consolidates last week's retracement slide from or over a one-month high. The white metal remains close to a two-week low touched Friday and trades around the $30.55 region, or the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), during the Asian session.
From a technical perspective, acceptance below the 100-day SMA will be seen as a fresh trigger for bearish traders against the backdrop of last week's failure near the $32.35 horizontal resistance. Given that oscillators on the daily chart have just started gaining negative traction, the XAG/USD might then turn vulnerable to weaken further below the $30.00 psychological mark and test November lows, around the $29.70-$29.65 region.
Some follow-through selling should pave the way for an extension of the downward trajectory towards the $29.10-$29.00 support zone en route to the $28.40-$28.35 region before the XAG/USD eventually drops to the $28.00 round figure.
On the flip side, any meaningful recovery attempt now seems to confront stiff resistance and remain capped near the $31.00 mark. A sustained strength beyond, however, could trigger a short-covering rally and lift the XAG/USD towards the $31.75 horizontal barrier. The momentum could extend further towards the $32.00 round figure en route to the monthly swing high, around the $32.35 horizontal zone touched last week.
Silver daily chartSilver FAQs Why do people invest in Silver?
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets. Which factors influence Silver prices?
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices. How does industrial demand affect Silver prices?
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices. How do Silver prices react to Gold’s moves?
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
07:00 India HSBC Manufacturing PMI up to 57.4 in December from previous 56.5
India HSBC Manufacturing PMI up to 57.4 in December from previous 56.5
07:00 India HSBC Services PMI up to 60.8 in December from previous 58.4
India HSBC Services PMI up to 60.8 in December from previous 58.4
07:00 India HSBC Composite PMI rose from previous 58.6 to 60.7 in December
India HSBC Composite PMI rose from previous 58.6 to 60.7 in December
06:37 India Gold price today: Gold rises, according to FXStreet data
Gold prices rose in India on Monday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
.fxs-related-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-related-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{text-decoration:none;color:#1b1c23;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;line-height:20px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a:hover,.fxs-related-module-related-link:hover,.fxs-related-module-related-link:hover a{color:#e4871b}.fxs-related-module-related-link a:hover{text-decoration:none}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-related-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-related-module-related-link a{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}}
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Gold prices rose in India on Monday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The price for Gold stood at 7,238.43 Indian Rupees (INR) per gram, up compared with the INR 7,222.61 it cost on Friday.
The price for Gold increased to INR 84,427.66 per tola from INR 84,243.13 per tola on friday. Unit measure Gold Price in INR 1 Gram 7,238.43 10 Grams 72,384.33 Tola 84,427.66 Troy Ounce 225,140.60
FXStreet calculates Gold prices in India by adapting international prices (USD/INR) to the local currency and measurement units. Prices are updated daily based on the market rates taken at the time of publication. Prices are just for reference and local rates could diverge slightly.
Related newsGold price bounces off one-week low; lacks bullish conviction ahead of FOMC meetingGold Price Forecast: XAU/USD battles key $2,650 level at the start of the Fed weekGold Weekly Forecast: Fed policy announcement to set the tone for rest of 2024
Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold?
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold?
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets?
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on?
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up. (An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
06:31 Japan Tertiary Industry Index (MoM) above expectations (-0.1%) in October: Actual (0.3%)
Japan Tertiary Industry Index (MoM) above expectations (-0.1%) in October: Actual (0.3%)
06:18 Indonesia Trade Balance above expectations ($2.21B) in November: Actual ($4.42B)
Indonesia Trade Balance above expectations ($2.21B) in November: Actual ($4.42B)
06:18 Indonesia Imports below expectations (6.15%) in November: Actual (0.01%)
Indonesia Imports below expectations (6.15%) in November: Actual (0.01%)
06:15 USD/CAD remains below multi-year highs near 1.4250
USD/CAD inches lower after marking a multi-year high of 1.4245 on Friday, trading around 1.4230 during the Asian hours on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}USD/CAD maintains its position below the multi-year high of 1.4245 marked on Friday.CME FedWatch tool suggests full pricing in a quarter basis point cut by the Fed on Wednesday.The Canadian Dollar faced challenges as the BoC eased its monetary policy aggressively.USD/CAD inches lower after marking a multi-year high of 1.4245 on Friday, trading around 1.4230 during the Asian hours on Monday. This upside could be attributed to the subdued US Dollar (USD) amid tepid US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision, with an increased likelihood of a 25 basis point rate cut in its final monetary policy meeting of 2024.
Market analysts predict that the US central bank will cut rates while preparing the market for a pause, given the robust US economy and inflation stalling above 2%. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing in a quarter basis point cut at the Fed's December meeting.
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) faced challenges as the Bank of Canada (BoC) eased its monetary policy aggressively. The BoC slashed its borrowing rates by 50 bps to 3.25% last week, as expected, but guided a more gradual easing approach as policy rates have come down significantly. BoC Governor Tiff Macklem warned that US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs on their exports will have a significant impact on the economy.
The commodity-linked CAD may receive upward support from crude Oil prices due to the rising likelihood of tighter supplies driven by the implementation of additional US sanctions on major producers Russia and Iran. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price trades around $70.50 per barrel at the time of writing.
On Friday, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that the United States is considering further sanctions on "dark fleet" tankers and may also impose sanctions on Chinese banks to curb Russia's Oil revenue and access to foreign supplies, which are fueling its war in Ukraine, per Reuters.
Canadian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Canadian Dollar?
The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar. How do the decisions of the Bank of Canada impact the Canadian Dollar?
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive. How does the price of Oil impact the Canadian Dollar?
The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD. How does inflation data impact the value of the Canadian Dollar?
While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar. How does economic data influence the value of the Canadian Dollar?
Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.
06:10 Gold price bounces off one-week low; lacks bullish conviction ahead of FOMC meeting
Gold price (XAU/USD) ticks higher following an Asian session downtick to the $2,644-2,643 region, or a one-week low, and for now, seems to have stalled its sharp retracement slide from over a one-month high touched last Thursday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Gold price stages a modest recovery from a one-week low touched earlier this Monday.Geopolitical tensions, softer US bond yields and USD benefit the safe-haven XAU/USD.Bets for a less dovish Fed warrant caution for bull ahead of the FOMC meeting this week.Gold price (XAU/USD) ticks higher following an Asian session downtick to the $2,644-2,643 region, or a one-week low, and for now, seems to have stalled its sharp retracement slide from over a one-month high touched last Thursday. The US Dollar (USD) kicks off the new week on a softer note amid a modest pullback in the US Treasury bond yields. Adding to this, geopolitical risks and uncertainties over US President-elect Donald Trump's policies turn out to be key factors offering support to the safe-haven precious metal.
Meanwhile, investors now seem convinced that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will adopt a more cautious stance on cutting interest rates next year amid signs that the progress in lowering inflation toward the 2% target has stalled. This should act as a tailwind for the US bond yields and the USD, which, in turn, cap the upside for the non-yielding Gold price. Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive directional bets and opt to wait for the outcome of the highly anticipated two-day FOMC policy meeting on Wednesday.
Gold price attract some haven flows amid geopolitical risks; upside potential seems limited Israel agreed on plans to allocate state money to expand its presence and double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, raising the risk of a further escalation of tensions in the region. Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 53 Palestinians, while the Israeli military said that its air and ground forces in the north of the enclave killed dozens of militants and captured others. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to wipe Ukraine off the map and could come after other parts of Europe next. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Israeli fighter jets targeted the missile launchers in southern Syria and carried out an air strike on radars in eastern Syria. The CME Group's FedWatch Tool indicates that traders are pricing in over a 93% chance that the Federal Reserve will lower borrowing costs by 25 basis points on Wednesday. The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI) released last week reinforced expectations that the Fed will slow the pace of its rate-cutting cycle next year. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US government bond rose to a three-week high on Friday amid bets for a less dovish Fed, which should cap gains for the non-yielding Gold price. Monday's economic docket features the release of global flash PMIs, which, might influence the broader risk sentiment and provide some impetus to the safe-haven precious metal. The focus, however, will be on the crucial FOMC decision on Wednesday. Traders will also take cues from the accompanying policy statement and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks.
Gold price needs to break below the $2,643 area for bears to seize near-term controlFrom a technical perspective, the Asian session low, around the $2,644-2,643 area, coincides with a congestion zone. Some follow-through selling has the potential to drag the Gold price to the $2,625 region en route to the monthly low, around the $2,614 zone and the $2,605-2,600 pivotal support. A convincing break below the latter will be seen as a fresh trigger for bearish traders and pave the way for deeper losses.
On the flip side, the $2,665-2,666 region now seems to act as an immediate hurdle ahead of the $2,677 area, above which the Gold price could aim to reclaim the $2,700 round figure. The subsequent move up could extend further towards the monthly swing high, around the $2,726 zone, which if cleared decisively will set the stage for a further near-term appreciating move.
Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold?
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold?
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets?
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on?
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
06:05 Indonesia Exports above forecasts (4.92%) in November: Actual (9.14%)
Indonesia Exports above forecasts (4.92%) in November: Actual (9.14%)
05:28 USD/INR gathers strength ahead of Indian PMI, WPI inflation data
The Indian Rupee (INR) weakens on Monday. Heightened US Dollar (USD) demand in the non-deliverable forwards market and a weaker Chinese Yuan weigh on the local currency.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}The Indian Rupee edges lower in Monday’s Asian session. Elevated USD bids, weaker in Asian peers, and a dovish tilt in RBI’s monetary policy could undermine the INR. Traders will take cues from the Indian PMI and WPI inflation data, which are due later on Monday. The Indian Rupee (INR) weakens on Monday. Heightened US Dollar (USD) demand in the non-deliverable forwards market and a weaker Chinese Yuan weigh on the local currency. Furthermore, the growing expectations of a dovish tilt in monetary policy following the appointment of a new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor could contribute to the INR’s downside.
However, the RBI’s routine intervention in the market by selling USD might help limit the INR’s losses. Traders will keep an eye on the preliminary HSBC India Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for December, along with the WPI Inflation data, which are due later on Monday. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) will deliver its policy decision on Wednesday. Investors will monitor its dot plot to assess if the median interest rate projections show a hawkish shift in the Fed's outlook Indian Rupee remains vulnerable, pressured by a rally in US Dollar The Indian Rupee depreciated by 1.5% against the US Dollar during the calendar year but outperformed most Asian currencies due to interventions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $3.2 billion to a more than five-month low of $654.86 billion as of December 6, the RBI showed on Friday. "The change in leadership at the RBI may lead to an initial market assumption that a rate cut in the February policy meeting is more likely," said VRC Reddy, treasury head at Karur Vysya Bank. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing a 25 basis points (bps) cut at the Fed's December meeting, compared with about a 78% chance a week ago. USD/INR’s positive picture prevails in the longer term The Indian Rupee trades on a softer note on the day. The USD/INR pair keeps the bullish vibe on the daily chart as the pair is well supported above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The upward momentum is supported by the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is located above the midline near 66.35, suggesting that the path of least resistance is to the upside.
The ascending trend channel and the psychological level of 85.00 act as crucial resistance levels for USD/INR. A break above these levels could spur a rally to 85.50.
On the flip side, the initial support level for the pair is located at 84.75, the lower boundary of the trend channel. Extended losses below the mentioned level could drag USD/INR to the next bearish targets at 84.22, the low of November 25, followed by 84.12, the 100-day EMA. Indian Rupee FAQs What are the key factors driving the Indian Rupee? The Indian Rupee (INR) is one of the most sensitive currencies to external factors. The price of Crude Oil (the country is highly dependent on imported Oil), the value of the US Dollar – most trade is conducted in USD – and the level of foreign investment, are all influential. Direct intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in FX markets to keep the exchange rate stable, as well as the level of interest rates set by the RBI, are further major influencing factors on the Rupee. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of India impact the Indian Rupee? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in forex markets to maintain a stable exchange rate, to help facilitate trade. In addition, the RBI tries to maintain the inflation rate at its 4% target by adjusting interest rates. Higher interest rates usually strengthen the Rupee. This is due to the role of the ‘carry trade’ in which investors borrow in countries with lower interest rates so as to place their money in countries’ offering relatively higher interest rates and profit from the difference. What macroeconomic factors influence the value of the Indian Rupee? Macroeconomic factors that influence the value of the Rupee include inflation, interest rates, the economic growth rate (GDP), the balance of trade, and inflows from foreign investment. A higher growth rate can lead to more overseas investment, pushing up demand for the Rupee. A less negative balance of trade will eventually lead to a stronger Rupee. Higher interest rates, especially real rates (interest rates less inflation) are also positive for the Rupee. A risk-on environment can lead to greater inflows of Foreign Direct and Indirect Investment (FDI and FII), which also benefit the Rupee. How does inflation impact the Indian Rupee? Higher inflation, particularly, if it is comparatively higher than India’s peers, is generally negative for the currency as it reflects devaluation through oversupply. Inflation also increases the cost of exports, leading to more Rupees being sold to purchase foreign imports, which is Rupee-negative. At the same time, higher inflation usually leads to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raising interest rates and this can be positive for the Rupee, due to increased demand from international investors. The opposite effect is true of lower inflation.
However, the RBI’s routine intervention in the market by selling USD might help limit the INR’s losses. Traders will keep an eye on the preliminary HSBC India Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for December, along with the WPI Inflation data, which are due later on Monday. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) will deliver its policy decision on Wednesday. Investors will monitor its dot plot to assess if the median interest rate projections show a hawkish shift in the Fed's outlook Indian Rupee remains vulnerable, pressured by a rally in US Dollar The Indian Rupee depreciated by 1.5% against the US Dollar during the calendar year but outperformed most Asian currencies due to interventions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $3.2 billion to a more than five-month low of $654.86 billion as of December 6, the RBI showed on Friday. "The change in leadership at the RBI may lead to an initial market assumption that a rate cut in the February policy meeting is more likely," said VRC Reddy, treasury head at Karur Vysya Bank. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing a 25 basis points (bps) cut at the Fed's December meeting, compared with about a 78% chance a week ago. USD/INR’s positive picture prevails in the longer term The Indian Rupee trades on a softer note on the day. The USD/INR pair keeps the bullish vibe on the daily chart as the pair is well supported above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The upward momentum is supported by the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is located above the midline near 66.35, suggesting that the path of least resistance is to the upside.
The ascending trend channel and the psychological level of 85.00 act as crucial resistance levels for USD/INR. A break above these levels could spur a rally to 85.50.
On the flip side, the initial support level for the pair is located at 84.75, the lower boundary of the trend channel. Extended losses below the mentioned level could drag USD/INR to the next bearish targets at 84.22, the low of November 25, followed by 84.12, the 100-day EMA. Indian Rupee FAQs What are the key factors driving the Indian Rupee? The Indian Rupee (INR) is one of the most sensitive currencies to external factors. The price of Crude Oil (the country is highly dependent on imported Oil), the value of the US Dollar – most trade is conducted in USD – and the level of foreign investment, are all influential. Direct intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in FX markets to keep the exchange rate stable, as well as the level of interest rates set by the RBI, are further major influencing factors on the Rupee. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of India impact the Indian Rupee? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in forex markets to maintain a stable exchange rate, to help facilitate trade. In addition, the RBI tries to maintain the inflation rate at its 4% target by adjusting interest rates. Higher interest rates usually strengthen the Rupee. This is due to the role of the ‘carry trade’ in which investors borrow in countries with lower interest rates so as to place their money in countries’ offering relatively higher interest rates and profit from the difference. What macroeconomic factors influence the value of the Indian Rupee? Macroeconomic factors that influence the value of the Rupee include inflation, interest rates, the economic growth rate (GDP), the balance of trade, and inflows from foreign investment. A higher growth rate can lead to more overseas investment, pushing up demand for the Rupee. A less negative balance of trade will eventually lead to a stronger Rupee. Higher interest rates, especially real rates (interest rates less inflation) are also positive for the Rupee. A risk-on environment can lead to greater inflows of Foreign Direct and Indirect Investment (FDI and FII), which also benefit the Rupee. How does inflation impact the Indian Rupee? Higher inflation, particularly, if it is comparatively higher than India’s peers, is generally negative for the currency as it reflects devaluation through oversupply. Inflation also increases the cost of exports, leading to more Rupees being sold to purchase foreign imports, which is Rupee-negative. At the same time, higher inflation usually leads to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raising interest rates and this can be positive for the Rupee, due to increased demand from international investors. The opposite effect is true of lower inflation.
05:18 WTI trades around $70.50, upside potential seems possible due to rising supply threats
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price corrects downwards after registering gains in the previous session, trading around $70.50 per barrel during the Asian session on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}WTI may appreciate further due to rising expectations of supply threats amid US sanctions on major producers Russia and Iran.The US is considering further sanctions on "dark fleet" tankers and Chinese banks to curb Russia's Oil revenue.Crude Oil prices gained ground as the Fed is widely expected to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday.West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price corrects downwards after registering gains in the previous session, trading around $70.50 per barrel during the Asian session on Monday. Crude Oil prices rose amid growing expectations of tighter supplies driven by the implementation of additional US sanctions on major producers Russia and Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Reuters on Friday that the United States is considering further sanctions on "dark fleet" tankers and may also impose sanctions on Chinese banks to curb Russia's Oil revenue and access to foreign supplies, which are fueling its war in Ukraine.
Additionally, optimism about China’s plans to ramp up economic stimulus could drive Oil demand. Chinese authorities, led by President Xi Jinping, have pledged to raise the fiscal deficit target next year, shifting policy focus to consumption to boost the economy amid looming 10% US tariffs threatening exports.
The price of crude Oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," also received a boost from improved market sentiment following recent interest rate cuts by central banks in Canada, Europe, and Switzerland. Traders are now focusing on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) upcoming policy decision on Wednesday, where a 25-basis-point rate cut is widely anticipated. Such a move could stimulate economic growth and potentially increase oil demand, as lower borrowing costs are likely to have a positive impact on economic activity.
WTI Oil FAQs What is WTI Oil?
WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media. What factors drive the price of WTI Oil?
Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa. How does inventory data impact the price of WTI Oil
The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency. How does OPEC influence the price of WTI Oil?
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.
05:00 South Korea Money Supply Growth climbed from previous 5.6% to 6.1% in October
South Korea Money Supply Growth climbed from previous 5.6% to 6.1% in October
04:28 Japanese Yen drops to three-week low, around 154.00 against USD
The Japanese Yen (JPY) struggles to capitalize on a modest Asian session uptick on Monday and touches a three-week low against its American counterpart in the last hour.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}The Japanese Yen drifts lower against its American counterpart for the sixth straight day. Expectations that the BoJ will keep rates steady this week continue to weigh on the JPY.Elevated US bond yields contribute to driving flows away from the lower-yielding JPY.The Japanese Yen (JPY) struggles to capitalize on a modest Asian session uptick on Monday and touches a three-week low against its American counterpart in the last hour. The initial reaction to the better-than-expected release of Core Machinery Orders and flash Manufacturing PMI from Japan turned out to be short-lived amid firming expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will not raise interest rates later this week. Furthermore, bets for a less dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) remain supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields and turn out to be another factor undermining the lower-yielding JPY.
That said, persistent geopolitical risks stemming from the protracted Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, along with concerns about US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans, could limit losses for the safe-haven JPY. Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive directional bets and keenly await this week's key central bank event risks. The Fed is scheduled to announce its decision at the end of a two-day meeting on Wednesday, which will be followed by the crucial BoJ meeting on Thursday and help in determining the next leg of a directional move for the JPY.
Japanese Yen bears retain control amid bets that the BoJ will maintain the status quo Government data released earlier this Monday showed that Japan's core machinery orders rose 2.1% in October and registered a strong growth of 5.6% on a year-on-year basis. The au Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 49.5 in December, though remained in contraction territory for the seventh straight month. Meanwhile, the gauge for the services sector rose to 51.4 in December from 50.5, while the composite PMI stood at 50.8 during the reported month, up from 50.1 in November. This comes after the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed on Friday that business confidence at Japan's large manufacturers improved during the three months to December. Moreover, expectations that consumer prices in Japan will remain above the BoJ's 2% target, a moderately expanding economy and a rise in wages give the BoJ reason to hike rates. Investors, however, remain sceptical regarding the BoJ's intention to tighten its monetary policy further, which continues to exert downward pressure on the Japanese Yen on Monday. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US government bond rose to a three-week high on Friday amid rising bets that the Federal Reserve will adopt a cautious stance on cutting rates. According to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool, traders are pricing in over a 93% chance that the US central bank will lower borrowing costs again, by 25 basis points on Wednesday. However, signs that the progress in lowering inflation toward the US central bank's 2% target has stalled raised the possibility of a slower pace of interest rate reductions next year. Monday's US economic docket features the release of the flash Manufacturing and Services PMIs, along with the Empire State Manufacturing Index, later during the US session. That said, the market focus remains glued to the crucial FOMC and the BoJ meetings this week, which will help in determining the near-term trajectory for the USD/JPY pair.
USD/JPY seems poised to appreciate further and aim to reclaim the 155.00 psychological markFrom a technical perspective, a sustained move and acceptance above the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of the November-December fall from a multi-month peak could be seen as a fresh trigger for bulls. Moreover, oscillators on the daily chart have just started gaining positive traction and suggest that the path of least resistance for the USD/JPY pair remains to the upside. Hence, some follow-through strength towards the next relevant hurdle, around the 154.55 region, en route to the 155.00 psychological mark, looks like a distinct possibility.
On the flip side, the Asian session low, around the 153.35-153.30 area, now seems to act as an immediate strong support ahead of the 153.00 mark. A convincing break below the latter might expose the very important 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) pivotal support near the 152.10-152.00 region. A convincing break below the latter might shift the bias in favor of bearish traders and drag the USD/JPY pair towards the 151.00 round figure en route to the 150.00 psychological mark.
Japanese Yen FAQs What key factors drive the Japanese Yen?
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors. How do the decisions of the Bank of Japan impact the Japanese Yen?
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen. How does the differential between Japanese and US bond yields impact the Japanese Yen?
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential. How does broader risk sentiment impact the Japanese Yen?
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
04:16 NZD/USD holds positive ground above 0.5750 after mixed Chinese data
The NZD/USD pair attracts some buyers to near 0.5775, snapping the four-day losing streak during the Asian trading hours on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}NZD/USD gains ground to around 0.5775 in Monday’s Asian session, adding 0.30% on the day. China’s November Industrial Production climbed 5.4%, Retail Sales rose 3.0%. A possible hawkish rate cut by the Fed could underpin the Greenback. The NZD/USD pair attracts some buyers to near 0.5775, snapping the four-day losing streak during the Asian trading hours on Monday. The attention will shift to the preliminary US December Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for fresh impetus, which is due later on Monday.
Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China showed on Monday that the nation’s Industrial Production rose 5.4% YoY in November, compared to 5.3% in October. This reading came in stronger than the expectation of 5.3%. Meanwhile, Retail Sales rose 3.0% YoY in November versus 4.8% prior, below the market consensus of 4.6%. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remains firm in an immediate reaction to the mixed Chinese economic data.
Chinese authorities announced on Thursday that they will unveil a bigger fiscal deficit to boost consumption next year following the Central Economic Work Conference. This follows a commitment made at the huddle of the decision-making Politburo last week to pump more stimulus into the world's second-largest economy. This, in turn, could underpin the China-proxy Kiwi, as China is a major trading partner to New Zealand.
On the USD’s front, a possible hawkish rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) at its December meeting on Wednesday might support the US Dollar (USD) and act as a headwind for the pair. The cautious approach reflects a strengthening US economy, noted by Chair Jerome Powell. Investors see the Fed lowering the interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point at the December meeting, with more attention focused on policymakers' new economic projections released alongside the decision. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China showed on Monday that the nation’s Industrial Production rose 5.4% YoY in November, compared to 5.3% in October. This reading came in stronger than the expectation of 5.3%. Meanwhile, Retail Sales rose 3.0% YoY in November versus 4.8% prior, below the market consensus of 4.6%. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remains firm in an immediate reaction to the mixed Chinese economic data.
Chinese authorities announced on Thursday that they will unveil a bigger fiscal deficit to boost consumption next year following the Central Economic Work Conference. This follows a commitment made at the huddle of the decision-making Politburo last week to pump more stimulus into the world's second-largest economy. This, in turn, could underpin the China-proxy Kiwi, as China is a major trading partner to New Zealand.
On the USD’s front, a possible hawkish rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) at its December meeting on Wednesday might support the US Dollar (USD) and act as a headwind for the pair. The cautious approach reflects a strengthening US economy, noted by Chair Jerome Powell. Investors see the Fed lowering the interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point at the December meeting, with more attention focused on policymakers' new economic projections released alongside the decision. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
04:13 Australian Dollar remains steady following the release of Chinese key data
The Australian Dollar (AUD) halts its four-day losing streak on Monday as the US Dollar (USD) edges lower amid tepid US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision set for Wednesday.
.fxs-major-currency-prices-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:8px 16px}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table{width:100%;text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:1rem}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table th{background-color:#f2f2f2}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td{color:#fff}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.green{background-color:#9cd6cd}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.red{background-color:#faafb5}table.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-table td.blue-grey{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-prices-legend{font-size:11px;margin:8px;color:#49494f}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-major-currency-prices-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}.fxs-major-currency-prices-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.dark-green{background-color:#39ad9a}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-green{background-color:#9cd6cd}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.gray{background-color:#888a93}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.light-red{background-color:#faafb5}.fxs-major-currency-prices-currency-price td.strong-red{background-color:#f55e6a}
.fxs-event-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-event-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-event-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:12px}.fxs-event-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-event-module-header{color:#1b1c23;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;line-height:20px;margin:0;padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;padding-right:32px}.fxs-event-module-header label{cursor:pointer;display:block}.fxs-event-module-header label:after,.fxs-event-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:17.6px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:20.8px;margin:4px 0 0 0}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title-description-wrapper{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;padding-bottom:16px;margin-bottom:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar{padding:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-section{padding:0}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:12.8px;line-height:17px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{display:flex;align-items:center;align-content:center;gap:4px;color:#e4871b;font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-read-more svg{width:16px;height:16px}.fxs-event-module-read-more:hover span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-release{margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:2px}.fxs-event-module-release>p{font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-release>p>strong{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:700}.fxs-event-module-release>p>span{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:400}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a{color:#e4871b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a:hover>span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-container{margin:16px 0 0 0;border-top:1px solid #ececf1;padding:12px 0 0 0}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-release p{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{font-size:22.4px;line-height:25.6px}.fxs-event-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-event-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-event-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}The Australian Dollar holds ground after mixed figures from China.China’s Retail Sales (YoY) rose 3.0% in November, falling short of the expected 4.6% and previous 4.8% readings.The US Dollar remains subdued as the Fed is expected to deliver a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday.The Australian Dollar (AUD) halts its four-day losing streak on Monday as the US Dollar (USD) edges lower amid tepid US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision set for Wednesday.
The Fed is widely expected to announce a 25 basis point rate cut in its final monetary policy meeting of 2024. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing in a quarter basis point cut at the Fed's December meeting.
China’s Retail Sales (YoY) rose 3.0% in November, against its expected 4.6% and previous 4.8% readings. Meanwhile, annual Industrial Production increased by 5.4%, exceeding the market consensus of a 5.3% rise.
Chinese authorities, led by President Xi Jinping, have pledged to raise the fiscal deficit target next year, shifting policy focus to consumption to boost the economy amid looming 10% US tariffs threatening exports. The lack of concrete details on fiscal support has put downward pressure on the AUD, given China's status as Australia's largest trading partner.
Australian Dollar receives downward pressure from the RBA’s dovish stance The Aussie Dollar faced additional challenges due to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) dovish stance. Traders are increasing their bets that the RBA will cut interest rates sooner and more significantly than initially expected. However, future decisions will be data-driven, with evolving risk assessments guiding the RBA's approach. The preliminary Australia's Judo Bank Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) declined to 48.2 in December from 49.4 in November. Meanwhile, the Services PMI eased to 50.4 in December from the previous reading of 50.5. The Composite PMI dropped to 49.9 in December versus 50.2 prior. Beijing has already begun retaliation against Trump trade sanctions, launching a probe into Nvidia, threatening to blacklist a US apparel company, blocking the export of critical minerals to the United States, and tightening the supply chain for drones. The seasonally adjusted Employment Change rose by 35,600, bringing the total number of employed people to 14,535,500 in November. Meanwhile, the Unemployment Rate dropped to 3.9%, the lowest since March, lower than market estimates of 4.2%. The US PPI jumped 0.4% MoM in November, the largest gain since June, after an upwardly revised 0.3% increase in October. This reading was better than the 0.2% expected. The RBA kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 4.35% in its final policy meeting in December. RBA Governor Michele Bullock highlighted that while upside inflation risks have eased, they persist and require ongoing vigilance. The RBA will closely monitor all economic data, including employment figures, to guide future policy decisions.
Technical Analysis: Australian Dollar rebounds from 0.6350 near yearly lows
AUD/USD hovers near 0.6370 on Monday. The daily chart analysis indicates a prevailing bearish bias as the pair moves downwards within a descending channel pattern. Additionally, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) also remains above the 30 level, indicating sustained bearish momentum.
On the downside, the yearly low of 0.6348, last seen on August 5, serves as immediate support. A break below this level could put downward pressure on the AUD/USD pair to approach the descending channel’s lower boundary around the 0.6180 level.
The AUD/USD pair faces initial resistance around the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 0.6396, followed by the 14-day EMA at 0.6419, which is aligned with the descending channel’s upper boundary. A decisive breakout above this channel could drive the pair toward the eight-week high of 0.6687.
AUD/USD: Daily ChartAustralian Dollar PRICE Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD -0.20% -0.15% 0.17% -0.11% -0.19% -0.19% -0.26% EUR 0.20% 0.10% 0.49% 0.16% 0.18% 0.09% 0.00% GBP 0.15% -0.10% 0.25% 0.06% 0.08% -0.04% -0.10% JPY -0.17% -0.49% -0.25% -0.30% -0.37% -0.34% -0.36% CAD 0.11% -0.16% -0.06% 0.30% -0.03% -0.09% -0.16% AUD 0.19% -0.18% -0.08% 0.37% 0.03% -0.09% -0.18% NZD 0.19% -0.09% 0.04% 0.34% 0.09% 0.09% -0.08% CHF 0.26% -0.00% 0.10% 0.36% 0.16% 0.18% 0.08%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
Economic Indicator
Retail Sales (YoY)
The Retail Sales data, released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China on a monthly basis, measures the value of goods sold by retailers in China. Changes in Retail Sales are widely followed as an indicator of consumer spending. Percent changes reflect the rate of changes in such sales, with the YoY reading comparing sales values in the reference month with the same month a year earlier. Generally, a high reading is seen as bullish for the Renminbi (CNY), while a low reading is seen as bearish. Read more. Last release: Mon Dec 16, 2024 02:00 Frequency: MonthlyActual: 3%Consensus: 4.6%Previous: 4.8%Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China
04:07 China’s NBS: Economy generally stable in Nov, sees increasing positive changes
Following the publication of the high-impact China’s activity data for November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) expressed its outlook on the economy during its press conference on Monday.
Following the publication of the high-impact China’s activity data for November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) expressed its outlook on the economy during its press conference on Monday.
Key quotes (via Reuters)
Economy generally stable in nov, sees increasing positive changes.
developing story ....
Market reactionAUD/USD is holding gains above 0.6350, up 0.16% on the day, at the press time.
04:02 China’s November Retail Sales rise 3.0%, Industrial Production up 5.4%
China’s November Retail Sales increased 3.0% year-on-year (YoY) vs.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
China’s November Retail Sales increased 3.0% year-on-year (YoY) vs. 4.6% expected and 4.8% in October, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.
Chinese Industrial Production rose 5.4% YoY in the same period, compared to the 5.3% estimated and the 5.3% registered previously.
Meanwhile, the Fixed Asset Investment came in at 3.3% year-to-date (YTD) YoY in November, missing the expected 3.4% figure. The October reading was 3.4%.
Additional details of the report showed that the dragon nation’s Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 5.0% in the reported period.
AUD/USD reaction to Chinese data
The mixed Chinese data dump cautions the Australian Dollar, with AUD/USD capping its bounce near 0.6375. The pair is up 0.16% on the day, as of writing.
Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar?
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar?
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar?
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar?
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar?
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
04:00 China Industrial Production (YoY) came in at 5.4%, above expectations (5.3%) in November
China Industrial Production (YoY) came in at 5.4%, above expectations (5.3%) in November
04:00 China Retail Sales (YoY) came in at 3%, below expectations (4.6%) in November
China Retail Sales (YoY) came in at 3%, below expectations (4.6%) in November
04:00 China Fixed Asset Investment (YTD) (YoY) registered at 3.3%, below expectations (3.4%) in November
China Fixed Asset Investment (YTD) (YoY) registered at 3.3%, below expectations (3.4%) in November
03:30 China House Price Index increased to -5.7% in November from previous -5.9%
China House Price Index increased to -5.7% in November from previous -5.9%
03:15 PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 7.1882 vs. 7.1876 previous
On Monday, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 7.1882, as compared to Friday's fix of 7.1876 and 7.2769 Reuters estimates.
On Monday, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 7.1882, as compared to Friday's fix of 7.1876 and 7.2769 Reuters estimates.
03:11 EUR/USD holds ground above 1.0500 as looming Fed decision
EUR/USD starts the week by extending its gains, trading around 1.0520 during the Asian session on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}EUR/USD remains stronger as the Fed is widely expected to deliver a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday.The CME FedWatch tool suggests full pricing in a quarter basis point cut at the Fed's December meeting.The Euro appreciated after President Emmanuel Macron appointed centrist ally François Bayrou as France's Prime Minister.EUR/USD starts the week by extending its gains, trading around 1.0520 during the Asian session on Monday. This upside could be attributed to the decline in the US Dollar (USD) amid tepid US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision set for Wednesday.
The Fed is widely expected to announce a 25 basis point rate cut in its final monetary policy meeting of 2024. Market analysts predict that the US central bank will cut rates while preparing the market for a pause, given the robust US economy and inflation stalling above 2%. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are now almost fully pricing in a quarter basis point cut at the Fed's December meeting.
Furthermore, Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference and Dot Plots will be closely monitored. Earlier this month, Powell maintained a cautious tone, stating, “We can afford to be a little more cautious as we try to find neutral.” He indicated that he is not in a hurry to reduce rates.
The Euro gained support after President Emmanuel Macron appointed centrist ally François Bayrou as France's Prime Minister, raising hopes for political stability. Macron had pledged to quickly select a new candidate for the role after Michel Barnier was forced to resign following a confidence vote in Parliament.
On Friday, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said that cutting interest rates solely to stimulate the economy would be a mistake. According to Holzmann, the ECB’s primary responsibility is to ensure price stability, not to fuel economic growth. "Lowering rates now to boost the economy would contradict our current stance," he said, as reported by Bloomberg.
Euro FAQs What is the Euro?
The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day, according to data from the Bank of International Settlements. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% of all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
03:11 GBP/USD edges higher to 1.2630, looks to UK/US PMIs for some impetus
The GBP/USD pair ticks higher at the start of a busy week and for now, seems to have snapped a three-day losing streak to the 1.2600 neighborhood, or over a two-week low touched on Friday.
.fxs-event-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left}.fxs-event-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-event-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:12px}.fxs-event-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-event-module-header{color:#1b1c23;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;line-height:20px;margin:0;padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;padding-right:32px}.fxs-event-module-header label{cursor:pointer;display:block}.fxs-event-module-header label:after,.fxs-event-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-event-module-content{color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out}.fxs-event-module-container input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-event-module-section .fxs-event-module-content.why-matters{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:17.6px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:20.8px;margin:4px 0 0 0}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title-description-wrapper{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;padding-bottom:16px;margin-bottom:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar{padding:16px}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-section{padding:0}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:12.8px;line-height:17px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{display:flex;align-items:center;align-content:center;gap:4px;color:#e4871b;font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-read-more svg{width:16px;height:16px}.fxs-event-module-read-more:hover span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-release{margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:2px}.fxs-event-module-release>p{font-size:12.8px;font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;margin:0}.fxs-event-module-release>p>strong{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:700}.fxs-event-module-release>p>span{color:#8c8d91;font-weight:400}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a{color:#e4871b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none}.fxs-event-module-release>p>a:hover>span{text-decoration:underline}.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-container{margin:16px 0 0 0;border-top:1px solid #ececf1;padding:12px 0 0 0}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-event-module-inner-calendar .fxs-event-module-header{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-release p{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-read-more{font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px}.fxs-event-module-calendar-title{font-size:22.4px;line-height:25.6px}.fxs-event-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-event-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-event-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}GBP/USD attracts some dip-buyers on Monday, though the uptick lacks bullish conviction.Traders now seem reluctant to place directional bets ahead of the Fed/BoE policy meetings.This week’s key macro data from the UK and the US should contribute to infusing volatility. The GBP/USD pair ticks higher at the start of a busy week and for now, seems to have snapped a three-day losing streak to the 1.2600 neighborhood, or over a two-week low touched on Friday. Spot prices currency trade around the 1.2630-1.2635 region, up 0.10% for the day, though any meaningful appreciation seems elusive ahead of this week's key central bank event risks.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) is scheduled to announce its policy decision on Wednesday, which will be followed by the Bank of England (BoE) meeting on Thursday. The US central bank is widely expected to lower borrowing costs for the third straight meeting, though traders are pricing in the possibility of a slower pace of rate reductions next year. Hence, the accompanying policy statement, the updated economic projections – including the so-called dot-plot – and Fed chair Jerome Powell's comments at the post-meeting press conference will be scrutinized for cues about the future rate-cut path. This, in turn, will play a key role in influencing the near-term US Dollar (USD) price dynamics and provide some impetus to the GBP/USD pair.
Meanwhile, the UK central bank is anticipated to maintain the status quo and leave interest rates unchanged. Moreover, the BoE has stressed it is taking a gradual approach to cutting interest rates amid rising inflation expectations. In fact, the BoE and other forecasting bodies expect that inflation will rise next year in the wake of UK finance minister Rachel Reeves' big-spending budget. That said, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey's dovish outlook, signaling four interest rate cuts in 2025, might hold back traders from placing aggressive bullish bets around the British Pound (GBP) and act as a headwind for the GBP/USD pair. This, in turn, warrants some caution before confirming that spot prices have bottomed out around the 1.2600 mark.
Investors this week will also confront the release of important macro data from the UK and US, starting with the flash PMI prints later this Monday. Apart from this, the UK monthly employment details, along with the US Retail Sales on Tuesday, followed by the UK consumer inflation figures on Wednesday, the final US GDP print on Thursday and the UK Retail Sales on Friday should infuse volatility around the GBP/USD pair.
Economic Indicator
S&P Global/CIPS Composite PMI
The Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), released on a monthly basis by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and S&P Global, is a leading indicator gauging private-business activity in UK for both the manufacturing and services sectors. The data is derived from surveys to senior executives. Each response is weighted according to the size of the company and its contribution to total manufacturing or services output accounted for by the sub-sector to which that company belongs. Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month and can anticipate changing trends in official data series such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), industrial production, employment and inflation.The index varies between 0 and 100, with levels of 50.0 signaling no change over the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates that the UK private economy is generally expanding, a bullish sign for the Pound Sterling (GBP). Meanwhile, a reading below 50 signals that activity is generally declining, which is seen as bearish for GBP. Read more. Next release: Mon Dec 16, 2024 09:30 (Prel)Frequency: MonthlyConsensus: -Previous: 50.5Source: S&P Global
03:07 Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD holds steady below $2,650 ahead of US PMI data
The Gold price (XAU/USD) trades flat around $2,650 during the early Asian session on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}Gold price trades on a flat note near $2,650 in Monday's early Asian session. Huge demand from central banks and safe-haven flows could support Gold price, but Trump's tariff plan might cap its upside. Investors brace for the preliminary US December PMI data, which is due on Monday. The Gold price (XAU/USD) trades flat around $2,650 during the early Asian session on Monday. However, strong central bank buying and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could underpin the precious metal in the near term. Investors await the preliminary US December Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for fresh impetus, which is due later on Monday.
Significant demand from central banks lifts the yellow metal price. Central banks have been net buyers of gold for nearly 15 years, emphasizing its value as a crisis hedge and a reliable reserve asset. According to the World Gold Council, the precious metal is expected to rise modestly in 2025 due to central bank actions, geopolitical tensions, and economic conditions in key markets like the US, China, and India.
On Sunday, Israel's government approved a plan to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, citing threats from Syria, per Reuters. Any signs of escalating geopolitical tensions in this region could boost a flight to safe assets, benefiting the Gold price.
On the flip side, US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plan would stoke further inflation and delay the Federal Reserve (Fed) easing policy. Additionally, the robust US economy could lift the US Dollar (USD) and undermine the USD-denominated commodity price as it increases the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "Generally speaking, we see a stronger U.S. economy next year, which should leave less room for rate cuts and should thus bring less tailwinds for gold," said Carsten Menke, an analyst at Julius Baer.
Gold traders will closely watch the Fed meeting on Wednesday, which is anticipated to cut the interest rates by 25 basis points (bps). The attention will be on Chair Jerome Powell's speech, as it might offer some hints about US monetary policy for 2025. Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold? Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold? Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets? Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on? The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
Significant demand from central banks lifts the yellow metal price. Central banks have been net buyers of gold for nearly 15 years, emphasizing its value as a crisis hedge and a reliable reserve asset. According to the World Gold Council, the precious metal is expected to rise modestly in 2025 due to central bank actions, geopolitical tensions, and economic conditions in key markets like the US, China, and India.
On Sunday, Israel's government approved a plan to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, citing threats from Syria, per Reuters. Any signs of escalating geopolitical tensions in this region could boost a flight to safe assets, benefiting the Gold price.
On the flip side, US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plan would stoke further inflation and delay the Federal Reserve (Fed) easing policy. Additionally, the robust US economy could lift the US Dollar (USD) and undermine the USD-denominated commodity price as it increases the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "Generally speaking, we see a stronger U.S. economy next year, which should leave less room for rate cuts and should thus bring less tailwinds for gold," said Carsten Menke, an analyst at Julius Baer.
Gold traders will closely watch the Fed meeting on Wednesday, which is anticipated to cut the interest rates by 25 basis points (bps). The attention will be on Chair Jerome Powell's speech, as it might offer some hints about US monetary policy for 2025. Gold FAQs Why do people invest in Gold? Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Who buys the most Gold? Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. How is Gold correlated with other assets? Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. What does the price of Gold depend on? The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
02:46 China's GDP growth estimated around 5% this year, senior official says
The deputy director of China's central financial and economic affairs commission said on Saturday that the country's economy is estimated to grow by about 5% this year, per Reuters.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
The deputy director of China's central financial and economic affairs commission said on Saturday that the country's economy is estimated to grow by about 5% this year, per Reuters.
Han Wenxiu, a senior official in the ruling Communist Party, stated that China is expected to contribute close to 30% of global growth, adding that there was a need to boost consumption and view domestic demand expansion as a long-term strategic move that would become the main driving force for economic growth. Market reaction At the press time, the AUD/USD pair was up 0.17% on the day to trade at 0.6368. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
Han Wenxiu, a senior official in the ruling Communist Party, stated that China is expected to contribute close to 30% of global growth, adding that there was a need to boost consumption and view domestic demand expansion as a long-term strategic move that would become the main driving force for economic growth. Market reaction At the press time, the AUD/USD pair was up 0.17% on the day to trade at 0.6368. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
02:31 Japan Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.5 in December from previous 49
Japan Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.5 in December from previous 49
02:30 Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI increased to 51.4 in December from previous 50.5
Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI increased to 51.4 in December from previous 50.5
02:05 Israel approves plan to expand Golan Heights settlement, cites threats from Syria
Israel's government approved a plan to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights on Sunday, citing threats from Syria, per Reuters.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
Israel's government approved a plan to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights on Sunday, citing threats from Syria, per Reuters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, "Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it.” Market reaction At the time of press, the XAU/USD pair was up 0.10% on the day at $2,650. Risk sentiment FAQs What do the terms"risk-on" and "risk-off" mean when referring to sentiment in financial markets? In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off'' refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest. What are the key assets to track to understand risk sentiment dynamics? Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit. Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-on"? The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity. Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-off"? The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, "Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it.” Market reaction At the time of press, the XAU/USD pair was up 0.10% on the day at $2,650. Risk sentiment FAQs What do the terms"risk-on" and "risk-off" mean when referring to sentiment in financial markets? In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off'' refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest. What are the key assets to track to understand risk sentiment dynamics? Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit. Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-on"? The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity. Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-off"? The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.
02:01 United Kingdom Rightmove House Price Index (YoY): 1.4% (December) vs 1.2%
United Kingdom Rightmove House Price Index (YoY): 1.4% (December) vs 1.2%
02:01 United Kingdom Rightmove House Price Index (MoM) down to -1.7% in December from previous -1.4%
United Kingdom Rightmove House Price Index (MoM) down to -1.7% in December from previous -1.4%
01:50 Japan Machinery Orders (MoM) came in at 2.1%, above forecasts (1.2%) in October
Japan Machinery Orders (MoM) came in at 2.1%, above forecasts (1.2%) in October
01:50 Japan Machinery Orders (YoY) came in at 5.6%, above forecasts (0.7%) in October
Japan Machinery Orders (YoY) came in at 5.6%, above forecasts (0.7%) in October
01:49 South Korea Trade Balance fell from previous $5.61B to $5.59B in November
South Korea Trade Balance fell from previous $5.61B to $5.59B in November
01:32 South Korean parliament votes to impeach president Yoon over martial law attempt
On Sunday, South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his fleeting failed attempt to impose martial law in early December, per CNN.
On Sunday, South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his fleeting failed attempt to impose martial law in early December, per CNN.
It is the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean President has faced impeachment proceedings in office, and Yoon is suspended from using his powers until the decision is finalized by the country's Constitutional Court. Market reaction At the press time, the USD/KRW pair was down 0.02% on the day to trade at 1435.45.
It is the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean President has faced impeachment proceedings in office, and Yoon is suspended from using his powers until the decision is finalized by the country's Constitutional Court. Market reaction At the press time, the USD/KRW pair was down 0.02% on the day to trade at 1435.45.
01:17 ECB’s Holzmann: It’s not the job of the ECB to boost the economy
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said on Friday that it would be wrong for the ECB to cut interest rates with the sole purpose of boosting the economy, per Bloomberg.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said on Friday that it would be wrong for the ECB to cut interest rates with the sole purpose of boosting the economy, per Bloomberg.
Key quotes
It isn’t the job of the ECB to boost the economy, the job of the ECB is price stability.
To lower rates now to crank up the economy would run contrary to our stance. Market reaction At the press time, the EUR/USD pair was up 0.09% on the day to trade at 1.0506. ECB FAQs What is the ECB and how does it influence the Euro? The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy for the region. The ECB primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means keeping inflation at around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is by raising or lowering interest rates. Relatively high interest rates will usually result in a stronger Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. What is Quantitative Easing (QE) and how does it affect the Euro? In extreme situations, the European Central Bank can enact a policy tool called Quantitative Easing. QE is the process by which the ECB prints Euros and uses them to buy assets – usually government or corporate bonds – from banks and other financial institutions. QE usually results in a weaker Euro. QE is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the objective of price stability. The ECB used it during the Great Financial Crisis in 2009-11, in 2015 when inflation remained stubbornly low, as well as during the covid pandemic. What is Quantitative tightening (QT) and how does it affect the Euro? Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse of QE. It is undertaken after QE when an economic recovery is underway and inflation starts rising. Whilst in QE the European Central Bank (ECB) purchases government and corporate bonds from financial institutions to provide them with liquidity, in QT the ECB stops buying more bonds, and stops reinvesting the principal maturing on the bonds it already holds. It is usually positive (or bullish) for the Euro.
To lower rates now to crank up the economy would run contrary to our stance. Market reaction At the press time, the EUR/USD pair was up 0.09% on the day to trade at 1.0506. ECB FAQs What is the ECB and how does it influence the Euro? The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy for the region. The ECB primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means keeping inflation at around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is by raising or lowering interest rates. Relatively high interest rates will usually result in a stronger Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. What is Quantitative Easing (QE) and how does it affect the Euro? In extreme situations, the European Central Bank can enact a policy tool called Quantitative Easing. QE is the process by which the ECB prints Euros and uses them to buy assets – usually government or corporate bonds – from banks and other financial institutions. QE usually results in a weaker Euro. QE is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the objective of price stability. The ECB used it during the Great Financial Crisis in 2009-11, in 2015 when inflation remained stubbornly low, as well as during the covid pandemic. What is Quantitative tightening (QT) and how does it affect the Euro? Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse of QE. It is undertaken after QE when an economic recovery is underway and inflation starts rising. Whilst in QE the European Central Bank (ECB) purchases government and corporate bonds from financial institutions to provide them with liquidity, in QT the ECB stops buying more bonds, and stops reinvesting the principal maturing on the bonds it already holds. It is usually positive (or bullish) for the Euro.
01:08 Australia's Judo Bank Manufacturing PMI eases to 48.2 in December, Services PMI declines to 50.4
The preliminary reading of Australia's Judo Bank Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) eased to 48.2 in December from 49.4 in November, the latest data published by Judo Bank and S&P Global showed on Monday.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}
The preliminary reading of Australia's Judo Bank Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) eased to 48.2 in December from 49.4 in November, the latest data published by Judo Bank and S&P Global showed on Monday.
The Judo Bank Australian Services PMI declined to 50.4 in December from the previous reading of 50.5, while the Composite PMI dropped to 49.9 in December versus 50.2 prior. Market reaction At the press time, the AUD/USD pair was up 0.10% on the day to trade at 0.6363. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
The Judo Bank Australian Services PMI declined to 50.4 in December from the previous reading of 50.5, while the Composite PMI dropped to 49.9 in December versus 50.2 prior. Market reaction At the press time, the AUD/USD pair was up 0.10% on the day to trade at 0.6363. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
01:03 New Zealand Business NZ PSI climbed from previous 46 to 49.5 in November
New Zealand Business NZ PSI climbed from previous 46 to 49.5 in November
01:02 Australia Judo Bank Services PMI declined to 50.4 in December from previous 50.5
Australia Judo Bank Services PMI declined to 50.4 in December from previous 50.5
01:02 Australia Judo Bank Composite PMI: 49.9 (December) vs previous 50.2
Australia Judo Bank Composite PMI: 49.9 (December) vs previous 50.2
01:02 Australia Judo Bank Manufacturing PMI down to 48.2 in December from previous 49.4
Australia Judo Bank Manufacturing PMI down to 48.2 in December from previous 49.4
00:57 AUD/USD extends the decline to near 0.6350 as Fed rate decision looms
The AUD/USD pair extends its downside to near 0.6355 during the early Asian session on Monday, pressured by the firmer Greenback.
.fxs-faq-module-wrapper{border:1px solid #dddedf;background:#fff;margin-bottom:32px;width:100%;float:left;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif}.fxs-faq-module-title{color:#1b1c23;font-size:16px;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:22.4px;text-transform:uppercase;background:#f3f3f8;padding:8px 16px;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-container{padding:16px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.fxs-faq-module-section{padding-bottom:16px;border-bottom:1px solid #ececf1;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-section:last-child{border:none;margin-bottom:0}.fxs-faq-module-container input[type=checkbox]{display:none}.fxs-faq-module-header{padding:4px 0;background-color:#fff;border:none;position:relative;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label{display:block;cursor:pointer}.fxs-faq-module-header label span{display:block;width:calc(100% - 50px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:50%;right:16px;width:8px;height:2px;background-color:#49494f;transition:all .2s ease-in-out;transition-delay:0}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(4px)}.fxs-faq-module-header label:after,.fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transition:transform .3s ease-in-out}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:after{transform:rotate(45deg) translateX(4px)}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-header label:before{transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(-4px)}.fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:all .3s ease-in-out;color:#49494f;font-weight:300;padding:0;font-size:14.72px;line-height:20px;margin:0}input[type=checkbox]:checked+.fxs-faq-module-section .fxs-faq-module-content{max-height:1000px;margin-top:8px}@media (min-width:680px){.fxs-faq-module-title{font-size:19.2px;line-height:27.2px}.fxs-faq-module-header{font-size:19.2px;line-height:25.92px}.fxs-faq-module-content{font-size:16px;line-height:21.6px}}AUD/USD trades in negative territory around 0.6355 in Monday’s early Asian session. The Fed is expected to cut the rate by 25 bps at its December meeting on Wednesday. The dovish stance of the RBA undermines the Aussie. The AUD/USD pair extends its downside to near 0.6355 during the early Asian session on Monday, pressured by the firmer Greenback. Traders will keep an eye on the preliminary US December Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) on Monday ahead of the Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision.
The two-day Fed meeting ends Wednesday with an expected 25 basis points (bps) cut. Analysts expect the US central bank to cut whilst preparing the market for a pause as the US economy is robust and progress on inflation may be stalling above 2%. Markets are now almost fully pricing a 25 basis points (bps) cut at the Fed's December meeting, compared with about 78% odds a week ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
The Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference and Dot Plots will be closely monitored. Any hawkish remarks from Fed officials could lift the US Dollar (USD) and act as a headwind for the pair. Powell maintained a cautious tone earlier this month, saying, “We can afford to be a little more cautious as we try to find neutral.” Powell signaled that he is not in a hurry to reduce rates. "The economy is strong, and it's stronger than we thought it was going to be in September,” said Powell.
On the other hand, the dovish tilt in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) stance weighs on the Aussie. Traders raise their bet that the RBA will cut interest rates sooner and likely deeper than initially expected. Nonetheless, future decisions will be data-driven, with evolving risk assessments shaping the RBA’s approach.
Additionally, Chinese authorities led by President Xi Jinping vowed to raise the fiscal deficit target next year with a shift of policy focus to consumption in an effort to boost the economy as looming US tariffs threaten exports. Investors are hoping for fiscal support as monetary measures disappoint and lack concrete details on policies, dragging the Australia Dollar (AUD) lower against the USD. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
The two-day Fed meeting ends Wednesday with an expected 25 basis points (bps) cut. Analysts expect the US central bank to cut whilst preparing the market for a pause as the US economy is robust and progress on inflation may be stalling above 2%. Markets are now almost fully pricing a 25 basis points (bps) cut at the Fed's December meeting, compared with about 78% odds a week ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
The Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference and Dot Plots will be closely monitored. Any hawkish remarks from Fed officials could lift the US Dollar (USD) and act as a headwind for the pair. Powell maintained a cautious tone earlier this month, saying, “We can afford to be a little more cautious as we try to find neutral.” Powell signaled that he is not in a hurry to reduce rates. "The economy is strong, and it's stronger than we thought it was going to be in September,” said Powell.
On the other hand, the dovish tilt in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) stance weighs on the Aussie. Traders raise their bet that the RBA will cut interest rates sooner and likely deeper than initially expected. Nonetheless, future decisions will be data-driven, with evolving risk assessments shaping the RBA’s approach.
Additionally, Chinese authorities led by President Xi Jinping vowed to raise the fiscal deficit target next year with a shift of policy focus to consumption in an effort to boost the economy as looming US tariffs threaten exports. Investors are hoping for fiscal support as monetary measures disappoint and lack concrete details on policies, dragging the Australia Dollar (AUD) lower against the USD. Australian Dollar FAQs What key factors drive the Australian Dollar? One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of Australia impact the Australian Dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. How does the health of the Chinese Economy impact the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. How does the price of Iron Ore impact the Australian Dollar? Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. How does the Trade Balance impact the Australian Dollar? The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
