The Australian unemployment figure for September released earlier of 6.9% came in better than expected of 7.1% however, the data was higher than the prior month of 6.8%. On the other hand, the Chinese inflation rates for September of 1.7% came in lower than expected of 1.8% and far lower than the previous month of 2.4%. That said, the data did not have any observable effect on their respective currencies.
Equities
Most of the global stock market closed in the red on Wednesday as hopes of a new US stimulus package faded further with the US administration officials saying that reaching a deal would be more likely after elections. Additionally, the coronavirus uptrend in Europe increases concerns of possible lockdowns in some countries, while the US/China tensions escalate as the US thinks to blacklist the Chinese Ant group.
On the other hand, markets expect a bigger fiscal stimulus package should the Democrat candidate Joe Biden become the new resident of the White House. Biden may restore certainty in global trade and lower tensions with China, while could increase corporate taxes.
|
Change % | |
|
-0.7% | |
|
-0.6% | |
|
-1.2% | |
|
+0.07% | |
|
-0.2% | |
|
-1.1% | |
|
-0.6% |
EUR/USD and Main Currency Pairs
Investors moved this week to the greenback as a hedge against uncertainty coming from the delay in the Jonson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine and the US elections. The US Dollar index stabilized above the 50-day moving average highlighting a risk-off sentiment therefore, the price could be for a test of 94.04.
The EUR/USD retreated further on Wednesday however, remained above 1.1713. A daily close below that level could send the price towards 1.1621.
The GBP/USD trader's eyes will be on the European Council meeting taking place today and tomorrow. The European leaders may put more pressure on London to compromise on key negotiation points such as fisheries and fair competition. The pair could fall towards 1.2773 while below 1.3048.
Gold and Oil
This week, oil was under pressure however, crude oil rallied on Wednesday with increased Chinese demand and reduced output from UAE overstepping production in August. Investors will keep an eye on the US oil stockpiles data today.
Brent oil closed above the 50-day moving average on Wednesday. A lower than expected US data would be supportive for the price and may rally the US Crude towards $42.23, while a higher than expected could reverse it towards $38.37.
The Gold corrected its downtrend on October 7 and created a higher low at $1,872, since then the price has traded without any clear trend. The precious metal steadied below $1,921 due to a stronger US dollar and could be on the way for a test of $1,861/oz.
Looking Ahead
The EUR/USD and Gold traders will follow the US initial jobless claims at 4:30 PM (UAE time) and the change in US oil inventories at 7:00 PM then the ECB president Lagarde’s speech at 8:00 PM.
