Advertisement
Advertisement

A Busy Economic Calendar Puts the EUR, the Pound, and the Dollar in Focus

By:
Bob Mason
Published: Aug 21, 2020, 01:24 GMT+00:00

It's a busy day ahead. Key stats include August'sPMIs to keep the majors busy. Retails sales for Canada and the UK will also influence.

Depositphotos_8486583_s-2019 (1)

Earlier in the Day:

It’s was a relatively busy start to the day on the economic calendar this morning. The Japanese Yen was in action in the early part of the day.

For the Japanese Yen

In July, consumer prices rose by 0.3%, following a 0.1% increase in June, with the annual rate of inflation picking up from 0.1% to 0.3%. Core consumer prices were unchanged, year-on-year, following a 0.2% decline in June. Economists had forecast a 0.1% rise. The figures were released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication,

The Japanese Yen moved from ¥105.732 to ¥105.716 upon release of the figures.

August’s prelim private sector PMI numbers were also in focus this morning.

The Manufacturing PMI rose from 45.2 to 46.6, while the Services PMI slipped from 45.4 to 45.0.

According to the August Markit Survey,

  • Demand continued to be adversely affected by subdued trade flows and social distancing measures.
  • New orders fell sharply in August, accompanied by a sizeable drop in export sales.
  • Labor market conditions continued to deteriorate as a result of the extended contraction in the private sector.

At composite level,

  • New orders saw a stronger decline attributed to a sharp decline reported from the services sector.
  • New export orders saw a weaker decline.
  • Employment declined at a stronger pace.
  • Output was unchanged on June, with manufacturing sector output seeing a weaker decline to offset a more marked decline in the services sector.
  • The outlook shifted from positive to negative. There was a weaker positive outlook among manufacturing firms. The services sector, however, saw outlook shift from positive to negative.

The Japanese Yen moved from ¥105.673 to ¥105.695 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Japanese Yen was up by 0.06% ¥105.74 against the U.S Dollar

Elsewhere

At the time of writing, the Aussie Dollar was up by 0.17% to $0.7204, with the Kiwi Dollar up by 0.03% to $0.6537.

The Day Ahead:

For the EUR

It’s a busy day ahead on the economic calendar. Key stats include August’s prelim private sector PMIs for France, Germany, and the Eurozone.

While manufacturing PMI numbers will need to avoid a fall, the focus will likely remain on the service sector PMIs.

Later in the day, Eurozone consumer confidence figures for August will also provide direction.

At the time of writing, the EUR was up by 0.09% to $1.1871.

For the Pound

It’s a busy day ahead on the economic calendar. July retail sales figures and August’s prelim private sector PMIs will provide the Pound with direction.

Expect plenty of influence from the numbers following the dire 2nd quarter GDP figures.

Away from the economic calendar, Brexit news updates will also need monitoring.

At the time of writing, the Pound was up by 0.08% to $1.3224.

Across the Pond

It’s also a busy day ahead for the U.S Dollar. Key stats include August’s prelim private sector PMIs and existing home sales figures for July.

The service sector PMI will have the greatest influence on the day.

Away from the economic calendar, updates on the COVID-19 stimulus package and any further moves against China will also influence.

At the time of writing, the Dollar Spot Index was down by 0.16% to 92.643.

For the Loonie

It’s a relatively quiet day on the economic data front. June retail sales and July house price figures are due out later today.

We would expect the retail sales figures to have the greatest influence ahead of 2nd quarter GDP numbers due out next week.

From elsewhere, private sector PMIs from the Eurozone and the U.S will also influence.

Away from the economic calendar, any chatter from Beijing or Washington will also need monitoring.

At the time of writing, the Loonie was up by 0.11% to C$1.3172 against the U.S Dollar.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

About the Author

Bob Masonauthor

With over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, Bob has worked with various global rating agencies and multinational banks. Currently he is covering currencies, commodities, alternative asset classes and global equities, focusing mostly on European and Asian markets.

Advertisement