Another Quiet Day on the Economic Calendar Leaves the FED and Risk Sentiment in the Driving Seat

Earlier in the Day:

It was a relatively quiet start to the day on the economic calendar this morning, with the China markets closed today. The Kiwi Dollar was in action in the early hours, however.

Later this morning, the RBA meeting minutes will also draw interest as the markets look to assess the impact of the latest lockdown measures on policy.

For the Kiwi Dollar

Consumer sentiment figures were in focus.

In the 3^rd quarter, the Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index fell from 107.1 to 102.7.

According to the Westpac survey,

• Confidence took a hit, with the index falling by 4.4 points as a result of the latest nationwide lockdown.
• The decline was more modest, however, than the fall seen back in 2020.
• While households remain secure about their personal financial situation, global supply chain disruption weighed on spending appetites.

The sub-components:

• The Present Conditions Index fell by 2.7 points to 95.6, with the Expected Conditions Index down 5.5 points to 107.4.
• 1-year economic outlook tumbled by 10.0 points to -5.6, with the “Good time to buy” sub-index falling by 7.2 points to -5.2.
• 5-year economic outlook fell by 6.2 points to 11.5, while the current financial situation sub-index rose by 1.8 points to -3.6.
• Expected financial situation saw a modest 0.6 point decline to 16.1.

The Kiwi Dollar moved from $0.70293 to $0.70260 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Kiwi Dollar was down by 0.26% to $0.7009.

Elsewhere

At the time of writing, the Japanese Yen was up by 0.05% to ¥109.390 against the U.S Dollar, with the Aussie Dollar up by 0.06% to $0.7256.

The Day Ahead

For the EUR

It’s a particularly quiet day ahead on the economic calendar. There are no material stats due out of the Eurozone to provide the EUR with direction.

The lack of stats will leave the EUR in the hands of market risk appetite and sentiment towards FED monetary policy.

At the time of writing, the EUR was flat at $1.1726.

For the Pound

It’s a relatively quiet day ahead on the economic calendar. CBI Industrial Trend Orders for September are due out later today. With little else for the markets to consider, we can expect influence. The impact will be limited, however, with the Pound on the defensive ahead of Thursday’s policy decision.

At the time of writing, the Pound was up by 0.01% to $1.3658.

Across the Pond

It’s also a relatively quiet day ahead. Housing sector numbers for August are due out later in the day. With the markets focused on the FED, however, the stats are unlikely to have an impact on the day.

On Monday, the U.S Dollar Spot Index rose by 0.09% to end the day at $93.276.

For the Loonie

It’s a quiet day ahead for the Loonie. House price figures for August are due out later in the day.

We don’t expect the numbers to provide the Loonie with direction, however. Market risk sentiment will and crude oil prices will remain the key drivers on the day.

At the time of writing, the Loonie was up by 0.05% to C$1.2815 against the U.S Dollar.

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