Brexit and Economic Data Keep the GBP and the EUR in Focus

Earlier in the Day:

It was a relatively busy day on the economic calendar through the Asian session this morning.

China’s September inflation figures provided direction ahead of finalized August industrial production figures out of Japan due out later this morning

In the early part of the day, the RBA also released its meeting minutes from last Tuesday’s meeting.

On the geopolitical front, sentiment towards the latest on the U.S – China trade talks and Brexit also influenced early on.

For the Aussie Dollar

Following last week’s rate cut, the RBA meeting minutes had limited influence on the Aussie Dollar. Salient points from the October Minutes included:

• Risks to the global growth outlook remained tilted to the downside.
• Businesses scaled back investment plans as a result of the technology and trade disputes between the U.S and China.
• Further monetary policy easing was delivered to support employment and income growth and greater confidence that inflation would be consistent with the medium-term target.
• Members noted that the unemployment and inflation outcomes were likely to fall short of forecasts in the near-term.
• Subdued wage growth also suggested that spare capacity remained in the economy.
• In spite of strong employment growth, however, the spare capacity remained, with employment growth expected to slow.
• While lower interest rates could affect confidence, it would also support household cash flows and spending.
• It was also noted that members were prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed.

The Aussie Dollar moved from $0.67694 to $0.067703 upon release of the minutes that preceded China’s inflation figures.

From China

The annual rate of inflation picked up from 2.8% to 3.0%, coming in ahead of a forecast of 2.9%. Month-on-month, consumer prices rose by 0.9%, coming in ahead of a forecasted and August 0.7%.

Wholesale fell further in September, however, with wholesale prices falling by -1.2% compared with September 2018. While in line with forecasts, the pace of deflation picked up from August’s 0.8%.

The Aussie Dollar moved from $0.67865 to $0.67849 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Aussie Dollar was flat at $0.6775.

Elsewhere

At the time of writing, The Japanese Yen was up by 0.09% to ¥108.30 against the U.S Dollar, while the Kiwi Dollar was up by 0.11% to $0.6306.

The Day Ahead:

For the EUR

It’s a relatively busy day ahead on the economic calendar. Germany and the Eurozone’s ZEW economic condition figures are due out later this morning.

French finalized September inflation figures and Germany’s ZEW current conditions figures will likely have a muted impact on the EUR.

Outside of the numbers, we can expect direction to also come from Brexit as the Brexit clock ticks away.

At the time of writing, the EUR was up by 0.04% to $1.1031.

For the Pound

It’s a busy day ahead on the data front. August earnings and unemployment figures are due out along with September’s claimant count numbers.

We can expect the Pound to show greatest sensitivity to the wage growth and claimant count figures. Any unexpected rise in the unemployment rate, coupled with larger than anticipated increase in claimant counts would weigh heavily, however.

While we expect the stats to influence, Brexit will continue to be the key driver. A further pullback from Friday’s recent high should be expected should little progress be made on a deal.

At the time of writing, the Pound was up by 0.06% to $1.2616.

Across the Pond

It’s a relatively quiet day ahead on the economic calendar. October’s NY Empire State Manufacturing Index figures are due out later today.

With tariffs still in place, any further deterioration in manufacturing sector conditions would be negative.

Chatter from the Oval Office would require monitoring, however. There’s also Brexit to factor in, with any negative news considered Dollar positive.

The Dollar Spot Index was down by 0.04% to 98.417 at the time of writing.

For the Loonie

It’s a quiet day on the economic calendar. There are no material stats out of Canada to provide the Loonie with direction.

The lack of stats will leave the Loonie in the hands of crude oil prices later in the day.

The Loonie was up by 0.02% at C$1.3232, against the U.S Dollar, at the time of writing.