It's a busy day ahead on the economic calendar. Economic data from the U.S will draw plenty of interest, with service sector PMIs from the Eurozone also in focus.
It’s was a particularly busy start to the day on the economic calendar this morning. The Aussie Dollar, Kiwi Dollar, and the Japanese Yen were in action this morning. Economic data from China was also in focus in the early part of the day.
Building consents rose by 2.1% in January, following a 5.1% jump in December.
According to NZ Stats,
The Kiwi Dollar moved from $0.72933 to $0.72821 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Kiwi Dollar was up by 0.03% to $0.7392.
The Australian economy was in focus.
In the 4th quarter, the economy expanded by 3.1%, following 3.3% growth in the 3rd quarter. Economists had forecast growth of 2.5%.
Year-on-year, the economy contracted by 1.1%, coming in ahead of a forecasted 1.8% contraction. In the 3rd quarter, the economy had contracted by 3.7%.
According to the ABS,
The Aussie Dollar moved from $0.78251 to $0.78337 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Aussie Dollar was up by 0.15% to $0.7832.
The Services PMI rose from 46.1 to 46.3 in February, which was up from a prelim 45.8.
According to the February Market Survey,
The Japanese Yen moved from ¥106.731 to ¥106.769 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Japanese Yen was down by 0.12% to ¥106.82 against the U.S Dollar.
Service sector activity was also in the spotlight.
In February, the Caxin Services PMI fell from 52.0 to 51.5.
According to the February Survey,
The Aussie Dollar moved from $0.78314 to $0.78304 upon release of the figures.
It’s a busy day ahead on the economic calendar. Service sector PMI numbers for Italy and Spain are in focus later this morning.
Finalized service and composite PMIs for France, Germany, and the Eurozone are also due out.
Barring any marked revisions from prelims, expect Italy and the Eurozone’s PMIs to be the key drivers.
Other stats include 4th quarter GDP numbers from Italy. Expect any revisions to influence.
At the time of writing, the EUR was down by 0.04% to $1.2086.
It’s a relatively busy day ahead on the economic calendar. Finalized service and composite PMI numbers for February are due out.
Expect Pound sensitivity to the services PMI in particular.
Away from the economic calendar, however, the UK Annual Budget release will be the main event of the day.
The markets will be looking unwavering support from the government. Anything less and the Pound could come under pressure.
At the time of writing, the Pound was up by 0.01% to $1.3957.
It’s busy day ahead on the economic calendar. The market’s preferred ISM non-manufacturing PMI figures are due out along with ADP nonfarm employment change numbers.
Finalized Market service and composite PMIs are also due out, though we would expect the stats to have a muted impact on the Dollar.
From elsewhere, chatter from the Senate on Biden’s COVID-19 relief package will also need tracking.
At the time of writing, the Dollar Spot Index was down by 0.01% to 90.776.
It’s a quiet day ahead, with no material stats to provide the Loonie with direction.
The lack of stats will leave the Loonie in the hands of the weekly crude oil inventory numbers and market risk appetite.
At the time of writing, the Loonie was up by 0.02% to C$1.2633 against the U.S Dollar.
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
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.