Market Update – August 31

Market News Today 

Treasuries extended gains overnight. The advent of month-end with a large duration extension, momentum from the break of 1.30% on the 10s, the lack of supply, and Covid worries have underpinned. Concurrently, stocks firmed led by a 0.9% jump in the USA100 and a 0.43% gain in the USA500, both at fresh record highs of 15,265 and 4,528, respectively. The USA30 lost altitude and closed with a -0.16% loss. Signs that China’s economy is struggling thanks to virus measures and the regulatory clampdown weighed on the market.

 

  • China’s official PMI readings meanwhile showed the manufacturing number dipping to just 50.1, while the services reading fell back into contraction territory for the first time since early last year, at just 47.5.
  • Japan’s jobless rate unexpectedly improved, but factory output declined, as did Australia building approvals.
  • The Delta variant is also leaving its mark on economies across the region. Covid surges in US.
  • EU to reimpose travel curbs to US.
  • USD (USDIndex 92.45) weakened as there is no clear signal on the Fed’s tapering timeline.
  • Equities are mixed as Topix and JPN225  managed to rise 0.7% and 1.2% respectively, also helped by stronger than expected retail sales numbers.
  • Overnight USDJPY fell back to 109.81. The  Yen declined against most other currencies though. NZDUSD jumped to 0.7062. NZD and AUD strengthened as lockdowns in NZ were seen successfully lowering new COVID-19 infections, while the Aussie was stronger after building permits raised hopes its economy could avoid recession.
  • USOil is trading at $69.14 as traders assess the prospect for an easing of output restrictions ahead of the OPEC+ meeting.
  • Gold rose to 1,819, Platinum down over 4%, Silver down 5.4% for the month, Palladium heads for its worst monthly performance in seven months.

Today – Calendar includes Eurozone inflation, German unemployment, Canadian GDP for Q2 and  US Consumer Confidence.

Biggest Mover @ (06:30 GMT) NZDUSD (+0.94%) Spikes to 0.7062 from 0.6995. It is retesting the 3-month Resistance area at 0.7000-0.7100. Faster MA’s aligned higher. The MACD signal line & histogram rising. RSI at 78 and rising. H1 ATR 0.0012, Daily ATR 0.0065.

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Andria Pichidi

Market Analyst

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