- AUD/JPY registers modest gains with no major changes after Aussie Retail Sales, Japan’s Jibun Bank Services PMI.
- Comments from Wuhan Chief, Washington Governor recently weigh on the risk.
- US President Trump reiterates call for Saudi-Russia pact.
- Virus headlines will be the key for near-term direction.
Despite better than forecast figures of Aussie Retail Sales, AUD/JPY remains mostly unchanged while taking rounds to 65.40 during Friday’s Asian session. The reason could be traced from Japan’s Jibun Bank Services PMI.
Australia’s February month Retail Sales grew beyond 0.4% forecast and prior -0.3% to +0.5% whereas Japan’s Jibun Bank Services PMI crossed 32.7 forecast with 33.8.
Read: Australia Retail Feb Sales: 0.5% MoM (expected 0.4%)
While everybody on the floor cheers China’s ability to conquer the virus, Communist Party Secretary of China's Wuhan says the risk of coronavirus resurgence in the city still high. Also weighing on the risk are comments from the Washington Governor that suggests an extension of statewide lockdown until May 04. It’s worth mentioning that the global virus cases have already crossed one million mark with the death toll rising beyond 50,000.
Earlier during the day, the global rating giant S&P affirmed its AA+ credit rating, with a stable outlook, for the US while also expecting the economic losses to offset in 2021.
Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump reiterated his earlier comments suggesting a pact between Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut the oil production, this time with 15 million barrels’ promise.
Amid all this, the market’s risk-tone turns heavy with the 10-year US Treasury yields teasing 0.60% mark, down two basis points, even if Japan’s Nikkei and Australia’s ASX 200 are mildly positive by the press time.
Given the lack of major data left for publishing amid the Asian session, except for China’s Caixin Services PMI, investors will keep eyes on the virus headlines for fresh impulse.
Technical analysis
Thursday’s bullish hammer keeps buyers directed towards 66.00 unless declining below 64.40.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD recovers from two-year lows, stays below 1.0450
EUR/USD recovers modestly and trades above 1.0400 after setting a two-year low below 1.0350 following the disappointing PMI data from Germany and the Eurozone on Friday. Market focus shifts to November PMI data releases from the US.
GBP/USD falls to six-month lows below 1.2550, eyes on US PMI
GBP/USD extends its losses for the third successive session and trades at a fresh fix-month low below 1.2550 on Friday. Disappointing PMI data from the UK weigh on Pound Sterling as investors await US PMI data releases.
Gold price refreshes two-week high, looks to build on momentum beyond $2,700 mark
Gold price hits a fresh two-week top during the first half of the European session on Friday, with bulls now looking to build on the momentum further beyond the $2,700 mark. This marks the fifth successive day of a positive move and is fueled by the global flight to safety amid persistent geopolitical tensions stemming from the intensifying Russia-Ukraine war.
S&P Global PMIs set to signal US economy continued to expand in November
The S&P Global preliminary PMIs for November are likely to show little variation from the October final readings. Markets are undecided on whether the Federal Reserve will lower the policy rate again in December.
Eurozone PMI sounds the alarm about growth once more
The composite PMI dropped from 50 to 48.1, once more stressing growth concerns for the eurozone. Hard data has actually come in better than expected recently – so ahead of the December meeting, the ECB has to figure out whether this is the PMI crying wolf or whether it should take this signal seriously. We think it’s the latter.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.