|

US Data: Ugly figures to extend gold rally, dollar depressed

ADP reported an increase of only 167,000 private-sector jobs in July while the manufacturing employment remains depressed according to ISM. The broader services sector also looks depressed. A negative NFP looks more likely with gold extending its upward trend, FXStreet’s analyst Yohay Elam reports.

Key quotes

“The ISM Non-Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index's headline figure rose to 58.1 points against a projected fall. However, the employment component in America's services sector – consisting of around 70% of the economy – is suffering. The gauge fell to 42.1, well below estimates of 51.1, under June's score of 43.1, and pointing to contraction.”

“ADP, America's largest payroll provider, reported a meager increase of 167,000 private-sector jobs, substantially below 1.5 million projected. While the firm has been finding it hard to hit the nail on the head – missing the official numbers – it does point to the general trend. In pre-pandemic times, an increase of 167K would be considered average, but now it points to the stalling of the recovery.”

“The US dollar will likely extend its falls after these numbers and as fresh Non-Farm Payrolls come in. EUR/USD's flirt with 1.19 may turn into a breakout and GBP/USD may be eyeing 1.32. Gold, which topped $2,000 on Tuesday, could extend its gains.” 

“Even if NFP is positive like ADP's figure, the chances of a "big number" are falling. In case America's labor market squeezes after only two positive months, the effect that would exacerbate the dollar's decline and potentially push gold to even higher ground.”

Author

More from FXStreet Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD struggles for direction amid USD gains

EUR/USD is trimming part of its earlier gains, coming under some mild downside pressure near 1.1730 as the US Dollar edges higher. Markets are still digesting the Fed’s latest rate decision, while also looking ahead to more commentary from Fed officials in the sessions ahead.

GBP/USD drops to daily lows near 1.3360

Disappointing UK data weighed on the Sterling towards the end of the week, triggering a pullback in GBP/USD to fresh daily lows near 1.3360. Looking ahead, the next key event across the Channel is the BoE meeting on December 18.

Gold holds steady above $4,300 amid supportive fundamental backdrop

Gold kicks off the new week on a slightly positive note following Friday's late pullback from levels just above mid-$4,300s or the highest since October 21. Bets for two more rate cuts by the US Fed next year continue to act as a tailwind for the non-yielding bullion. Apart from this, a softer risk tone and geopolitical uncertainties benefit the safe-haven precious metal. However, a modest US Dollar uptick might cap gains ahead of the delayed US NFP report on Tuesday.

Week ahead: US NFP and CPI, BoE, ECB and BoJ mark a busy week

After Fed decision, dollar traders lock gaze on NFP and CPI data. Will the BoE deliver a dovish interest rate cut? ECB expected to reiterate “good place” mantra. Will a BoJ rate hike help the yen recover some of its massive losses?

Big week ends with big doubts

The S&P 500 continued to push higher yesterday as the US 2-year yield wavered around the 3.50% mark following a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut earlier this week that was ultimately perceived as not that hawkish after all. The cut is especially boosting the non-tech pockets of the market.

Aave Price Forecast: AAVE primed for breakout as bullish signals strengthen

Aave (AAVE) price is trading above $204 at the time of writing on Friday and approaching the upper boundary of its descending parallel channel; a breakout from this structure would favor the bulls.