'PMI Wednesday' to set the tone for the week ahead..
| GBP
| £-$ has been very stable of late and is currently trading at the same levels as 5-weeks ago, even after the UK's horror retail sales data release. It was some miss on estimates with the MoM figure arriving at -3.2% in December, rather than the expected 1.3% (up from 0.5%). It was the largest decrease in the retail sales number since January 2021.
The soft reading shows consumers are struggling under the weight of high inflation and high interest rate levels. Whilst inflation is coming down, shop prices are still rising. Charts show that sales volumes have been trading steadily lower since inflation starting surging in 2021. Overall, 2023 saw sales volumes fall by 2.8%, the lowest level since 2018.
The Pound did drop after the release due to recession and stagflation fears, as-well-as considerations being brought forward as to when the BoE may start cutting interest rates (the markets main driver). But, Sterling remains buoyant for now and continues to be a favourable currency for 2024 so far.
EUR The Euro-Zone finally sees some action this week in terms of data, after standing idly by the last 2-weeks. The PMI's will likely rule the week's volatility, but President Lagarde's speech after the ECB interest rate decision is a must watch. The decision is expected to be a non-event, but those involved in the market will be second-guessing what Lagarde says in regards to when interest rates will be cut.
USD The Dollar continues to struggle against the Pound at the moment and has made no headway for 5-weeks now. For the third week in a row, the majority of analysts are predicting £-$ weakness and there is a chance this week with the US releasing more than one key release.
A quiet start to the week suddenly bursts into life on Wednesday with the PMI's and then the US offers up GDP, jobs & PPI thereafter. The former is expected to arrive less than half of what it did the previous quarter (Q3's figure was huge and unexpected), on trend with Q1 & Q2. Friday's PPI report could also create volatility this week..
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