European shares were subdued on Thursday as rate-sensitive technology shares and consumer staples slipped on expectations of further interest rate hikes by major central banks, while a sharp slide in Vodafone shares weighed on the telecoms sector. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat, with the rate-sensitive technology sector down 0.3%.
(Reuters) -European shares were subdued on Thursday as rate-sensitive technology shares and consumer staples slipped on expectations of further interest rate hikes by major central banks, while a sharp slide in Vodafone shares weighed on the telecoms sector. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat, with the rate-sensitive technology sector down 0.3%. Britain's FTSE 100 led losses among regional peers, with export-heavy consumer staples such as Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC under pressure as the pound rallied near 0.9% on expectations of more interest rate hikes by the Bank of England after a forecast showed UK inflation is set to remain elevated this year.
Investing.com -- Most Asian currencies inched lower on Thursday amid increased concerns over rising interest rates and slowing growth across the globe, while the dollar hovered near 11-week highs ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting next week.
Investing.com -- Australian exports fell in April, while the country’s trade surplus shrank more than expected as softening demand for commodities, particularly in China, saw a drop in metal shipments.
The U.S. central bank is expected to hold rates steady next Wednesday as it evaluates the impact of recent rate increases, though Fed fund futures traders are pricing for an additional rate hike in July. Consumer inflation data on Tuesday is expected to show that prices rose by 0.30% in May. "We expect a fair degree of consolidation ahead of the Fed decision next week," said Bipan Rai, North American head of FX strategy at CIBC Capital Markets in Toronto. Traders have also priced out most expectations that the Fed will cut rates this year as inflation remains above target.
The Canadian dollar strengthened to a four-week high against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday as investors bet that the Bank of Canada would continue to raise interest rates next month after it tightened for the first time since January. The Canadian central bank hiked its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, the highest level in 22 years, on increasing concerns that inflation could get stuck significantly above its 2% target amid persistently strong economic growth. "The tone of the statement was pretty hawkish, which is not a surprise given the recent data flow," Benjamin Reitzes, Canadian rates & macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets, said in a note.
The US dollar initially pulled back during Wednesday’s session but turned around to show signs of strength again.
The British pound has rallied significantly during the day on Wednesday as the 50-Day EMA continues to cause support.
The pound continues to see buyers on dips against the Yen.
The euro has pulled back just a bit during the early hours on Wednesday, only to find support underneath the crucial 200-Day EMA yet again.
The Australian dollar has rallied again after testing the 50-Day EMA on Wednesday. At this point, the market will likely continue to see many questions asked about the 0.67 level.
TORONTO (Reuters) -The Canadian dollar strengthened to a four-week high against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday as investors bet that the Bank of Canada would continue to raise interest rates next month after it tightened for the first time since January. The Canadian central bank hiked its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, the highest level in 22 years, on increasing concerns that inflation could get stuck significantly above its 2% target amid persistently strong economic growth. "The tone of the statement was pretty hawkish, which is not a surprise given the recent data flow," Benjamin Reitzes, Canadian rates & macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets, said in a note.
The price of copper continues to extend losses to November lows following weak economic data from China, which is normally the top metals consumer.
The U.S. dollar edged higher in early European trade Wednesday, as traders sought out this safe haven after disappointing Chinese trade data hit sentiment. China's trade surplus sank to a 13-month low in May, according to data released earlier Wednesday, driven chiefly by a surprise drop in exports as foreign demand for Chinese goods dried up. Money markets are pricing in a roughly 19% chance that the U.S. central bank will raise rates by 25 basis points next week, compared to an over 60% chance a week ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool, after weak U.S. services activity data.
Investing.com -- Most Asian currencies were muted on Wednesday as weaker-than-expected economic prints from China and Australia soured sentiment towards the region, while anticipation of an upcoming Federal Reserve meeting also weighed.
Investing.com -- Australia’s economy grew substantially less than expected in the first quarter of 2023, data showed on Wednesday, as pressure from rising interest rates and overheated inflation weighed heavily on spending and economic activity.
Investing.com – The yen will likely continue to drag its heels against the dollar, MUFG says, as the latest economic Japanese data showing weaker wage growth is expected to keep the Bank of Japan leaning dovish at the policy meeting next week.
The US dollar initially pulled back against the Japanese yen on Tuesday, but then turned around to show signs of life yet again.
The British pound initially tried to rally during the trading session on Tuesday, but the market turned around to show signs of hesitation.
The British pound initially fell during the trading session on Tuesday, but then turned around to show signs of life to show stability and strength.
The pound lost ground against the dollar on Tuesday, falling more than 0.2% to $1.24.
The euro has fallen again during the trading session on Tuesday, as we continue to threaten a breakdown overall.
The Australian dollar has rallied initially during the trading session on Tuesday, breaking well above the 50-Day EMA initially before running into resistance.
The U.S. dollar retreated in early European trade Tuesday, while the Australian dollar soared after the RBA hiked interest rates once more in its fight against elevated inflation. The dollar has seen some volatility over the last few days as traders try to work out what the Federal Reserve will decide in terms of interest rates at next week’s meeting. Friday’s jobs report only muddied the waters, as the blowout payrolls number suggested room for the Fed to hike once more but the unemployment rate rose and the slowdown in the growth of average wages pointed in the other direction.
Investing.com-- The Australian dollar surged 0.7% on Tuesday following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to increase interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.10% on Tuesday, surpassing market expectations. This move marks the second rate hike after a brief pause in April, driving interest rates above 4% for the first time in nearly 12 years.