Market Drivers May 1, 2018
- UK PMI misses weakest since Nov. 2016
- Dollar Index at January highs
- Nikkei 0.18% DAX closed
- Oil $68/bbl
- Gold $1309/oz.
- Bitcoin $9025
Europe and Asia
AUD: RBA stays on hold
GBP: UK PMI 53.9 vs. 54.8 eyed
North America
USD: ISM Manufacturng 10:00
UK PMI manufacturing report hit its lowest level in 17 months sending cable tumbling in early London trade as the pair fell through the 1.3700 level breaking key support.
UK PMI printed at 53.9 versus 54.8 eyed as data once again showed a slowdown in UK economic activity. According to Markit:
“The latest survey provided further evidence of a slowdown in the rate of manufacturing expansion. Growth of output and new orders eased, while business optimism dipped to a five-month low. Falling backlogs of work, supply-chain constraints and rising stocks of finished goods also signalled that output growth will remain subdued in the coming months.”
The news provides yet another problem for BOE which was all set to hike rates in its upcoming meeting in May. Given the deceleration of activity which is now dangerously flirting with recessionary levels, the MPC may have to rethink its hawkish stance and keep rates stationary for the time being. The key event for cable traders this week will be Thursday UK PMI Services report which is already approaching the 50 boom/bust level. If the data does not improve in UK’s largest sector, chances of a rate hike are sure to drop and GBP/USD could test 1.3500 as a result.
Cable was not the only pair to suffer against the buck. Dollar flows were strong across the board with dollar index hitting its best level since January. EUR/USD dropped below the 1.2050 level and could test the key 1,2000 support as the day proceeds while USD/JPY inched above 109.50 as the rally towards 110.0 remains in place.
Today the markets will get a look at ISM Manufacturing data and unless the report misses badly, dollar rally should continue on pace. The greenback is now benefiting from both a resolutely hawkish Fed and a slowdown in the rest of the G-7 universe. Although the unit is getting overbought, fundamentals continue to favor further gains as long as US data holds.