The US currency kept strengthening against the basket of other currencies. It got a boost due to the publication of the Customer Confidence Index, which in October reached 137.9 instead of the expected 136.0. The USD index (#DX) updated the monthly maximums and closed in the positive zone (+0.45%). The prospects for growth remain.
The EUR is slightly weakened after the publication of the weak economic stats from the eurozone. The number of unemployed citizens in Germany lowered by 11K in October, but the experts expected it to lower by at least 12K. The preliminary quarterly Eurozone GDP reports indicate 0.2% growth instead of 0.4%. This means that the annual Eurozone GDP growth slowed to 1.7%, while the experts expected 1.9%.
Australian Customer Price Index for the third quarter was published during the Asian trading session today. It grew by 0.4%, while the experts expected 0.5%. The “Purchasing Manager” Index in China for October reached 50.2 instead of 50.6. The Bank of Japan, as expected, kept the basic parameters of the monetary policy at the same level.
The oil prices started to grow. At the moment, the WTI futures are at the 67 USD/barrel. At 16:30 (GMT+2:00) we can expect an API Weekly Crude Oil Stock report from the USA.
Market Indicators
Yesterday, the major US stock indices started to recover: #SPY (+1,48%), #DIA (+1,73%), #QQQ (+1,65%).
The 10-year US government bonds yield keeps lowering. Right now, it is 3,13-3,14%.
The Economic News Feed for 31.10.2018:
The Consumer Price Index (EU) – 12:00 (GMT+2:00);
ADP Non-farm Employment Change (US) – 14:15 (GMT+2:00);
GDP Report (Canada) – 14:30 (GMT+2:00).
We also recommend you keep an eye on Stephen Poloz – Governor of the Bank of Canada – and his speech.