Last week the USD strengthened against the basket of major currencies again. The USD index (#DX) closed in the green (+0.39%) and updated the annual maximums. On Friday an array of positive economic reports was published in the US. The amount of retail sales grew by 0.2% in November while the experts expected +0.1%. At the same time, the basis index of retail sales fulfilled the expectations exactly, increasing by 0.2%.
The EUR is under pressure due to weak business activity reports in Germany and the EU. This week Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan will have meetings. More than 75% of financial market participants expect the US Central Bank to increased the key interest range by 25 basis points to 2.25-2.50%. The investors will be keeping an eye on the comments and the rhetorics of the Federal Reserve representatives regarding the monetary policy. Experts forecast that the Bank of England and Bank of Japan will keep the basis parameters of monetary policy at the same level. Check out the EU news feed and act accordingly.
Prices of oil are consolidating. The WTI futures are testing the 51.50 USD/barrel mark.
Market Indicators
- On Friday the US stock market saw aggressive sales: #SPY (-1,85%), #DIA (-1,97%), #QQQ (-2,43%).
- The US Treasury 10-year bonds yield is at 2,88-2,89%.
The Economic News Feed for 17.12.2018:
- Customer Price Index (EU) – 12:00 (GMT+2:00).
