The US dollar is being traded without changes against a basket of major currencies. The dollar index (#DX) closed yesterday in the red zone (-0.19%). At the same time, optimistic economic data were published in the US yesterday. So, the number of building permits issued in November rose to 1.482M, while experts expected 1.410M. JOLTS job openings counted to 7.267M in October instead of 7.018M.
The British pound is declining relative to its main competitors due to uncertainty regarding Brexit. It became known that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson planned to introduce into the bill of Brexit agreement a provision that would limit the transition period after the country’s exit from the EU. Johnson plans to exclude the possibility of extending the Brexit transition period after 2020. This means that if the UK leaves the EU before January 31, 2020, then only 11 months will remain for the transitional period. Boris Johnson wants the UK and the EU to enter into a trade agreement during this period, but Brussels warned that it is impossible to resolve trade issues in 11 months.
The “black gold” prices have been declining after a continuous rally. Currently, futures for the WTI crude oil are testing the $60.25 mark per barrel. At 17:30 (GMT+2:00), crude oil inventories will be published.
Market Indicators
- Yesterday, there was the bullish sentiment in the US stock market: #SPY (+0.02%), #DIA (+0.12%), #QQQ (+0.06%).
- The 10-year US government bonds yield has increased slightly. At the moment, the indicator is at the level of 1.87-1.88%.
The Economic News Feed for 18.12.2019:
- German IFO business climate index at 11:00 (GMT+2:00);
- UK consumer price index at 11:30 (GMT+2:00);
- Consumer price index in the Eurozone at 12:00 (GMT+2:00);
- Inflation report in Canada at 15:30 (GMT+2:00);
- New Zealand GDP data at 23:45 (GMT+2:00).
