Data released from the US are generally positive.
Manufacturing PMI rose to 56.5 in April, up from 55.6 and beat expectation of 55.2. Services PMI rose to 54.4, up from 54.0 and beat expectation of 54.1. Composite PMI rose to 54.8, up from 54.2.
![](https://www.actionforex.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/afc2018042305.gif)
Comments from Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit:
“The US economy picked up pace again at the start of the second quarter. The April PMI surveys registered the second-strongest monthly expansion since last October. Manufacturing is leading the upturn, with factories reporting the strongest output gains for 15 months, and the vast service sector is enjoying a steady, robust expansion.
“After a relatively disappointing start to the year, the second quarter should prove a lot more encouraging. The current data point to an annualized GDP growth rate of 2.5%, with scope for some substantial upside surprises in coming months.
“First, growth in new orders accelerated to show the largest surge in demand for goods and services for just over three years. Second, companies’ expectations of growth over the coming year jumped to a three-year high. Third, hiring remains robust as firms struggle to cope with demand. The surveys point to non-farm payroll growth of approximately 200,000 in April.
“The details of the survey therefore suggest that output growth is on course to accelerate as we move into the summer. Prices are meanwhile being pulled upwards by the strength of the upturn, however, sending hawkish signals for policy makers.”
Also from the US, existing home sale rose to 5.60m annualized rate in March, above expectation of 5.55m.
EUR/CHF heading back to 1.2, after drawing support from 4H 55 EMA
EUR/CHF rebounds strongly in early US session. That’s primarily driven by selloff in “safe-haven” currencies as the movements in CHF and JPY are in sync. At the same time, EUR is extending consolidation against USD.
Technically, EUR/CHF’s pull back from 1.2004 was held comfortably above 4 hour 55 EMA. That suggests near term bullish momentum remains intact. And the cross could break 1.2 handle, on its second attempt on one take. (Well yes, it’s actually the second take). With that, we’ll be looking at 61.8% projection of 1.0629 to 1.1832 from 1.1445 at 1.2188 as next target.
Action bias table also support this view. As seen in D action bias chart, EUR/CHF is maintain solid upside action bias. The neural and two red bars indicated consolidation. And H action bias turned blue again, suggesting pick up in upside bias.