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Forexlive Americas FX news wrap 10 Jan: Strong US jobs sends the USD & yields higher.
- US stocks close sharply lower
- Key economic data releases next week. Earnings calendar begins.
- Crude oil settles at $76.57
- Baker Hughes oil rig count -2 at 480
- European stock markets struggle on Friday but post gains on the week
- Goldman Sachs expects Fed to cut by 50 basis points this year versus 75 bps previously
- Bank of America says it no longer expects any more Fed rate cuts
- US unveils broad sanctions on Russian oil and LNG
- Judge sentence Trump to unconditional discharge over hush money case
- Fed’s Goolsbee: Jobs report makes me more comfortable that the employment market stable
- UMich January prelim consumer sentiment 73.2 vs 73.8 expected
- What’s priced in for the Federal Reserve after non-farm payrolls
- US December non-farm payrolls +256K vs +160K expected
- Canada December employment change 90.9 vs 25.0K estimate
- ForexLive European FX news wrap: Dollar steady awaiting jobs data
The December 2024 U.S. jobs report was released at 8:30 AM ET, and showed strong job growth, with non-farm payrolls increasing by 256,000, significantly beating expectations of 160,000. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.1% (unrounded 4.0855%), lower than the expected 4.2%. The labor force participation rate held steady at 62.5%, while the broader U6 underemployment rate declined to 7.5% from 7.8%. Average hourly also rose 0.3% month-over-month (matching expectations) and 3.9% year-over-year, slightly below the forecasted 4.0%. Private payrolls added 223,000 jobs, far exceeding the expected 135,000, while manufacturing payrolls declined by 13,000 against an expected 5,000 gain. Government jobs rose by 33,000. The strong report contrasts with weaker survey data, boosting the U.S. dollar with significant gains in currency markets.
The US yields moved higher with the yield curve flattening a bit. The 2-year yield rose 12.1 basis points to 4.383%. The 10-year yield rose 8.0 basis points to 4.7613%. The 10-year yield is at its highest level since November 2023. The yield has also rose by close to 120 basis points from 3.60% to a high of 4.788% today. During that time the Fed cut rates by 100 basis points.
Later, the University of Michigan sentiment index came in and 73.2 down from 74.0 last. Over the when year and five-year inflation expectations both rose to 3.3% from 2.9% and 3.1% respectively. That added another level of negativity to the US stock market which was already moving lower after its day of mourning for former Pres. Carter.
The major indices will close sharply lower led by the Russell 2000 which fell by -2.22%. The tech-heavy NASDAQ index was also under pressure falling by -317.25 points or -1.63%. The good news is at session lows the index is down -460 points. It could’ve been worse.
The Dow industrial average fell by nearly -700 points or -1.63% and the S&P 500 index fell by -91.21 points or -1.54%.
In the forex market, the dollar was mostly higher (it fell versus the JPY). A snapshot of the major currency chan throughges vs the US shows:
- EUR: +0.52%
- JPY: -0.27%
- GBP: + 0.78%
- CHF: +0.48%
- CAD: +0.25%
- AUD: +0.84%
- NZD: +0.80%
The AUDUSD fell to its lowest level since April 2020. The NZDUSD fell to its lowest level since October 2022.
The USDs gain vs the CAD was moderated (+0.25%) as Canada also released strong employment data with the employment change of 90.9K and the unemployment rate falling to 6.7% from 6.8% last month
Fed’s Goolsbee tried to bring positive to the market reaction.Goolsbee expressed optimism about the stability of the employment market following the latest jobs report, noting strong private-sector retail hiring while questioning if it indicates robust consumer activity or a one-off trend.
Speaking on CNBC, he stated that the labor market is not driving inflation, with the inflation rate at 1.9% annualized over the past six months. Goolsbee attributed the rise in long-term rates to higher-than-expected growth and a slower anticipated pace of Fed rate cuts but projected significantly lower rates in 12-18 months if expectations hold. He emphasized recent progress in curbing inflation despite high annual rates reflecting last year’s spike and stressed the importance of monitoring productivity numbers.
Meanwhile Bank of America says that it no longer expect any more rate cuts in 2025. Goldman Sachs trimmed their forecast to raise 50 basis points in 2025 for -75 basis points.
The probabilities for end-of-the-year are showing a 28% chance of no change a 40% chance of 25 basis points in a 23.5% chance of 50 basis points of cuts.
Next week US CPI data will be scrutinized for a pickup in inflation. Corporate earnings also start to be released by the traditional financials.
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.
US stocks close sharply lower
A snapshot of the closing levels shows:
- Dow industrial average -696.75 points or -1.63% at 41938.45
- S&P index -91.21 point to rise 1.54% at 5827.04
- NASDAQ index -317.25 points or -1.63% at 19161.63
- Russell 2000 – 41.73 points or -2.22% at 2189.23.
For the trading week, the major indices are closing lower. The first trading week of the year was also lower.
- Dow industrial average -1.86%
- S&P index -1.94%
- NASDAQ index -2.34%
- Russell 2000 -3.49%
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.
Key economic data releases next week. Earnings calendar begins.
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Monday, January 13th
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China: New Loans: 890B (previous: 580B)
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Tuesday, January 14th
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United States: Core PPI m/m: 0.2% (previous: 0.2%)
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United States: PPI m/m: 0.4% (previous: 0.4%)
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Wednesday, January 15th
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UK: CPI y/y: 2.6% (previous: 2.6%)
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United States: Core CPI m/m: 0.2% (previous: 0.3%)
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United States: CPI m/m: 0.3% (previous: 0.3%)
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United States: CPI y/y: 2.9% (previous: 2.7%)
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United States: Empire State Manufacturing Index: -0.3 (previous: 0.2)
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Thursday, January 16th
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Australia Employment Change: 14.5K (previous: 35.6K)
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Australia: Employment Change: 4.0% (previous: 3.9%)
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UK GDP MoM: 0.2% (previous: -0.1%)
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United States: Core Retail Sales m/m: 0.5% (previous: 0.2%)
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United States: Unemployment Claims: 210K (previous: 201K
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United States: Philly Fed Manufacturing Index: -7.0 (previous: -16.4)
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Friday, January 17th
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China: GDP q/y: 5.0% (previous: 4.6%)
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China: Industrial Production y/y: 5.4% (previous: 5.4%)
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China: Retail Sales y/y: 3.5% (previous: 3.0%)
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UK Retail Sales 0.4% (previous 0.2%)
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United States: Building Permits: 1.46M (previous: 1.49M)
In addition to the above, the earnings calendar restarts (they should require all companies announce earnings in the same week)
Wednesday
CitibanKWells FargoBlack RockBank New York
Thursday:
TSMCUnitedHealthGoldman SachsBank of AmericaMorgan StanleyUS BancorpPNC
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.
Crude oil settles at $76.57
New U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports helped to contribute to the rise. The Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, their subsidiaries, over 180 vessels, oil traders, oilfield service providers, and energy officials to curb Russia’s revenue used to fund the war in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the move as a significant escalation in sanctions on Russia’s oil trade.
The sanctions, coupled with OPEC+ production cuts, high winter demand, and supply disruptions, could tighten global oil markets further.
Additionally, a major Chinese port’s ban on sanctioned tankers from Russia and Iran could drive China to seek alternative crude sources, adding pressure to global supply chains.
Technically, the price moved above the 200 day MA at $75.14. That was the first break of the key MA since October 8, when the price broke above, but closed back below the MA level turning buyers back to sellers. Today, the price is cloing comfortably above the MA. However, a move back below would disappoint the buyers once again.
On the topside, the price moved up to test a trend line at $77.56. The high price reached $77.80 but rotated back lower. The 50% midpoint of the range for 2024 comes in at $76.44. The price is closing just above that level (bullish).
Buyers are more in control.
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.