Spreadex Market Update

Global Markets React to Shifting Trends and Key Data Releases



Global financial markets navigated through shifting trends as rising global yields weighed on equities, while key economic indicators hinted at a potential soft landing for the US economy. Notable developments included the recovery of the British Pound after dovish remarks and the surge in crude prices following Saudi Arabia's production cut announcement.

 

Key Factors for Today

  • Global Yields Rise, Exerting Pressure on Equities
  • US Data Indicates Potential Soft Landing, Influencing USD
  • British Pound Recovers from Dovish Hike Losses After Bailey's Comments
  • Crude Oil Prices Surge 2.55% due to Saudi Arabia's Production Cuts
  • RBA Trims Core Inflation Outlook, Impacting AUD/USD

 

Market Movers

  • US 10-year yield hits highest since November, impacting equities.
  • Preliminary US non-farm productivity exceeds expectations at 3.7%.
  • Labour costs rise less than anticipated at 1.6%, indicating inflation control.
  • British Pound rebounds from initial weakness after Bailey's remarks.
  • Crude oil prices surge 2.55% following Saudi Arabia's extended production cuts.
  • RBA revises core inflation outlook downward, affecting AUD/USD.

 

Economic Calendar

  • EA Retail Sales
  • CA Employment Change
  • Non-Farm Payrolls
  • Ivey PMI

 

The Big News

Global Yields Impact Equities

The relentless rise in global yields persisted, leading to a curve steepening that put pressure on equity markets worldwide. This trend was especially evident as investors cautiously gauged whether central banks' rate hikes had concluded. Notably, the benchmark US 10-year yield soared to its highest level since last November, creating an environment of uncertainty for equity investors.

US Data Hints at Soft Landing

Key US economic indicators pointed towards a potential soft landing for the US economy, alleviating concerns of runaway inflation. Preliminary data revealed non-farm productivity surpassing expectations, indicating improved efficiency. Additionally, labour costs rose at a more moderate pace than predicted, reaffirming the narrative that inflation might be coming under control. These figures collectively bolstered the case for a gentle economic deceleration, leading to a decline in bullish bets on the US Dollar (USD).

British Pound's Resilience

The British Pound initially experienced weakness following a dovish interest rate hike. However, the currency swiftly regained ground after Governor Andrew Bailey's press conference. Bailey's emphasis on concerns over services inflation fuelled expectations of another rate hike in the near future, prompting a recovery in the Pound's value. The currency managed to close flat against the USD, showcasing its resilience in the face of mixed market sentiments.

Crude Oil Rally on Saudi Cuts

Crude oil prices experienced a notable upswing, surging by 2.55%, subsequent to Saudi Arabia's announcement of extended production cuts. Despite expectations of this move, the market responded positively, particularly in the lead-up to the OPEC+ meeting. While the price rally did not fully recover losses from the previous day, it demonstrated the impact of supply-side dynamics on market sentiment, with potential price testing looming unless specific levels were breached.

RBA's Cautious Inflation Outlook

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revised its core inflation outlook in its Statement on Monetary Policy (SOMP) report. Notably, the RBA expressed the belief that the complete impact of past rate hikes was yet to unfold. While acknowledging a positive trajectory in inflation, the bank lowered its forecast for core inflation, indicating a gradual moderation. This adjustment had a relatively subdued impact on AUD/USD, with the currency pair making marginal gains amid the cautious economic outlook.

DISCLAIMER


Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 64% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. For professional clients, spread betting and CFD trading can also result in losses larger than your initial stake or deposit.

Spreadex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, provides an execution only service and does not provide advice in any way. Nothing within this update should be deemed to constitute the provision of investment advice, recommendations, any other professional advice in any way, or a record of our trading prices. This update does not constitute or form part of an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument, nor shall it or the fact of its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore. Any persons placing trades based on their interpretation of the comments or information within this update does so entirely at their own risk.

No representation, warranty, or undertaking, express or limited, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained within this update by Spreadex Ltd or any of its employees and no liability is accepted by such persons for the accuracy or completeness of any such information or opinions. As such, no reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information and opinions contained within this update.

The information contained within this update is the intellectual property of Spreadex Ltd and is protected by UK and International copyright laws. All rights reserved. Users may however freely download, distribute and reproduce extracts of the contents, subject always to accrediting Spreadex Ltd as the source and providing a hyperlink to www.spreadex.com.