Spreadex Market Update

Disappointing Retailer Earnings and Dollar Surge Impact Market Sentiment



The financial markets underwent a roller-coaster ride today, shifting from a positive start to a downward trajectory due to disappointing retailer earnings and an unexpected surge in the dollar. The repercussions of these events rippled through various sectors, leaving investors on edge.

 

Key Factors for Today

  • Disappointing Retailer Earnings Shake US Stock Market
  • Tech Sector Holds Steady Amidst Poor US Retail Sales
  • Euro Takes a Hit as Dollar Rises on Dismal Sentiment
  • API Reports Small Inventory Draw, WTI Oil Prices Fall
  • Yuan Fixing Gives AUDUSD a Boost Despite Major Currencies' Decline
  • Pound Drops as UK Public Finances Turn into Deficit

 

Market Movers

  • US indices faced a downturn as disappointing earnings data from key retailers and additional downgrades in US banks shocked investors, triggering a sudden shift in sentiment.
  • Safe-haven assets, including gold and the dollar, experienced a surge in demand as investors sought refuge amidst the market turmoil.
  • The tech sector remained resilient, with traders eagerly awaiting Nvdia's impending earnings announcement.
  • The Nasdaq managed to escape the prevailing pessimism, concluding the day relatively unchanged. It briefly climbed to 15,000 points before settling, igniting speculation about possible declines in upcoming sessions.

 

Economic Calendar

  • EA HCOB PMIs
  • UK S&P Global/CIPS PMIs
  • CA Retail Sales
  • US S&P Global PMIs
  • New Home Sales
  • EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change
  • BRICS Summit
  • ES Consumer Confidence

 

The Big News

 

EUR/USD Faces Headwinds Amidst Disappointing Economic Data


Amidst the flurry of market movements, the EUR/USD pair witnessed a notable decline. The disappointing news of US existing home sales falling short of expectations, coupled with a still-negative Richmond Fed manufacturing index, drove investors to seek refuge in safe-haven options. This shift in sentiment led to a remarkable rise in both gold and the dollar, with the EUR/USD rate dropping by 0.50% as bulls struggled to hold the $1.09 level.

Energy Sector Sees Volatility as WTI Oil Prices Stumble

In the energy sector, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a minor drawdown of -2.4 million barrels in inventories, aligned with market projections. Additionally, concerns surfaced regarding oil transit agreements involving Turkey and Iraq, while Egypt's announcement of a new oil discovery influenced sentiment. Despite these dynamics, WTI oil prices stumbled below the $80 per barrel mark, potentially finding support around $87.50 per barrel.

Energy Sector Sees Volatility as WTI Oil Prices Stumble

The Australian dollar defied the general downtrend among major currencies against the dollar. The People's Bank of China's (PBOC) decision to establish a firmer onshore exchange rate sparked a substantial gap between the fixing and market expectations. Consequently, the AUD/USD pair climbed to $0.6422, exhibiting resilience against the dollar's surge.

UK's Economic Landscape: Public Finances Turn to Deficit Amid Turmoil

The UK's economic landscape faced its own challenges as public finances turned to a deficit of -£7.5 billion, a significant departure from the previous surplus. Reports suggested that the Treasury allocated £14.3 billion to the Bank of England to offset bond-related losses. Meanwhile, the CBI Industrial Trends Orders fell below expectations, but the high selling prices maintained inflationary pressures. This turmoil led to a drop in the GBP/USD pair, shedding 0.18% to $1.2732.

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