US GDP Surges as Consumer Spend Big

AUD

The Aussie dollar opens this morning slightly higher across the board with the exception of the NZD. Asian Equities closed mixed with the ASX -0.6%, Shanghai Comp +0.5% and Nikkei -0.8%. Similarly, Commodities were also mixed with Crude Oil -2.4%, Natural Gas +1.5%, Gold +0.2%, Silver -0.5%, Iron Ore -0.3% and Copper flat. Not too busy on the data front locally, with only the release of the Import Prices q/q which came in better than the expect 0.2% at 0.8%. We also had RBA governor Michele Bullock says inflation is 'pretty much where we thought' but the big four banks tip November rate rise. We also had CB Leading Index m/m out of China which came in slightly better than the previous reading of -0.4% at -0.3%. Another quiet day ahead for the Aussie Dollar with only the PPI q/q to look forward to.

USD

The AUDUSD attempted to regain Wednesday's losses but was only partially successful, opening slightly higher this morning at 0.6325. US Equites were in the red on the close, with Dow Jones -0.6%, S&P 500 -1% and NASDAQ -1.7%. A fair bit of US data overnight with the highlight being Q3 GDP. The headline print rose 4.9% QoQ (est. 4.5%) with consumers and inventory building further boosting activity. However, the headwinds facing the economy (particularly in the household sector) are intensifying with economists predicting 1.5% growth in Q4. Unemployment Claims came in higher than expected at 210k (207k est.). To wrap up the week, US’s core PCE price index for September will be released and may influence expectations for monetary policy. Expectations are for an acceleration relative to the previous reading of +0.3% MoM, with this week's nominal Retail Sales figures suggesting the print is likely to be supported by goods consumption.

EUR

The AUDEUR rate creeped higher over yesterday’s session, not quiet re-capturing the 60 handle but reaching highs of 0.5999 before dropping off slightly to open this morning at 0.5988. European Equities followed the global trend to close lower with DAX -1.1% and CAC -0.4%. As expected, the ECB left their Main Refinancing Rate on hold at 4.5% last night, flagging that they see inflation staying too high for too long however are confident that the rate increases are having the desired effect. The AUDEUR was little changed after the release as it was widely expected and priced in by markets. Today we'll only see Spanish GDP figures.

GBP

The AUDGBP edged higher overnight, reaching highs of 0.5225 before dropping off to open this morning at 0.5212. Souring risk sentiment pushed British equities southwards with the FTSE losing 0.8% on the close. A quiet couple of days on the data front with only CBI Realized Sales missing expectations of -16 at -36 as well as MPC Member Cunliffe Speaking. No data until next week.

NZD

The AUDNZD opens flat this morning at 1.0865 as a lack of data spurs little movement. New Zealand’s first data release for the week will come in the form of the RBNZ Statement of Intent, this report includes the RBNZ's objectives for the next three years and the budget for the first year of that period. It provides insights into the bank's strategic priorities for the next financial year. The release is currently tentative and so may be pushed out to next week.