Greenback Supported as US Economy Surges

AUD

The Aussie Dollar opens lower against the majors with concerns mounting on China’s economic outlook and the decline in global risk sentiment. Yesterday’s China’s CB Leading Index m/m reached 5-month lows, falling from the previous -0.5% to -0.7%. Asian equities closed weaker across the board following a broader risk-off move. The Nikkei tumbled -0.3%, Hang Seng -1.8%, Shenzhen -0.6%. The ASX slid -1.3% dragged by info tech and consumer discretionary. Commodities were mixed with Iron Ore at 2.5%, Crude oil 0.8%, Copper 0.1%, Gold flat, Silver - 0.2% and Natural Gas finishing up at -2.1%. No news for the rest of the day. The focus will be on next week Wednesday Australia's quarterly inflation report and China's PMIs set for release.
 

USD

AUDUSD hit highs of 0.6570 overnight before opening lower at 0.6536, continuing the recent descent with the ongoing political uncertainty in the US. A mixed session on Wall St saw the Nasdaq close -1%, the S&P 500 - 0.6%, while the Dow Jones gained 0.2%. Economists anticipated lackluster economic growth in the US over the last quarter, however, last night's GDP figures showed growth surged, a sign of the still-resilient US economy. The headline figure printed at +2.8% q/q, far exceeding expectations of +2.0%, yet failed to dent the market's faith in imminent Fed rate cuts. The main event for the week is tonight's Core PCE Price Index which is expected to suggest ongoing disinflation in the US. Economists expect the Core figure (which excludes volatile food and energy prices) to have risen +0.1% in June for the send straight month, which would bring the 3-month annualised rate to the slowest pace so far this year. As with all Core PCE data events, any release outside expectations could potentially bring significant volatility to currency markets.
 

EUR

AUDEUR overnight hit 0.6036 overnight and then continued its descent to 0.6025 this morning, given ongoing AUD weakness. Eurozone’s June M3 Money Supply surprised at 2.2% (exp. 1.9%) while Germany’s IFO Business Climate July read 87.0 short of 89.0 forecasts. Euro equities also underperformed with the CAC -1.7% and Dax -1.2%. Tonight, we have the Spanish Unemployment Rate expected to decrease to 11.4% (prev. 12.3%). Overall, it's been a quiet week for the Eurozone.
 

GBP

AUDGBP opens lower at 0.5082 after hitting 0.5092 overnight, with the weakening AUD. UK equities finished in the red with the FTSE -0.9%. Today, we see the commencement of Day 1 for the G20 meeting, potentially impacting the outlook for near-term UK monetary policy decisions.
 

NZD

AUDNZD opens flat at 1.1106 this morning with no news announced yesterday. Building Consents m/m and ANZ Business Confidence to be released next week Wednesday.