Dollar Looking To Stabilise As After ISM Concern For Risk

 | Oct 02, 2019 08:16

Market Overview

The US/China trade dispute is really impacting across the major economies, driving a global slowdown. PMI data from manufacturing sectors paint a starkly gloomy picture of contraction. The question is how long, or whether at all, can the services sectors of these major economies (which still drive the bulk of economic growth) be insulated? With the supply lines negatively impacted, capex programs restricted and new order flows falling, negativity surrounding global growth prospects is growing. The US dollar took a hit yesterday as the ISM Manufacturing data hit its lowest level (47.8) since 2009. Equity markets and Treasury yields fell as investors moved back into the safety of US debt. The yen and gold also jumped. However, it is interesting that the dollar is already starting to regain ground this morning. The US position as the best economy of a bad bunch is still a key factor in the outlook for major forex pairs. It was also notable that the FOMC’s Charles Evans (mild dove) talked about setting rates potentially higher in the coming years. The recent run of dollar strength may have been hit, but trends are intact across major markets. It is worth keeping an eye on sterling volatility today as Prime Minister Johnson gives his conference speech and what is likely to amount to a final offer on an alternative to the Irish backstop is made to the EU. If rejected, it raises the prospects of a “no deal” Brexit once more.

Wall Street closed decisively lower last night on fears of economic slowdown following the ISM data. The S&P 500 was -1.2% at 2940 and whilst US futures have rebounded marginally today (by +0.2%) the move is more of a stabilisation than anything more encouraging. Asian markets slid with the Nikkei -0.5% whilst European markets are set for a continued corrective open with FTSE Futures -0.4% and DAX futures -0.3%. In forex, it seems that USD has stabilised from yesterday’s sharp reversal. It is also notable that GBP is back lower again as UK Prime Minister Johnson prepares his proposal for Brexit to the EU. In commodities the rebound on gold is threatening to roll over. Oil has rebounded again by around 1%, but time and again in recent weeks these intraday rallies have been sold into.

It is a relatively quiet day for the economic calendar today, with the UK Construction PMI first up at 0930BST. Consensus forecasts suggests a continued significant contraction of 45.0 in September (45.0 in August), but also the sector accounts for just around 7% of the UK economy, so the impact on sterling may not be all too great. Into the afternoon, the main focus will be on ADP (NASDAQ:ADP) Employment change at 1315BST. Expectations are that there will be a decline back to 140,000 (down from 195,000 in August). EIA crude oil inventories at 1530BST.

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It is also worth keeping an eye out for another Fed speaker today, with John Williams (NYSE:WMB) (voter, centrist) speaking at 1550BST. Given that Williams is a centrist, how he comes across today could be a gauge of how the FOMC may swing in the meetings to come.

Chart of the Day – AUD/JPY

A rate cut by the RBA and a risk aversion shift in the wake of the very weak ISM manufacturing data all adds up to AUD/JPY turning lower. The outlook has been deteriorating since mid-September, but with the support band 72.40/72.90 holding, the sellers needed a catalyst. That was seen in yesterday’s session, with a decisive bear candle which takes the market to a new near four week low. Closing clear of the 72.40 opens the next support band as 70.00/71.00 for the next target area. The move is being confirmed by a continuation of the momentum deterioration. RSI is falling below 40, whilst Stochastics are in bearish configuration and MACD lines are tracking lower. All of these have further downside potential and suggest that rallies are now a chance to sell. The downside break leaves 72.40/72.90 as a sell-zone whilst 73.30 is left as a key lower high. This morning’s technical rally has helped to unwind the hourly RSI back into 50/60 area where the bulls have struggled recently and looks to be an opportunity. We are eyeing a bull failure between 72.40/72.70 and a move back to test the initial support of yesterday’s low at 72.05 before 70.00/71.00.