Global Markets:
- Asian stock markets: Nikkei down 0.10 %, Shanghai Composite lost 0.05 %, Hang Seng gained 0.35 %, ASX 200 fell 0.40 %
- Commodities: Gold at $1228 (+0.15 %), Silver at $16.35 (+0.55 %), WTI Oil at $46.50 (+0.10 %), Brent Oil at $49.50 (+0.10 %)
- Rates: US 10-year yield at 2.38, UK 10-year yield at 1.16, German 10-year yield at 0.42
News & Data
- Australia Retail Sales (MoM) Mar: -0.1% Est. (0.30%), Prior (-0.10%)
- Australia Retails Sales Ex-inflation (QoQ) Q1: 0.1% Est. (0.50%), Prior (0.90%)
- Australia ANZ Roy Morgan Weekly Consumer Confidence Index 07-May: 112.3, Prior (111.3)
- Japan Labour Cash Earnings (YoY) Mar: -0.4% Est 0.50%, Prior (0.40%)
- PBoC Fix USD/CNY at 6.9037, Yesterday At 6.9050
- Asia stocks, dollar subdued as market seeks next catalyst, oil rises – RTRS
- Oil gives up earlier gains as rising US output, China concerns weigh – RTRS
- Euro off six-month high but supported on brightening outlook in Europe – RTRS
Markets Update:
Stock markets in Asia consolidated overnight. The decline in Chinese markets halted, although they were not able to really recover. The government's efforts to reduce leverage in the country's financial system has put local stock markets under pressure.
EUR/USD retraced the post-election gains and fell to 1.0910 yesterday. In Asia, the currency regained some strength and rose to 1.0930. Solid economic data out of the Euro Zone could keep it supported in the near-term. Key support lies around 1.09, followed by 1.0870. Should EUR/USD break back above 1.0950 resistance, another test of 1.10 seems likely.
The broad Dollar strength yesterday boosted the USD/JPY. The pair rose to a high of 113.35, and while resistance proved to be tough there, it remained bid in Asia. Short-term, further gains seem likely, and the next big tech resistance level lies at 115.
The Australian Dollar is under pressure amid falling commodity prices. AUD/USD fell to a fresh multi-month low overnight and is currently testing 0.7350 support. Should it fail to hold, a decline towards 0.72 seems likely.
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