French industrial production unexpectedly declined in December as demand for manufactured goods remained weak after the economy emerged from a recession. Output at factories and utilities fell 0.1 percent from November when it increased a revised 0.6 percent, about half the rate originally reported, Insee, the Paris-based statistics office, said today. The median forecast of 10 economists was a 0.5 percent increase. France’s economy emerged from the recession in the second quarter, helped by government incentives for purchases of cars and other stimulus measures. The stimulus measures are being withdrawn this year and that may hurt demand at a time of rising unemployment. Read full story here...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
News about the french
Monday, December 14, 2009
THEMES TO WATCH
Weekly report by Action forex
Dollar and yen benefited from European sovereign credit concerns last week and strengthened broadly. While we're not seeing decisive buying in then to push it through near term high against major currencies, dollar was additionally supported by solid data from US and break important near term resistance levels against Euro, Swissy and Sterling. The additional strength in the greenback can also be attributed to deeper fall in crude oil and gold last week which had them closed below 70 and 1120 level respectively. Aussie and Kiwi were relatively much more resilient in the wave of dollar buying. The Australian dollar was lifted by an unexpectedly strong employment report as well as solid data from China. Meanwhile, Kiwi benefited from RBNZ's shift of tone in its statement. After all, we believe that the case of medium term reversal in dollar continued to build up and some more strength in the greenback is anticipated in near term at least.
The worry of Dubai default was passed to concern on European debts last week. Fitch cut Greece's sovereign rating to BBB+ while S&P also put its A- rating on watch for downgrade. S&P also moved Spain's credit outlook to negative even though the rating was affirmed. There was a potential risk of downgrade on UK too but sterling somewhat stabilized against Euro after Moody's said ratings of Britain is not under threat of a downgrade right now. Euro and Swissy were the worst performer last week.
Fed Chairman Bernanke triggeredd to talk down the speculations of Fed hike last week and reiterated that Fed will keep rates low at an "extended period". He said that the US economy may face "formidable headwinds" and inflation might subside while joblessness may fall at a pace that’s "slower than we would like." Nevertheless, markets continued to respond positive to US data and sent the greenback higher. Among the data from US, retail sales was exceptionally strong which rose 1.3% in November with ex-auto sales rose 1.2%. U of michigan consumer sentiment also beat expectation by rising to 73.4 in December.
Four central banks met last week, BoC, RBNZ, SNB and BoE. Rates were all left unchanged. Not special reactions were seen from the markets except RBNZ which turned a bit more hawkish and suggests that rate hike could be coming in earlier than previously expected. BoC reiterated its conditional commitment to keep rates unchanged till Q2 of 2010. SNB announced to purchases of corporate bonds. BoE left asset purchase target unchanged too.
In the pre-budget release, UK Chancellor of Exchequer Darling admitted that UK's recession was worse than expected by remained optimistic that UK economy will recover from recession next year as stimulus measures take hold. He expects growth to be between 1% and 1.5% in 2010, no change from March forecast. Regarding borrowing Darling lifted forecasts net borrow by just GBP 4b to GBP 707b by the 2013 financial year. But he remained optimistic that deficit will be halved over the next four years in an "orderly way".
Looking at the charts, dollar index surged sharply to as high as 76.73 last week and is set to taken on 76.82 resistance. We'd anticipate a break there as equivalent levels in EUR/USD and USD/CHF were broken already. The sustained trading above 55 days EMA affirmed the case that the index has bottomed out in medium term at 74.19 already, on bullish convergence condition in daily MACD, after hitting 74.31 support. Decisive break of 76.82 will confirm the case that medium term fall from 89.62 has completed. The least bullish scenario will bring a correction to such medium term fall from 89.62 and target 38.2% retracement of 89.62 to 74.19 at 80.08. The most bullish is that whole three wave consolidations from 88.46 has completed at 74.19 too (77.69, 89.62, 74.19) and we'd be looking at the prospect of a rest of 89.62 high. It's still early to favor either case yet and we'd pay attention to the strength of the current rise from 74.19, as well as the ability to sustain above 55 weeks EMA (now at 78.94) for indications.
Looking at other markets, crude oil's sharp fall last week and sustained trading below the 55 days EMA affirm the case that medium term rebound from 33.2 has completed at 82.0 already, on bearish divergence condition in daily MACD. We'd expect further decline towards 58.32 cluster support (50% retracement of 33.2 to 82.0 at 57.6) in medium term and that should provide additional support to dollar. Such bearish view will remain as long as 79.04 resistance holds.
Gold's sharp fall from 1227.5 extended further last week and the precious metal closed below 1120 level at 1119.9. The rise from 931.3 should have made a top at 1227.5 already and correction from there is set to extend further as long as 1170.2 resistance holds. Nevertheless, strong support is expected at 1026.9/1072 support zone to bring rebound. Hence, short term bearishness in gold should provide some support to the rebound in greenback. However, the longer term fate of dollar will likely depend on whether gold would receive strong support at mentioned 1026.9/1072 support zone.
As noted before, while European currencies are generally weak, AUD and NZD are relatively resilient so far. Comparing the two, NZD seems to be even stronger. Last week's sharp fall in AUD/NZD confirmed that rise fro 1.1925 has completed at 1.2836 already, on mild bearish divergence conditions in daily MACD and RSI. We'd anticipate deeper fall in the cross to 61.8% retracement of 1.1925 to 1.2836 at 1.2273 and possibly below. In other words, we'd expect Kiwi to outperform the Aussie in near term.
The worry of Dubai default was passed to concern on European debts last week. Fitch cut Greece's sovereign rating to BBB+ while S&P also put its A- rating on watch for downgrade. S&P also moved Spain's credit outlook to negative even though the rating was affirmed. There was a potential risk of downgrade on UK too but sterling somewhat stabilized against Euro after Moody's said ratings of Britain is not under threat of a downgrade right now. Euro and Swissy were the worst performer last week.
Fed Chairman Bernanke triggeredd to talk down the speculations of Fed hike last week and reiterated that Fed will keep rates low at an "extended period". He said that the US economy may face "formidable headwinds" and inflation might subside while joblessness may fall at a pace that’s "slower than we would like." Nevertheless, markets continued to respond positive to US data and sent the greenback higher. Among the data from US, retail sales was exceptionally strong which rose 1.3% in November with ex-auto sales rose 1.2%. U of michigan consumer sentiment also beat expectation by rising to 73.4 in December.
Four central banks met last week, BoC, RBNZ, SNB and BoE. Rates were all left unchanged. Not special reactions were seen from the markets except RBNZ which turned a bit more hawkish and suggests that rate hike could be coming in earlier than previously expected. BoC reiterated its conditional commitment to keep rates unchanged till Q2 of 2010. SNB announced to purchases of corporate bonds. BoE left asset purchase target unchanged too.
In the pre-budget release, UK Chancellor of Exchequer Darling admitted that UK's recession was worse than expected by remained optimistic that UK economy will recover from recession next year as stimulus measures take hold. He expects growth to be between 1% and 1.5% in 2010, no change from March forecast. Regarding borrowing Darling lifted forecasts net borrow by just GBP 4b to GBP 707b by the 2013 financial year. But he remained optimistic that deficit will be halved over the next four years in an "orderly way".
Looking at the charts, dollar index surged sharply to as high as 76.73 last week and is set to taken on 76.82 resistance. We'd anticipate a break there as equivalent levels in EUR/USD and USD/CHF were broken already. The sustained trading above 55 days EMA affirmed the case that the index has bottomed out in medium term at 74.19 already, on bullish convergence condition in daily MACD, after hitting 74.31 support. Decisive break of 76.82 will confirm the case that medium term fall from 89.62 has completed. The least bullish scenario will bring a correction to such medium term fall from 89.62 and target 38.2% retracement of 89.62 to 74.19 at 80.08. The most bullish is that whole three wave consolidations from 88.46 has completed at 74.19 too (77.69, 89.62, 74.19) and we'd be looking at the prospect of a rest of 89.62 high. It's still early to favor either case yet and we'd pay attention to the strength of the current rise from 74.19, as well as the ability to sustain above 55 weeks EMA (now at 78.94) for indications.
Daliy report from daliy report
Dollar pares some recent gains on news that Abu Dhabi is providing $10b to help Dubai World to meet it's obligations. Dubai will use $4.1b to repay an Islamic bond maturing today for Nakhell PJSC, its real-estate unit. The rest of the money will be used to pay trade creditors, contractors, interest expenses and be the working capital through April 2010. The news came in as a relief for the market and sent stocks higher.
Japanese yen trades higher today after release of better than expected quarterly tankan survey. The large manufacturers index improved from -33 to -24 in Q4 while the non-manufacturing index rose from -24 to -22. Both were above expectation of -26 and -23 respectively. However, the outlook of capex is bleak as large manufacturers said they'll lower their spending by -28.2% in the fiscal year to March 2010, the biggest drop on record while all large firms plan to cut spending by -13.8%.
According to BoE's Quarterly Bulletin, Chief Economist Spencer Dale said that "employment to date has not fallen by as much as we might have feared given the falls in output." "A substantial element of the workforce appears to have been able to protect their jobs by accepting slower wage growth." "Despite the severe recession, the proportion of households who reported difficulties keeping up with bills and credit commitments had fallen slightly."
Looking at the dollar index, it's retreats mildly ahead of 76.82 resistance and some sideway trading might be seen today. But after all, short term outlook will remain bullish as long as 75.83 support holds. Rise from 74.19 is still expected to continue for 76.82 resistance. Break there will confirm that the index has bottomed out in medium term already. In such case, we'll be looking at a strong rebound to 38.2% retracement of 89.62 to 74.19 at 80.08, as a correction to fall from 89.62, in the least bullish scenario.
Japanese yen trades higher today after release of better than expected quarterly tankan survey. The large manufacturers index improved from -33 to -24 in Q4 while the non-manufacturing index rose from -24 to -22. Both were above expectation of -26 and -23 respectively. However, the outlook of capex is bleak as large manufacturers said they'll lower their spending by -28.2% in the fiscal year to March 2010, the biggest drop on record while all large firms plan to cut spending by -13.8%.
According to BoE's Quarterly Bulletin, Chief Economist Spencer Dale said that "employment to date has not fallen by as much as we might have feared given the falls in output." "A substantial element of the workforce appears to have been able to protect their jobs by accepting slower wage growth." "Despite the severe recession, the proportion of households who reported difficulties keeping up with bills and credit commitments had fallen slightly."
Looking at the dollar index, it's retreats mildly ahead of 76.82 resistance and some sideway trading might be seen today. But after all, short term outlook will remain bullish as long as 75.83 support holds. Rise from 74.19 is still expected to continue for 76.82 resistance. Break there will confirm that the index has bottomed out in medium term already. In such case, we'll be looking at a strong rebound to 38.2% retracement of 89.62 to 74.19 at 80.08, as a correction to fall from 89.62, in the least bullish scenario.
Pounds go low
The U.K. economy is being one of the slowest to recover from the global slump that started in the second semester last year, and as economies recover globally faster than in the British Isles, the pound may decline further versus the euro and the dollar.
After posting the fourth consecutive weekly decline versus the greenback, the outlook for the British currency remains rather unattractive, as forecasts suggest a higher than previously expected budget deficit for the following years in the U.K., forcing the currency down versus most of the 6 majors traded inforeign-exchange markets. The Federal Reserve is likely to increase borrowing costs in the world’s wealthiest nation as several reports coming from different sectors of the economy indicate a rebound that would make possible earlier than expected increases in interest rates, affecting positively the dollar in currency markets, which is likely to climb further versus the pound.
Even if the Moody’s Investors Service affirmed last week that it will not downgrade the U.K.’s top credit rating, investors are not confident that the British economy will provide better data which could stop a losing streak set for the sterling for the upcoming weeks.
GBP/USD closed the week at 1.6251 from an opening rate of 1.6484 in the beginning of the week.
After posting the fourth consecutive weekly decline versus the greenback, the outlook for the British currency remains rather unattractive, as forecasts suggest a higher than previously expected budget deficit for the following years in the U.K., forcing the currency down versus most of the 6 majors traded in
Even if the Moody’s Investors Service affirmed last week that it will not downgrade the U.K.’s top credit rating, investors are not confident that the British economy will provide better data which could stop a losing streak set for the sterling for the upcoming weeks.
GBP/USD closed the week at 1.6251 from an opening rate of 1.6484 in the beginning of the week.
Dollar news
The dollar ended this week with the highest rate versus the European common currency after positive reports in the U.S. suggested that the North American economy’s pace of recovery is accelerating, attracting investors to dollar priced assets.
After a report indicating better than expected figures for retail sales and an increase in consumer sentiment were published in the United States, the dollar gained versus most of the 16 main traded currencies reverting a losing streak this week that set it to the lowest level in 2009 in the beginning of December. The New Zealand dollar was one of the very few currencies that found support to gain versus the greenback as the South Pacific nation is likely to start a series of interest rates hikes as suggested by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which would be following its neighboring Australia, the first wealthy nation to raise borrowing costs after the global slump.
A part of analysts affirm that the dollar bearish days are over, as positive reports are likely to continue to be published which will lead the Federal Reserve to raise borrowing costs sooner than previously expected, causing a massive capital inflow to the U.S. and recovering the greenback’s attractiveness inforeign-exchange markets.
EUR/USD closed the week at 1.4611 as of 15:43 GMT from a previous rate of 1.4733 on Thursday. GBP/USD traded at 1.6260 from
If you want to comment on the U.S. dollar’s recent action or have any questions regarding this currency, please, feel free to reply below.
After a report indicating better than expected figures for retail sales and an increase in consumer sentiment were published in the United States, the dollar gained versus most of the 16 main traded currencies reverting a losing streak this week that set it to the lowest level in 2009 in the beginning of December. The New Zealand dollar was one of the very few currencies that found support to gain versus the greenback as the South Pacific nation is likely to start a series of interest rates hikes as suggested by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which would be following its neighboring Australia, the first wealthy nation to raise borrowing costs after the global slump.
A part of analysts affirm that the dollar bearish days are over, as positive reports are likely to continue to be published which will lead the Federal Reserve to raise borrowing costs sooner than previously expected, causing a massive capital inflow to the U.S. and recovering the greenback’s attractiveness in
EUR/USD closed the week at 1.4611 as of 15:43 GMT from a previous rate of 1.4733 on Thursday. GBP/USD traded at 1.6260 from
If you want to comment on the U.S. dollar’s recent action or have any questions regarding this currency, please, feel free to reply below.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
More Euro News from forex profesionals by dailyfx
There are more than a few concerns for fundamental euro traders in the days ahead. Where just a few months ago, the single currency was considered among the best speculatively positioned economies given its optimistic outlook for growth and hawkish bearings; we now see the euro struggling to find its place in a broad spectrum of relative risk and safety.
Euro: Will Risk Appetite Hold EURUSD Up or Will the ECB Ease a Break?
Fundamental Forecast for Euro: Neutral
Just this past week, the EU completed a five-month long stress test of its financial markets; and according to policy officials, the results are promising. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet required the evaluation of the banking system be put up against an “adverse” scenario. In the end, none of those institutions surveyed were expected to see their tier one capital ratios fall below 6 percent (the Basel minimum is 4 percent) even in the worst of conditions. However, skepticism is likely to develop just as surely as it did after the US test. It is reasonable to question why there were only 22 banks for such a broad region and what the methodology they measure risk; but the real concern Is in the 400 billion euros of additional losses the market could sustain under the most extreme conditions. We have already seen 489 billion n losses so far; but other outfits have suggested the region could see far more ahead with the IMF suggesting European banks have disclosed only 40 percent of their losses.
In the near-term, the outlook for growth and interest rates will take center stage. The World Economic Outlook has upgraded its outlook for expansion for the union with 0.3 percent expansion expected in 2010 and a more restrained (than previously expected) 4.2 percent contraction for the currency year. That a sluggish pace when compared to the 1.3 percent growth expected from the US or 2.7 percent positive turn for Japan. These are forecasts that are certainly weighing on the euro now; but data can quickly eat into this discounted scenario. It is worth mentioning that the timely, September PMI composite indicator has reported expansion for two months (after deteriorating since June of 2008). Maintaining the pace of production after inventories build up and facilitating consumer spending will be the keys to sustainable growth. Yet, officials are also looking for a crutch for recovery in a unified “strong dollar” position that could bolster export revenue. In a recent address, Trichet stated blatantly that a healthy greenback was “extremely important.” This can be interpreted indirectly that he is very concerned about the high level of his own currency.
Where growth goes, interest rates will follow; but at this pace, it seems like the hawkish turn from the ECB will be far down the line. Yet, with the market being told that the benchmark will be held well into next year, we have the makings for speculation to gauge the likelihood that we will in fact see a move sooner. Overnight index swaps measured by Credit Suisse price in no chance of a rate hike on Thursday – not a surprise. At the same time, there is a total of 82.8 basis points of firming priced in over the coming year. With the central bank already announcing it was culling its unlimited fund auctions, we already have the first steps towards hikes. This is a policy body that won’t be able to telegraph its intentions to hike with a preceding trimming of abnormal monetary stimulus (like the UK cutting its bond fund); but they will try to be as transparent as possible. And, that is why we will have to absorb everything said after this week’s rate decision. – JK
Written by: John Kicklighter, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com
Euro: Will Risk Appetite Hold EURUSD Up or Will the ECB Ease a Break?
Fundamental Forecast for Euro: Neutral
- EU receives the results of its own financial stress test and the prognosis is promising
- Euro Zone Unemployment is now at a 10-year high of 9.6%
- German and regional inflation gauges still pitched into negative territory
There are more than a few concerns for fundamental euro traders in the days ahead. Where just a few months ago, the single currency was considered among the best speculatively positioned economies given its optimistic outlook for growth and hawkish bearings; we now see the euro struggling to find its place in a broad spectrum of relative risk and safety. In the normal scale of yield and risk, the euro stands just in the middle of the spectrum which leaves it to be jostled by speculative winds that find greater response from high yield (Aussie dollar) and struggling funding currencies (the US dollar). However, speculation is ever active; and some long-term considerations are starting to come to term. Among the most pressing concerns is the pace Euro Zone’s recover (especially in comparisons to that of the US) and the lingering potential for financial instability. - Euro Zone Unemployment is now at a 10-year high of 9.6%
- German and regional inflation gauges still pitched into negative territory
Just this past week, the EU completed a five-month long stress test of its financial markets; and according to policy officials, the results are promising. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet required the evaluation of the banking system be put up against an “adverse” scenario. In the end, none of those institutions surveyed were expected to see their tier one capital ratios fall below 6 percent (the Basel minimum is 4 percent) even in the worst of conditions. However, skepticism is likely to develop just as surely as it did after the US test. It is reasonable to question why there were only 22 banks for such a broad region and what the methodology they measure risk; but the real concern Is in the 400 billion euros of additional losses the market could sustain under the most extreme conditions. We have already seen 489 billion n losses so far; but other outfits have suggested the region could see far more ahead with the IMF suggesting European banks have disclosed only 40 percent of their losses.
In the near-term, the outlook for growth and interest rates will take center stage. The World Economic Outlook has upgraded its outlook for expansion for the union with 0.3 percent expansion expected in 2010 and a more restrained (than previously expected) 4.2 percent contraction for the currency year. That a sluggish pace when compared to the 1.3 percent growth expected from the US or 2.7 percent positive turn for Japan. These are forecasts that are certainly weighing on the euro now; but data can quickly eat into this discounted scenario. It is worth mentioning that the timely, September PMI composite indicator has reported expansion for two months (after deteriorating since June of 2008). Maintaining the pace of production after inventories build up and facilitating consumer spending will be the keys to sustainable growth. Yet, officials are also looking for a crutch for recovery in a unified “strong dollar” position that could bolster export revenue. In a recent address, Trichet stated blatantly that a healthy greenback was “extremely important.” This can be interpreted indirectly that he is very concerned about the high level of his own currency.
Where growth goes, interest rates will follow; but at this pace, it seems like the hawkish turn from the ECB will be far down the line. Yet, with the market being told that the benchmark will be held well into next year, we have the makings for speculation to gauge the likelihood that we will in fact see a move sooner. Overnight index swaps measured by Credit Suisse price in no chance of a rate hike on Thursday – not a surprise. At the same time, there is a total of 82.8 basis points of firming priced in over the coming year. With the central bank already announcing it was culling its unlimited fund auctions, we already have the first steps towards hikes. This is a policy body that won’t be able to telegraph its intentions to hike with a preceding trimming of abnormal monetary stimulus (like the UK cutting its bond fund); but they will try to be as transparent as possible. And, that is why we will have to absorb everything said after this week’s rate decision. – JK
Written by: John Kicklighter, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com
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