Economic Data and Central Bank Chatter Put the EUR and the Dollar in Focus

Earlier in the Day:

It was relatively busy start to the day on the economic calendar this morning. The Kiwi Dollar and the Japanese Yen were in action this morning.

For the Kiwi Dollar

Trade figures were in focus in the early hours.

In August, New Zealand’s trade deficit widened from NZ$397m to NZ$2,144m. Year-on-year, the deficit widened from NZ$1,100m to NZ$2,940m.

According to NZ Stats,

• Imports rose by NZ$1.08bn, compared with August 2020, leading to a record monthly trade deficit.
• Exports were little changed, falling by NZ$42m.
• Vehicles, parts, & accessories imports were up NZ$415m, with mechanical machinery & equipment up NZ$223m.
• Petroleum & petrol product imports increased by NZ$207m.

The Kiwi Dollar moved from $0.70713 to $0.70704 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Kiwi Dollar was up by 0.11% to $0.7077.

For the Japanese Yen

In August, core consumer prices remained unchanged in August, year-on-year, which was in line with forecasts. Core consumer prices had fallen by 0.2%, year-on-year, in July.

Of greater significance were prelim private sector PMIs.

In September, the Services PMI rose from 43.5 to 47.4, while the Manufacturing PMI declined from 52.7 to 51.2.

The Japanese Yen moved from ¥110.402 to ¥110.408 upon release of the figures. At the time of writing, the Japanese Yen was down by 0.05% to ¥109.380 against the U.S Dollar.

Elsewhere

At the time of writing, the Aussie Dollar was up by 0.23% to $0.7312.

The Day Ahead

For the EUR

It’s a quieter day ahead on the economic calendar. Business sentiment figures for Germany will be in focus in the early part of the European session.

Following the disappointing PMI numbers from Thursday, a larger than expected decline would test support for the EUR.

At the time of writing, the EUR was up by 0.07% to $1.1747.

For the Pound

It’s a particularly quiet day ahead on the economic calendar.

There are no material stats due out of the UK to provide the Pound with direction.

Following the BoE’s more hawkish stance on Thursday, risk sentiment would need to deteriorate to weaken the Pound.

At the time of writing, the Pound was up by 0.12% to $1.3736.

Across the Pond

It’s a relatively quiet day ahead. Key stats include new home sales figures, which should have a muted impact on the Dollar.

FED Chair Powell and other FOMC member are scheduled to speak later in the day, however, and could move the dial.

At the time of writing, the U.S Dollar Spot Index was down by 0.02% to $93.063.

For the Loonie

It’s a particularly quiet day ahead for the Loonie. There are no material stats due out of Canada later today.

The lack of stats will leave the Loonie in the hands of market risk sentiment and crude oil prices.

At the time of writing, the Loonie was up by 0.08% to C$1.2645 against the U.S Dollar.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.