The GBP/USD surges 0.42% on Tuesday as the latest US jobs report revealed the labor mark weakness, while Retail Sales were unexpectedly unchanged from September figures, an indication of consumers’ resilience. At the time of writing, the GBP/USD trades at 1.3432 after reaching a daily low of 1.3355.
The Euro (EUR) edges higher against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday after brief two-way volatility as traders digested the delayed US labour market and consumer spending data.
United States Business Inventories in line with expectations (0.2%) in September
The business activity in the United States' (US) private sector continued to expand in December, albeit at a softer pace than it did in November, with the S&P Global Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) declining to 53 from 54.2.
United States S&P Global Manufacturing PMI came in at 51.8 below forecasts (52) in December
United States S&P Global Services PMI registered at 52.9, below expectations (54.1) in December
United States S&P Global Composite PMI down to 53 in December from previous 54.2
New Zealand GDT Price Index dipped from previous -4.3% to -4.4%
Retail Sales in the United States were virtually unchanged at $732.6 billion in October, the US Census Bureau reported on Tuesday. This print followed the 0.1% increase (revised from 0.3%) recorded in September and came in below the market expectation of +0.1%.
United States Redbook Index (YoY) rose from previous 5.7% to 6.2% in December 12
United States Average Hourly Earnings (YoY) fell from previous 3.8% to 3.7% in October
United States Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) up to 0.4% in October from previous 0.2%
United States Average Weekly Hours: 34.2 (October)
United States Average Hourly Earnings (YoY) declined to 3.5% in October from previous 3.8%
United States Nonfarm Payrolls: -105K (October) vs previous 119K
United States Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) down to 0.1% in October from previous 0.2%
United States Average Weekly Hours: 34.3 (October) vs 34.2
United States Retail Sales (MoM) came in at 0%, below expectations (0.1%) in October
United States Retail Sales (YoY): 3.5% (October) vs previous 4.3%
United States Nonfarm Payrolls down to 64K in October from previous 119K
United States U6 Underemployment Rate down to -5% in November from previous 8%
United States Average Weekly Hours above forecasts (34.2) in November: Actual (34.3)
United States U6 Underemployment Rate: 8.7% (November) vs 8%
United States Retail Sales Control Group came in at 0.8%, above expectations (0.3%) in October
United States Nonfarm Payrolls registered at 64K above expectations (50K) in November
United States Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) came in at 0.1%, below expectations (0.3%) in November
United States Retail Sales ex Autos (MoM) registered at 0.4% above expectations (0.3%) in October
United States Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.5% (November) vs 62.4%
United States Unemployment Rate above expectations (4.4%) in November: Actual (4.6%)
The Euro (EUR) weakens against the British Pound (GBP) on Tuesday, as Sterling outperforms most major peers following the release of UK labour market data. At the time of writing, EUR/GBP trades around 0.8763, down nearly 0.25% on the day, snapping a three-day winning streak.
United States ADP Employment Change 4-week average: 16.25K (November 29) vs 4.75K
Russia’s top Palladium producer expects a notable supply deficit for Platinum in 2025, while Palladium remains mostly balanced, highlighting diverging market views compared with the World Platinum Investment Council’s forecasts, Commerzbank's commodity analyst Carsten Fritsch notes.
Platinum and Palladium prices rose sharply this week, driven by record-high Silver and Gold levels and prospects of increased demand from the European automotive sector following indications of a softer 2035 combustion engine ban, Commerzbank's commodity analyst Carsten Fritsch notes.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) gained against most major currencies as markets anticipate the Bank of Japan’s first rate hike since January, with PMI data showing modest growth and investors looking for clues on the central bank’s policy normalization path, BBH FX analysts report.
Gold dipped below $4,300 per ounce as investors awaited today’s US labor market data, with weaker-than-expected figures likely to support prices, while stronger results could trigger volatility by shifting Fed policy expectations, Commerzbank's Head of FX and Commodity Research Thu Lan Nguyen notes.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) outperformed as UK labor market conditions eased and the December PMI signaled firmer private sector growth, while markets fully priced in an upcoming Bank of England rate cut, BBH FX analysts report.
China imported far more Crude than needed in November, adding to strategic reserves and helping prevent a sharper drop in global Oil prices, though the sustainability of this trend remains uncertain, Commerzbank's FX analyst Michael Pfister notes.
EUR/USD is trading near its highest level since October 1 as Eurozone PMI data showed a modest slowdown, while German ZEW expectations improved sharply.
China’s refineries processed 60.83 million tons of Crude Oil in November, up 4% from a year ago but slightly below October’s daily rate. Stronger output at independent refineries offset slower production at state-owned facilities due to maintenance.
US Dollar (USD) is trading heavy near the middle of its June-December range. USD is set for a choppy trading day as key US data hit the wire. US November nonfarm payrolls (NFP) comes today, BBH FX analysts report.
Gold (XAU/USD) trades on the back foot on Tuesday as traders trim exposure ahead of a heavy US economic data docket that could reshape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy path into 2026.
Brent Crude fell below $60 per barrel this morning, marking the lowest level in more than seven months, while WTI closed at its weakest since February 2021.
Today’s nonfarm payrolls report is set to influence market expectations for the Fed’s January meeting.
Gold price (XAU/USD) trades 0.6% lower to near $4,270 during the European trading session on Tuesday. The yellow metal faces intense selling pressure as profit-booking kicks in after revisiting the all-time high above $4,350.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) weakened at the start of the week, pushing EUR/GBP closer to 0.8800.
USD/JPY softened as UST yields slipped, with the market largely pricing in a 25bp Bank of Japan (BOJ) hike this Friday and another in 2026.
Fed officials highlighted the need for flexibility in monetary policy, with Miran cautioning that labor market weakness can emerge rapidly and Williams noting that policy is well positioned after last week’s rate cut.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) continued its steady appreciation, supported by a weaker US Dollar (USD), with USD/CNY falling to 7.0471. Banking sector foreign currency reserves rose further, reflecting efforts to moderate the pace of CNY gains while maintaining a high trade surplus.
Eurozone ZEW Survey - Economic Sentiment jumps sharply to 33.7 in December. The sentiment indicator was expected to increase slightly to 26.3 from 25.0 in November.
Italy Trade Balance EU dipped from previous €-0.042B to €-1.31B in October
USD/CNH nears 7.00, despite disappointing Chinese activity data.
Eurozone ZEW Survey – Economic Sentiment above expectations (26.3) in December: Actual (33.7)
Eurozone Trade Balance s.a. dipped from previous €18.7B to €14B in October
Italy Global Trade Balance above forecasts (€3.22B) in October: Actual (€4.156B)
Eurozone Trade Balance n.s.a. dipped from previous €19.4B to €18.4B in October
Germany ZEW Survey – Current Situation came in at -81, below expectations (-80) in December
Germany ZEW Survey – Economic Sentiment above forecasts (38.5) in December: Actual (45.8)
Food prices in New Zealand fell by 0.4% in November compared with the previous month. However, they are still 4.4% higher than a year ago and therefore continue to pose a problem for the central bank.
The highlight of today's session will be the 1430CET release of the delayed NFP jobs report. We will receive job hiring updates for both October and November, ING's FX analyst Chris Turner notes.
The flash estimates for the Japanese purchasing managers' indices were somewhat weaker this morning than in the previous month. However, at 51.5, the composite PMI remained in expansionary territory.
United Kingdom’s (UK) preliminary S&P Global Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) comes in higher at 52.1 compared to expectations of 51.4 and the November's reading of 51.2. The Services and the Manufacturing PMI jumps to 52.1 and 51.2, respectively.
Silver prices (XAG/USD) fell on Tuesday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $63.15 per troy ounce, down 1.41% from the $64.06 it cost on Monday.
USD/CNH has extended its decline after breaking below the lower boundary of a multi-month descending channel, reinforcing the broader bearish trend, Société Générale's FX analysts note.
United Kingdom S&P Global Manufacturing PMI above forecasts (50.2) in December: Actual (51.2)
United Kingdom S&P Global Composite PMI came in at 52.1, above forecasts (51.4) in December
United Kingdom S&P Global Services PMI above forecasts (51.5) in December: Actual (52.1)
Renewed optimism over a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire weighed on the Oil market yesterday. ICE Brent settled a little more than 0.9% lower, leaving it at $60.56/bbl -- the lowest close since May.
The US labour market report breaks with tradition by landing on a Tuesday, but expectations are modest, with job growth seen at just 50k and little change in unemployment.
USD/CNH remains under pressure even as China’s activity data disappoints, with a fresh multi-month low in the daily fixing reinforcing a gradual RMB appreciation bias.
Italy Consumer Price Index (YoY) came in at 1.1% below forecasts (1.2%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (MoM) meets forecasts (-0.2%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (YoY) meets expectations (1.1%) in November
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (MoM) in line with expectations (-0.2%) in November
Eurozone HCOB Services PMI came in at 52.6 below forecasts (53.9) in December
Eurozone HCOB Manufacturing PMI below forecasts (49.9) in December: Actual (49.2)
Eurozone HCOB Composite PMI came in at 51.9, below expectations (53) in December
The Pound Sterling (GBP) demonstrates sheer volatility against its major currency peers on Tuesday, following the release of the United Kingdom (UK) labour market data for the three months ending in October.
Germany HCOB Manufacturing PMI below expectations (48.5) in December: Actual (47.7)
Germany HCOB Composite PMI below expectations (52.5) in December: Actual (51.5)
Germany HCOB Services PMI below expectations (52.8) in December: Actual (52.6)
EUR/USD remains steady near two-and-a-half-month highs on Tuesday, trading practically flat at 1.1750 at the time of writing, ahead of the release of the preliminary Eurozone Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers Indexes (PMIs) for December and the delayed US employment figures.
France HCOB Composite PMI down to 50.1 in December from previous 50.4
France HCOB Services PMI came in at 50.2 below forecasts (51.3) in December
France HCOB Manufacturing PMI registered at 50.6 above expectations (48.2) in December
The GBB/JPY cross prolongs its recent pullback from the 209.00 neighborhood or the highest level since August 2008, touched last week, and drifts lower for the fourth straight day on Tuesday.
The EUR/GBP cross pares gains near 0.8785 during the early European session on Tuesday. The Pound Sterling (GBP) recovers some lost ground against the Euro (EUR) after the UK employment data.
United Kingdom Claimant Count Rate unchanged at 4.4% in November
United Kingdom Average Earnings Excluding Bonus (3Mo/Yr) registered at 4.6% above expectations (4.5%) in October
United Kingdom Average Earnings Including Bonus (3Mo/Yr) came in at 4.7%, above forecasts (4.4%) in October
United Kingdom ILO Unemployment Rate (3M) in line with expectations (5.1%) in October
United Kingdom Employment Change (3M): -17K (October) vs -22K
United Kingdom Claimant Count Change below expectations (22.3K) in November: Actual (20.1K)
The AUD/USD pair prolongs last week's retracement slide from a nearly three-month peak, around the 0.6685 region, and drifts lower for the fourth straight day on Tuesday.
The USD/CHF pair trades stably around 0.7960 during the early European trading session on Tuesday. The Swiss Franc pair remains calm as investors await the United States (US) Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for October and November, which will be published at 13:30 GMT.
Here is what you need to know on Tuesday, December 16:
The Indian Rupee (INR) extends its losing streak for the fourth trading day against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), an index of the value of the US Dollar (USD) measured against a basket of six world currencies, trades on a negative note near 98.25 during the early European trading hours on Tuesday.
India HSBC Services PMI: 59.1 (December) vs previous 59.8
India HSBC Manufacturing PMI fell from previous 56.6 to 55.7 in December
India HSBC Composite PMI declined to 58.9 in December from previous 59.7
The United States (US) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release the delayed Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data for October and November on Tuesday at 13:30 GMT.
The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish its labor market report at 07.00 GMT. The UK ILO Unemployment Rate is expected to rise to 5.1% in October from 5.0% in September. Employment Change arrived at -22K in September.
Gold prices fell in India on Tuesday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The preliminary German and Eurozone flash HCOB Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for December is due for release today at 08:30 and 09:00 GMT, respectively.
Silver (XAG/USD) attracts some sellers during the Asian session on Tuesday and reverses a part of the previous day's move up back closer to the record high. The white metal slides further below mid-$62.00s in the last hour, losing over 2.5% for the day.
The USD/CAD pair trades in a tight range around 1.3775 during the Asian trading session on Tuesday.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) climbs to a one-and-a-half-week top against a broadly weaker US Dollar (USD) during the Asian session on Tuesday and seems poised to appreciate further. Market participants seem convinced that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will raise interest rates this week.
South Korea Money Supply Growth fell from previous 7.2% to 7.1% in October
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $56.35 during the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The WTI price remains under selling pressure amid renewed signs of optimism surrounding a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
The GBP/USD pair extends its sideways consolidative price move through the Asian session on Tuesday and currently trades around the 1.3370-1.3365 region, nearly unchanged for the day.
The NZD/USD pair trades in negative territory for the fourth consecutive day around 0.5775 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The downbeat Chinese economic data exert some selling pressure on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) against the US Dollar (USD).
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Tuesday at 7.0602 compared to the previous day's fix of 7.0656.
The AUD/USD pair attracts some sellers for the fourth straight day on Tuesday and trades around the 0.6630 region, down just over 0.10%, during the Asian session.
Japan Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.7, above forecasts (48.8) in December
Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI declined to 52.5 in December from previous 53.2
Gold price (XAU/USD) extends its upside to around $4,305, the highest since October 21, during the early Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The precious metal edges higher on further US Federal Reserve (Fed) cut bets. The US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report will take center stage later on Tuesday.
Australia Westpac Consumer Confidence increased to 94.5% in December from previous 12.8%
The USD/JPY pair loses traction to around 155.10 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) edges higher against the US Dollar (USD) amid the expectation that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will raise interest rates at the upcoming policy meeting on Friday.
Australia S&P Global Manufacturing PMI climbed from previous 51.6 to 52.2 in December
The preliminary reading of Australia's S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 52.2 in December versus 51.6 prior, the latest data published by S&P Global showed on Friday.
EUR/USD holds firms above the 1.1700 threshold on Monday as the US Dollar weakens while investors wait for the latest Nonfarm Payrolls report on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the pair trades at 1.1739 unchanged.
Australia S&P Global Composite PMI declined to 51.1 in December from previous 52.6
Australia S&P Global Services PMI dipped from previous 52.8 to 51 in December