Eurozone PMIs Under the Microscope: Economic Health Check
23 November 2023
Welcome to Thursday's market overview. As we navigate through another trading day, it's important to note the subdued market environment, primarily due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. This typically results in lower volatility and smaller market movements.
Today's economic calendar highlights the release of Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data across several key European regions. This includes PMIs from France, Germany, the broader Eurozone, and the United Kingdom, focusing on both manufacturing and services sectors. Interestingly, all these PMIs are anticipated to register below the crucial 50-point mark, indicating a contraction in these sectors. The day will wrap up with retail sales data from New Zealand, where a 0.8% drop is expected.
Shifting our focus to currency markets, the American dollar is exhibiting signs of a correction, losing its previously held strength. This has positioned it as the weakest among its peers, a trend that was also observed yesterday. In contrast, the New Zealand dollar emerges as the strongest currency at the moment.
In the realm of indices, we're witnessing some interesting dynamics. The NASDAQ index has achieved long-term highs, while other major indices like the Dow Jones and S&P 500 are touching their highest levels since August. This indicates a robust bullish momentum in these market segments.
Commodities, however, present a more muted picture. Both precious metals and oil have been trading within a sideways range over the last few days. Oil, in particular, showed signs of a reversal earlier this week but is now experiencing a slight downtrend, indicating a lack of clear directional bias from market participants.
As we proceed through today's trading session, it will be crucial to monitor these developments closely, especially in light of the quieter market conditions.