Europe Summary and Highlights 8 December
The USD gained ground through the European morning, with the JPY the biggest loser, USD/JPY rising 30 pips to 155.50.
European morning session
The USD gained ground through the European morning, with the JPY the biggest loser, USD/JPY rising 30 pips to 155.50. EUR/USD dropped a more modest 15 pips to 1.1650, with other European currencies and the AUD seeing similar losses, while USD/CAD was little changed.
News was light, with German industrial production the only data of real note. This was stronger than expected, rising 1.8% m/m in October. However, the underlying trend remains near flat, as the stronger October and September data follow weakness in August. There was no significant EUR reaction to this, nor to the Sentix investor confidence index which rose slightly in December in line with consensus.
Asia session
The Japan Q3 annualized GDP is revised lower to -2.3% from -1.8% in preliminary read. While it is no doubt a poor read, the silver lining seems to be private consumption was not revised lower. On the other side, the October labor cash earning is brighter at 2.6% y/y, improving from September and above 2%. USD/JPY is trading 0.11% lower at 155.16.
U.S. major equity indexes are beginning the week on an upbeat note while regional equities performing individually. The USD is trading broadly lower so far against majors. AUD/USD is trading 0.03% higher at 0.6643, NZD/USD is trading 0.09% higher while USD/CAD rises 0.04%. Else, EUR/USD is up 0.1% and GBP/USD is up 0.04%.