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May 21, 2026
U.S. May S&P PMIs - Manufacturing stronger still, Services still subdued
May 21, 2026 1:59 PM UTC
May’s preliminary S and P PMIs show increasing strength in manufacturing at 55.3 from an already significantly improved 54.5 in April, reaching its highest since May 2022. Services at 50.9 are however marginally softer from April’s 51.0, but still holding above March’s dip below neutral to 49.
South Africa MPC Preview: Close Call on May 28
May 21, 2026 1:15 PM UTC
Bottom Line: Taking into account that annual inflation increased to 4.0% y/y in April due to higher energy and transportation prices, we think South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will likely consider hiking the rate by 25 bps to 7.0% during the next MPC scheduled on May 28 given plenty of upside risks
U.S. Initial Claims, May Philly Fed, April Housing Starts and Permits - Mixed data gives no clear signals of strength or weakness
May 21, 2026 1:15 PM UTC
The latest data is mixed, initial claims in line with expectations and showing signs of stabilizing at a still low level. May’s Philly Fed manufacturing survey is weaker than expected but with positive 6-month expectations, both on activity and prices. April housing starts and permits are on the
FX Daily Strategy: N America, May 21st
May 21, 2026 9:00 AM UTC
Eying risk and bonds out of Nvidia, auction and Minutes
Big picture, have some seen re-pricings within established ranges (EUR/USD 1.15-1.20 give or take)
Need to see more decisive developments on Iran and/or asset volatility to be making new strides
Global PMI data in focus
Eurozone: PMI Slump Shows Energy Surge Constraining Activity, Not Just Hitting Costs
May 21, 2026 8:36 AM UTC
Once again surprising on the downside flash Eurozone Composite PMI fell to 47.5 in May from 48.8 in April and below the 50.0 no-change mark for the second successive month. The latest reading thereby signalled a further and steeper m/m reduction in business activity, was the sharpest since October 2