Today's Currency Movers

EURUSD, Daily
EURUSD has reacted lower from the resistance level (1.1279) I pointed out in my previous Currency Movers reports. On Friday US April ISM remained stuck at 51.5, below median 52.0 (vs 51.5 in March) while U.S. construction spending fell 0.6% in March, (below median 0.5%) and US Markit final PMI eased to 54.1 in April. The absence of Tokyo and London centres will ensure thin trade today. Through to Friday, the euro had climbed for seven successive days, but looks likely for a pause now. Greece remains an issue. Despite signs that the government in Athens has adopted an improved attitude, news reports from weekend negotiations suggest that fundamental differences remain with creditors, particularly on pension reform and privatisation proposals. Next daily support level is at 1.1035.


Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)
At the time of writing Euro’s performance remains mixed while USD is only just slightly stronger than its peers. US Dollar Index is reacting higher from support level (94.91) I pointed out in my earlier reports but there has not yet been much movement which is evidenced by the above chart. The only exception is CHF that has been weak this morning almost across the board. EURCHF lagging behind the others as both currencies in this pair are reacting lower from a resistance. JPY slightly stronger than others with EURJPY reacting from a resistance. All in all there hasn’t been much movement this morning as Japanese and Brits are enjoying a day off.

Main Macro Events Today

• Chinese HSBC Final Manufacturing PMI fell to a final 48.9 in April, down from the preliminary (or “flash) reading of 49.2 and the final 49.6 in March. The April figure fell short of expectations for little change from the preliminary report’s 49.2. Government’s stimulus efforts are falling short, with the government’s target for 7% GDP growth looking increasing optimistic. Further stimulus measures from the government and another rate cut from the PBoC are likely in store for the near term.
• Eurozone Markit Manufacturing PMI: The April Manufacturing  PMI fell to 51.9 from 52.2 and the services reading to 53.7 from 54.2, which brought the composite down to 53.5 from 54.0. Indicators still point to healthy expansion. The overall EMU Markit PMI is expected to come in at 51.9.
• US Factory Orders m/m March factory orders are expected to grow 2.0%.