With sentiment over the disappointing US GDP release permeating markets on the session, it’s no surprise the that the single currency is higher against the US dollar. But, it’s not only US economic data that is supportive of Euro strength. There’s also good news to report out of Europe.
Sentiment Surprise
European Commission surveys showed that morale remained uplifted in the month of January. According to the commission’s survey on consumer sentiment, optimism over the fading European Union fiscal crisis added 1.4 points to the overall reading of 89.2 – a six-month high. Subsequently, the tick higher is serving as confirmation, once again, that a silver lining is being presented despite anticipated lower growth in the first three months of the year. The brighter results are being coupled with a 2.5 point recovery in the Eurozone PMI survey, which now stands at 48.2 for the same month.
Although still widely contractionary, the improvement in the PMI survey is helping to reinforce the notion that underlying fundamentals are forming a base of sorts, lending to speculation of a EU recovery in the second half of 2013.
Dropping Debt Costs
Debt yield costs continued their downward spiral as the Italian Treasury held its 10-year benchmark bond auction earlier today. Selling the maximum 6.5 billion euros offering, the Treasury saw tepid demand as the bid to cover ratio stood at 1.32. Although not all too bad, the lower figure simply reflects thinning demand on the heels of the nation’s second major auction this week. As a result of the auction target being reached, yields on the 10-year note fell to 4.17% compared to 4.48% in a previously similar auction – the lowest since 2010.
All in all, the bond auction can be considered a success as it bolsters the notion that market concern is dissipating on evidence that the EU has stabilized – albeit for now. The sentiment additionally supports the notion that Mario Monti may be set to take the limelight as Italy’s PM once again when national elections are held next month – considered Euro bullish.
What To Watch Out For
With the EURUSD now higher above the 1.3550 figure, it’s plausible that the single currency will be able to advance towards near term resistance at 1.3716. A break higher through the figure would prompt a likely test of medium term targets at 1.3890.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire
Sentiment Surprise
European Commission surveys showed that morale remained uplifted in the month of January. According to the commission’s survey on consumer sentiment, optimism over the fading European Union fiscal crisis added 1.4 points to the overall reading of 89.2 – a six-month high. Subsequently, the tick higher is serving as confirmation, once again, that a silver lining is being presented despite anticipated lower growth in the first three months of the year. The brighter results are being coupled with a 2.5 point recovery in the Eurozone PMI survey, which now stands at 48.2 for the same month.
Although still widely contractionary, the improvement in the PMI survey is helping to reinforce the notion that underlying fundamentals are forming a base of sorts, lending to speculation of a EU recovery in the second half of 2013.
Dropping Debt Costs
Debt yield costs continued their downward spiral as the Italian Treasury held its 10-year benchmark bond auction earlier today. Selling the maximum 6.5 billion euros offering, the Treasury saw tepid demand as the bid to cover ratio stood at 1.32. Although not all too bad, the lower figure simply reflects thinning demand on the heels of the nation’s second major auction this week. As a result of the auction target being reached, yields on the 10-year note fell to 4.17% compared to 4.48% in a previously similar auction – the lowest since 2010.
All in all, the bond auction can be considered a success as it bolsters the notion that market concern is dissipating on evidence that the EU has stabilized – albeit for now. The sentiment additionally supports the notion that Mario Monti may be set to take the limelight as Italy’s PM once again when national elections are held next month – considered Euro bullish.
What To Watch Out For
With the EURUSD now higher above the 1.3550 figure, it’s plausible that the single currency will be able to advance towards near term resistance at 1.3716. A break higher through the figure would prompt a likely test of medium term targets at 1.3890.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire
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