France: Hiatus in first-quarter growth

Business climate surveys are consistent with a strong growth figure in first-quarter 2017, equal to or even likely higher than the Q4 2016 performance (0.4% q/q).
However, monthly activity data available for January and February were poor, which evidently does not augur well for growth.
The risk associated with our Q1 2017 growth forecast of 0.4% q/q has now swung to the downside.

BNP Paribas Team BNP Paribas

Download The Full Ecoflash

Author

BNP Paribas Team

BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas Economic Research Department is a worldwide function, part of Corporate and Investment Banking, at the service of both the Bank and its customers.

EUR/USD flat lines around 1.1900; looks to US NFP report for fresh directional impetus

The EUR/USD pair is seen oscillating in a narrow trading band around the 1.1900 mark during the Asian session on Wednesday as traders opt to wait for the release of US monthly employment details before placing fresh directional bets.

GBP/USD recovers losses despite rising UK political risks, BoE rate cut bets

Pound Sterling advances against the US Dollar after registering modest losses in the previous session, trading around 1.3650 during the Asian hours on Wednesday. The pair could extend losses as the Pound Sterling faces pressure from rising political risks in the UK and growing expectations of near-term Bank of England rate cuts.

Gold awaits US Nonfarm Payrolls data for a sustained upside

Gold remains capped below $5,100 early Wednesday, gathering pace for the US labor data. The US Dollar licks its wounds amid persistent Japanese Yen strength and potential downside risks to the US jobs report. Gold holds above $5,000 amid bullish daily RSI, with eyes on 61.8% Fibo resistance at $5,141.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple show no sign of recovery

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple show signs of cautious stabilization on Wednesday after failing to close above their key resistance levels earlier this week. BTC trades below $69,000, while ETH and XRP also encountered rejection near major resistance levels. With no immediate bullish catalyst, the top three cryptocurrencies continue to show no clear signs of a sustained recovery.

Dollar drops and stocks rally: The week of reckoning for US economic data

Following a sizeable move lower in US technology Stocks last week, we have witnessed a meaningful recovery unfold. The USD Index is in a concerning position; the monthly price continues to hold the south channel support.

XRP holds $1.40 amid ETF inflows and stable derivatives market

Ripple trades under pressure, with immediate support at $1.40 holding at the time of writing on Tuesday. A recovery attempt from last week’s sell-off to $1.12 stalled at $1.54 on Friday, leading to limited price action between the current support and the resistance.