Should we worry about the recent Chinese data?

David Johnson Halo Financial

Today's Highlights

Poor Chinese imp/exp data worries markets
Eurozone industrial production due

Current Market Overview

The New Zealand Dollar weakened overnight after the NZ Purchasing Managers Index was below market expectations, even though it was a rise from last month. However, Sterling’s lack of oomph (technical term) means the GBPNZD rate is still down at 1.8750.

Poor Chinese imp/exp data worries markets

The Chinese data we saw overnight showed a sharp drop in exports (a 2 percent contraction in fact) and a continued decline in imports; 4.5 percent contraction after the 8.5 percent drop last month. These are very worrying for the countries that supply China with raw materials but the drop in demand for Chinese goods has something to do with the US tariffs and also the slowdown we are seeing in the EU and elsewhere.

Eurozone industrial production due

This is going to be a slow day for data but there are a few tidbits to get excited about. Perhaps most interesting is Eurozone industrial production, which may well show an improvement from last month’s 0.5% contraction. That would be good for the Euro, which has benefitted from a few improvements in economic data this week. The underlying concern over the global economy still weighs on everything though. There is an unconfirmed report that there may be a Eurozone Finance Ministers meeting either today or tomorrow as well.

And it’s going to be a really busy weekend for sport. The British Grand Prix, England’s cricketers in the World Cup final after beating Australia by 8 wickets (but I’m not gloating) and two fantastic Wimbledon singles finals to come. I can feel a sofa day coming on. Have a great weekend

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Author

David Johnson

Halo Financial

Trained as a Technical Analyst and hold MSTA and CFTe accreditation, David Johnson has been active within the foreign exchange market since 1994 and established Halo Financial with 3 fellow Directors in 2004.

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