Forex Today: Markets shrug off Chinese concerns, top-tier US data awaited

Yohay Elam FXStreet

Here is what you need to know on Wednesday, August 4:

Markets are cautiously optimistic despite the spread of coronavirus in China and the ongoing techlash. ADP Nonfarm Payrolls, the ISM Services PMI and a speech by the Fed Vice-Chair stand out. NZD/USD is on the rise while cryptocurrencies are under pressure.

China is facing its worst COVID-19 spread since the disease originated in it back in late 2019. Worries about significant lockdowns somewhat weighed on Asian stocks but S&P 500 futures remain positive. Investors in the region are also worried about Beijing's ongoing persecution of large tech firms, with the current ire focused on the gaming sector.

On the other hand, the Caixin Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) beat estimates with 54.9 points, showing growth expectations remain robust.

The dollar is relatively stable across the board, with NZD/USD standing out with a rise of 0.5% after reporting an increase of 1% in employment and a drop of the unemployment rate to 4%.

ADP's private-sector jobs report is projected to show an increase of around 695,000 in July, similar to 692,000 reported in June. While the figures are not always well-correlated to the official Nonfarm Payrolls figure, it tends to rock markets.

US ADP Employment Change July Preview: Jobs gains in service sector to slowdown

The second significant publication is the ISM Services PMI, which is forecast to remain stable above 60, but could disappoint like the Manufacturing PMI. The Employment component is of high importance, serving as a hint toward Friday's jobs report.

ISM Services PMI Preview: Business psychology begins to deteriorate

Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Richard Clarida is set to speak later in the day, and he could provide hints about how close the bank is to tapering its bond-buying scheme. Last week, the Fed seemed to be in no rush to act.

Bitcoin has been extending its gradual slide, dipping below $38,000, while Ethereum is hovering around $2,500 amid the upcoming change in the way Ether conducts transactions.

Three reasons why Bitcoin can suddenly explode to a new $50K-$65K range

Author

Yohay Elam

FXStreet

Yohay is in Forex since 2008 when he founded Forex Crunch, a blog crafted in his free time that turned into a fully-fledged currency website later sold to Finixio.

EUR/USD meets initial support around 1.1800

EUR/USD remains on the back foot, although it has managed to reverse the initial strong pullback toward the 1.1800 region and regain some balance, hovering around the 1.1850 zone as the NA session draws to a close on Tuesday. Moving forward, market participants will now shift their attention to the release of the FOMC Minutes and US hard data on Wednesday.

GBP/USD bounces off lows, retargets 1.3550

After bottoming out just below the 1.3500 yardstick, GBP/USD now gathers some fresh bids and advances to the 1.3530-1.3540 band in the latter part of Tuesday’s session. Cable’s recovery comes as the Greenback surrenders part of its advance, although it keeps the bullish bias well in place for the day.

Gold remains offered below $5,000

Gold stays on the defensive on Tuesday, receding to the sub-$5,000 region per troy ounce on the back of the persistent move higher in the Greenback. The precious metal’s decline is also underpinned by the modest uptick in US Treasury yields across the spectrum.

RBNZ set to pause interest-rate easing cycle as new Governor Breman faces firm inflation

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand remains on track to maintain the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% after concluding its first monetary policy meeting of this year on Wednesday.

UK jobs market weakens, bolstering rate cut hopes

In the UK, the latest jobs report made for difficult reading. Nonetheless, this represents yet another reminder for the Bank of England that they need to act swiftly given the collapse in inflation expected over the coming months.

Ripple slides to $1.45 as downside risks surge

Ripple edges lower at the time of writing on Tuesday, from the daily open of $1.48, as headwinds persist across the crypto market. A short-term support is emerging at $1.45, but a buildup of bearish positions could further weaken the derivatives market and prolong the correction.