- Euro (EUR) adds to gains as German exports jump +2.4%
- Rising covid cases could limit gains
- US Dollar (USD)eases on improved risk sentiment as Trump softens tone on stimulus
- US jobless claims in focus
The Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate is climbing higher on Thursday, extending gains for a second straight session. The pair settled +0.2% higher on Wednesday at US$1.1760. At 07:15 UTC, GBP/EUR trades +0.15% at US$1.1778.
German exports continued to recover in August, however at a slowing pace compared to previous months. German exports rose a solid 2.4% in August compared to July. This was well above the 1.3% increase forecast. Meanwhile, imports grew 5.8% month on month in August.
Germany’s trade surplus, which is the balance of exports and imports totalled €15.7 billion in August slightly down on the expected €16 billion.
The data comes after German industrial production figures yesterday showed that production unexpectedly declined -0.2%, meanwhile factory order data surged to 4.4%. The data highlights the rocky road to recovery.
Meanwhile the number of covid cases in Europe is rising at an alarming rate. France recorded over 18,000 new daily infections over the past 24 hours. French President Macron has ordered Paris to close for two weeks. This could lead to another deep contraction in the French economy.
There is no further economic data from the Eurozone due today. Instead investors will be listening to a stream of ECB speakers.
The US Dollar is trading on the back foot as risk appetite rises. The mood in the market has improved as President Trump appears to be softening his tone on stimulus. Earlier in the week the President abruptly pulled the plug on further fiscal stimulus talks until after the US elections.
It now appears that the US could see smaller standalone bills supporting more specific arears of the US economy. Investors are more certain that some form of fiscal support is coming, which is lifting risk sentiment.
Attention will now turn to the US jobless claims release. Expectations are for 820k initial claims as the recovery in the labour market continues to stall.
