- Euro (EUR) declines despite upbeat German factory orders
- Eurozone retail sales and inflation data
- US Dollar (USD) rises alongside treasury yields on stimulus hope
- Jobless claims, ISM non manufacturing PMI in focus
The Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate is trending lower snapping a three day winning streak. The pair settled on Wednesday +0.25% at US$1.2325, 25 pips off the session high. At 07:15 UTC, EUR/USD trades -0.3% at US$1.2285.
The stronger US Dollar is driving the EUR/USD lower as investors shrug off the storming of Capitol Hill. Instead, the US Dollar is rallying on the back of rising Treasury yields. The Democrat’s win in the Senate runoff in Georgia will mean a unified Democratic government. This will enable President Joe Biden to push through his policies and legislation with greater ease, including a much large fiscal stimulus package.
This outcome has propelled US Treasury yields firmly higher, lifting the greenback.
Looking ahead the US economic calendar sees the release of jobless claims, Challenger job cuts and the ISM non-manufacturing PMI. These releases will provide clues ahead of tomorrow’s key non-farm payroll report.
Germany Factory orders smashed estimates unexpectedly rebounding in November. Demand increased for a seventh straight month jumping by 2.3% on a monthly basis. Analysts had predicted a -1.2% decline. Annually the gain sat at 6%, above pre-pandemic levels.
The data shows that Germany’s industry has held up comparatively well during the latest measures to stem the spread of covid. Services are suffering a much greater hit from the pandemic.
A slow rollout of the vaccination programme across Europe is adding to the uncertainty as covid cases continue to surge and lockdown restriction across several countries tighten.
Attention will now turn towards Eurozone retail sales and inflation data which is due shortly. Inflation, as measured by the consumer price index is expected to remain subdued in December at -0.2% month on month, although this would be up slightly from -0.3% recorded in November.
