EUR/USD: positive changes in the European economy
The EUR/USD pair continues to decline, trading near the level of 1.1055, remaining well below the annual highs.
The euro is supported by stable macroeconomic statistics: Italy's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.2% in the second quarter compared to the previous month, meeting expectations, and increased from 0.7% to 0.9% in annual terms. In addition, the index of business activity in the Italian manufacturing sector increased from 47.4 to 49.4 points. In Germany and France, there is an improvement in similar indicators: in Germany, the index rose from 42.1 to 42.4 points, and in France — from 42.1 to 43.9 points. Although the values remain below the 50.0 level, this may indicate the beginning of economic recovery in the EU.
The US dollar, which strengthened after reaching a one-year low, is trading at 101.20 in the USDX index. On Monday, in connection with the celebration of Labor Day, the American stock exchanges were closed, so investors' attention turned to the upcoming business activity data. It is expected that in August the index in the manufacturing sector will decrease from 49.6 to 48.0 points, and a similar indicator from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) may increase from 46.8 to 47.5 points. Data on the price index of personal consumption expenditures, published on Friday, did not show the expected growth in July from 2.5% to 2.6%, which increased the likelihood of a Fed interest rate cut by 50 basis points in September. About 33% of analysts consider this a likely scenario, while more than 60% expect a decrease of 25 basis points.
- Resistance levels: 1.1084, 1.1190.
- Support levels: 1.1040, 1.0940.
GBP/USD: UK manufacturing hits two-year high
The GBP/USD pair is showing negative dynamics, trading near the 1.3120 mark with a possible breakdown downwards. The pound sterling is declining again after an uncertain attempt at corrective growth, which took place the day before, when the American stock exchanges were closed due to the celebration of Labor Day.
Economic statistics published in the UK on Monday failed to significantly support the pound. The S&P Global UK index rose from 52.1 to 52.5 points, reaching its highest since June 2022, which was in line with experts' forecasts. There is a positive trend in the manufacturing industry: pressure on prices, both for businesses and for customers, is easing, which is due to a slowdown in the growth of costs for imported resources, which previously grew for eight months due to supply problems and increased logistics costs. Today, the pound is receiving some support thanks to retail sales data from the British Consortium of Retailers (BRC), which showed an increase in a comparable indicator from 0.3% to 0.8% in August.
The focus of American investors' attention today is on statistics on business activity in the manufacturing sector, which will be published at 16:00 (GMT+2). The ISM index is expected to rise from 46.8 to 47.5 points in August, while the S&P Global index is likely to remain at 48.0 points. At the end of the week, data on private sector employment from ADP will be published, as well as final information from the US Department of Labor, which may adjust expectations regarding a possible interest rate cut at the September Fed meeting. Currently, only about 30% of analysts suggest that the rate may be reduced by 50 basis points at once.
- Resistance levels: 1.3150, 1.3188, 1.3250, 1.3300.
- Support levels: 1.3100, 1.3050, 1.3000, 1.2948.
AUD/CHF: Australian GDP data may put pressure on the pair
The AUD/CHF pair is trading with downward dynamics at the level of 0.6405 at the auction on September 3, showing a decrease of 0.42% compared to the previous trading session. Sellers are holding control despite the minor correction attempts seen last week.
The economic situation in Australia remains difficult. According to data published the day before, retail sales in July 2024 did not change compared to June, remaining at 0.0%, which is lower than forecasts of 0.3%. This adds pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which has already warned about the possible retention of the current level of interest rates to combat inflation. The inflation rate in the country remains above the target range of the RBA (2.0-3.0%) and is 5.2% in annual terms for July 2024. The services sector, according to the business activity index (PMI), also slowed to 50.2 points, which is lower than the forecast of 51.0 points. Australia's GDP data for the second quarter will be published tomorrow at 04:30 (GMT+2): the figure is expected to be 1.8% year-on-year, which is 0.3% lower compared to the previous quarter, which may also put pressure on the Australian dollar.
The Swiss economy is showing signs of resilience amid low inflation and stable growth. The head of the Swiss National Bank (NBS) noted that inflation in the country is at 1.5% in annual terms, which is below expectations, and the Central Bank is ready to continue the policy of tight interest rates. Today, data on the business activity index (PMI) in the manufacturing sector was published, which decreased from 47.3 to 46.0 points, indicating a slowdown in economic growth. However, low inflation and positive data on the unemployment rate, which remained at 2.0% in August, continue to support the Swiss franc.
- Resistance levels: 0.6450, 0.6500.
- Support levels: 0.6400, 0.6350.
Silver market analysis
As of September 3, 2024, the XAG/USD (silver) pair shows a moderate decline, trading around the level of 23.50 USD per ounce, which is 0.45% less than the closing level of the previous trading session.
Macroeconomic statistics from the United States, published the day before, put pressure on silver quotes. The manufacturing activity index (PMI) from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) in August showed an increase from 46.8 to 47.5 points, which turned out to be higher than analysts' expectations, which assumed a value around 47.0 points. Data on the consumer price index (CPI) for August were also published: the indicator rose to 3.2% in annual terms, which is slightly higher than the July value of 3.0%. Market expectations regarding a possible increase in the US Federal Reserve interest rate in September remain uncertain, but the probability of a 25 basis point increase has increased to 35.0%.
In turn, the situation is also affected by the growth in demand for the US dollar, which strengthened to 101.20 in the USDX index, putting additional pressure on the price of silver. The recovery of industrial activity in China, which was reflected in the growth of the index of business activity in the services sector to 53.3 points, also supports the stabilization of the value of industrial metals, including silver, but the impact of these factors remains limited at the moment. US private sector employment data from ADP is expected tomorrow, as well as the publication of final GDP data for the second quarter. Forecasts indicate a possible increase from 2.4% to 2.5% in annual terms, which may increase pressure on silver in the short term if the data turn out to be higher than expected.
- Resistance levels: 23.80, 24.20.
- Support levels: 23.20, 22.80.