GBP/USD: Bank of England is expected to lower the rate on June 20
In the context of the weakening of the US dollar, the GBP/USD currency pair is experiencing a correction, stabilizing at the level of 1.2788.
However, the British pound is also losing ground amid disappointing economic data: in May, the indicator of business activity in the UK services sector fell to 52.9 points from the previous 55.0, and in construction rose to 54.7 points from 53.0. The composite index decreased to 53.0 points from 54.1, remaining in the "green" zone. The pound is also under pressure from the likelihood of an early interest rate cut by the Bank of England, especially given that the Bank of Canada and the European Central Bank have already made similar rate cuts of 25 basis points.
As for the US dollar, its quotes continue to fall, reaching the level of 103.90 USDX in the morning. This reflects investors' uncertainty after the latest data on the slowdown in the US labor market, which is a key indicator for the Federal Reserve System in shaping monetary policy. For example, the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits increased to 229.0 thousand from 221.0 thousand last week, approaching an annual maximum, while labor costs in the first quarter amounted to 4.0%, which was lower than expectations of 4.7%. In such circumstances, the prospects for a stronger dollar look unlikely, and the current trend may continue.
- Resistance levels: 1.2810, 1.3000.
- Support levels: 1.2753, 1.2620.
USD/CHF: unemployment rate in Switzerland is gradually decreasing
The USD/CHF currency pair continues to move in a corrective downtrend, settling at 0.8897 due to the weakening of the US dollar and the slowdown in the strengthening of the Swiss franc after the latest economic reports.
According to the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the unemployment rate in May remained at 2.3%, unchanged from previous figures. There were 105,465 thousand unemployed people in the registration cards of employment centers, which is 1,492 thousand less than in April and 17,389 thousand more than in the same period last year. In May, 176,422 thousand registered job seekers were registered, which is 1,148 thousand less than in April, but 22,954 thousand more than a year ago. These data indicate a stabilization and some improvement in the labor market situation in Switzerland.
- Support levels: 0.8882, 0.8743.
- Resistance levels: 0.8935, 0.9023.
USD/CAD: focus is on the May report on employment in the United States
The USD/CAD currency pair shows ambiguous trading movements, hovering around the 1.3670 level, with an overall low level of market activity in anticipation of new economic incentives.
Today, the US labor market report for May is due to be published, which may have a significant impact on the further actions of the Federal Reserve System regarding monetary policy in 2024. It is expected that the number of jobs outside agriculture will increase from 175.0 thousand to 185.0 thousand, and the average hourly wage, which affects the inflation rate, is expected to be 0.3% compared with the previous value of 0.2%. The unemployment rate is likely to remain at 3.9%. Investors' attention is focused on business activity data in May: the index in the services sector rose from 51.3 to 54.8 points, and the composite index — from 51.3 to 54.5 points. These indicators indicate the recovery of the national economy, despite the strict policy of the regulator, which supports high inflation risks and the likelihood of maintaining the key interest rate at a high level during the year.
- Resistance levels: 1.3675, 1.3700, 1.3730, 1.3762.
- Support levels: 1.3650, 1.3614, 1.3580, 1.3550.
AUD/USD: recovery of the Australian dollar by the end of the week
The AUD/USD currency pair is experiencing a corrective movement, trying to overcome the 0.6675 level up: the market remains active, despite the preliminary expectation of the May report on the American labor market. Forecasts suggest an increase in the number of jobs created in the non-agricultural sector from 175.0 thousand to 185.0 thousand, while the average hourly wage and unemployment rate are likely to remain at 3.9%.
Meanwhile, economic indicators from China are once again supporting the Australian dollar, indicating a faster recovery of the Chinese economy. Thus, exports to China increased by 7.6% in May after 1.5% in the previous month, while imports decreased from 8.4% to 1.8%, with initial estimates of 4.2%. This led to an increase in the trade surplus from $72.35 billion to $82.62 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations of $73.0 billion.
In Australia, on the contrary, May trade showed a decrease: exports fell by 2.5% after a 0.6% decline a month earlier, and imports decreased by 7.2% after an increase of 4.2%. This led to an increase in the trade balance from 4.84 billion Australian dollars to 6.55 billion. Australian Finance Minister Jim Chalmers attributed the country's low GDP growth to high interest rates, persistent inflation and global uncertainty, but noted that the economy had managed to avoid recession, unlike many OECD countries.
- Resistance levels: 0.6679, 0.6700, 0.6725, 0.6750.
- Support levels: 0.6667, 0.6646, 0.6622, 0.6600.