NZD/USD: rising inflation in New Zealand pushes the pair down
During the Asian session on November 13, the NZD/USD pair shows a downward trend, trading around 0.5970, which is 0.85% lower than the level of the previous session.
The economic situation in New Zealand remains tense. As of September 2024, the unemployment rate rose to 4.8% from the previous 4.6%, indicating a slowdown in economic activity. The business confidence index stood at 65.7 points in October, up from 60.9 points in September, but remains below the long-term average. The index of business activity in the manufacturing sector (PMI) in September fell to 46.9 points from 45.8 points in August, remaining below the threshold level of 50, indicating a reduction in manufacturing activity. Retail sales in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 1.2% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a decrease in consumer spending. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the interest rate from 5.25% to 4.75% in October in an attempt to stimulate the economy. Inflation data for October will be published today at 15:30 (GMT+2); analysts expect the consumer price index (CPI) to increase by 0.6% on a monthly basis and by 2.2% on an annual basis, which may affect further decisions of the regulator.
In the United States, economic indicators show mixed results. GDP in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 0.2% compared to the previous quarter, indicating a slowdown in economic growth. The unemployment rate in September was 4.8%, up from 4.6% in August, which may indicate a weakening of the labor market. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.6% month-on-month and 2.2% year-on-year in September, in line with analysts' expectations. The Federal Reserve System (FRS) left the interest rate unchanged at 5.25% in October, but in its statements indicated a possible tightening of monetary policy in the event of further inflation. Retail sales data for October will be published today at 15:30 (GMT+2); analysts predict an increase of 0.4% month-on-month and 1.3% year-on-year, which may support the position of the US dollar.
- Resistance levels: 0.6000, 0.6050.
- Support levels: 0.5950, 0.5900.
USD/CHF: the growth of industrial production in Switzerland strengthens the franc
During the Asian session on November 13, the USD/CHF pair shows an upward trend, trading around 0.8753, which is 0.32% higher than the level of the previous session.
In Switzerland, economic indicators show moderate growth. GDP in the second quarter of 2024 increased by 0.7% compared to the previous quarter, indicating stable economic growth. The unemployment rate in September was 2.3%, which corresponds to the previous month and indicates stability in the labor market. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% month-on-month and 1.5% year-on-year in October, which is below the target level of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). In October, the SNB left the interest rate unchanged at 1.5%, noting in its statement that the current monetary policy is in line with the economic situation. Industrial production data for September will be published today at 10:00 (GMT+2); analysts expect an increase of 0.5% month-on-month and 2.0% year-on-year, which may affect the position of the Swiss franc.
- Resistance levels: 0.8780, 0.8800.
- Support levels: 0.8730, 0.8700.
Platinum market analysis
During the Asian session on November 13, platinum quotes show a downward trend, holding around $990.55 per troy ounce, which is 1.60% lower than the level of the previous session.
The economic situation in South Africa, one of the largest platinum producers, remains unstable. According to the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), production is expected to decrease by 2% in 2024 due to restructuring and staff reductions at enterprises in the region after the fall in prices for palladium and rhodium. This could lead to a 12% reduction in global platinum reserves in 2024. In addition, stocks have already declined by 17% in 2023, reaching a four-year low of 3.62 million ounces. This situation creates prerequisites for a shortage of metal in the market, which can support prices in the medium term.
China, the largest consumer of platinum, is experiencing a slowdown in economic growth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, GDP grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, which is lower than analysts' expectations. The business activity index (PMI) in the manufacturing sector fell to 49.8 points in October, indicating a decrease in manufacturing activity. Reduced demand from the automotive industry, where platinum is used in catalysts, may put pressure on metal prices. Chinese industrial production data for October will be published today at 10:00 (GMT+2); analysts expect an increase of 3.9% year-on-year, which may affect the dynamics of platinum prices.
- Resistance levels: 1,008.50, 1,020.00.
- Support levels: 972.15, 960.00.
Oil Market analysis
During the Asian session on November 13, Brent crude oil quotes showed a slight increase, trading around $72.06 per barrel, which is 0.24% higher than the level of the previous session.
Price dynamics are influenced by the recent revision by OPEC of the forecast of global oil demand growth in 2024 and 2025. The organization lowered its estimate of demand growth by 107 thousand barrels per day, expecting an increase of 1.8 million barrels per day in 2024. This is due to the slowdown in economic growth in China and other developing countries. Additional pressure on prices is exerted by the strengthening of the US dollar, which makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.
On the other hand, the market is supported by concerns about possible supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially in light of recent events related to Iran. In addition, it is expected that the US Federal Reserve may revise its monetary policy towards easing, which could potentially stimulate economic activity and, consequently, energy demand.
- Resistance levels: $73.50, $74.80.
- Support levels: $71.00, $70.00.