Dismal Philly Fed survey spooks US markets

Dismal Philly Fed survey spooks US markets

Macro 4 minutes to read
MO
Michael O’Neill

FX Trader, Loonieviews.net

Summary:  December's US Durable Goods print was lukewarm, but the latest jobless claims data sounded a positive note. Into today's New York bell, however, it seems as though a dismal miss from the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey was the release that moved sentiment lower.


There was a smorgasbord of incoming US economic data this morning, but FX traders didn’t find it very appetizing. There was a bit of FX noise when the data were released but prices quickly reverted to their starting points.

The picture was a little different on the equities front, however, as the weaker than expected US figures snapped a nascent rally on Wall Street. Equity futures pointed to a positive open in early New York trading, but sentiment turned negative after the data dump. It is still very early in the session, though, and the declines are modest.

December Durable Goods Orders were lukewarm. The headline increase of 1.2% was better than the upwardly revised November result of 1.0% but below forecasts for a 1.5% gain. It is the second consecutive increase but still not enough to recover from October's 4.3% plunge. Excluding transportation, Durable Goods Orders rose 0.1%. (forecast 0.3%, month-on-month). 
Philly Fed
The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey was extra-ugly, falling 4.1 rather than rising 14.0 as expected. It was the first negative reading since May 2016. Initial Jobless Claims was the bright spot, dropping to 216,000 from 229,000 the week before.
General activity
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
It isn’t any wonder why FX and equity traders are staying close to home, as there is plenty of event risk in addition to flip-flopping central bank policies. China and the US are reportedly working on “memorandums of understanding” as the framework for a trade deal. The talks continue on Friday and could lead to President Trump delaying the March 1 tariff increase. On the other hand, traders may be leery about China’s trade policies after Beijing was incensed by Australia’s cyber-security concerns and visa issues for a Chinese businessman and quickly banned Australia coal imports.

USDCAD traders would be wise to take note as China is furious with Canada over its arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanshou. 

Eurozone trade issues are sure to cause a kerfuffle as there are reports that President Trump has what he needs to impose tariffs on the import of EU cars. A “no-deal Brexit is another issue. The risk of GBPUSD instability could trigger a massive shift into risk aversion trades, and so could escalating Russia/US tensions over missile deployments.
EURUSD 30 minute
EURUSD (30-minute, source: Saxo Bank)

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    The Fed started the US rate cut cycle in Q3 and in this macro outlook we will explore how the rate c...
  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    After a period of historically high equity index concentration driven by the 'Magnificent Seven' sto...
  • FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    As we enter the final quarter of 2024, currency markets are set for heightened turbulence due to US ...
  • Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the outlook for USD, AUD, NZD, and EM carry trades as risk-on currencies are set to outperfo...
  • Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore key trends and opportunities in European equities and electrification theme as market dynami...
  • Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the "two-lane economy," European equities, energy commodities, and the impact of US fiscal p...
  • Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Quarterly Outlook

    Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

    Discover strategies for managing bonds as US and European yields remain rangebound due to uncertain ...
  • Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

    Energy and grains to shine as metals pause. Discover key trends and market drivers for commodities i...


Business Hills Park – Building 4,
4th Floor, office 401, Dubai Hills Estate, P.O. Box 33641, Dubai, UAE

Contact Saxo

Select region

UAE
UAE

Trade responsibly
All trading carries risk. Read more. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more

Saxo Bank A/S is licensed by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority and operates in the UAE under a representative office license issued by the Central bank of the UAE.

The content and material made available on this website and the linked sites are provided by Saxo Bank A/S. It is the sole responsibility of the recipient to ascertain the terms of and comply with any local laws or regulation to which they are subject.

The UAE Representative Office of Saxo Bank A/S markets the Saxo Bank A/S trading platform and the products offered by Saxo Bank A/S.