The economic trajectory into Q2 continues to worsen, a factor which likely played into the statement from the Federal Reserve that it is “prepared to increase or reduce the pace of its purchases” of assets, a marked shift from the previous stance of assessing the timing of a reduction of Fed asset buying noted at the March FOMC meeting.
Reinforcing the view was the weaker than expected increase in private sector payrolls in the April ADP jobs report (119k versus 150k consensus), implying downside risks to the consensus for tomorrow’s April non-farm payrolls data. Indeed, we now look for a 120k increase in payrolls compared to 150k previously expected.
March US construction spending was also weaker than forecast while the ISM manufacturing index dropped, albeit remaining in expansion territory (above 50). The data led to a further drop in the USD, commodity prices, equities and lower US Treasury yields.
Little change in market direction is expected today, with caution ahead of tomorrow’s US jobs report. Ahead of this, a likely 25bps cut in policy rates by the European Central Bank will capture attention. Although by no means a done deal, the majority of the market has shifted towards such an expectation in the wake of weaker data.
The real surprise from the ECB could come from any further hint or announcement of non conventional measures. In turn any such hint could dent the EUR limiting its ability to capitalise on a weaker USD tone. In any case sellers are likely to emerge on any rally in EUR/USD to resistance around 1.3220.
Final readings of purchasing managers’ indices in Europe, US March trade data and Q1 non farm productivity will account for the remaining releases today although none of these are likely to be market movers, leaving the USD under pressure ahead of tomorrow’s jobs report.
