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European stock markets, led by the Stoxx 600 index, remained relatively stagnant on Monday as the US market observed Labor Day, preventing any substantial momentum. Despite initial gains, European indices like the FTSE 100, DAX, CAC 40, FTSE MIB, and IBEX 35 saw only minor fluctuations. Travel and leisure stocks inched up by 0.5%, buoyed by optimism following a favorable US jobs report, while the European basic resources sector gained 0.6% due to China’s stimulus measures. In currency markets, the US Dollar Index dipped slightly, while ECB President Christine Lagarde’s speech provided no fresh insights. GBP/USD strengthened, and USD/JPY continued to rise, while AUD/USD held steady near its 20-day Simple Moving Average. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was expected to maintain its key interest rate at 4.1% in Philip Lowe’s final term as governor, and NZD/USD aimed for a sustained recovery. Meanwhile, USD/CAD faced resistance ahead of the Bank of Canada’s upcoming meeting.
On Monday, the US stock market remained closed due to the Labor Day holiday, while European stock markets experienced minimal change, struggling to sustain momentum after initially brushing off recent negativity. The Stoxx 600 index concluded the session nearly unchanged, retreating from earlier gains that had pushed it to its highest level since August 9. Key European indices, including the FTSE 100, DAX, CAC 40, FTSE MIB, and IBEX 35, recorded mixed movements, with minor fluctuations in either direction.
Travel and leisure stocks exhibited a 0.5% gain, reflecting improved sentiment towards equities following the release of the US jobs report the previous Friday. Investors interpreted signs of a potential economic slowdown as a factor that might temper the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance on interest rates. Additionally, the European basic resources sector recorded a 0.6% increase, partially attributed to China’s announcement of stimulus measures aimed at bolstering its struggling property sector.
In other economic news, German trade data for July indicated a 0.9% month-on-month decline in exports, while imports increased by 1.4%. This data contradicted economists’ expectations of a 1.5% month-on-month decline in exports for Europe’s largest economy, signaling areas of slowdown. During a seminar in London, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, emphasized the significance of central banks anchoring their inflation targets, particularly in the context of energy price fluctuations and geopolitical activity.
Data by Bloomberg
On Friday, the overall market showed a slight gain of 0.18%. The energy sector led the way with a notable increase of 2.05%, followed by materials at 1.02%, and financials at 0.80%. Industrials also saw a modest rise of 0.51%, while health care and information technology sectors had smaller gains of 0.23% and 0.22%, respectively.
In contrast, the real estate sector experienced a slight decline of -0.07%, and utilities and communication services both saw notable decreases of -0.52%. The consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors both declined by -0.54%, while consumer staples had the largest drop of -0.83%.
In a subdued trading session marked by Wall Street’s closure for Labor Day, the US Dollar Index experienced a slight dip while hovering near 104.00, close to its monthly highs. US stock futures also saw minor declines, and investors awaited the release of July Factory Orders on Tuesday. Meanwhile, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde’s Monday speech offered no new insights, and Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence continued to deteriorate in September. EUR/USD made a moderate uptick but struggled to hold above 1.0800, maintaining a bearish bias with support at 1.0760. Tuesday’s agenda includes another speech by Lagarde, the release of the August Producer Price Index by Eurostat, and the final Service PMIs.
In currency markets, GBP/USD showed strength, climbing from below 1.2600 to approximately 1.2630, outperforming its peers as EUR/GBP dropped below 0.8550. The UK’s final Service PMI is expected on Tuesday. USD/JPY extended its ascent to around 146.50, potentially reinforcing its bullish outlook if consolidation above that level occurs. AUD/USD closed near the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) around 0.6460, recording modest gains against a weakening US Dollar. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is set to announce its monetary policy decision on Tuesday, with the consensus anticipating the maintenance of the key interest rate at 4.1%. This meeting marks the last one with Philip Lowe serving as governor of the RBA. NZD/USD remained relatively flat, with critical support at 0.5900 and trading below the 20-day SMA at 0.5970. To establish a more enduring recovery, the Kiwi needs to secure a daily close above 0.6000. Finally, USD/CAD held onto its Friday gains but faced resistance around 1.3600, with the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
| Currency | Data | Time (GMT + 8) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD | Cash Rate | 12:30 | 4.10% |
| AUD | RBA Rate Statement | 12:30 |
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