Talking Points:
- Asian stocks were mixed into the close
- Most indexes managed to show some green after strong US and local data
- However China’s bourses lagged, having led earlier in the week
Just getting started in the trading world? Our beginners’ guide is here to help
Asian stock indexes were mixed on Thursday as investors mulled stronger Chinese manufacturing data and a strong economic lead from the US.
The US Dollar hit two-week highs against the Japanese Yen and rose against all its major rivals as healthier numbers Wednesday boosted hopes for Friday’s crucial official labor-market roundup. The National Employment Report from Automatic Data Processing showed a rise of 237,000 jobs, the biggest gain for five months. The market had been hoping for 180,000 new nonfarm positions in August, but the bar may now have been raised. Offical second-quarter growth data were revised higher too.
The local data picture was more mixed. Japanese industrial numbers missed forecasts and the Yen weakened in their wake, but USD/JPY had been climbing beforehand in any case. Meanwhile Chinese manufacturing showed continued, solid expansion, extending an enviable run and lifting the Australian Dollar.
The Nikkei 225 rose 0.8%, with the ASX 200 adding 0.7%. Chinese stocks underperformed, having previously been the standout performers this week.
Gold prices inched lower as the US Dollar strengthened, while crude oil prices were about flat in Asia despite ongoing strength in gasoline thanks to Hurricane Harvey’s hit to US refining capacity. US gas prices topped $2/gallon Thursday for the first time since mid-2015.
There’s plenty of tradeable economic life left in the session even as Asia winds down. From the Eurozone will come Consumer Price Index and unemployment figures. Then it’s across the Atlantic for Canadian growth numbers and Challenger employment statistics out of the US along with personal consumption data.
--- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research
Contact and follow David on Twitter: @DavidCottleFX
