Skip to Content
News & Analysis at your fingertips.

We use a range of cookies to give you the best possible browsing experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies.
You can learn more about our cookie policy here, or by following the link at the bottom of any page on our site. See our updated Privacy Policy here.

Free Trading Guides
Subscribe
Please try again
Select

Live Webinar Events

0

Economic Calendar Events

0

Notify me about

Live Webinar Events
Economic Calendar Events

H

High

M

Medium

L

Low
More View More
USD Presses Higher Despite Disappointing August PMI

USD Presses Higher Despite Disappointing August PMI

Peter Hanks, Strategist

Share:

Talking Points:

  • US PMI composite slipped to 55.0 after last month’s 55.7
  • The reading was in-line with the index’s post-crisis average at 55.2
  • US Dollar now looks to Jackson Hole symposium and Fed’s Powell for further price action

Check out our Economic Calendar for upcoming economic data and central bank events.

The dollar pressed higher in early hours on Thursday, even after August’s reading for composite PMI contributed some downward pressure. The index slipped to 55, lower than last month’s 55.7 and is the fourth consecutive decline. Slowly receding from a high of 56.6 in May, the composite now rests near April levels. The manufacturing reading also slipped to 54.5, missing expectations of 55 and lower than July’s 55.3. Services PMI followed suit, falling to 55.2 from 56. Still, all three listings remain comfortably above the ‘no-change’ value of 50. However, consecutive declines suggest that tariffs are producing a more consistent and palpable pressure on businesses.

According to the report, slower business activity growth reflected the weakest rise in new order volumes since December 2017. Staffing levels increased at the softest pace for over a year as survey respondents noted a more cautious strategy and the need to reduce operating expenses. Private sector companies saw another sharp increase in input costs, despite no notable uptick in inflation. Members also reported higher costs for steel-intensive items and renewed pressure to increase wages for staff.

Trade Wars Drive Costs Higher

The upward pressure on input costs, particularly steel, is a direct consequence of the ongoing trade wars. The steel and aluminum tariffs have been in effect since May, when the composite index was highest for the year. Since then, the tariffs have had a tangible impact on PMI and should continue to do so.

To brush up on the current economic conflict, read A Brief History of Trade Wars.

In the services index, business activity posted another robust rise but measured the lowest so far in 2018. The survey found weaker growth in client spending contributed to a sustained fall in backlogs of work and service providers signaled the least marked rise in payroll numbers for eight months. Together, the survey reports outline some downward trends experienced in both the manufacturing and services industry.

After respondents reported multi-month lows for various categories, market participants may begin to wonder when the full impact of tariffs will be felt. As the US and China conduct low-level talks in Washington on Thursday, the potential to reduce the impact is present but low. Furthermore, the US will enact a further $16 billion in tariffs on China today with reciprocation to follow. After four consecutive months of decline, downward pressure on the index appears consistent.

Dollar Tests Support at Psychological Level

Similarly, downward pressure on the dollar has been fairly consistent this week. Thursday’s data release coupled with Wednesday’s underwhelming Fed minutes provided little positive news but bulls seem poised to take control as support at the psychological level of 95 is tested. While bulls look for further opportunities to stem the recent downward drive, traders turn to the Jackson Hole symposium and Fed Chairman Powell’s speech to provide it. Should the dollar basket close higher Thursday, it would save the index from closing lower for six consecutive sessions.

USD Dollar Basket Price Chart 10-Minute Time Frame, August 23

DailyFX forecasts on a variety of currencies such as the US Dollar or the Euro are available from the DailyFX Trading Guides page. If you’re looking to improve your trading approach, check out Traits of Successful Traders. And if you’re looking for an introductory primer to the Forex market, check out our New to FX Guide.

--Written by Peter Hanks, Junior Analyst for DailyFX.com

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

DISCLOSURES