Economic activity in the US service sector remained unchanged in January, with the ISM Services PMI holding steady at 53.8. The print, however, came in above analysts' expectations of 53.5.
United States ISM Services PMI came in at 53.8, above expectations (53.5) in January
United States ISM Services Prices Paid increased to 66.6 in January from previous 64.3
United States ISM Services New Orders Index fell from previous 57.9 to 53.1 in January
United States ISM Services Employment Index came in at 50.3, below expectations (52.3) in January
The report from Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) indicates that the USD is trading firmly against most major currencies, with Treasury yields ticking up. In the near term, the USD has room to retrace some of its recent losses as the Fed is not in a rush to ease policy.
United States S&P Global Composite PMI came in at 53, above forecasts (52.8) in January
United States S&P Global Services PMI above forecasts (52.5) in January: Actual (52.7)
The EUR is slightly down against the USD, showing signs of consolidation as it approaches the ECB's policy decision. Recent economic data, including services PMI and CPI, have aligned with expectations, providing little impetus for ECB policymakers.
Inflation in the Euro-area has decreased to 1.7% y/y in January, while core inflation remains stable at 2.2%. ECB is expected to maintain its current policy stance due to the calm inflation outlook, despite some uncertainty from volatile energy prices.
USD/CHF trades without a clear trend around 0.7750 on Wednesday at the time of writing, showing an almost unchanged performance on the day. The pair remains trapped in a narrow range as the US Dollar (USD) struggles to find a clear catalyst following the release of mixed US macroeconomic data.
Deutsche Bank Research Team highlights a recurring market pattern in 2026 characterized by sharp sell-offs followed by rapid recoveries. Despite various causes for these sell-offs, they have not resulted in lasting damage, with the S&P 500 showing resilience.
United States ADP Employment Change came in at 22K, below expectations (48K) in January
TD Securities analysts anticipate that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee will maintain the Bank Rate at 3.75% with a 6-3 vote. The report highlights that the trajectory of inflation and the voting dynamics will be crucial for market movements.
BNY's report, authored by Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage, discusses significant outflows from China's gold ETFs, totaling nearly $1 billion, following a sharp decline in gold prices. This trend reflects fragile investor sentiment after a recent peak in gold prices.
The report from Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) highlights that NZD/USD is trading heavy around 0.6000, with New Zealand's Q4 labor market data showing an improving job market. Employment increased more than expected, although the unemployment rate rose slightly.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) became the worst-performing currency of the G8 on Wednesday.
TD Securities' Global Strategy Team provides insights on upcoming US employment data, predicting below-consensus estimates for both ADP employment and ISM services. The report highlights a potential modest bull steepening on ADP as markets await the delayed NFP report.
The report from OCBC Bank, authored by Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong, notes that Gold and Silver have rebounded due to dip-buying interest as liquidation pressures eased. However, sentiment remains cautious, and the report anticipates consolidation rather than a trend reversal.
United States MBA Mortgage Applications fell from previous -8.5% to -8.9% in January 30
EUR/GBP eases toward 0.8610 on Wednesday, with the cross pressured by the Euro’s (EUR) relative weakness against a Pound Sterling (GBP) supported by monetary policy expectations in the United Kingdom (UK).
The Pound has continued to strengthen ahead of the Bank of England's policy meeting. EUR/GBP has broken below support from the 200-day moving average at around 0.8650.
Gold (XAU/USD) is trading higher for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, standing above the $5,000 psychological level, trading at $ 5,050 at the time of writing, with markets calm ahead of the release of the US ADP Employment Change Report, due later on Wednesday.
The United States (US) Institute of Supply Management (ISM) Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for January is scheduled to be published today at 15:00 GMT.
TD Securities reports on Eurozone inflation, which has dropped to 1.7% year-on-year, primarily due to energy prices. The analysis indicates that this disinflationary trend is not expected to influence the ECB's upcoming meeting, as it has been anticipated.
The AUD/USD pair trades marginally lower around 0.7020 during the European trading session on Wednesday. The Aussie pair ticks down as the US Dollar (USD) trades higher ahead of the key United States (US) economic data releases in the North American session.
EUR/JPY trades around 185.10 on Wednesday at the time of writing, up 0.55% on the day and reclaiming the 185 level.
The US Dollar (USD) shows marginal gains against its Canadian counterpart on Wednesday, trading near 1.3650 at the moment of writing.
Italy Consumer Price Index (MoM) in line with forecasts (0.4%) in January
Italy Consumer Price Index (YoY) meets forecasts (1%) in January
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (MoM) in line with forecasts (-1%) in January
Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (YoY) above expectations (0.9%) in January: Actual (1%)
Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) climbed from previous 0.2% to 2% in January
Eurozone Core Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) unchanged at 0.3% in January
Eurozone Producer Price Index (MoM) in line with expectations (-0.3%) in December
Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) meets expectations (1.7%) in January
Eurozone Producer Price Index (YoY) came in at -2.1%, above forecasts (-2.3%) in December
Eurozone Core Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) in line with forecasts (2.3%) in January
Commerzbank Rates Strategist Hauke Siemßen notes that the 30y Bund yields are testing their highest levels in 15 years, with bearish steepening dynamics in the market. The analysis highlights strong demand for recent syndications, particularly the BTP orderbook, which was notably robust.
Deutsche Bank Research Team analyzes the European Central Bank's (ECB) monetary policy outlook, suggesting that the ECB is likely to remain on hold throughout 2026, with the next move expected to be a hike in mid-2027.
Silver prices (XAG/USD) rose on Wednesday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $89.44 per troy ounce, up 5.20% from the $85.02 it cost on Tuesday.
United Kingdom S&P Global Composite PMI registered at 53.7, below expectations (53.9) in January
United Kingdom S&P Global Services PMI came in at 54 below forecasts (54.3) in January
TD Securities analysts Prashant Newnaha and Alex Loo discuss the implications of Japan's upcoming Lower House Election on fiscal policy and the USDJPY exchange rate.
AUD/JPY extends its winning streak for the third successive session, trading around 110.00 during the European hours on Wednesday.
The New Zealand Dollar is practically flat against the US Dollar on Wednesday, trading at 0.6040 at the time of writing, after being rejected at 0.6063 on Tuesday. A string of mixed New Zealand employment figures has halted the pair’s recovery from weekly lows at 0.5990.
Eurozone HCOB Composite PMI registered at 51.3, below expectations (51.5) in January
Eurozone HCOB Services PMI below expectations (51.9) in January: Actual (51.6)
Germany HCOB Services PMI below forecasts (53.3) in January: Actual (52.4)
Germany HCOB Composite PMI registered at 52.1, below expectations (52.5) in January
France HCOB Composite PMI came in at 49.1, above expectations (48.6) in January
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, moves sideways after registering modest losses in the previous session and is trading around 97.40 during the European hours on Wednesday.
Silver price (XAG/USD) recovers further on Wednesday, trades 6% higher to near $90.50 during the European trading session.
RaboResearch report authored by Jane Foley, Senior FX Strategist at Rabobank, discusses the recent 25 bps rate hike by the RBA and its implications for the Australian Dollar (AUD). The market reacted positively, pushing AUD/USD close to a three-year high.
France HCOB Services PMI above forecasts (47.9) in January: Actual (48.4)
Italy HCOB Services PMI came in at 52.9, above forecasts (51.5) in January
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades higher against its major currency peers on Wednesday as investors await the Bank of England’s monetary policy announcement on Thursday.
Societe Generale reports on the recent movements in USD/JPY, highlighting a V-shaped rebound and the importance of key support and resistance levels. The analysis indicates that the currency pair is regaining upward momentum and is challenging the 50-DMA.
The Euro (EUR) is trading moderately higher against the US Dollar (USD) for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.
The Euro remains practically flat, a few pips above a fresh five-month low, at 0.8620 against a stronger British Pound on Wednesday.
Eurostat will publish the preliminary Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) data for January later on Wednesday at 10:00 GMT.
Spain HCOB Services PMI below expectations (56.5) in January: Actual (53.5)
BNY's report discusses the current expectations in the fixed income markets, particularly regarding the European Central Bank's monetary policy.
Deutsche Bank's Macro Strategy report highlights a significant recovery in Gold prices, which posted their largest daily gain since 2008. Gold rose by 6.12% to $4,947/oz, with further increases noted overnight.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price declines after registering nearly 3% gains in the previous session, trading around $63.50 per barrel during the early European hours on Wednesday.
The Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Research Institute will release its monthly report on private-sector job creation for January on Wednesday.
The USD/CAD pair turns lower for the second straight day and trades below mid-1.3600s through the early European session on Wednesday, though the downtick lacks bearish conviction amid mixed cues.
Rabobank's RaboResearch Team discusses the implications of Warsh's nomination as Fed Chair and the market's expectations regarding interest rate cuts. The report highlights that investors are pricing in less than two cuts by the end of 2026, with no full cut expected until July.
Here is what you need to know on Thursday, February 4:
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% and maintained a hawkish bias due to persistent inflationary pressures.
US President Trump signed a bill ending the government shutdown, a situation that has become so commonplace that markets barely registered it.
Gold prices rebounded strongly on Tuesday, reversing previous declines. The price rose by US$285.38 (6.1%) to US$4,946.76 per troy ounce. Silver also saw a significant rebound, increasing by US$5.89 (7.4%) to US$85.16 per troy ounce.
The EUR/JPY cross attracts some buyers near 184.95 during the early European session on Wednesday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens against the Euro (EUR) amid fiscal concerns on the back of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's reflationary policies.
Russia S&P Global Services PMI: 53.1 (January) vs 52.3
The USD/CHF pair trades in a tight range around 0.7750 during the late Asian trading session on Wednesday.
The EUR/USD pair trades on a firmer note near 1.1830 during the early European session on Wednesday. Nonetheless, the upside for the major pair might be limited as traders remain cautious after a partial government shutdown swiftly ended.
India HSBC Composite PMI down to 59.4 in January from previous 59.5
India HSBC Services PMI below expectations (59.4) in January: Actual (58.5)
The Indian Rupee (INR) opens on a firm note against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, with the USD/INR pair holding onto losses near 90.55.
Gold (XAU/USD) attracts follow-through buying for the second consecutive day and surges past the $5,000 psychological mark during the Asian session on Wednesday amid the global flight to safety.
Gold prices rose in India on Wednesday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
GBP/USD steadies after registering modest gains in the previous session, trading around 1.3700 during the Asian hours on Wednesday. The technical analysis of the daily chart points to a potential bearish reversal as the range narrows, indicating waning buyer momentum within a rising wedge pattern.
Silver price (XAG/USD) climbs to around $87.60 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The white metal rebounds after facing a historic correction last week as dip-buyers enter the market.
USD/CAD moves little after registering modest losses in the previous session, trading around 1.3640 during the Asian hours on Wednesday.
The NZD/USD pair struggles to capitalize on the previous day's move higher and attracts some sellers during the Asian session on Wednesday in reaction to mixed employment details from New Zealand.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues with its relative underperformance on Wednesday amid concerns about Japan's fiscal health under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's expansionary spending policy.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $63.75 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The WTI price edges higher amid fears of rising tensions between the United States (US) and Iran.
China's Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 52.3 in January from 52.0 in December, the latest data published by RatingDog showed on Wednesday. This figure came in stronger than the expectations of 51.8.
China RatingDog Services PMI came in at 52.3, above expectations (51.8) in January
The Australian Dollar (AUD) advances against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday after registering over 1% gains in the previous session.
On Wednesday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 6.9533 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.9608 and 6.9385 Reuters estimate.
The EUR/USD pair struggles to capitalize on the previous day's modest bounce from the 1.1780-1.1775 area, or over a one-week low, and oscillates in a narrow band during the Asian session on Wednesday.
The USD/JPY pair gains momentum to around 155.85 during the early Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens against the US Dollar (USD) amid political uncertainty in Japan.
Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI came in at 53.7, above forecasts (53.4) in January
Gold price (XAU/USD) trades in positive territory near $4,985 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The precious metal extends the rebound after a historic and volatile sell-off last week. Traders weigh the next round of US economic signals and the broader demand for safe-haven assets.
New Zealand ANZ Commodity Price climbed from previous -2.1% to 2% in January
The NZD/USD pair holds positive ground near 0.6050 during the early Asian session on Wednesday, bolstered by a weaker US Dollar (USD). Increased US policy volatility continues to drag the Greenback lower against the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
The Pound Sterling (GBP) traded in a narrow range against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, edging modestly higher to near 1.3700 as markets adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Bank of England's (BoE) first policy decision of 2026.
New Zealand GDT Price Index up to 6.7% from previous 1.5%
The report by Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong from OCBC Bank, indicates that a sub-Bloomberg consensus USDCNY fix signals a growing tolerance for RMB strength. However, authorities appear committed to a measured and orderly appreciation path for the Renminbi (CNY).
New Zealand’s Unemployment Rate rose to 5.4% in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025 from 5.3% in the third quarter, according to the official data released by Statistics New Zealand on Wednesday. The figure came in above the market consensus of 5.3%.
Australia S&P Global Services PMI rose from previous 56 to 56.3 in January
Australia S&P Global Composite PMI climbed from previous 55.5 to 55.7 in January
United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock came in at -11.1M below forecasts (0.7M) in January 30