against most of its major competitors. US Initial Jobless Claims came in better than expected, providing support for the Greenback, and a notable lack of recovery momentum leaves the Antipodeans in a slump after the USD’s bumper start to the week.
US Initial Jobless claims printed at 216K, below the previous period’s 229K, reversing the market’s forecasted increase to 234K. Several speaking notes are expected from members of the Federal Reserve over the remainder of the day, and traders will want to keep an eye out for any fresh comments about monetary policy that could shift USD sentiment.
Things are notably light on the Kiwi side. During the Asian session, traders will want to keep an eye on upcoming Japanese data that could produce some if the numbers have any surprises. Japan's quarterly Gross Domestic Production figures are expected to show a slight decline; market forecasts are calling for a printing of 1.3%, down from the previous reading of 1.5%. Looking out over the longer-term horizon, the Kiwi is tapping into the lowest prices for the year, touching ten-month lows near 0.5880. Continued selling pressure will seeat risk of free-falling to 2022’s lows near 0.
With the Kiwi’s recent slump to the downside of the sideways channel from the last three weeks, there’s a risk the previous support from 0.5900 could now act as a near-term resistance level.