Malaysia Nov Producer Prices +1.3% On Month -0.2% In October
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Malaysia Nov Producer Prices +1.3% On Month -0.2% In October
Malaysia Nov Producer Prices +1.2% On Year Vs. -2.9% In October
The manufacturing sector in China continued to expand at a steady pace in December, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Tuesday with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.2.
That was unchanged from the November reading, although it beat expectations for a score of 50.1. It also remained above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.
The bureau also said its non-manufacturing PMI came in at 53.5, missing forecasts for 54.2 and down from 54.4 in the previous month.
The composite PMI had a score of 53.4, down from 53.7 a month earlier.
Overall consumer prices in South Korea were up 0.7 percent on year in December, Statistics Korea said on Tuesday - accelerating from the 0.2 percent increase in the previous month.
On a monthly basis, overall inflation rose 0.2 percent after skidding 0.6 percent in November.
Core consumer prices, which exclude the volatile prices of fresh food, also rose 0.7 percent on year after gaining 0.6 percent a month earlier. Core inflation fell 0.1 percent on month after dipping 0.2 percent in November.
China Manufacturing PMI 50.2 In December; Non-Manufacturing PMI 53.5
South Korea Core CPI -0.1% On Month, +0.7% On Year In December
South Korea CPI +0.2% On Month, +0.7% On Year In December
China is on Tuesday scheduled to release its official manufacturing PMI for December, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.
The manufacturing PMI is tipped to show a score of 50.1, down from 50.2 in November. The non-manufacturing PMI is pegged at 54.2, down from 54.4 in the previous month. The composite is called at 53.4, down from 53.7 a month earlier.
South Korea will provide November numbers for consumer prices. In October, overall inflation was down 0.6 percent on month and up 0.2 percent on year, while core CPI eased 0.2 percent on month and rose 0.6 percent on year.
Malaysia will see producer price figures for November; in October, producer prices sank 0.2 percent on month and 2.9 percent on year.
Finally, several of the regional bourses are closed on Tuesday for New Year's Eve, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.
The U.S. dollar edged lower against most major currencies amid thin deals on Monday, extending its recent weakness.
The dollar eased amid expectations the U.S.-China trade will be signed sometime soon and on optimism about Chinese economy after the country's central bank announced a measure that would reduce borrowing costs.
The dollar index, which measures the currency's strength against six major currencies, declined to 96.61 by noon. Despite recovering to 96.77 in late afternoon trades, the index was still down in negative territory, trailing its previous close by 0.16%.
Against the Euro, the dollar weakened to $1.1197, declining 0.19% from Friday's close of $1.1176.
Against Pound Sterling, the dollar eased to $1.3104 from $1.3080. The British currency gained in strength against most major counterparts amid easing fears over Brexit following recent remarks from European Commission chief Ursula Von der Leyen signaling extension of the transition period to strike a new trading deal with the European Union.
The new head of the EU said that the U.K. should reconsider the 11-month timeframe available for negotiating a trade deal with the EU after Brexit. He expressed concern about the issues that "need to be negotiated" and emphasized the necessity to extend the deadline for talks.
The Japanese Yen strengthened to 108.84 a dollar, gaining more than 0.5% from previous close of 109.45 yen a dollar.
The dollar was down 0.14% against the loonie at 1.3061 and down 0.2% against the Aussie at 0.6995.
Against Swiss franc, the dollar was down nearly 0.6%, with the dollar-franc pair at 0.9694. Data from the KOF Swiss Economic Institute showed that Switzerland's economic outlook is set to brighten at the start of next year, yet remain subdued.
The KOF Economic Barometer rose to 96.4 from 92.6 in November, which was revised from 93. Economists had expected a score of 94.5.
The Swedish Krona was weak against the dollar at 9.3513, compared to 9.3392 a dollar on Friday evening.
In U.S. economic news, a report released by the National Association of Realtors said its pending home sales index jumped 1.2% to 108.5 in November after falling by a revised 1.3% in October. Economists had expected pending home sales to surge up by 1.1%.
Meanwhile, a report released by MNI Indicators said Chicago-area business activity continued to contract in the month of December. However, the pace of contraction slowed from the previous month.
The report said MNI's Chicago business barometer climbed to 48.9 in December from 46.3 but it indicates a contraction in regional business activity. Economists had expected the barometer to rise to 48.0.
On the other hand, the report said the new orders index edged down to 49.1 in December, while the employment index fell to 47.4.
Following the upward move seen last Friday, treasuries moved back to the downside during the trading session on Monday.
Bond prices climbed off their worst levels after seeing initial weakness but remained in negative territory. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, rose by 2.1 basis points to 1.895 percent.
The pullback by treasuries came after MNI Indicators released a report showing Chicago-area business activity continued to contract in the month of December, although the pace of contraction slowed from the previous month.
MNI Indicators said its Chicago business barometer climbed to 48.9 in December from 46.3, but a reading below 50 still indicates a contraction in regional business activity. Economists had expected the barometer to rise to 48.0.
A separate report released by the National Association of Realtors showed pending home sales in the U.S. rebounded in the month of November.
NAR said its pending home sales index jumped 1.2 percent to 108.5 in November after falling by a revised 1.3 percent in October. Economists had expected pending home sales to surge up by 1.1 percent.
A pending home sale is one in which a contract was signed but not yet closed. Normally, it takes four to six weeks to close a contracted sale.
Trading on Tuesday may be impacted by reaction to reports on consumer confidence and home prices, although trading activity may be subdued ahead of the New Year's day holiday on Wednesday.
Swiss Dec KOF Leading Indicator 96.4 Vs. 92.6 In Nov; Consensus 94.5
Spain Q3 GDP Up 0.4% On Quarter, Same As In Q2, Unrevised
Spain Dec CPI Down 0.1% On Month
After the release of Swiss KOF leading indicator for December at 3:00 am ET Monday, the franc changed little against its major counterparts.
The franc was trading at 0.9731 against the greenback, 112.20 against the yen, 1.0895 against the euro and 1.2766 against the pound around 3:03 am ET.
Spain Dec CPI Up 0.8% On Year Vs. 0.4% In November
Swiss KOF leading indicator for December is due at 3:00 am ET Tuesday. Ahead of the data, the franc traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the franc held steady against the greenback, it dropped against the rest of major counterparts.
The franc was worth 0.9730 against the greenback, 112.18 against the yen, 1.0895 against the euro and 1.2766 against the pound at 2:55 am ET.
The U.S. dollar dropped against its major counterparts in Asian deals on Monday in thin trading ahead of the New Year break.
Investors awaited developments on trade front after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a signing ceremony with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the Phase 1 trade deal.
China's official manufacturing PMI is due Tuesday, while the Caixin version will be released Thursday.
Investors kept a wary eye on North Korea following U.S. airstrikes in the middle east.
Trading volume continued to remain thin ahead of the New Year holidays.
The greenback depreciated to 0.9719 against the franc, its lowest since August 26. The greenback is seen locating support around the 0.96 area.
The greenback declined to more than a 2-week of 109.07 against the yen, from last week's closing value of 109.41. The greenback may test support around the 106.00 level, if it drops further.
The greenback slipped to an 11-day low of 1.3125 against the pound and a 4-1/2-month low of 1.1211 against the euro and held steady thereafter. The U.S. currency had ended Friday's trading at 1.3080 against the pound and 1.1176 against the euro.
Retreating from an early high of 1.3085 against the loonie, the greenback edged down to a session's low of 1.3064. If the greenback slides further, it may find support near the 1.28 level.
The greenback fell to more than 5-month lows of 0.6999 against the aussie and 0.6720 against the kiwi, off its previous highs of 0.6978 and 0.6695, respectively. The next possible support for the greenback is seen around 0.71 against the aussie and 0.68 against the kiwi.
Looking ahead, Swiss KOF leading indicator for December is due out in the European session.
In the New York session, U.S. pending home sales, wholesale inventories and advance goods trade data, all for November, are scheduled for release.
Norway Dec Economic Confidence 81.9 Vs. 80.6 In November
Germany Q3 Residential Property Prices Up 4.9% On Year Vs. 5.4% In Q2
Norway Nov Retail Sales +1.0% On Month Vs. -0.7% In October
Norway Nov Retail Sales +0.8% On Year Vs. -0.3% In October
U.S. Dollar Slides To Session's Low Of 1.3064 Against Canadian Dollar
Russia Dec Manufacturing PMI 47.5 Vs. 45.6 In November
Dutch Dec Business Confidence 2.9 Vs. 2.8 In November
Industrial production in South Korea declined a seasonally adjusted 0.5 percent on month in November, Statistics Korea said on Monday. That follows the 1.7 percent drop in October.
On a yearly basis, industrial production dipped 0.3 percent after dropping 2.5 percent in the previous month.
The Index of all industry production added 0.4 percent on month and 1.2 percent on year in November.
The Manufacturing Production Index fell 0.6 percent on month and 0.1 percent on year in November, while the Manufacturing Shipment Index lost 1.6 percent on month and 1.9 percent on year. The Manufacturing Inventory Index in November sank 0.9 percent on month but added 2.9 percent on year.
The Production Capacity Index in November climbed 1.4 percent on month but fell 0.9 percent on year.
The Index of Capacity Utilization Rate in fell 1.9 percent on month and 1.5 percent on year last month. The Manufacturing Average Capacity Utilization Rate was 71.8 percent, down 1.5 percentage points on month. The Index of Services in November climbed 1.4 percent on month and 2.5 percent on year.
The Retail Sales Index in November rose 3.0 percent on month and 3.7 percent on year. The Equipment Investment Index gained 1.1 percent on month and was flat on year.
The Domestic Machinery Shipment Index in November fell 4.2 percent on year. The value of Domestic Machinery Orders Received in November surged an annual 23.6 percent.
The value of Construction Completed at constant prices dropped 1.8 percent on month and 4.7 percent on year. The value of Construction Orders Received at current prices jumped 11.5 percent on year.
The Composite Coincident Index in November rose 0.1 percent on month. The Cyclical Component of Composite Coincident Index, which reflects current economic situations, eased 0.1 points on month.
The Composite Leading Index in November gained 0.7 percent on month. The Cyclical Component of Composite Leading Index, which predicts the turning point in business cycle, was up 0.4 points on month.
Industrial production in South Korea was down a seasonally adjusted 0.5 percent on month in November, Statistics Korea said on Monday. That follows the 1.7 percent drop in October.
On a yearly basis, industrial production was down 0.3 percent after dropping 2.5 percent in the previous month.
The Index of all industry production was up 0.4 percent on month and 1.2 percent on year in November.
The Production Capacity Index in November climbed 1.4 percent on month but was down 0.9 percent on year.
South Korea Industrial Production -0.5% On Month, -0.3% On Year In November
South Korea will on Monday release November numbers for industrial production and retail sales, headlining a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In October, industrial production was down 1.7 percent on month and 2.5 percent on year, while retail sales fell 0.5 percent on month and gained 2.1 percent on year.
Thailand will provide November data for imports, exports and trade balance. In October, imports were worth $18.41 billion and exports were at $20.50 billion for a trade surplus of $2.09 billion.
Hong Kong will release November numbers for imports, exports and trade balance. In October, imports were worth HKD379.12 billion and exports were at HKD348.53 billion for a trade deficit of HKD30.59 billion.
Japan will see October numbers for vehicle production; in September, production was up 2.3 percent on year.
The U.S. dollar saw yet another weak session as traders turned to riskier assets on Friday amid optimism the U.S. and China will soon sign the phase 1 trade deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that that there will be a signing ceremony with Chinese leader Xi Jinping sometime soon.
On Thursday, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said the country is in touch with the U.S. on signing the phase one trade deal.
The dollar lost ground against most major currencies. The dollar index declined to a low of 96.92 and was last seen moving around 97.00, down more than 0.5% from previous close.
Against the Euro, the dollar weakened to $1.1175, from $1.1099, giving up nearly 0.7%.
The Pound Sterling strengthened too, with a unit of sterling fetching $1.3071, compared to $1,2997 on Thursday.
Against the Japanese Yen, the dollar shed about 0.14% at 109.48 yen, after briefly edging above the flat line at 109.63.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a preliminary reading that industrial production in Japan was down a seasonally adjusted 0.9% on month in November. That exceeded expectations for a decline of 1.1% following the 4.5% drop in October.
The jobless rate in Japan came in at a seasonally adjusted 2.2%. Retail sales in Japan were up a seasonally adjusted 4.5% on month in November.
Overall consumer prices in the Tokyo area increased by 0.9% on year in December, in line with expectations, and up from 0.8% in November.
The Aussie was up nearly 0.6% against the dollar, with the pair trading at 0.6985.
The dollar shed 0.27% against the loonie at 1.3086, and about 0.6% at 0.9748 against Swiss franc.
the Swiss investor sentiment index rose by 16.4 points to 12.5 in December 2019 from -3.9 in the previous month, compared to -30.5 in the corresponding month of 2018 and reaching its highest reading since May 2018.
After ending the previous session nearly flat, treasuries moved to the upside over the course of the trading day on Friday.
Bond priced moved higher in early trading and remained firmly positive throughout the session. As a result, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, fell by 3.1 basis points to 1.874 percent.
The strength among treasuries came as traders prepare for the New Year, with some looking to the safe haven of bonds amid concerns about an eventual pullback by stocks.
Nonetheless, many traders remained away from their desks following the Christmas holiday on Wednesday and the New Year's Day holiday next Wednesday.
A lack of major U.S. economic data also kept traders on the sidelines as they attempt to deduce what is in store for the economy in the New Year.
Trading activity is likely to remain relatively subdued next week, although reports on pending home sales, consumer confidence, and manufacturing activity may attract some attention.
Crude oil prices rebounded after mid morning setback on Friday and eventually ended the session marginally up after data showed a larger than expected drop in crude inventories last week.
The positive close for the commodity was also due to easing worries about outlook for energy demand following the U.S. and China reaching an agreement, and hopes that OPEC-led supply cuts will continue to support oil prices.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for February ended up $0.04 at $$61.72 a barrel, the highest settlement price in about 3-1/2 months.
On Thursday, WTI crude oil futures for February ended up $0.57, or 0.9%, at $61.68 a barrel. Crude oil futures gained about 2.1% in the week.
Brent Crude oil futures gained $0.18 to $68.10 a barrel, the highest level since mid-September.
Data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) this morning showed crude stockpiles in the U.S. to have declined by nearly 5.5 million barrels in the week ended December 20, more than thrice the expected drop.
The data showed gasoline inventories rose 2 million barrels last week, while distillate stockpiles declined, against expectations of an increase in stock.
The EIA data also showed Cushing saw a 2.4 million barrel drop in the week to December 20.
A report from Baker Hughes said drillers cut 8 oil rigs in the week to December 27, bringing the total count down to 677, the lowest since mid November.
A report from the American Petroleum Institute earlier this week said U.S. crude stockpiles declined by 7.9 million barrels last week, significantly higher than what was forecast by analysts.
Gold prices moved higher on Friday, extending gains to a fourth straight session, as the dollar slipped below the 97 mark, and equities turned somewhat flat as investors looked for direction amid a lack of triggers.
The dollar index dropped to 96.95, losing about 0.6%.
Gold prices stayed a bit sluggish till around mid morning, but gained in strength as the session progressed.
Gold futures for February ended up $3.70, or about 0.2%, at $1,518.10, the highest close since September 24.
On Thursday, gold futures for February ended up $9.60, or 0.6%, at 1,514.40, after having gained 1.1% a session earlier.
For the week, gold futures gained 2.5%, the best weekly rise in about four months.
Silver futures for March ended down $0.047 at $17.943 an ounce, while Copper futures for March settled lower by $0.0195 at $2.8295 per pound.
Gold also found support on news Russia might consider a part-investment of its National Wealth Fund in gold.
China's industrial profits expanded after declining in previous three months, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Friday.
Industrial profits expanded 5.4 percent year-on-year in November, in contrast to a 9.9 percent decrease in October.
The recovery in industrial profits was driven by significant growth in industrial production and sales, Zhu Hong, NBS senior statistician said. Moreover, the factory gate prices of industrial products declined.
Nonetheless, Zhu noted that volatility in industrial profits remain due to multiple factors such as market demand and industrial product prices.
Data showed that in January to November period, industrial profits decreased 2.1 percent from the same period last year.
Retail sales in Japan were up a seasonally adjusted 4.5 percent on month in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said on Friday.
That was shy of expectations for an increase of 5.0 percent following the 14.2 percent plunge in October.
On a yearly basis, retail sales sank 2.1 percent - again missing forecasts for a drop of 1.7 percent following the 7.0 percent slide in the previous month.
Sales from large retailers fell an annual 1.8 percent, beating expectations for a drop of 1.9 percent following the 8.2 percent drop a month earlier.
Industrial production in Japan was down a seasonally adjusted 0.9 percent on month in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in Friday's preliminary reading.
That exceeded expectations for a decline of 1.1 percent following the 4.5 percent drop in October.
On a yearly basis, industrial production tumbled 8.1 percent - again beating low expectations for a decline of 8.3 percent following the 7.7 percent contraction in the previous month.
Upon the release of the data, the METI downgraded its assessment of industrial production, saying that it has weakened.
The jobless rate in Japan came in at a seasonally adjusted 2.2 percent in November, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said on Friday.
That was shy of expectations for 2.4 percent, which would have been unchanged from the October reading.
The job-to-applicant ratio was 1.57 - unchanged and as expected.
The number of employed persons in November was 67.62 million, an increase of 530,000 from the previous year.
The number of unemployed persons in November was 1.51 million, a decrease of 170,000 from the previous year.
Japan Industrial Production -0.9% On Month, -8.1% On Year In November
Japan Retail Sales -2.1% On Year In November
Overall consumer prices in the Tokyo area were up 0.9 percent on year in December, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said on Friday.
That was in line with expectations and up from 0.8 percent in November.
Core CPI, which excludes volatile food prices, climbed an annual 0.8 percent - exceeding expectations for 0.6 percent, which would have been unchanged from the previous month.
Individually, prices were up for food, housing, furniture, clothing, medical care and recreation. Prices were down for fuel and education.
On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, overall inflation was flat and core CPI gained 0.2 percent.
Tokyo Overall Inflation +0.9% On Year In December; Core CPI +0.8%
Japan Unemployment Rate 2.2% In November
Japan is scheduled to release a raft of data on Friday, headlining a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. On tap are November numbers for industrial production, retail sales and unemployment, plus December data for Tokyo inflation.
Industrial production is called lower by 1.1 percent on month and 8.3 percent on year after sliding 4.5 percent on month and 7.7 percent on year in October. Retail sales are expected to jump 5.0 percent on month and fall 1.4 percent on year after tumbling 14.4 percent on month and 7.1 percent on year in the previous month.
The jobless rate is tipped to hold steady at 2.4 percent, while the job-to-applicant ratio is also called unchanged at 1.57. Overall Tokyo inflation is called higher by 0.9 percent on year after rising 0.8 percent in November. Core CPI is called steady at 0.6 percent.
Singapore will see producer price numbers for November; in October, prices were up 0.3 percent on month and down 7.8 percent on year.
The Philippines also will release November numbers for producer prices; in October, prices were down 0.7 percent on month and 0.4 percent on year.
The U.S. dollar exhibited weakness on Thursday, losing ground for a third straight session.
However, amid thin holiday trades, movements were not any significantly pronounced.
The dollar index drifted down to 97.49 around early afternoon, but edged up to 97.55 later on in the day, cutting down its loss to 0.1%.
Against the Euro, the dollar weakened to $1.1103 from Tuesday's close of $1.1092.
The Pound Sterling was stronger by about 0.35% at $1.3000. rising from $1.2954.
Against the Japanese Yen, the dollar was gaining about 0.25%, with a unit fetching 109.63 yen.
The dollar shed about 0.4% against the Aussie, with the AUD-USD pair trading at 0.6949.
The dollar, at 1.3109 against the loonie, was trailing by nearly 0.4%, as crude oil prices rose for a third straight session.
Against Swiss Franc, the dollar gained 0.1% at 0.9814.
According to the data released by the Labor Department, first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits continued decrease in the week ended December 21st, with claims falling to 222,000.
That was a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised level of 235,000.
Economists had expected jobless claims to drop to 224,000 from the 234,000 originally reported for the previous week.
Jobless claims fell for the second straight week after reaching their highest level since September of 2017 in the week ended December 7th.
Crude oil prices rose on Thursday, extending gains to a third straight session amid easing concerns about the outlook for energy demand, the OPEC-led output cuts and on data showing a drop in U.S. crude inventories.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for February ended up $0.57, or about 0.9%, at $61.68 a barrel.
On Tuesday, WTI crude oil futures ended up $0.59, or 1%, at $61.11 a barrel.
Brent crude futures were gaining about $0.70, or 1%, at $67.90 around late afternoon.
Worries about outlook for energy demand have eased a bit following the U.S. and China agreeing on a phase 1 trade deal. U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would have signing ceremony for the agreement to end their ongoing trade dispute.
A report released by the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday evening showed U.S. crude stockpiles declined by 7.9 million barrels last week. That was significantly higher than what was forecast by analysts.
As reported earlier, the OPEC and allies will extend and deepen production cuts that would reduce output by more than 2 million barrels per day from January.
The official crude inventory data for the week ended December 20 will be released by the Energy Information Administration on Friday morning.
Following the holiday on Wednesday, treasuries showed a lack of direction over the course of the trading session on Thursday.
Bond prices spent the day bouncing back and forth across the unchanged line before closing roughly flat. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, edged down by less than a basis point to 1.905 percent.
The choppy trading came as many traders remained away from their desks following the Christmas Day holiday and ahead of the New Year's Day holiday next Wednesday.
Traders largely shrugged off a Labor Department report showing a continued pullback in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended December 21st.
The Labor Department said initial jobless claims fell to 222,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised level of 235,000.
Economists had expected jobless claims to drop to 224,000 from the 234,000 originally reported for the previous week.
Jobless claims fell for the second straight week after reaching their highest level since September of 2017 in the week ended December 7th.
Meanwhile, the Treasury Department revealed its auction of $32 billion worth of seven-year notes attracted modestly above average demand.
The seven-year note auction drew a high yield of 1.835 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.47, while the ten previous seven-year note auctions had an average bid-to-cover ratio of 2.42.
The bid-to-cover ratio is a measure of demand that indicates the amount of bids for each dollar worth of securities being sold.
The Treasury revealed earlier this week that its auction of $40 billion worth of two-year notes attracted below average demand, while its auction of $41 billion worth of five-year notes attracted above average demand.
Trading activity is likely to remain subdued on Friday, as traders stick to the sidelines amid a lack of major U.S. economic data.
Japan's services producer prices increased at a steady pace in November, data from Bank of Japan showed on Wednesday. Services producer prices increased 2.1 percent year-on-year in November, the same rate of increase as seen in October.
On a monthly basis, inflation eased to 0.2 percent from 1.9 percent in October. Nonetheless, prices have increased for the second straight month after staying flat in September.
Excluding international transportation, services producer prices grew 0.2 percent on month, taking the annual growth to 2.1 percent in November.
Yen Falls To 6-day Low Of 111.80 Versus Franc
Yen Weakens To 6-day Low Of 121.57 Versus Euro
Turkey's manufacturing confidence improved for a third straight month in December to its strongest level in eight months, while capacity utilization eased slightly, survey data from the central bank showed on Thursday.
The manufacturing confidence index rose to 103.6 from 102 in November. The reading was the highest since April, when the score was 105.5.
A confidence reading above 100 suggests that business leaders remain optimistic regarding the outlook for the economy. Factories were optimistic regarding production, order book levels, and employment over the next three months.
Separate data from the central bank showed that the manufacturing capacity utilization rate eased to 77 percent in December from 77.2 percent in November. In October, the rate was 76.4 percent.
The New Zealand dollar strengthened against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Thursday, as investors awaited details of U.S-China trade deal signing ceremony to defuse dispute between the two sides.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that there would be a signing ceremony for the first phase of the agreement between the U.S. and China.
Confirming the news, Beijing said that they were in close contact with Washington to ink the agreement.
The so-called deal suspended planned escalations and reduced tariffs on a portion of affected products. Asian stock markets are trading mixed, with some markets remaining closed for the Christmas holidays.
The kiwi climbed to a 5-month high of 0.6651 against the greenback and a 2-day high of 1.6674 against the euro, from its early lows of 0.6640 and 1.6702, respectively. The next possible resistance for the kiwi is seen around 0.68 against the greenback and 1.64 against the euro.
Reversing from its early lows of 72.65 against the yen and 1.0427 against the aussie, the kiwi edged up to 72.86 and 1.0415, respectively. If the kiwi rises further, it may locate resistance around 75.00 against the yen and 1.03 versus the aussie.
Looking ahead, U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended December 21 are due in the New York session.
BoJ Chief: Bank Will Not Hesitate To Take Additional Easing Measures
Turkey Dec Manufacturing Confidence 103.6 Vs. 102.0 In November
Turkey Dec Capacity Utilization 77.0% Vs. 77.2% In November
China To Tighten Lending To Rental Housing Companies To Curb Risks: Reuters
UK Trsy Chief Secretary Rishi Sunak Tipped To Run 'Economic Super-Ministry': FT
The New Zealand dollar advanced against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Thursday.
The kiwi climbed to a 5-month high of 0.6651 against the greenback and a 2-day high of 1.6674 against the euro, from its early lows of 0.6640 and 1.6702, respectively.
Reversing from its early lows of 72.65 against the yen and 1.0427 against the aussie, the kiwi edged up to 72.86 and 1.0415, respectively.
The next possible resistance for the kiwi is seen around 0.68 against the greenback, 1.64 against the euro, 75.00 against the yen and 1.03 against the aussie.
NZ Dollar Advances To 2-day High Of 1.6674 Against Euro
NZ Dollar Rises To 5-month High Of 0.6651 Against U.S. Dollar
Singapore industrial production declined notably in November on weak electronics and pharmaceutical output, data from the Economic Development Board showed Thursday.
Industrial production decreased 9.3 percent year-on-year in November, reversing a 3.6 percent drop in October. Economists had forecast a marginal 0.4 percent fall.
Excluding biomedical manufacturing, industrial output was down 9 percent versus a 0.3 percent fall in October.
Among clusters, the electronic cluster showed a sharp reduction of 20.9 percent annually, followed by a 10.3 percent drop in biomedical manufacturing. Chemical output dropped 10 percent and general manufacturing contracted 1.5 percent. Meanwhile, precision engineering and transport engineering grew 9.7 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.
On a monthly basis, industrial production decreased 9.4 percent, in contrast to a 3 percent rise a month ago. Output was expected to ease 0.3 percent.
Japan's housing starts logged a double-digit decline in November, data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism showed on Thursday.
Housing starts decreased 12.7 percent on a yearly basis, following a 7.4 percent drop in October. This was the fifth consecutive decrease in housing starts. Economists had forecast an 8.1 percent fall.
Annualized housing starts decreased to 834,000 in November from 879,000 in October. The expected level was 882,000.
Data also showed that construction orders received by big 50 contractors declined 1.2 percent on year in November, in contrast to an increase of 6.4 percent in October.
Singapore Nov Industrial Production Down 9.4% On Month, Consensus -0.3%
Singapore Nov Industrial Output Falls 9.3% On Year, Consensus -0.4%
Japan Nov Construction Orders Fall 1.2% Annually Vs. +6.4% In October
Japan Nov Annualized Housing Starts 834K Vs. 879K In October
Japan Nov Housing Starts Down 12.7% On Year, Consensus -8.1%
The U.S. dollar rose against its most major counterparts in early European deals on Tuesday.
The greenback hit a 1-week high of 0.9831 versus the franc, off an early low of 0.9811.
Reversing from its early lows of 1.2948 against the pound and 1.1094 against the euro, the greenback edged up to 1.2922 and 1.1080, respectively.
The greenback gained to 1.3160 against the loonie, from an early low of 1.3141.
The next possible resistance for the greenback is seen around 1.01 versus the franc, 1.28 against the pound, 1.08 against the euro and 1.33 against the loonie.
U.S. Dollar Gains To 1.3160 Against Canadian Dollar
U.S. Dollar Tick Up To 1.1080 Vs Euro, 1.2922 Vs Pound
Dollar Rises To 1-week High Of 0.9831 Versus Franc
The Dutch economy expanded at a steady pace in the third quarter, as initially estimated, final data from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday.
Gross domestic product grew 0.4 percent from the second quarter, when the economy expanded at the same pace. In the first quarter too, GDP rose 0.4 percent.
On a yearly basis, GDP increased 1.9 percent in the third quarter after a 1.8 percent rise in the previous three months.
The statistical office confirmed the estimate published on November 14.
The Hong Kong dollar traded higher against the U.S. dollar in Asian deals on Tuesday.
Sentiment lifted up after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that Beijing is planning more measures to lower financing costs for smaller companies.
The Hong Kong currency appreciated to a 6-day high of 7.7841 versus the greenback from Monday's closing quote of 7.7851. The currency is poised to find resistance around the 7.77 level.
Dutch Q3 GDP Up 1.9% On Year Vs. 1.8% In Q2
Dutch Q3 GDP Rises Unrev 0.4% On Quarter
Japan supermarket sales declined at a slower pace in November, data from the Chain Store Association showed on Tuesday.
Supermarket sales fell 1.4 percent on a yearly basis in November, following a 4.1 percent drop in October.
The annual fall was largely driven by a 7.9 percent drop in clothing and a 3.2 percent decrease in household goods sales.
Before adjustment, supermarket sales declined 6.2 percent in November after easing 8.4 percent a month ago.
On a monthly basis, retail sales increased 2.2 percent in November.
India's Macroeconomic Outlook More Subdued, Uncertain Than In Recent Years: IMF
Japan Nov Supermarket Sales Down 1.4% On Year
The Chinese yuan erased its early losses against the U.S. dollar in Asian deals on Monday.
The yuan rebounded to 7.0113 against the greenback, from a 4-day low of 7.0139 set at 8:30 pm ET. The yuan is seen locating resistance around the 6.9 mark.
The People's Bank of China set today's central parity rate of the yuan at 7.0119 per dollar, compared to Monday's rate of 7.0117. The Chinese central bank sets central parity rate every morning and allows the yuan to fluctuate up to 2 percent from that level.
A few board members of the Bank of Japan shared the view that the central bank should not only conduct monetary policy but also enhance its cooperation with the government in terms of economic policies and prepare for the next economic downturn, the minutes of the policy board meeting held on October 30 and 31 showed on Tuesday.
A different member pointed out that the BoJ should continue to examine whether additional monetary easing would be necessary.
At the October meeting, the Policy Board voted 7-2 to maintain interest rate at -0.1 percent on current accounts that financial institutions maintain at the bank. The bank retained it yield target for 10-year Japanese government bonds at around zero percent. Yutaka Harada and Goushi Kataoka voted against the proposal.
Further, the bank strongly signaled further monetary easing going forward at the meeting.
Discussing guidance, many members pointed out that, considering that a pick-up in overseas economies would be delayed, it was necessary to pay close attention to the possibility that the momentum toward achieving the price stability target would be lost.
These members said that it was appropriate for the central bank to consider revising the current forward guidance at this meeting. Also, the bank needed to maintain a policy stance that was tilted toward monetary accommodation for a fairly long period of time, members noted.
The Bank of Japan will on Tuesday release the minutes from its monetary policy meeting on October 30 and 31, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.
At the meeting, the BoJ maintained its policy rates but it signaled further monetary easing going forward as the economy is set to expand at a slower pace amid weaker inflation outlook. The policy board also voted to keep its benchmark lending rate unchanged at -0.1 percent.
Japan also will see November numbers for supermarket sales; in October, sales were down 4.1 percent on year.
After exhibiting some strength earlier in the session on Monday thanks to a batch of impressive economic data released last Friday, the dollar retreated and slipped into negative territory by mid morning.
The dollar's movements after that retreat was extremely sluggish. The dollar index, which eased to 97.60 from a high of 97.82, was last seen at 97.57, down slightly from previous close.
Against the Euro, the dollar was trading at $1.1091, down by about 0.12% from previous close.
The Pound Sterling retreated $1.2936, after advancing to $1.3031, while the Japanese Yen was marginally stronger at 109.39 a dollar.
Against the Aussie, the dollar shed about 0.32% at 0.6922.
The dollar weak against Swiss franc and the loonie, with the respective pairs going down by 0.12% and 0.1%, to 0.9816 and 1.3149.
Data from Statistics Canada showed that GDP fell 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis after rising 0.1% in the previous month. The rate was forecast to be flat.
In economic news, data released by the Commerce Department showed an unexpected slump in new orders for U.S. manufactured durable goods in the month of November.
The report said durable goods orders plunged by 2% in November after edging up by a downwardly revised 0.2% in October.
Economists had expected durable goods orders to jump by 1.5% compared to the 0.5% increase that had been reported for the previous month.
Another report released by the Commerce Department showed a significant increase in U.S. new home sales in the month of November. The report said new home sales jumped by 1.3% to an annual rate of 719,000 after plunging by 2.7% to a revised rate of 710,000 in October.
Economists had expected new home sales to inch up by 0.1% to 734,000 from the 733,000 originally reported for the previous month.
On the trade front, U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States and China would "very shortly" sign their so-called Phase One trade pact.
Trump also said that China already started large scale purchases of ?.S. farm goods and that the talks with the country were productive.
Finland Oct Retail Sales Down 2.3% On Year
Australian Dollar Rises To 1.0459 Against NZ Dollar
Finland Nov Producer Prices -0.2% On Month Vs. 0% In October
Amended: Japan Oct All Industry Activity -4.3% On Month Vs. +1.9% In September
Finland Nov Producer Prices -0.8% On Year Vs. 0.9% In October
Amended: Japan Oct All Industry Activity -3.3% On Year Vs. +3.4% In September
Singapore Nov CPI +0.3% On Month Vs. -0.4% In October
Singapore Nov CPI Up 0.6% On Year Vs. 0.4% In October
Japan Oct Lagging Index 103.9 Vs. 104.2 In September
Japan Oct Coincident Index 95.3 Vs. 100.4 In September
Japan Oct Leading Index 91.6 Vs. 91.9 In September
Japan Oct -4.3% On Month Vs. +1.9% In September
Japan Oct -3.3% On Year Vs. +3.4% In September
Private sector credit in Australia was up a seasonally adjusted 0.1 percent on month in November, the Reserve Bank of Australia said on Monday.
That was unchanged from the October reading but misses forecasts for an increase of 0.2 percent.
On a yearly basis, credit rose 2.3 percent - also shy of estimates for 2.4 percent and down from 2.5 percent in the previous month.
Housing credit was up 0.2 percent on month and 2.9 percent on year, while personal credit fell 0.5 percent on month and 4.9 percent on year and business credit rose 0.2 percent on month and 2.5 percent on year.
Broad money gained 0.3 percent on month and 4.4 percent on year.
Australia Private Sector Credit +0.1% On Month, +2.3% On Year In November
Japan will on Monday release October numbers for its all industry activity index, setting the pace for a modest day in Asia-Pacific economic activity. The index is tipped to have fallen 4.3 percent on month after advancing 1.5 percent in September.
Japan also will see final October figures for its leading and coincident indexes; the previous readings were 91.8 and 94.8, respectively.
Australia will see November numbers for private sector credit, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 0.2 percent on month and 2.4 percent on year. That's up from 0.1 percent on month and down from 2.5 percent on year in October.
Singapore will provide November data for consumer prices; in October, inflation was down 0.4 percent on month and up 0.4 percent on year.
The U.S. dollar exhibited strength against most major currencies on Friday, thanks to fairly upbeat economic data and on hopes the Fed will hold interest rates steady in the near term.
The dollar index advanced to 97.76 after showing modest strength early on in the session, and was last seen hovering around 97.70, up 0.33% from previous close.
Against the Euro, the dollar was stronger by about 0.4% at $1.1078, after seeing some weakness early on in the day.
Data from the European Central Bank showed that the euro area current account surplus increased in October driven by trade surplus and primary income.
The current account surplus advanced to EUR 32 billion from EUR 28 billion in the previous month.
The Pound Sterling was up slightly against the greenback, with a unit of Sterling fetching $1.3005, compared to $1.3010 on Thursday afternoon.
Against the Japanese Yen, the dollar gained about 0.1% at 109.48 yen, despite some weakness early on in the session.
Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs showed that Japan's consumer price inflation accelerated in November after the sales tax hike but remained well below the central bank target.
Core inflation that excludes fresh food rose to 0.5% in November from 0.4% in October, in line with expectations.
The dollar was up 0.25% and 0.32%, respectively against the Loonie and Swiss Franc, with the respective pairs trading at 1.3157 and 0.9816.
Against the Aussie, the dollar declined by about 0.2%, with the Aussie trading at 0.6900 a dollar.
In economic news from the U.S., the Commerce Department said real gross domestic product jumped by 2.1% in the third quarter, unchanged from the estimate released last month and in line with economist expectations.
The unrevised GDP growth in the third quarter reflects a modest acceleration from the 2% increase seen in the second quarter.
Another report from the Commerce Department said personal income climbed by 0.5% in November after inching up by a revised 0.1% in October.
Economists had expected personal income to rise by 0.3% compared to the virtually unchanged reading originally reported for the previous month.
Consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved by slightly more than initially estimated in the month of December, according to a raeport released by the University of Michigan on Friday.
The report said the consumer sentiment index for December was upwardly revised to 99.3 from the preliminary reading of 99.2. Economists had expected the index to be unrevised.
With the upward revision, the consumer sentiment index for December is even further above the final November reading of 96.8.
After turning higher over the course of the previous session, treasuries gave back some ground in early trading on Friday.
Bond prices climbed well off their worst levels but still finished the session slightly lower. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, inched up by nearly a basis point to 1.917 percent.
The early weakness among treasuries came as traders reacted to the latest batch of U.S. economic data, including a report from the Commerce Department U.S. economic growth in the third quarter was unrevised from the previous estimate.
The Commerce Department said real gross domestic product jumped by 2.1 percent in the third quarter, unchanged from the estimate released last month and in line with economist expectations.
The unrevised GDP growth in the third quarter reflects a modest acceleration from the 2.0 percent increase seen in the second quarter.
A separate report from the Commerce Department showed a notable acceleration in the pace of personal income growth in the month of November.
The report said personal income climbed by 0.5 percent in November after inching up by a revised 0.1 percent in October.
Economists had expected personal income to rise by 0.3 percent compared to the virtually unchanged reading originally reported for the previous month.
The Commerce Department said personal spending also climbed by 0.4 percent in November following a 0.3 percent increase in October. The spending growth matched economist estimates.
Trading activity may be subdued next week due to the Christmas holiday, although traders are still likely to keep an eye on reports on durable goods orders and new home sales.
The Treasury Department is also scheduled to announce the results of this month's auctions of two-year, five-year and seven-year notes.
Crude oil prices declined sharply on Friday as data from Baker Hughes showed a sharp increase in rig count in the U.S., and traders looked to trim down positions ahead of upcoming holidays.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for February ended down $0.74, or about 1.2%, at $60.44 a barrel.
Brent Crude oil futures declined $0.48, or about 0.7%, to 66.06 a barrel.
On Thursday, WTI crude oil futures settled at a three-month high.
WTI Crude oil futures gained about 0.5% in the week.
According to a report released by Baker Hughes, rigs count in the U.S. increased for a second straight week, rising by as much as 18 to 685 this week.
The report also said total rigs count have now risen to 813.
Despite optimism on the trade front and the ongoing OPEC output cuts, oil prices drifted lower in the session as traders looked keen on taking some profits ahead of the year-end holiday period.
After the U.S. and China agreed on a phase one trade deal, China announced a list of United States chemicals that will be exempted from import tariffs.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday a trade deal with China was finished and is ready for signing after the holidays.
Finland Nov Jobless Rate 5.9% Vs. 6.2% In October
Dutch Oct Consumer Spending 1.7% On Year Vs. 1.9% In September
Dutch Dec Consumer Confidence -2, Same As In November
Malaysia's consumer price inflation slowed in November, figures from the Department of Statistics showed on Friday.
The consumer price index climbed 0.9 percent year-on-year in November, after a 1.1 percent increase in October. Inflation was expected to remain unchanged at 1.1 percent.
Among the main groups, prices for miscellaneous goods and services grew 2.5 percent and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, and education increased by 1.7 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.
Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, communication and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance rose by 1.5 percent each.
Compared to the previous month, consumer prices edged up 0.1 percent in November.
The core CPI rose 1.4 percent year-on-year in November.
UK consumer confidence improved in December on rising optimism about economic activity, survey results from the market research group GfK showed Friday.
The consumer sentiment index rose three points to -11 in December as four measures increased, and one measure decreased from the previous month.
Joe Staton, client strategy director at GfK, said "There's a clear sense of a change in consumer sentiment this month."
"The Overall Index Score has failed to break into positive territory for the past four years due to confusion and uncertainty about the future direction of the UK," Staton added.
"A great many people will be gazing into their crystal balls right now; ours indicates a rebound in confidence in 2020 based on renewed optimism and energy for a post-Brexit Britain," said Staton.
The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last year fell three points to -3, while the forecast for personal finances over the coming year climbed two points to +3.
The measure for the general economic situation of over the last year increased three points to -31 and expectations gained seven points to -27.
The major purchase index advanced three points in December to +3. At the same time, the savings index was unchanged at +18.
Japan's consumer price inflation accelerated in November after the sales tax hike but remained well below the central bank target.
Core inflation that excludes fresh food rose to 0.5 percent in November from 0.4 percent in October, data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs showed Friday. The rate came in line with expectations.
Overall consumer price inflation also came in at 0.5 percent, up from 0.2 percent a month ago and in line with forecast.
Headline inflation rose sharply in November but it will moderate over the coming months as capacity shortages diminish, Tom Learmouth, an economist at Capital Economics, said. But the economist said he is not convinced that the Bank of Japan will respond by cutting interest rates.
The economist expects underlying inflation to moderate to around 0.5 percent by mid-2020 as the unemployment rate climbs and capacity utilization falls.
Excluding fresh food and energy, inflation accelerated to 0.8 percent from 0.7 percent a month ago.
Although October's sales tax hike lifted inflation, it has curbed the consumer spending.
The Bank of Japan, on Thursday, left its massive monetary stimulus unchanged on Thursday and maintained its upbeat view on economy.
The BoJ reiterated that it will ease policy further if there is a greater possibility that the momentum toward achieving the 2 percent price stability target is lost.
Revised quarterly national accounts and public sector finance from the UK are due on Friday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news.
At 2.00 am ET, Germany's GfK consumer confidence survey results are due. The forward-looking consumer sentiment index is seen at 9.8 in January versus 9.7 in December. Also, unemployment from Finland and consumer confidence from Turkey are due.
At 2.45 am ET, producer prices and consumer spending figures are due from France. Economists forecast spending to climb 0.3 percent on month in November, faster than the 0.2 percent increase in October.
At 3.30 am ET, Sweden retail sales data is due from Statistics Sweden. Economists expect sales to grow 0.2 percent on month in November, the same rate as seen in October.
At 4.00 am ET, the European Central Bank releases euro area current account data for October.
In the meantime, Italy's Istat publishes economic sentiment survey results and Statistics Poland issues retail sales data.
At 4.30 am ET, the Office for National Statistics is scheduled to issue UK revised GDP, public sector finance and business investment figures. The economy is expected to grow 0.3 percent in the third quarter, as initially estimated.
The UK budget deficit is seen at GBP 6.1 billion in November versus GBP 11.2 billion in October.
At 10.00 am ET, European Commission is slated to issue flash consumer confidence survey results. The euro area consumer sentiment index is forecast to rise to -7.1 in December from -7.2 in November.
Malaysia Nov CPI Up 0.1% On Month
Malaysia Nov Inflation 0.9% Vs. 1.1% In Oct, Consensus 1.1%
China retained its benchmark lending rates, as widely expected, on Friday, after lowering it last month.
The one-year loan prime rate was retained at 4.15 percent and the five-year loan prime rate at 4.80 percent.
The rate was last reduced in November, which was the first reduction since the new lending rate was introduced.
The loan prime rate is fixed monthly based on the submission of 18 banks, though Beijing has influence over the rate-setting. This new lending rate replaced central bank's traditional benchmark lending rate in August.
This probably marks a pause rather than the end of the monetary easing cycle, Julian Evans-Pritchard, an economist at Capital Economics, noted.
With strains on corporate balance sheets still intensifying and economic activity likely to cool further in the first half of 2020, the People's Bank of China will step up the pace of rate cuts before long, the economist added. The LPR is forecast to decline 50 basis points next year as a result.
Earlier this week, the PBoC had cut its 14-day reverse repurchase rate marginally to 2.65 percent after cutting the short-term 7-day repo rate a month ago. On Wednesday, the central bank also injected CNY 200 billion into the financial system via reverse repurchase agreements.