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Small Uptick Expected In Eurozone PMIs As Euro Struggles Ahead Of European Elections
As the euro searches for a bottom, business survey data out of the Eurozone this week could help the single currency put a floor under its recent declines. The flash PMIs from IHS Markit for May will be released on Thursday at 08:00 GMT, along with Germany’s Ifo business sentiment gauge due at the same time. However, even if the survey numbers manage to bolster the euro, dangers lie ahead as a rise in support for populist parties at the European Parliament election this week could increase political risks across the region.
Eurozone PMIs likely improved in May
There have been some tepid signs in recent weeks that the worst of the economic slowdown is over and growth is regaining upward momentum. The preliminary PMI readings are expected to provide further evidence of this on Thursday. Activity in services is forecast to improve slightly in May, with the PMI increasing 0.2 points to 53.0. However, the manufacturing sector likely continued to contract, though at a slower pace, with the PMI expected to increase from 47.9 to 48.1. The composite PMI, which combines both the services and manufacturing PMIs, is anticipated to rise to 51.7, barely recovering from the 5½-year low plumbed in January.
No dramatic change is expected from the German Ifo survey either. The Ifo’s current conditions index is forecast to rise slightly from 103.3 to 103.5 in May but the gloom over German business sentiment isn’t anticipated to be lifted just yet as the Ifo expectations index is projected to fall from 95.2 to 95.0. As a result, the overall business climate index is forecast to ease marginally to 99.1.
Euro within reach of April 22-month low
A disappointing set of survey reports would weigh on the euro as they would only underline the sluggish growth outlook that is preventing the European Central Bank from pushing ahead with rate hikes. Euro/dollar could slide as low as the 123.6% Fibonacci extension of the March upleg from 1.1174 to 1.1448, which lies at April’s 22-month low of 1.1110. Below this level, the 1.10 handle would become increasingly in focus as it’s the 161.8% Fibonacci extension.
On the other hand, an upbeat PMI assessment could provide the euro with some much-needed upside, and possibly lift it above immediate resistance around $1.1175. Clearing this hurdle would open the way for the 78.6% Fibonacci at $1.1233, which is just below the 50-day moving average.
Populist parties expected to make big gains at European elections
Aside from the all-important PMI indicators, politics will also be front and centre for traders this week. Voting for members of the European Parliament will take place between 23-26 May and populist parties are predicted to make big gains. The centre-right and centre-left parties are projected to lose their combined majority in Parliament. However, while Eurosceptic parties are expected to make big wins, it’s unlikely that any group or alliance will achieve a majority, possibly resulting in a fragmented Parliament.
The main outcome of this is it would weaken the European Union’s agenda on key issues such as reforming the union and closer integration. It would also give Italy’s populist government a stronger voice in its stand-off with the European Commission over the country’s excessive budget shortfall. A divided EU Parliament could also undermine the bloc’s united front in the Brexit negotiations with departing member, Britain, as well as against the United States in future trade talks.
But, in the immediate term, unless there’s a decisive victory for any political group, the euro is likely to see only a knee-jerk reaction to the vote results when markets open on Monday and a picture has emerged about the new political landscape in Europe.
ETHUSD Breakout Looms
Ethereum is preparing for its next strong direction move as the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization consolidates around the $245.00 level. The cryptocurrency may target the $330.00 level if can rally the ETHUSD pair above the resistance $280.00 level. Sellers could target the $190.00 support level if the ETHUSD pair falls below the current weekly trading low.
The ETHUSD pair is intraday bullish while trading above the $245.00 level, key resistance is found at the $280.00 and $330.00 levels.
If the ETHUSD pair trades below the $245.00 level, key support is found at the $230.00 and $190.00 levels.
GBPUSD Awaiting Inflation
The British pound has reversed back towards 1.2700 level against the US dollar after briefing spiking above the 1.2800 after reports that the UK may hold a second Brexit referendum. The GBPUSD pair has a bearish intraday bias while trading below the 1.2756 level and may remain weak due to uncertainty over the European elections. Technical indicators on the four-hour time frame still suggest that the GBPUSD pair can trade lower.
The GBPUSD pair is bearish while trading below the 1.2756 level, key support is located at the 1.2690 and 1.2660 levels.
If the GBPUSD pair trades above the 1.2756 level, key intraday resistance is found at the 1.2772 and 1.2810 levels.
USDJPY Bullish Above 110.60
The US dollar has staged a strong upside recovery against the Japanese yen currency, with the pair reaching its upside corrective target. The USDJPY pair has a weekly bullish bias while trading above the 110.60 level and may target the 111.00 level if buyers can maintain upside pressure. Technical failure around the 110.60 level will likely prompt a test of the 110.20 support level.
The USDJPY pair is intraday bullish while trading above the 110.66 level, key resistance is found at the 111.00 and 111.30 levels.
If the USDJPY pair trades below the 110.60 level, key intraday support is found at the 110.20 and 109.80 levels.
US Dollar Gains Ahead Of The FOMC Minutes
The Japanese yen rose slightly against the USD after a set of mixed economic data. In March, the core machinery orders rose by 3.8%, which was higher than the expected decline of -0.7%. In February, the machinery orders had risen by 1.8%. On an annualized rate, the core machinery orders declined by -0.7%, which was better than the expected decline of -3.4%. The country’s trade deficit was Y0.11 trillion, which was better than the expected Y0.12 trillion. This deficit was driven by a 2.4% decline in exports and a 6.4% increase in imports.
Sterling continued declining after a report said that Theresa May was considering a new vote that includes a second referendum. This will be the fourth attempt to have her deal passed by Parliament. However, her ten-point plan to build consensus in Parliament was declared dead on arrival by Labor leader, Jeremy Corbyn. He said that the proposal was ‘repackaging of the same old bad deal’. At the same time, some conservatives called on May to resign immediately. Even after she leaves, it will be difficult for Parliament to find a consensus on the Brexit bill because of all the divisions. Later today, investors will receive the CPI data from the UK.
The USD index rose ahead of an important day for the market. Later today, investors will receive the minutes from the Federal Reserve. These minutes will provide information on what Fed officials are thinking about the economy and the current monetary policy. Meanwhile, traders will receive the crude oil inventories data. The inventories are expected to decline by 599K barrels after rising by 5.4 million barrels in the previous week.
EUR/USD
The EUR/USD pair was little moved ahead of the FOMC minutes. It is now trading at 1.1160, which is 20 pips above yesterday’s low of 1.1140. On the hourly chart, the pair is along the 50-day moving averages and slightly above the 25-day moving average. The price is also along the middle line of the Bollinger Bands. In addition, the relative strength index is unchanged at 50. There is a likelihood that the EUR/USD pair will stay along these levels ahead of the FOMC minutes.
USD/JPY
The USD/JPY pair declined slightly after mixed economic data from Japan. It is now trading at 110.50, which is along the middle line of the Bollinger Bands. On the hourly chart, the pair has been climbing since May 13. In this climb, the pair has created an ascending rectangular pattern. At the same time, the RSI has declined from the overbought level of 70 to the current low of 56. It’s likely that the pair will continue moving upwards.
EUR/GBP
The EUR/GBP pair has been moving on an upward trend since May 6. In this period, the pair has risen from a low of 0.8488, and today, it reached a high of 0.8790. On the four-hour chart below, this price is above all the key moving averages while the 14-day RSI has been weakening. The money flow index, which is a version of RSI that incorporates volumes has declined to the current low of 45. While the upward trend could continue, it’s likely that the pair could move slightly lower.
Currencies: Dollar Shows No Clear Trend. EUR/USD Nears 1.1110 Support
- Rates: Temporary reprieve
Global core bonds lost some ground yesterday as risk sentiment improved. Today's empty eco/event calendar suggests that risk settings and potential comments in the trade dispute will be driving intraday gyrations. Tomorrow's EMU PMI's are the next real benchmark. - Currencies: Dollar shows no clear trend. EUR/USD nears 1.1110 support
USD/JPY profited from higher US yields and a better risk sentiment yesterday. EUR/UISD showed no clear trend. Fed minutes might be mildly USD supportive today. A test of EUR/USD 1.1110 is possible. Sterling spiked temporary higher on UK PM's May's Brexit proposal, but optimism faded soon as she received little political backing.
The Sunrise Headlines
- US equities managed to hold on to opening gains, rising by around 0.8% on a daily basis. Asian investors are reluctant to join the party with regional indices currently near opening levels with a slight South Korean outperformance.
- China's ambassador to the US , Cui Tiankai, said that Beijing is ready to resume trade talks with Washington. He blamed the US from changing its mind an breaking the tentative trade deal.
- Japanese core machine orders rose more than expected in March, 3.8% M/M vs 0% expected. However, the data date back from before the new trade war escalation. Exports remain under pressure, falling 2.4% Y/Y in April.
- UK PM's May's final gamble, offering a 'new' Brexit deal which included the possibility of a 2nd referendum, rapidly backfired with heavyweight Tories, DUP allies and Labour leader Corbyn all condemning her offer.
- The NY Times reports that, according to sources, the Trump administration is considering to limit Chinese video surveillance giants' (eg Hikvision) ability to buy American technology.
- St. Louis Fed governor Bullard, voter, said that the central bank might have overdone it with its December rate hike, but thinks that monetary policy is right now. He would consider a rate cut if inflation got stuck in a rut.
- Today's eco calendar contains UK April inflation data and Minutes from the previous Fed meeting. ECB President Draghi and chief economist Praet speak, as do Fed Williams and Bostic. Germany taps the bond market.
Currencies: Dollar Shows No Clear Trend. EUR/USD Nears 1.1110 Support
EUR/USD nears 1.1110 support
The dollar traded mixed yesterday. USD/JPY profited from the risk rebound and from higher US yields as Powell confirmed the Fed's wait-and-see bias. EUR/USD traded sideways in the mid 1.11 area for most of the day. The pair jumped briefly higher on headlines that UK PM May would allow a second referendum if her Brexit deal was approved. The move was soon reversed as UK PM May received little support for her approach. EUR/USD closed the session little changed at 1.1161.
Asian equities trade mixed this morning despite a nice rebound in the US. Markets wait for new steps in the US-Sino trade dispute. Chinese officials say they are prepared to continue talks. At the same time, the US is said considering blacklisting several other Chinese companies, illustrating that tensions might resurface at any time. The yuan trades marginally weaker (USD/CNY 6.9125). USD/JPY eases after yesterday's rebound (109.45 area). EUR/USD is trading marginally softer (1.1155).
The eco calendar is thin. Markets will closely monitor the Minutes of the May Fed meeting. There might be some internal debate on next policy steps, but the majority of the FOMC will likely support the current wait-and-see stance. The Fed holding back on rate cuts (for now) might be marginally USD supportive, but the Fed view was well documented in speeches of late. Headlines on the trade war remain a wildcard for USD-trading. They will probably mostly affect USD/JPY rather than EUR/USD.
EUR/USD has returned to the lower part of the 1.1265/1.1110 ST trading range. For now, the dollar retains the benefit of the doubt, but we maintain the working hypothesis that EUR/USD 1.1110 support won't be easy to break without real negative EMU news.
EUR/GBP spiked temporary lower in the 0.87 big figure after UK PM May's latest effort to seek a compromise on her Brexit deal (see above). Her proposal got little support from her own party, the labour opposition and the DUP. So, Brexit uncertainty is as high as it ever was. The focus now turns to the internal battle to succeed UK PM May. UK April CPI is expected to rebound north of 2.0% today, but the report will probably have little impact. We stay cautions on sterling as long as the visibility on Brexit remains as foggy as it is now. EUR/GBP 0.8840 resistance remains the next technical reference
EUR/USD nears the bottom of the 1.1265/1.1110 ST range
Brexit Update – PM May’s Last Attempt to Win a Deal Likely in Vain
Possibly in her final attempt, UK Prime Minister Theresa May tries to win the parliamentary approval of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with a “bold new plan”. While the most eye-catching ingredient is a green light of a second referendum, the remainder of the plan was made by cobbling together previous promises and/ or works that government has already been doing. What is worse is that the new plan could drive away previous Tory supporters but fails to attract new supporters. As such, PM May is doomed to lose in her fourth, and last, attempt to get a deal.
The 10-Point Offers
- The Government will seek to conclude Alternative Arrangements to replace the backstop by December 2020, so that it never needs to be used
Not New- Recall that PM May in March secured legal binding changes in the deal. The changes included: First, a “joint legally binding instrument” was included, allowing the UK to start a “formal dispute” against the EU if it tried to keep the UK tied into the backstop indefinitely. Second, there was a UK-EU “joint statement” added to the political declaration, pledging to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements by December 2020. Third, the UK released a “unilateral declaration”, outlining the UK’s position that it would choose to leave the backstop arrangement if negotiations with the EU on future relationships break down. Yet, these failed to win over the majority of the MPs as attorney general Geoffrey Cox suggested the UK still would risk struck in the Irish backstop indefinitely.
This time, PM May suggests that the UK Government would be under a legal obligation to conclude alternative arrangements to replace the backstop by December 2020, so that it never needs to be used. These legal obligations, notwithstanding its acceptance in the UK, could be rejected by the EU as sufficient conditions to avoid a backstop. In short, there still lacks compromise on the Irish border issue.
2. A commitment that, should the backstop come into force, the Government will ensure that Great Britain will stay aligned with Northern Ireland. PM May added in her speech that the government would deliver on the “commitments to Northern Ireland in the December 2017 Joint Report in full” and “implement paragraph 50 of the Joint Report in law”. Moreover, “the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive will have to give their consent on a cross-community basis for new regulations which are added to the backstop”.
Not New- These guarantees have been offered in January
3. The negotiating objectives and final treaties for our future relationship with the EU will have to be approved by MPs. According to PM May, “the new Brexit deal will set out in law that the House of Commons will approve the UK’s objectives for the negotiations on our future relationship with the EU and they will approve the treaties governing that relationship before the Government signs them”.
Not New- PM May promised that the parliament would have a bigger role in phase 2 of the negotiations. Meanwhile, back in March, the government has accepted a proposal by Labors, namely the Nandy/ Snell amendment, that calls for greater influence by the parliament in Brexit negotiations.
4. New Workers’ Rights Bill that guarantees workers’ rights will be no less favourable than in the EU. PM May suggested that there will be “a new Workers’ Rights Bill that guarantees workers’ rights will be no less favourable than in the EU”
Depends on the details
5. There will be no change in the level of environmental protection when we leave the EU. the government “will establish a new independent Office of Environmental Protection to uphold the highest environmental standards and enforce compliance”.
Partly NEW- The government has already committed to an Office of Environmental. There might be something new regarding the environmental protection provisions, though.
6. The UK will seek as close to frictionless trade in goods with the EU as possible while outside the single market and ending free movement.
Not New- the EU criticized this idea as “cherry-picking”
7. We will keep up to date with EU rules for goods and agri-food products that are relevant to checks at border protecting the thousands of jobs that depend on just-in-time supply chains.
Not New- the EU criticized this idea as “cherry-picking”
8. the Government will bring forward a customs compromise for MPs to decide on to break the deadlock.
Partly New
9. There will be a vote for MPs on whether the deal should be subject to a referendum.
NEW- Yet, this will happen ONLY when the deal with approved. PM May is trying to hold this fourth vote on her deal in the form of a bill which will undergo first and second readings. These would be followed by the committee stage where amendments are added and then these are voted on in the third reading. There will only be a vote on the second referendum issue of both the first and second readings are approved.
10. There will be a legal duty to secure changes to the political declaration to reflect this new deal.
NEW
More Harm than Good
Both DUP and Labors have already rejected the proposal. DUP described the new deal as having “fatal flaws”. For Labors, there is still no certainty of a permanent customs union even after they vote for the deal in second reading. MPs in Brexit camp voted for the deal previously amidst concerns that the chance of Brexit might disappear if they had not supported a deal. These MPs would likely reject the new deal as a second referendum which might eventually lead to no Brexit.
Dollar Squeezes Competitors Out
The British pound fell below 1.27000 on Tuesday, declining in eleven of the last 12 trading sessions. Hopes for agreement with the opposition are not yet justified, which returns to the markets the factor of uncertainty and fears of Brexit without a deal. The dollar is also growing against the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen. In general, all this pushes the dollar to the area of two-year highs, from where it declined in late April. Strengthening the dollar is often an additional reason for reducing the demand for risky assets, including stocks and currencies of emerging economies.
Stocks
Stock indexes grew yesterday but cannot fully recover from the drop on Monday. Key US indices grew around 0.8% on Tuesday but struggle rise further on Wednesday morning, according to futures for S&P500. It is worth noting that SPX remains under the 50-day moving average, and the strengthening of the dollar can become an additional factor of pressure on stocks. On the other hand, the four previous trading session, the debt markets show an increase in the yield of 10-year treasuries, which is a positive signal for stock buyers.
EURUSD
The single currency develops a downtrend, showing the 8th day of intraday lower lows and highs. The pressure on the euro is partly due to the decline of the British currency, and partly as a reaction to the increased demand for USD as a safe-haven currency. Europe may well be vulnerable to the Chinese economy sharp slowdown. In addition, the currency crisis continues to smoulder in Turkey. The Central Bank attempts to stop the decline of TRY require stronger measures.
Tesla
The company's stocks during trading on Monday and Tuesday declined below $200, which is the lowest level since December 2016. It is worth noting that this year the company's stocks were out of stock index rally, and increased the decline in May, dropping below the support level of the previous two years at $250. As for the technical analysis, the current decline impulse is able to send Tesla stocks to the area of $180, to the lows of 2014-2016. On the negative news background, the stock may continue its decline, moving towards $100.
Elliott Wave View: Short Term Support In FTSE
Short term Elliott Wave view in FTSE calls the move lower to 7150.9 on May 13 as wave A. This suggests that the move lower from April 23 is unfolding as a zigzag Elliott Wave structure. Wave B bounce is currently in progress to correct cycle from April 23 high before the Index turns lower. Internal of wave B is unfolding as another zigzag Elliott Wave structure in lesser degree.
Up from 7150.9, wave ((a)) ended at 7360.34 and wave ((b)) ended at 7267.84. Wave ((a)) unfolded as 5 waves where wave (i) ended at 7264.18 and wave (ii) ended at 7223.08. Index then resumes higher in wave (iii) which ended at 7353.51, wave (iv) ended at 7307.33. and wave (v) of ((a)) ended at 7360.34. While short term dips stay above 7267.84, expect Index to extend higher. Potential target for wave ((c)) of B comes at 100% – 123.6% extension of ((a)) which is 7480 – 7529. Index also should not break above May 13 at 7528.93 or else it will open further upside. If Index instead breaks below 7267.84, then either wave ((b)) is unfolding as an expanded Flat structure or wave ((c)) of B truncates and Index has turned lower.
Asian Equity Markets Trade Generally Higher After US Gains On Tuesday
General Trend:
- China video surveillance firm Hikvision declines by daily limit on US blacklist speculation; Shares pare some of declines after response by company
- Later report says even more Chinese video surveillance firms could be blacklisted
- Chinese chipmakers extend gains on speculation they may benefit from US crackdown on Huawei
- Men's retailer Mulsanne Group [1817.HK] says acceleration of US/China trade war weighed on the pricing of its IPO
- China Ambassador to the US says remains ready to hold trade talks with US (no timeframe given)
- PBOC continues to fix the yuan weaker in the face of the speculated US/China trade talk impasse
- PBoC said to plan to sell additional CNY denominated bills in HK amid recent currency weakness
- Japanese exports decline for 5th straight month in April, shipments to China weigh
- Japan 20-yr bond auction has record bid to cover
- Asian currencies trade generally weaker amid concerns related to factors including trade, geopolitics and slowing growth
- Thailand exports weighed down by US/China trade rift
- Post-election clashes have been reported in Jakarta (Indonesia)
- Japanese telecoms start to take actions regarding Huawei
- US Fed minutes due for release on Wed
Headlines/Economic Data
Australia/New Zealand
- ASX 200 opened slightly lower
- (AU) China said to maintain Australia coal imports 'slowdown' after election - US financial press
- (AU) AUSTRALIA Q1 CONSTRUCTION WORK DONE Q/Q: -1.9% V 0.0%E
- (AU) Victoria State government (Australia) said to tighten rules for online betting operators - US financial press
- (NZ) NEW ZEALAND Q1 RETAIL SALES (EX INFLATION) Q/Q: 0.7% V 0.6%E; Y/Y: 3.3% V 3.5% PRIOR
- LYC.AU Clarifies mineral resource and ore reserve figures: Confirms there have been no material changes to the 2018 mineral resource and 2018 mineral reserve data released on Aug 6 2018
- (AU) Australia Apr Westpac Leading Index M/M: -0.1% v 0.3% prior
- (NZ) Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Publishes review of loan to value ratio (LVRs) policy: LVRs should not be used as a monetary policy lever; Should keep ability to use macro prudential tools
- TBH.AU Unit entered into agreement with Betgenius, relates to the distribution of racing solution
Japan
- Nikkei 225 opened +0.5%
- (JP) Bank of Japan (BOJ) Harada (dissenter): Sales tax hike may worsen economy and push down inflation
- (JP) Japan Trade Negotiator: Japan auto export restriction to US was not brought up during talks
- (JP) JAPAN MAR CORE MACHINE ORDERS M/M: 3.8% V 0%E; Y/Y: -0.7% V -3.4%E
- (JP) JAPAN APR TRADE BALANCE: ¥60.4B V ¥232.7BE; ADJ TRADE BALANCE: -¥110.9B V -¥37.5BE; Exports Y/Y: -2.4% v -1.6%e (5th consecutive decline); Exports to China -6.3% y/y; US +9.6% y/y
- (JP) Japan MoF sells ¥900B v ¥900B indicated in 0.40% (prior 0.50%) 20-year bonds; avg yield 0.359% v 0.391% prior; bid to cover 5.47x v 4.84x prior
Korea
- Kospi opened +0.1%
- (KR) South Korea think tank KDI: South Korea needs 'substantially' accommodative monetary policy, notes slowing inflation; cuts 2019 GDP growth forecast to 2.4% v 2.6% prior
- (KR) OECD cuts South Korea 2019 GDP outlook to 2.4% (prior 2.6%) and 2020 GDP 2.5% (prior 2.6%) due to weaker domestic demand
China/Hong Kong
- Hang Seng opened +0.4%; Shanghai Composite opened flat
- (CN) China Ambassador to US Tiankai: China remains ready to hold trade talks with US; China is ready to address trade imbalance with US, buy more US products and services
- (CN) China reportedly has no information on Trump-Xi meeting at G20 in Japan despite Trump's earlier announcement
- (CN) China President Xi: China needs to embark on a long new march and will start all over again, being interpreted by analysts that China is prepared for a long draw out trade war with the US – SCMP
- 700.HK Reportedly Tencent is warning about slower growth in FY19 China video ad sales - Nikkei
- (CN) PBoC said to consider sale of additional bills amid recent currency weakness - financial press
- 002415.CN US Trump administration said to be considering placing the company on blacklist, the final decision could be made in the coming weeks (largest provider of video surveillance equipment with internet enabled) – NYT
- 002415.CN Exec: Not been informed of possible blacklisting by US; have other sources if US decides to limit chip sales; See no impact form any move by the US - Chinese press
- (CN) China PBoC Open Market Operation (OMO): Injects CNY20B in 7-day reverse repos v CNY70B prior: Net: CNY20B v CNY80B prior
- (CN) China PBoC sets yuan reference rate: 6.8992 v 6.8990 prior
- (CN) China PBOC details plans on how it will cut RRR for rural commercial banks announced May 6th: To take part in 3 stages (May 15th, June 17th and July 15th)
Other Asia
- (ID) Indonesia reporting that 6 have died and more than 200 injured in Jakarta as fighting breaks out over election results
- (TH) Thailand Apr Customs Trade Balance: -$1.5B v -$0.4Be; Commerce Ministry Official says exports were hurt by US/China trade war
North America
- (US) Weekly API Oil Inventories: Crude: +2.4M v +8.6M prior
- (US) SEMI: Apr North America Billings: $1.91B v $1.83B prior, m/m: +4.7% v -1.9% prior; y/y: -29.0% v -24.6% prior
- (US) Fed's Bullard (Dove, voter): Rate cut may help maintain inflation goal credibility, 2019 CPI may fall short of target; baseline scenario is that trade agreements will be reached soon - speaks in Hong Kong on US Economic Outlook
- WYNN Confirms MGM will not continue talks on Boston Harbor casino, remain committed to opening the casino
- (US) US Business Lobby (AMCHAM CHINA): nearly half of member firms in China seeing non-tariff barrier retaliation in trade war - financial press
Europe
- (UK) UK PM May Spokesperson: Cabinet discussed new deal on Brexit to be presented in Parliament, no deal remains a plausible outcome and work is ongoing
- (UK) UK PM May Spokesman: Has not yet decided whether to whip 2nd referendum vote
- (UK) Ireland PM Varadkar: sounds like PM May's withdrawal bill would be acceptable to Ireland
- (UK) PM May: Govt's Customs Union plan is one possibility for Brexit
Levels as of 1:20 ET
- Nikkei 225, +0.1%, ASX 200 +0.1%, Hang Seng +0.2%; Shanghai Composite -0.2%; Kospi +0.3%
- Equity Futures: S&P500 -0.1%; Nasdaq100 -0.2%, Dax -0.1%; FTSE100 +0.3%
- EUR 1.1170-1.1158; JPY 110.62-110.46 ; AUD 0.6887-0.6872 ;NZD 0.6511-0.6499
- Gold flat at $1,273/oz; Crude Oil -0.8% at $62.65/brl; Copper -0.1% at $2.712/lb












