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• Australia’s economic rollercoaster; Aussie in new negative paths
• New Zealand’s challenging year; Kiwi may dive further
• Canada’s economic rebound; Loonie unlocks new lows

AUDUSD: Bearish sentiment starts in 2024

Australia's economy demonstrated a mixed performance this year. The RBA maintained the cash rate at 4.35% to combat persistent underlying inflation, which remained around 3.5%. Economic growth was sluggish, with GDP increasing by only 0.8% over the year. The labor market showed resilience, with the unemployment rate at 4.1% in October. The Australian dollar fluctuated due to global economic uncertainties and domestic policy decisions. In 2025, the economic outlook is cautiously optimistic. The RBA is expected to gradually reduce the cash rate as inflationary pressures ease, aiming for the 2-3% target range by mid-to-late 2025. GDP growth is projected to improve but remain below trend, supported by government spending and a recovery in household consumption. The labor market is anticipated to stabilize, with unemployment rates potentially rising slightly as demand and supply balance out.

AUDUSD has lost around 5% during 2024, but from a technical standpoint, the pair is down more than 8% following the significant pullback from the 20-month high of 0.6940. The commodity currency dived toward a fresh 13-month low at 0.6340, holding beneath the long-term ascending trend line. In 2025, the price might see further descending movements with immediate support levels coming from 0.6270 and 0.6170. However, a potential upside retracement may send traders to the 0.6440 barrier, which holds above the uptrend line ahead of the 50- and 100-week SMAs around 0.6600. Technical oscillators are endorsing the negative scenario.

NZDUSD: Is it time to exit from the trading range?

In 2024, New Zealand's economy faced significant challenges. The RBNZ reduced the official cash rate to 4.25% to stimulate economic activity amid weak performance and rising unemployment. Inflation fell to 2.2%, within the RBNZ's target range, but domestic prices, especially for services, remained high. Despite signs of recovery, the outlook remained cautious with expectations of further interest rate cuts. Looking ahead to 2025, the RBNZ aims to keep inflation within the 1-3% range, with the OCR potentially dropping to 3.3%. GDP growth is forecasted at 2.1%, with unemployment around 5.2%. Wage growth is expected to be moderate at 2.8%.

NZDUSD has been in a consolidation area since January 2023 with the upper boundary at the 0.6380 resistance level and the lower boundary at the 0.5770 support. Currently, the market is facing a real struggle near the aforementioned support, recording a new 26-month low of 0.5752. More steeper decreases could open the way for the next round numbers, such as 0.5700 and 0.5600, before meeting the bottom from October 2022 at 0.5510. Alternatively, a higher move could support the trading range once more, with the resistance line located within the 0.6040-0.6100 area, which encompasses the 50- and 100-day simple moving averages (SMAs). Momentum oscillators are mirroring the descending movement.

USDCAD: In new highs before 2025

Canada's economy faced several challenges during the year. The BoC reduced the policy rate to 3.75% by October to counteract weak economic growth and rising unemployment. Inflation fell to around 2%, aligning with the BoC's target range, but the distribution of inflation rates across different components remained uneven. The Canadian dollar experienced volatility, influenced by global economic conditions and domestic policy decisions. Despite these efforts, economic growth was sluggish, with GDP growth remaining modest. 2025's economic outlook is cautiously optimistic.  The BoC is expected to continue reducing interest rates as inflationary pressures ease, aiming to support economic activity. GDP growth is projected to improve gradually, supported by stronger consumer spending and business investment. The labor market is anticipated to stabilize, although unemployment may remain slightly elevated.

USDCAD has been creating an intriguing bullish rally lately, sending the market to a fresh four-and-a-half-year high of 1.4244, following the strong bounce off 1.3420. The next resistance line traders should keep in mind is the April 2020 peak at 1.4265.  Even higher, the March 2020 peak at 1.4680 looks to be a critical level, but first the bulls need to overcome the psychological marks of 1.4300, 1.4400, and 1.4500. On the downside, immediate support could come from 1.3945, ahead of the 50-day SMA at 1.3675 and the 1.3640 barricade.  The technical oscillators are showing some mixed signals, with the RSI indicating an overstretched market and the MACD still extending its bullish momentum.

The year 2024 has been a transformative period in the global financial markets, characterised by a mix of challenges and opportunities. Inflation battles, monetary policy shifts, economic uncertainties, and surprising bouts of optimism dominated the landscape. These forces created a volatile yet dynamic environment where some markets flourished while others struggled under significant pressure.

From central bank interventions to geopolitical developments and technological advancements, every corner of the financial world experienced notable activity. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the major trends and events shaping the global economy in 2024 and provide insights into what lies ahead in 2025.

Inflation and Interest Rates: A Balancing Act

In 2024, inflation showed signs of moderation globally. In the United States, it stabilised around 2.7%, marking a notable shift that bolstered market confidence and set a cautiously optimistic tone for the broader economy.

Throughout the year, rate cuts dominated monetary policy discussions. Following the unprecedented rate hikes implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, major central banks began scaling back rates. However, they had to walk a tightrope between a complex landscape of lower but still stubborn inflation and resilient labour markets and the necessity for monetary easing. The magnitude and pace of these cuts varied significantly, reflecting differences in economic conditions across regions and creating complex relationships in the forex market.

Analysts widely anticipate that policymakers will adopt a more measured approach to easing monetary policy as 2025 unfolds. Most developed market central banks, excluding Japan, are expected to reduce interest rates to neutral levels by the year's end. However, if economic conditions deteriorate more than anticipated, there is potential for central banks to push rates below neutral to support growth.

The Fed, in particular, faces a delicate balancing act, as it must carefully navigate potential policy developments—such as trade tariffs—that may not ultimately materialise. At the same time, any resurgence in inflationary pressures could prompt a shift toward a more restrictive rate trajectory in 2025 and beyond, further complicating the policy landscape.

Forex Market: A Year of Divergence

Currency markets in 2024 were shaped by a combination of monetary policy shifts, economic recovery efforts, and political developments. The US dollar experienced a rollercoaster year, initially depreciating against major currencies as markets anticipated the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it rebounded toward the end of the year, influenced by post-election optimism and expectations of protectionist trade policies under the Trump administration.

The British pound demonstrated resilience throughout 2024, supported by the Bank of England’s patient and measured approach to monetary policy. Despite potential rate cuts, the pound maintained its strength, reflecting confidence in the UK’s economic fundamentals. In contrast, the euro faced significant headwinds. The ECB’s aggressive easing measures widened interest rate differentials with the pound and the dollar, weakening the euro. By the end of the year, trade uncertainty stemming from potential US tariffs weighed heavily on the euro, given the Eurozone’s dependence on global trade.

The Japanese yen experienced mixed fortunes, bolstered by the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise its benchmark interest rate to 0.25%, the highest level since 2008. This move provided much-needed support for the yen, although concerns about potential US trade policies created downside risks. Meanwhile, commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian and Canadian dollars saw fluctuations driven by interest rate differentials, global trade dynamics and their respective economies' ties to the United States and China.

Analysts caution that President Trump’s tariff policies could intensify the overvaluation of the US dollar in 2025, potentially heightening the risk of global financial instability. The prospect of trade restrictions may add complexity to an already volatile economic landscape.

Commodity Markets: Precious Metals Shine, Oil Struggles

Commodity markets have seen a resurgence in investor interest. According to data from WisdomTree and Bloomberg, the proportion of investors allocating resources to commodities rose to 79% in 2024, compared to 71% in 2023—an expected rebound after a challenging year for commodities in 2023.

Precious metals, particularly gold and silver, emerged as top performers. As of time of the writing on 11th December, gold prices surged by over 30%, while silver outpaced gold with a 35% gain. Several factors drove these impressive performances, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties surrounding the US presidential election, and strong demand from emerging market central banks. According to analysts, these factors should continue supporting precious metals in 2025.

Natural gas prices also experienced significant growth, rising 30% to 50% across major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Colder weather forecasts have fueled demand, particularly in Europe and Asia. Analysts suggest that this bullish sentiment in gas markets is likely to persist through the winter, with prices unlikely to see significant declines until well into 2025. However, high gas prices are expected to increase power costs globally, straining fragile economic growth in key regions such as China and Europe while rekindling inflationary concerns.

Oil, however, faced a challenging year despite geopolitical crises and production cuts. One of the reasons is a weak demand, particularly from China. In the United States, gasoline inventories exceeded long-term seasonal levels. According to analysts, the growing transition to electric vehicles in developed markets represents a long-term challenge for oil demand. Although some analysts anticipate a recovery in 2025 as OPEC+ production cuts take effect and geopolitical risks persist.

Stock Markets: Tech Leads the Charge

The US stock market delivered robust performances in 2024, reaching new record highs, with the technology sector at the forefront. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) played a pivotal role in driving growth, with major companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon reporting strong earnings. This momentum boosted broader indices, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 recording gains of 28.57% and 27.4%, respectively, as of 10th December.

The broader market also benefited from declining inflation, interest rate cuts, and better-than-expected corporate earnings. These factors may contribute to the stock market growth in 2025. However, stretched valuations temper some of the optimism, and concerns about potential trade tariffs add a layer of uncertainty.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Key Market Drivers

As we look ahead to 2025, several critical factors are poised to influence the direction of financial markets.

Central Bank Policies

Central banks will remain pivotal in shaping financial markets in 2025. The balance between maintaining growth and addressing inflationary pressures will be a key theme for central banks throughout the year, influencing the strength of equity markets. Interest rate differentials will play a significant role in determining currency movements.

Global Economic Recovery

The global economy is expected to continue rebounding from pandemic effects. GDP growth, employment trends, and trade balances will be key factors influencing financial markets.

Trade War Uncertainty

Potential trade tariffs pose a significant risk. The scope, products, and geographies targeted will determine the impact on global GDP, inflation, and interest rates. Any escalation in trade tensions could disrupt markets and strain economic recovery.

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

AI and emerging technologies may drive productivity gains, offering an upside to global growth. By boosting efficiency and reducing costs, AI could also exert disinflationary pressure, influencing economic dynamics in the long term.

Geopolitical Tensions

Geopolitical risks, including trade disputes and political conflicts, remain unpredictable but could disrupt markets.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Opportunities Amid Volatility

The year 2024 brought its share of challenges and opportunities, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of global markets. From navigating geopolitical uncertainties and evolving monetary policies to embracing the transformative potential of technologies like artificial intelligence, market participants faced a dynamic landscape.

Looking ahead to 2025, the horizon offers new opportunities. Continued advancements in innovation, shifts in economic policies, and the resolution of key global tensions could set the stage for exciting market fluctuations. Use the new year to test your skills and look for new opportunities!

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Markets

Slightly better-than-expected December EMU PMI’s showed business activity decreasing for the second month running. The rate of contraction was slower than in November though (49.5 from 48.3). A modest return to growth of services (51.4 from 49.5) was unable to erase the continuing downturn in manufacturing (45.2; unchanged). As has now been the case for several months, the overall reduction in business activity was reflective of falls in Germany and France. Both remained in contraction during December while the rest of the EMU posted a solid increase in output at the end of the year (6-month high). Overall, economic output was scaled back amid sustained reductions in new orders. Meanwhile, the pace of job cuts was the fastest in four years as companies responded to a drop in workloads by lowering their staffing levels (mainly manufacturing, near stagnation in services). EMU manufacturers reduced their purchasing activity again, with the sharp decline in input buying the most pronounced of any month in 2024. Further marked declines in inventories of both purchases and finished goods were also registered. Optimism in the 12-month outlook for output strengthened, but only marginally and coming off low levels. Rates of inflation of both input costs and output prices quickened at the end of the year, with charges rising at a pace that remained above the series average. These developments back the ECB’s “safe” 25 bps rate cut last week. ECB President Lagarde today said that she expected to lower interest rates further. Interestingly, she believes that price momentum in the services sector has dropped steeply recently. An ECB tracker sees wage growth slowing to about 3% next year, a level the central bank generally considers to be consistent with the 2% target. Recall that most recent (Q3) wage data showed EMU high wage inflation at 5.4% Y/Y. Risks to the inflation outlook became two-sided, but are clouded by a huge amount of (geo)political and economic uncertainty. EUR/USD reacted stoic to today’s European numbers with EUR/USD moving up and down the 1.05 handle. Friday night’s unexpected French credit rating downgrade by Moody’s (Aa3 from Aa2, stable outlook) didn’t pull the single currency down neither, even though French credit risk premia added a few bps and with the CAC40 underperforming (-0.90%) EMU stock markets. Core bonds try a modest rebound after last week’s weakness with German yields currently 3.7 bps (2-yr) to 1.5 bps (30-yr) lower. We witness some USD strength and Treasury weakness as we finish this report following December US PMI’s. US output growth ends 2024 on 33-month high (56.6 from 54.9) amid a service sector surge (58.5 from 56.1), but manufacturers report falling output (48.3 from 49.7) and higher prices.

News & Views

The Norges Bank (NB) announced that it will be buying Norwegian krone and sell foreign currency to fund the transfers of the NB to the government. The Norwegian government owns the NB and holds deposits in its government Treasury account. The profit from the NB and the interest rates on the government deposit account are transferred to the government annually. The NB decided to sell FX in the market to make the transfer of its dividends to the government. This way of working will avoid that the transfers increase the long term level of bank deposits in the Norges Bank. Previously the government issued debt to prevent the transfers to the government from increasing banks’ liquidities at the NB. However, the government now wants to halt this procedure of creating more debt. The NB will only publish its earnings and dividends for 2024 in February next year. Recent developments suggest that the transfer will amount to NOK 27bn. The sale of FX can be considered as FX interventions, but today the announcement had no (positive) impact on the krone. EUR/NOK even trades marginally higher in the 11.72 area.

December UK PMI’s showed output increasing marginally (composite PMI 50.5 unchanged) as rising activity in the services sector (51.4 from 50.4) helped to offset an accelerated downturn in the manufacturing sector (45.7 from 48.3). S&P reported total new orders decreasing for the first time in 13 month on widespread reports of weaker business and consumer spending patterns. The combination of softer demand, rising employment costs and squeezed margins contributed to the further decline in headcounts, with the pace accelerating to the fastest pace in nearly four years. Rising salaries and elevated domestic inflationary pressures continue to push up input costs for business. S&P global concludes that “Businesses are reporting a triple whammy of gloomy news as 2024 comes to a close, with economic growth stalled, employment slumping and inflation back on the rise”.

The US economy ended 2024 on a strong note, propelled by robust activity in the services sector. December PMI Services index surged from 56.1 to 58.5, a 38-month high, highlighting the sector’s vital role in driving growth. This expansion lifted PMI Composite from 54.9 to 55.6, its highest level in 33 months, despite a continued contraction in the manufacturing sector, where PMI fell from 49.7 to 48.3.

According to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, "business is booming" in the services economy, which is experiencing its fastest growth since the post-COVID reopening in 2021. This momentum is consistent with GDP growing at an annualized rate of just over 3% in December.

Additionally, confidence in the 12-month outlook has reached a two-and-a-half-year high, suggesting that the current economic upturn could "persist into the new year" and broaden across more sectors.

However, challenges remain for the manufacturing sector, where optimism has been dampened by concerns over tariffs and their potential to increase costs.

December also saw sharp spikes in raw material prices, driven by supplier-led increases and higher shipping costs, reflecting busier supply chains ahead of anticipated protectionist measures in the new year. These inflationary pressures could present risks to the broader economy, even as services continue to underpin overall growth.

Full US PMI flash release here.

• Markets are pricing in a less than 20% chance of a BoJ rate hike this Thursday, despite earlier expectations of a 70% probability.
• JPY weakness has resumed as rate hike expectations have fallen, potentially pushing the BoJ to act.
• USD/JPY shows strong bullish momentum, but a BoJ hike could lead to a significant decline.
•  A surprise rate hike by the BoJ could strengthen the JPY significantly, with more room for gains against the GBP than the USD.

Bank of Japan: To hike or not?

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is in the spotlight this week and looks to take center stage despite Central Bank meetings from the US and UK. The much anticipated normalization of policy from the BoJ may be upon us, hence all the interest in this week’s meeting.

The BoJ have for months been touting a more aggressive shift in policy.  In 2024, the Bank of Japan have already made several changes to its monetary policy. Notably, in July, the BOJ increased its policy rate to around 0.25% while discontinuing its Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing with Yield Curve Control policy framework.

Two weeks ago markets were pricing around a 70% probability of a 25bps hike by the BoJ. At the time I did think this was strange given the notoriously indecisive nature of the Central Bank. However, over the past two weeks, many reports have surfaced, leading the market to believe there’s less than a 20% chance the Bank of Japan will raise rates by 0.25% this Thursday.

Source: LSEG (click to enlarge).

The BoJ do have a tendency to spring a surprise when one least expects it. One of the key issues over the past few months for the BoJ has been JPY weakness which has resumed over the past two weeks as market expectations for a rate hike were peeled back.

Given USD/JPY is now approaching the psychological 155.00 handle, will the BoJ act? I stand by my take that we are likely to see a BoJ hold now and a potential rate hike in the new year. However a surprise cannot be ruled out and that is precisely what makes this week’s meeting all the more exciting.

There is of course the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England meetings as well which could stoke volatility and impact USD/JPY and GBP/JPY. The consensus for these two meetings are a 25 bps cut from the Fed and a hold of rates by Bank of England.

If the BoJ do surprise and raise rate by 25 bps the Yen could strengthen significantly with more room for gains against the GBP than the US Dollar in my opinion. The reason lies with US Dollar strength which is likely to continue into early 2025 at least.  US Treasury yields are expected to rise in 2025 as well which further supports the narrative and why GBP/JPY could see more downside on a BoJ hike.

Technical Analysis

USD/JPY

From a technical perspective, USD/JPY has been on a strong move to the upside since bottoming out on December 3, around the 148.600 handle.

The move to the upside has been swift and momentum was gained following a break of the descending trendline. As things stand, Bulls appear to be firmly in control heading toward the FOMC and BoJ meetings on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

The 50-day MA is currently gearing up for a cross of the 100-day MA in what could be seen as a golden cross pattern hinting at further upside. Despite being a lagging indicator, this does demonstrate the bullish momentum that has built in USD/JPY over the month of December.

Historically the BoJ have relied on rhetoric at times to keep the exchange rate intact, but that ship has long sailed. One wonders if the central bank was trying to use a similar tactic heading into this BoJ meeting.

Looking at the chart below we have the inner and outer ascending trendlines which could come into play this week and present opportunity.

A hike by the BoJ could send USD/JPY tumbling toward the outer trendline and push toward 150.00 and beyond. Immediate support rests at 153.500 before the 151.80 and 150.00 handles come into focus.

Immediate resistance rests at the 155.00 handle with a break above this level, eyeing the swing high at 156.500.

USD/JPY Daily Chart, December 16, 2024

Source: TradingView (click to enlarge)

Support

• 153.50
• 151.80
• 150.00 (psychological level)

Resistance

• 155.00
• 156.500
• 157.74

GBP/JPY

GBP/JPY continues to toil below the coveted 200.00 handle. Having breached the 200.00 hurdle, GBP/JPY has failed to find acceptance above this level since breaking below the 200.00 mark in August.

As things stand for GBP/JPY the bears remain in control for now with a break and daily candle close  above the swing high at 196.57 needed for a change in structure to occur which could lead to increased bullish momentum.

Another sign of bullish momentum is presented by the RSI and the rejection of the 50 level which is now serving as a support of sorts.

GBP/JPY is flirting with a break above the 200-day MA which could embolden bulls and push for a break of the swing high at 196.57. A break of this level will bring focus toward the 198.00 handle before the psychological 200.00 mark comes into focus.

Alternatively, a move lower from here faces support at the 100-day MA which rests at 192.43 before the 190.00 handle comes back into focus.

GBP/JPY Daily Chart, December 16, 2024

Source: TradingView (click to enlarge)

Support

• 192.43
• 190.00
• 187.62

Resistance

• 196.57
• 198.00
• 200.00

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.0463; (P) 1.0493; (R1) 1.0534; More...

Range trading continues in EUR/USD and intraday bias stays neutral first. Corrective pattern from 1.0330 might extend further. But outlook will stay bearish as long as 55 D EMA (now at 1.0678) holds. On the downside, below 1.0452 will bring retest of 1.0330 low.

In the bigger picture, focus stays on 50% retracement of 0.9534 (2022 low) to 1.1274 at 1.0404. Strong rebound from this level will keep price actions from 1.1273 (2023 high) as a medium term consolidation pattern only. However, sustained break of 1.0404 will raise the chance that whole up trend from 0.9534 has reversed. That would pave the way to 61.8% retracement at 1.0199 first. Firm break there will target 0.9534 low again.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.2592; (P) 1.2638; (R1) 1.2668; More...

No change in GBP/USD's outlook and intraday bias remains neutral first. As noted before, corrective recovery from 1.2486 might have completed at 1.2810 already. Break of 1.2615 will resume the fall from 1.3433 through 1.2486 to 1.2298 cluster support zone.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.3433 medium term are seen as correcting whole up trend from 1.0351 (2022 low). Deeper decline could be seen to 38.2% retracement of 1.0351 to 1.3433 at 1.2256, which is close to 1.2298 structural support. But strong support is expected there to bring rebound to extend the corrective pattern.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 0.8907; (P) 0.8927; (R1) 0.8947; More…

Intraday bias in USD/CHF remains mildly on the upside at this point. Decisive break of 0.8956 resistance will confirm resumption of whole rally from 0.8374. Next target is 61.8% projection of 0.8374 to 0.8956 from 0.8735 at 0.9095. On the downside, below 0.8866 minor support will delay the bullish case and bring more consolidations first.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 0.8332 (2023 low) are currently seen as a medium term corrective pattern, with rise from 0.8374 as the third leg. Overall outlook will continue to stay bearish as long as 0.9223 resistance holds. Break of 0.8332 low is in favor at a later stage when the consolidation completes.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 152.80; (P) 153.30; (R1) 154.14; More...

Intraday bias in USD/JPY remains on the upside as rebound from 148.64 is in progress. Further rally should be seen to retest 156.74 first. Firm break there will resume whole rally from 139.57, and target 61.8% projection of 139.57 to 156.74 from 148.64 at 159.25 next. On the downside, below 151.79 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral. But risk will stay on the upside as long as 148.64 support holds, in case of retreat.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 161.94 are seen as a corrective pattern to rise from 102.58 (2021 low). The range of medium term consolidation should be set between 38.2% retracement of 102.58 to 161.94 at 139.26 and 161.94. Nevertheless, sustained break of 139.26 would open up deeper medium term decline to 61.8% retracement at 125.25.

Yen weakened across the board today in an otherwise consolidative market , as traders increasingly anticipate that BoJ will hold steady on monetary policy at its upcoming this week. BoJ policymakers appear to see no urgency in extending the tightening cycle this month, preferring instead to wait for January’s updated economic projections before deciding on further hikes. This cautious approach reflects both near-term and structural challenges, including uncertainty over domestic wage growth and shifts in US trade policies under the incoming administration.

A critical issue for Japan’s inflation outlook is whether wage increases can extend beyond large corporations to smaller and medium-sized enterprises. While Rengo, the country’s largest labor federation, has set a lofty target of at least 6% wage hikes for SMEs in 2025, early indications suggest businesses in this segment are hesitant to commit to such significant increases, due to their own challenges including surging import prices. Without broader wage gains, domestic demand may struggle to expand sufficiently, limiting the sustainability of inflation at BoJ's 2% target. This would complicate any sustained policy normalization and could keep the central bank cautious well into next year.

In the broader currency markets, British Pound is the day’s strongest performer so far, supported by UK PMI data. While, the underlying economic outlook for the UK remains fragile, resurgence of inflationary pressures is expected to keep the BoE on track for up to four rate cuts next year, at most. New Zealand Dollar follows as the second strongest, underpinned by a robust improvement in services sector data, while Dollar rounds out the top three. On the other hand, Swiss Franc and Canadian Dollar are among the weakest currencies alongside Yen, while Euro and Australian Dollar are mixed in the middle.

Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high following comments from US president-elect Donald Trump, who revealed plans to implement a strategic cryptocurrency reserve akin to the US oil reserve. Speaking to CNBC on Sunday, Trump promised “something great” for the cryptocurrency sector under his administration. Technically, outlook in Bitcoin will stay bullish as long as 93951 support holds. Current up trend is on track to 138.2% projection of 24896 to 73812 from 52703 at 120304, i.e. 120k handle.

In Europe, at the time of writing, FTSE is down -0.40%. DAX is down -0.30%. CAC is down -0.87%. UK 10-year yield is down -0.016 at 4.402. Germany 10-year yield is down -0.029 at 2.234. Earlier in Asian, Nikkei fell -0.03%. Hong Kong HSI fell -0.88%. China Shanghai SSE fell -0.16%. Singapore Strait Times rose 0.28%. Japan 10-year JGB yield rose 0.314 to 1.072.

ECB's Lagarde: Shifting focus to appropriate policy from prolonged monetary restriction

ECB President Christine Lagarde's speech today marked a departure from previous guidance shaped by high inflation and significant uncertainty.

Lagarde highlighted that the earlier approach, which aimed to maintain restrictive rates “for as long as necessary,” is no longer aligned with the ECB’s evolving outlook for inflation and risk balance.

However, with "disinflation process well on track" and growth risks becoming more pronounced, ECB now aims for an "appropriate" policy approach.

She reiterated that if data continues to confirm their expectations, ECB expects to lower rates further.

UK PMI composite unchanged at 50.5, triple whammy of growth, employment and inflation

UK PMI Manufacturing PMI slipped from 48.0 to 47.3, an 11-month low. Services PMI improved from 50.4 to 51.4. PMI Composite held steady at 50.5, signaling stagnation in overall economic activity.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, described a "triple whammy" facing businesses: stalled growth, declining employment, and renewed inflationary pressures.

While the PMI suggests that the economy remained broadly stagnant in Q4, the outlook for 2025 appears increasingly uncertain. Weak confidence, labor market retrenchment, and inflation risks could weigh heavily on economic activity.

Williamson said BoE faces the difficult task of balancing support for growth against the need to maintain inflation control, suggesting a cautious approach to monetary easing in the coming months.

Eurozone PMI improves to 49.5 with potential positive surprises from politics ahead

Eurozone PMI Services rose notably from 49.5 to 51.4, marking a return to expansion territory. However, PMI Manufacturing remained static at 45.2, firmly in contraction. Consequently, PMI Composite edged up from 48.3 to 49.5, signaling ongoing weakness in overall economic momentum.

Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, noted that the service sector's rebound is a "welcome boost" to the Eurozone economy, while manufacturing continues to face a severe downturn.

Inflationary pressures remain a concern, particularly in the services sector. Input costs have risen for the third consecutive month, largely due to higher wage agreements, with businesses passing these costs onto customers. This persistent inflation challenge informed ECB's cautious decision earlier this month to cut rates by just 25bps.

Germany and France, the Eurozone’s largest economies, add to the uncertainty with ongoing political challenges, delaying necessary reforms to stimulate growth. Despite this, de la Rubia suggested there is potential for "positive surprises" in 2025 if clearer economic policies emerge from future governments.

Japan's PMI composite rises to 50.8, stubborn inflation caps growth

Japan’s private sector activity showed a modest improvement in December, driven by a stronger services sector, while manufacturing continued to contract.

PMI Manufacturing index declined from 49.5 to 49.0, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction. In contrast, PMI Services index rose from 50.5 to 51.4, lifting Composite PMI from 50.1 to 50.8, indicating mild overall growth.

Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, pointed out the contrasting trends: “Services firms saw the strongest rise in new business in four months, while goods producers faced a sharper decline in orders.” This divergence highlights persistent weakness in manufacturing amid subdued demand and improving momentum in the services sector.

Inflationary pressures persisted, fueled by the Yen’s weakness, which increased the cost of imported materials. Input prices rose at the fastest pace in four months, while selling price inflation hit its highest level since May, as businesses passed on rising costs to consumers. Bhatti noted, “Stubborn inflation held back a stronger expansion of the Japanese private sector in December.”

Australian PMI composite falls to 49.9, bolsters case for early RBA rate cut

Australia's December PMI data pointing to a broad-based slowdown. The Manufacturing index fell from 49.4 to 48.2. Services PMI edged down from 50.5 to 50.3. Meanwhile, Composite PMI dropped from 50.2 to 49.9, slipping into mild contraction territory.

Jingyi Pan, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that the data reflects growing strain across sectors, with manufacturing leading the downturn and services beginning to falter.

Forward indicators presented mixed signals. While business confidence reached its highest level in over two-and-a-half years, new business growth slowed, and unfinished work declined further. Employment gauge showed its first contraction since August 2021.

Muted selling price inflation provides room for RBA to consider rate cuts in early 2024. However, rising cost pressures remain a concern.

NZ BNZ services jumps to 49.5, closer to stability

New Zealand’s BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index rose significantly from 46.2 to 49.5 in November, signaling a move closer to stabilization. However, the index remains under the no-change threshold of 50.0 and well below its long-term average of 53.1.

Key subcomponents offered a mixed picture. Activity/sales improved from 44.4 to 48.6, and new orders/business rose to 49.8, nearing expansion territory. Employment showed only a slight uptick, from 46.4 to 46.8, reflecting continued caution among firms. Stocks/inventories and supplier deliveries moved into expansionary territory at 52.2 and 52.5, respectively, signaling some recovery in supply chain dynamics.

Negative sentiment among respondents eased, with the proportion of unfavorable comments dropping to 53.6% from October’s 59.1%. However, the ongoing concerns over the economic climate and the cost of living remain dominant themes, indicating persistent headwinds for the sector.

USD/JPY Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 152.80; (P) 153.30; (R1) 154.14; More...

Intraday bias in USD/JPY remains on the upside as rebound from 148.64 is in progress. Further rally should be seen to retest 156.74 first. Firm break there will resume whole rally from 139.57, and target 61.8% projection of 139.57 to 156.74 from 148.64 at 159.25 next. On the downside, below 151.79 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral. But risk will stay on the upside as long as 148.64 support holds, in case of retreat.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 161.94 are seen as a corrective pattern to rise from 102.58 (2021 low). The range of medium term consolidation should be set between 38.2% retracement of 102.58 to 161.94 at 139.26 and 161.94. Nevertheless, sustained break of 139.26 would open up deeper medium term decline to 61.8% retracement at 125.25.