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Sterling and Euro jumped sharply following the decisions by BoE and ECB to leave interest rates unchanged, in line with market expectations. Notably, both central banks diverged from Fed's recent dovish turn, with explicit statements pushing back on the speculation of rate cuts.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, speaking after the rate announcement, emphasized the premature nature of speculating about cutting interest rates. He stated, "We've got to see more progress." Similarly, ECB President Christine Lagarde, in her post-meeting press conference, made it clear that the governing council did not discuss a rate cut in their meeting. She underlined the ECB's vigilance, asserting the need to "keep our guard up" and closely monitor data to ascertain if the recent decline in inflation is sustainable.

Swiss Franc, however, faced pressure against its European peers following SNB's downward revision of its inflation forecasts, which are now expected to stay close to the target over the forecast horizon. SNB Chair Thomas Jordan indicated no immediate need for further tightening of monetary policy and stated that the central bank is shifting its focus away from foreign currency sales.

Meanwhile, Dollar's post-FOMC weakness continued, and even better-than-expected retail sales data failed to lend support. Yen, while retreating against the European currencies, remains the strongest performer for the week. In contrast, commodity currencies have been overshadowed by the strength displayed by Euro and Sterling.

In Europe, at the time of writing, FTSE is up 1.48%. DAX is up 0.44%. CAC is up 0.95%. Germany 10-year yield is down -0.0391 at 2.138. UK 10-year yield is down -0.069 at 3.765. Earlier in Asia, Nikkei closed down -0.73%. Hong Kong HSI rose 1.07%. China Shanghai SSE fell -0.33%. Singapore Strait Times rose 0.60%. Japan 10-year JGB yield fell -0.0138 to 0.676.

US retail sales rises 0.3% mom in Nov, ex-auto sales up 0.2% mom

US retail sales rose 0.3% mom to USD 705.7B in November, better than expectation of -0.1% mom decline. Ex-auto sales rose 0.2% mom to USD 571.2B, above expectation of -0.1% mom. Ex-gasoline sales rose 0.6% mom to USD 651.2B. Ex-auto, gasoline sales rose 0.6% mom to USD 516.7B.

For the 12 months period, retail sales was up 4.1% yoy. Total sales for September through November period were up 3.4% yoy.

US initial jobless claims falls to 202k, vs exp 221k

US initial jobless claims fell -19k to 202k in the week ending December 9, below expectation of 221k. Four-week moving average of initial claims fell -7.75k to 213k.

Continuing claims rose 20k to 1876k in the week ending December 2. Four-week moving average of continuing claims rose 3.5k to 1875k, highest since December 11, 2021.

ECB maintains interest rates, lowers inflation forecasts

ECB kept interest rates unchanged, maintaining the main refinancing rate at 4.50% and the deposit rate at 4.00%, as was widely anticipated. In a significant update, ECB substantially lowered its headline inflation forecast for 2024 from 3.2% to 2.7%. Additionally, core inflation forecasts for 2024 were slightly revised downward from 2.9% to 2.7%.

The new economic forecasts paint a picture of moderating inflation and subdued growth in the coming years. Headline inflation is expected to average 5.4% in 2023, then decrease to 2.7% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025, and 1.9% in 2026. These projections mark a notable adjustment from the September forecasts, which anticipated 5.6% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024.

Core inflation is also expected to follow a similar downward trajectory, averaging 5.0% in 2023, 2.7% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025, and 2.1% in 2026, comparing to previous forecasts of 5.1% in 2023, 2.9% in 2024, and 2.2% in 2025

On the growth front, ECB's projections indicate modest economic performance, with growth averaging 0.6% for 2023, 0.8% for 2024, and 1.5% for both 2025 and 2026. These figures represent a downward revision from September forecasts, which predicted 0.7% growth in 2023 and 1.0% in 2024, but 2025 was unchanged at 1.5%.

The central bank reiterated that the current interest rates are positioned to substantially contribute to bringing inflation back to its target, provided they are "maintained for a sufficiently long duration." The ECB plans to continue following a "data-dependent approach" to determine the "level and duration" of policy restrictions.

BoE stands pat, three hawks vote for another hike

BoE kept Bank Rate unchanged at 5.25%, aligning with market expectations. The decision was not unanimous, with a 6-3 vote where Megan Greene, Jonathan Haskel, and Catherine Mann favored a 25 bps hike to 5.50%. This split decision reflects that the hawks remained persistent in their push more tighter monetary policy.

The central bank reiterated its stance that "monetary policy is likely to need to be restrictive for an extended period of time." This suggests continued cautious approach towards easing monetary conditions, likely due to persistent inflationary pressures. The Bank further emphasized that "Further tightening in monetary policy would be required if there were evidence of more persistent inflationary pressures," indicating readiness to adjust policy should inflation not moderate as expected.

Regarding inflation, BoE forecasts that CPI inflation rate will hover near its current rate around the turn of the year, before gradually declining thereafter. On the growth front, BoE anticipates that GDP growth will be "broadly flat in Q4 and over the coming quarters."

SNB stands pat, downgrades inflation forecasts

SNB maintained its policy rate at 1.75%, aligning with widespread market expectations. This decision comes alongside a notable downgrade in inflation forecasts, which SNB now expects to remain "within the range of price stability" throughout the forecast period.

In terms of specific figures, or 2023, average inflation rate is now projected at 2.1%, a reduction from September's forecast of 2.2%. 2024 forecast has been adjusted to 1.9%, down from the previous estimate of 2.2%. Additionally, 2025 inflation prediction has been lowered to 1.6% from the earlier 1.9% projection.

The details of the forecast indicate that inflation is expected to peak in Q2 2024, which is lower than previously anticipated peak at 2.2%. Following this, inflation is projected to decline to 1.6% in Q2 of 2025 and maintain this level until Q3 of 2026.

SNB attributes this downward revision primarily to "recent lower-than-expected inflation" readings. In the medium term, the bank anticipates reduced inflationary pressure from international sources and somewhat weaker second-round effects.

On the growth front, SNB foresees a period of weak economic performance in the upcoming quarters. This outlook is influenced by subdued demand from international markets and tighter financing conditions. The bank's projections for GDP growth are set around 1% for 2023 and between 0.5% and 1% for 2024.

New Zealand's Q3 GDP falls unexpectedly by -0.3%, manufacturing sector leads decline

New Zealand's GDP unexpectedly contracted by -0.3% qoq in Q3, a significant deviation from the anticipated 0.2% qoq growth. Notably, GDP per capita saw a more pronounced decrease of -0.9%. This downturn in economic activity was primarily led by -2.6% decline in the goods-producing industries. However, there were some positive aspects, with service industries experiencing growth of 0.4%, and primary industries seeing rise of 0.6%.

Ruvani Ratnayake, national accounts industry and production senior manager, pointed out, "All goods producing industries were down this quarter, led by a fall in manufacturing."

Despite the general decline in GDP, there was a silver lining as 8 out of 11 service industries recorded growth during the quarter. The most substantial improvements were observed in healthcare and social assistance, along with rental, hiring, and real estate services.

On the consumer front, household spending decreased by -0.6% during the quarter. This reduction was across all categories, with notable decline in durable goods. The fall in spending on motor vehicles, which came after a period of higher spending, was a significant factor in this overall decrease.

Australia's employment rises 61.5k in Nov, unemployment rate ticks up

Australia's employment sector grew significant by 61.5k in November substantially surpassing the expected 10.0k. This growth was primarily in full-time employment, which saw an increase of 47k, while part-time employment also rose by 14.5k.

Despite these positive developments in job creation, the unemployment rate edged up slightly to 3.9%, against expectations of remaining at 3.8%. Participation rate increased by 0.2% to reach 67.2%, and monthly hours worked were flat at 0.0%.

Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, stated, "The combination of strong growth in both employment and unemployment in November saw the employment-to-population ratio return to a record high of 64.6 percent and the participation rate reach a new high of 67.2 percent."

Jarvis also noted that the slowing in hours worked suggests that the overall growth rates in employment and hours worked have become more aligned over the past 18 months. This convergence indicates a "less tight" labor market than previously experienced.

GBP/USD Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.2534; (P) 1.2585; (R1) 1.2669; More...

Intraday bias in GBP/USD remains on the upside at this point. Sustained break of 1.2731 will confirm resumption of whole rally from 1.2036. Next target is 61.8% projection of 1.2068 to 1.2731 from 1.2499 at 1.2909. On the downside, below 1.2651 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral first. But outlook will stay bullish as long as 1.2499 support holds.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.3141 medium term top are seen as a corrective pattern to rise from 1.0351 (2022 low). Rise from 1.2036 is seen as the second leg, that could still extend through 1.2731. But upside should be limited by 1.3141 o bring the third leg of the pattern. Meanwhile, sustained trading below 55 EMA will argue that the third leg has already started for 38.2% retracement of 1.0351 (2022 low) to 1.3141 at 1.2075 again, and possibly below.

Economic Indicators Update

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.0800; (P) 1.0848; (R1) 1.0924; More...

Intraday bias in EUR/USD remains on the upside at this point. Decisive break of 1.1016 resistance will confirm resumption of whole rally from 1.0447. Further rally should then be seen to retest 1.1274 high. On the downside, below 1.0879 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral first. But outlook will stay cautiously bullish as long as 1.0722 support holds.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.1274 are viewed as a corrective pattern to rise from 0.9534 (2022 low). Rise from 1.0447 is seen as the second leg. While further rally could cannot be ruled out, upside should be limited by 1.1274 to bring the third leg of the pattern. Meanwhile, sustained break of 55 D EMA will argue that the third leg has already started for 1.0447 and below.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.2534; (P) 1.2585; (R1) 1.2669; More...

Intraday bias in GBP/USD remains on the upside at this point. Sustained break of 1.2731 will confirm resumption of whole rally from 1.2036. Next target is 61.8% projection of 1.2068 to 1.2731 from 1.2499 at 1.2909. On the downside, below 1.2651 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral first. But outlook will stay bullish as long as 1.2499 support holds.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.3141 medium term top are seen as a corrective pattern to rise from 1.0351 (2022 low). Rise from 1.2036 is seen as the second leg, that could still extend through 1.2731. But upside should be limited by 1.3141 o bring the third leg of the pattern. Meanwhile, sustained trading below 55 EMA will argue that the third leg has already started for 38.2% retracement of 1.0351 (2022 low) to 1.3141 at 1.2075 again, and possibly below.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 0.8679; (P) 0.8729; (R1) 0.8768; More....

USD/CHF recovered ahead of 0.8665 support and intraday bias is turned neutral first. Risk will stay on the downside as long as 0.8819 resistance holds. On the downside, firm break of 0.8665 will resume the whole fall from 0.9243 to 0.8551 key support level.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 0.8551 are currently seen as part of a corrective pattern to the decline from 1.0146 (2022 high). Fall from 0.9243 is seen as the second leg for now. Deeper decline could be seen to 0.8551 low but strong support should be seen there to bring rebound. Meanwhile, break of 0.9111 resistance will argue that the third leg has started already, and target 0.9243 and above.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 144.74; (P) 145.47; (R1) 146.19; More...

Intraday bias in USD/JPY remains on the downside at this point. Current fall from 151.89 is in progress for next fibonacci level at 136.63. On the upside, above 142.91 minor resistance will turn intraday bias neutral first. But recovery should be limited well below 146.58 resistance to bring another decline.

In the bigger picture, current fall from 151.89 is seen as the third leg of the corrective pattern from 151.93 (2022 high). Deeper decline would be seen to 61.8% retracement of 127.20 to 151.89 at 136.63, sustained break there will pave the way to 127.20 support (2022 low). This will now remain the favored as long as 146.58 resistance holds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-tbVR539RI

US initial jobless claims fell -19k to 202k in the week ending December 9, below expectation of 221k. Four-week moving average of initial claims fell -7.75k to 213k.

Continuing claims rose 20k to 1876k in the week ending December 2. Four-week moving average of continuing claims rose 3.5k to 1875k, highest since December 11, 2021.

Full US jobless claims release here.

US retail sales rose 0.3% mom to USD 705.7B in November, better than expectation of -0.1% mom decline. Ex-auto sales rose 0.2% mom to USD 571.2B, above expectation of -0.1% mom. Ex-gasoline sales rose 0.6% mom to USD 651.2B. Ex-auto, gasoline sales rose 0.6% mom to USD 516.7B.

For the 12 months period, retail sales was up 4.1% yoy. Total sales for September through November period were up 3.4% yoy.

Full US retail sales release here.

ECB kept interest rates unchanged, maintaining the main refinancing rate at 4.50% and the deposit rate at 4.00%, as was widely anticipated. In a significant update, ECB substantially lowered its headline inflation forecast for 2024 from 3.2% to 2.7%. Additionally, core inflation forecasts for 2024 were slightly revised downward from 2.9% to 2.7%.

The new economic forecasts paint a picture of moderating inflation and subdued growth in the coming years. Headline inflation is expected to average 5.4% in 2023, then decrease to 2.7% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025, and 1.9% in 2026. These projections mark a notable adjustment from the September forecasts, which anticipated 5.6% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024.

Core inflation is also expected to follow a similar downward trajectory, averaging 5.0% in 2023, 2.7% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025, and 2.1% in 2026, comparing to previous forecasts of 5.1% in 2023, 2.9% in 2024, and 2.2% in 2025

On the growth front, ECB's projections indicate modest economic performance, with growth averaging 0.6% for 2023, 0.8% for 2024, and 1.5% for both 2025 and 2026. These figures represent a downward revision from September forecasts, which predicted 0.7% growth in 2023 and 1.0% in 2024, but 2025 was unchanged at 1.5%.

The central bank reiterated that the current interest rates are positioned to substantially contribute to bringing inflation back to its target, provided they are "maintained for a sufficiently long duration." The ECB plans to continue following a "data-dependent approach" to determine the "level and duration" of policy restrictions.

Full ECB statement here.

The Governing Council today decided to keep the three key ECB interest rates unchanged. While inflation has dropped in recent months, it is likely to pick up again temporarily in the near term. According to the latest Eurosystem staff projections for the euro area, inflation is expected to decline gradually over the course of next year, before approaching the Governing Council's 2% target in 2025. Overall, staff expect headline inflation to average 5.4% in 2023, 2.7% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026. Compared with the September staff projections, this amounts to a downward revision for 2023 and especially for 2024.

Underlying inflation has eased further. But domestic price pressures remain elevated, primarily owing to strong growth in unit labour costs. Eurosystem staff expect inflation excluding energy and food to average 5.0% in 2023, 2.7% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026.

The past interest rate increases continue to be transmitted forcefully to the economy. Tighter financing conditions are dampening demand, and this is helping to push down inflation. Eurosystem staff expect economic growth to remain subdued in the near term. Beyond that, the economy is expected to recover because of rising real incomes – as people benefit from falling inflation and growing wages – and improving foreign demand. Eurosystem staff therefore see growth picking up from an average of 0.6% for 2023 to 0.8% for 2024, and to 1.5% for both 2025 and 2026.

The Governing Council is determined to ensure that inflation returns to its 2% medium-term target in a timely manner. Based on its current assessment, the Governing Council considers that the key ECB interest rates are at levels that, maintained for a sufficiently long duration, will make a substantial contribution to this goal. The Governing Council's future decisions will ensure that its policy rates will be set at sufficiently restrictive levels for as long as necessary.

The Governing Council will continue to follow a data-dependent approach to determining the appropriate level and duration of restriction. In particular, its interest rate decisions will be based on its assessment of the inflation outlook in light of the incoming economic and financial data, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission.

The key ECB interest rates are the primary tool for setting the monetary policy stance. The Governing Council also decided today to advance the normalisation of the Eurosystem's balance sheet. It intends to continue to reinvest, in full, the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) during the first half of 2024. Over the second half of the year, it intends to reduce the PEPP portfolio by €7.5 billion per month on average. The Governing Council intends to discontinue reinvestments under the PEPP at the end of 2024.

Key ECB interest rates

The interest rate on the main refinancing operations and the interest rates on the marginal lending facility and the deposit facility will remain unchanged at 4.50%, 4.75% and 4.00% respectively.

Asset purchase programme (APP) and pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP)

The APP portfolio is declining at a measured and predictable pace, as the Eurosystem no longer reinvests the principal payments from maturing securities.

The Governing Council intends to continue to reinvest, in full, the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the PEPP during the first half of 2024. Over the second half of the year, it intends to reduce the PEPP portfolio by €7.5 billion per month on average. The Governing Council intends to discontinue reinvestments under the PEPP at the end of 2024.

The Governing Council will continue applying flexibility in reinvesting redemptions coming due in the PEPP portfolio, with a view to countering risks to the monetary policy transmission mechanism related to the pandemic.

Refinancing operations

As banks are repaying the amounts borrowed under the targeted longer-term refinancing operations, the Governing Council will regularly assess how targeted lending operations and their ongoing repayment are contributing to its monetary policy stance.

***

The Governing Council stands ready to adjust all of its instruments within its mandate to ensure that inflation returns to its 2% target over the medium term and to preserve the smooth functioning of monetary policy transmission. Moreover, the Transmission Protection Instrument is available to counter unwarranted, disorderly market dynamics that pose a serious threat to the transmission of monetary policy across all euro area countries, thus allowing the Governing Council to more effectively deliver on its price stability mandate.

The President of the ECB will comment on the considerations underlying these decisions at a press conference starting at 14:45 CET today.