In the US session Final GDP, Durable Goods Orders, New Home Sales and Revised Consumer Confidence figures were released. US GDP increased at an annual rate of 5.0% in the third quarter of 2014, according to the "third" estimate. Analysts were predicting smaller increase by 4.3%. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 4.6%. The increase in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected positive contributions from PCE, non residential fixed investment, federal government spending, exports, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased.
Separate report on Durable Goods Orders missed market expectations. While analysts were forecasting 3.0% incline, data showed unexpected 0.7% decrease. This decrease, down three of the last four months, followed a 0.3% October increase. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.4%, also missing forecasts on 1.1% raise. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 0.1%.
Sales of new single-family houses in November 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 438,000, missing expectations on a rate of 461,000. This is 1.6% below the revised October rate of 445,000 and is 1.6% below the November 2013 estimate of 445,000. The median sales price of new houses sold in November 2014 was $280,900; the average sales price was $321,800. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of November was 213,000. This represents a supply of 5.8 months at the current sales rate.
However, support for USD came from Revised Consumer Sentiment data which showed figures in line with market forecasts. U.S. consumer sentiment jumped in December to its highest level in nearly eight years on cheaper gasoline and better job and wage prospects. Final December reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment came in at 93.6, its best showing on a final basis since January 2007 and the latest in a string of increases since August.
As for tomorrow there will be no major data releases from Australia. CB Leading Index is scheduled for a release and analysts are hoping for a raise after two consecutive months of decline. In the US session Unemployment Claims figures will be released. Increase to 291,000 is forecasted.
Figures to watch:
Unemployment Claims (Wednesday 14:30)
