Focus of yesterday's session was on Australian GDP data. Official figures show Australia's economy grew by 0.9% in the September quarter, and by 2.5% in the 12 months to September - a better-than-expected result. Analysts were forecasting 0.9% growth. The key drivers of economic growth in the September quarter were net exports, household consumption and housing construction, more than offsetting the expected fall in business investment as we move through this transition period," he said.
In the US session ADP job figures were released.
Private sector employment increased by 217,000 jobs from October to November according to the November ADP National Employment Report. Smaller increase by 191,000 jobs was expected. "The strongest gains in the service sector since June led to greater employment growth in November,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, VP and head of the ADP Research Institute.
From Australia, tomorrow, Trade Balance data is scheduled for a release. Analysts are predicting increase in Trade Balance deficit to $2.61 billion. In the US session Unemployment Claims and Non-Manufacturing PMI figures are scheduled for a release. Unemployment Claims are expected to increase to 269,000, while Non-Manufacturing PMI should decline to 58.1.
Figures to watch:
Trade Balance (Thursday 1:30)
Unemployment Claims (Thursday 14:30)
ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (Thursday 16:00)