There were no data releases from Australia yesterday, but from China Trade Balance figures were released. In Yuan terms, China’s Trade Balance beat the 338.80b billion estimate coming in at a surplus of 382.05 billion. The more closely watched Dollar-based figures also beat estimates. The anticipated decrease from November’s positive $54.10 billion balance to the $51.30 billion consensus forecast was met with an expansion of $60.09 billion. Exports dropped less than expected at a 1.4 percent rate (versus –8.0 percent anticipated) while imports dropped 7.6 percent (against -11.0 percent projected).
In the US session Crude Oil Inventories figures were published.
U.S. commercial crude oil inventories (excluding those in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) increased by 0.2 million barrels from the previous week. Analysts were anticipating increase by 1.9 billion barrels. At 482.6 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories remain near levels not seen for this time of year in at least the last 80 years. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 8.4 million barrels last week, and are above the upper limit of the average range.
Thursday will bring Australian job data. Employment is expected to decline by 11,000, while unemployment rate should rose to 5.9%. In the US session Unemployment Claims figures are scheduled for a release. Analysts are anticipating decrease to 275,000.
Figures to watch:
Employment Change/Unemployment Rate (Thursday 1:30)
Unemployment Claims (Thursday 14:30)