There were no data releases from Australia yesterday. Markets in mainland China and Taiwan remain closed for the rest of the week for the Lunar New Year holidays, while Japan resumes Friday. An update on Malaysian factory output is due Thursday and the Philippines reviews benchmark rates. Only secondary data are released today, with Australian consumer inflation expectations data showing 3.6% increase. Westpac senior currency strategist Sean Callow says the dollar is rising on the back of European stock rises and as the greenback slumps US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen’s push back on talks of rate rises.
In the US session
Unemployment Claims figures were released. In the week ending February 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted
initial claims was 269,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 285,000. Analysts were anticipating increase to 287,000. The 4-week moving average was 281,250, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 284,750. There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims.
From Australia, tomorrow, Home Loans data will be published. Incline by 2.9% is predicted. In the US session Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment figures are scheduled for a release. Analysts are forecasting 0.1% increase in Retail Sales, while Consumer Sentiment should rise to 92.6.
Figures to watch:
Home Loans (Friday 1:30)
Retail Sales (Friday 14:30)
Prelim UoM Consumer Sentiment (Friday 16:00)