Ahead Of Friday’s Jobs Data

 | May 02, 2014 08:15AM ET

The U.S. Dollar Index has not changed on Thursday. The economic data in general were slightly positive in spite of increase in the number of unemployed people per week. The ISM Manufacturing Index rose in April more than expected and amounted to 54.9 points. However, the Fed Chairman, Janet Yellen said that low interest rates will stay for a long time. This slightly disappointed investors. Today at 14-30 CET, we expect the official U.S. labor market data to come out for April. The Nonfarm Payrolls index is the main one. The forecast is positive since there was already a good similar report from the ADP on Wednesday. The U.S. Dollar index is rising this morning.

Yesterday, there were the good industrial production (PMI) and the real estate market data coming out in England. The average price of an English home demonstrated the highest growth compared to June 2007 and amounted to 183,577 pounds, or $310 000. Due to this, the Pound (GBP/USD) rose and updated its 5-year maximum. Investors believe that the Bank of England will be the first to begin tightening the monetary policy, by raising the discount rate. It may occur in the fourth quarter or in the begining of next year, in accordance with the levels of interbank rates.

The Australian Dollar (AUD/USD) strengthened as investors reacted positively to the increase in the PPI for the first quarter. They believe that it will increase the profits of Australian companies and boost the economic growth. The RBA meeting is planned to be on May 6th.