Chinese And Japanese PMI Rally The Aussie, Kiwi And Yen

 | Jun 23, 2014 05:57AM ET

This morning, traders got what they were hoping for—both Chinese and Japanese manufacturing PMIs reported well above expectations. The Purchasing Managers’ Index from HSBC printed at 50.8, exceeding the 49.7 median estimates of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News and a final reading of 49.4 in May. A number above 50 indicates expansion.

Markets were elated by the reverse as Chinese PMI has printed in contraction since January. The Chinese manufacturing gauge rose to a seven-month high in June, supporting Premier Li Keqiang’s contention that the economy will avoid a hard landing as the government steps up efforts to spur growth. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says China’s economy would not suffer a hard landing and would continue to grow at a medium to high pace in the long term without strong stimulus. Mr Li made the comments during a speech in London’s financial district on the final day of a visit which has yielded trade and investment deals worth just over $23 billion and strengthened Britain’s bid to become the dominant centre for the Western trade in offshore yuan.