Markets React To Disappointing PMI Figures From UK And EU

 | Oct 24, 2022 09:14AM ET

The market is not holding back this Monday - plenty of volatility, clear price directions and multiple economic releases. The market has got one eye on the European Central Bank’s rate decision and press conference which is scheduled this Thursday. However, investors are also looking at today’s release of the Purchase Managers’ Indexes, which are considered major events.

The PMI is a survey-based index, completed by the country’s major purchasing managers which includes questions about production levels, supplies, and new orders. A figure above 50.0 is considered positive for the economy in most cases. This morning, both the UK and the EU have released their PMI figures. All the figures have left more to be desired.

On a different note, all 3 of the major US equity indices opened on a higher price forming a bullish price gap. However, all 3 have since declined to a lower price. Nasdaq is currently seeing the largest decline measuring 1.60%. The main price driver this week will continue to be market confidence which is generally frail. Although, investors are hoping the scheduled earning reports will be able to boost the price. Tomorrow’s scheduled earnings reports include Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Visa (NYSE:V).

Lastly, crude oil prices are also starting the week off in the red. The price of crude oil declined from just under $85 to $82.38. The decline was influenced by the release of the Chinese economic figures which were a mixed bag. The economy had grown faster than expected in the medium term, but consumer confidence was a big miss, which is a concern for oil traders.h2 GBP/USD/h2

Out of the 6 main PMI figures released this morning, the most disappointing was the UK’s. The GBP/USD pair had opened on a higher price after the US Dollar saw a strong decline on Friday. However, since the market opened, sellers have mainly been in control of the market forming a lower swing low.

UK’s Service and Manufacturing PMI both came in lower than expected. The Manufacturing PMI was expected to come in at 47.9 but was released as 45.8. This is the lowest the figure has been since last year, and much lower than the previous month. The index has now been below 50.0 for 3 consecutive months.