Asian stock markets are finished the week in a somewhat mixed fashion as traders position themselves for the US unemployment print later tonight. Risk currencies are pulling back slightly as the USD strengthens with gold teetering on the key $1800USD per ounce support level:
The Shanghai Composite is once again looking very week, currently down 0.5% to 3449 points while the Hang Seng Index is putting in a scratch session, up a handful of points to be at 26206 points. Meanwhile Japanese stocks continue their rebound on a weaker Yen, with the Nikkei 225 pushing some 0.3% higher to 27815 points. The USDJPY pair has continued its own little lift higher after the previous volatility, now looking to breach the 110 handle proper and get out of its rut:
Australian stocks are putting in yet another scratch session as traders absorb the latest dart throwing from the RBA SOMP with the ASX200 treading water at 7511 points. Meanwhile the Australian dollar has been thwarted at the 74 handle yet again with a very weak push overnight translating into nothing and ready to break below the 73.70 level:
Eurostoxx and S&P futures however are pushing just a little higher going into tonight’s session with the four hourly chart of the S&P500 showing price wanting to push substantially through the 4420 point level as looks set to get out of the continuation from last week’s sideways dance:
The economic calendar finishes the week with the big one – July non-farm payrolls (NFP) aka US unemployment rate – that will set the tone for the rest of the trading month.