JOLTS were expected to tick up to 3.77 million for August and they went up to 3.88 million. The Fed watches this number closely, but QE tapering seems far away.
EUR/USD traded above 1.38 before the publication, early in the day. GBP/USD traded at 1.6170, and USD/JPY was around 97.25.
Earlier in the week, sales of existing homes came out within expectations. Sales of new homes are a small portion of the market, but their sales trigger a wider range of economic activity.
Earlier today, the US reported a smaller than expected drop in jobless claims, 350K. The trade balance came out at a deficit of 38.8 billion, within expectations.
Markit’s flash manufacturing PMI for the US in October dropped to 51.1 points. It was expected to stand on higher ground: 52.5 points. While Markit’s PMIs are less influential in the US in comparison with ISM, this also adds to the weight on the greenback.
All in all, the US dollar continues suffering after the poor resolution to the political crisis and the weaker than expected Non-Farm Payrolls.
