The data for US ISM manufacturing data was stronger than analysts' estimations showing an advance to 51.3 (May) from 50.8 booked in the previous month. The consensus expectation, in turn was 50.5. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the third consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 84th consecutive month, according to the ISM report. The Prices Index in turn, registered 63.5, an advance of 4.5 points from the April reading of 59, indicating higher raw materials prices for the third consecutive month. The main influence on the PMI release was raised due to the decline in production volumes. The following release shows that the sector expanded in May for a third straight month, despite the forecasts of a negative movement following several weak regional surveys. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 12 are reporting rise in May. The top gainers are wood products, textile mills and printing & related Support Activities. However, the six industries, in turn, reported contraction in May which are: apparel, leather & allied products and petroleum & coal Products. Speculation in recent weeks that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in the next few months, concerns about Chinese economic growth as well as worries about possible British exit from the European Union, are all factors that affect global manufacturing.
Australia's economic growth boomed past expectations in the first quarter with the annual pace speeding to its fastest in three years, a result that could keep the central bank on hold at its policy meeting next week. Gross domestic product grew a seasonally adjusted 1.1% in the three months to the end of March, exceeding market expectations for a 0.8% gain in the first quarter, due to a strong pickup in resources and services exports. On an annual basis, GDP grew 3.1%, above economists' consensus estimate for 2.8% growth and defying fears that Australia would be hit by slowing growth in China, its biggest trading partner. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the major drivers of growth during the quarter came from exports and household final consumption expenditure, which contributed 1.0 and 0.5 percentage points respectively. Combined with a marginal fall in imports, net exports contribute a whopping 1.1 percentage points to growth during the quarter. These gains were partially offset by weaker public gross fixed capital formation, which shaved 0.4 percentage points from the number. However, a real net national disposable income, increased by just 0.2% during the quarter after seasonal adjustments, seeing the yearon year decline accelerate to 1.2%. This is seen as a measure of the real standard of living of Australians, and on that measure the economy is not as strong as the real GDP figure would suggest.
Upcoming fundamentals: US labor data and crude inventories
Gold gains more strength
Daily chart: After rebounding on Tuesday from $1,206 to $1,214, the bullion suffered minor losses on Wednesday and ended the day's session at $1,212, as it bounced off the 100-day SMA at $1,218. However, on Thursday the metal started rallying again and at the moment is placed at $1,214, by slowly moving back to the 100-day SMA, which is now located at $1,220. If the yellow metal breaks through this resistance, it will face the weekly PP of $1,224, which is the second weekly resistance. In the meantime, it may also move to the first weekly support at $1,207. Aggregate technical indicators predict a downfall for gold today.SWFX market sentiment turns positive on gold
Spreads (avg,pip) / Trading volume / Volatility
Market participants foresee the price of gold at 1,275 by the end of August
Traders who were asked regarding their longer-term views on gold between May 2 and June 2 expect, on average, to see the metal around 1,275 by the end of August. Generally, 54% (-2%) of participants believe the price will be generally above 1,250 in ninety days. Alongside, 30% of those surveyed reckon the price will trade in the range between 1,100 and 1,250 over the next three months.