An important indicator of the euro area's economic health stayed unchanged in June. The 19-country Markit Composite PMI, a forwardlooking indicator tracking development in the euro area's manufacturing and services sectors, was unchanged at 53.1 points during the sixth month of the year, same as in May, when it rebounded from a 15-month trough. Meanwhile, conditions in the euro-zone services sector eased as the gauge tracking development in the area booked 52.8 points, down from 53.3 snatched in May. A level below 50.0 signals a deterioration from the previous month, while above 50.0 signals an increase. Among major euro area countries, France was once again the weakest performer, with PMIs pointing to a contraction in economic output. Indicators for Germany, Italy and Spain pointed to solid expansion. Data overall signaled a continued pick-up in employ
Meanwhile, the New Orders Index dropped to 3.1, following the preceding month's 10.1 points, whereas the Shipments Index remained unchanged at 7.3, pointing to robust shipment growth. In addition, the Delivery Time Index and the Unfilled Orders Index advanced to -2.5 and -1.7 in January, respectively. The Inventories Index jumped 16 points to 2.5, indicating the first increase in inventory level since the middle of 2015. The Future Business Conditions Index held steady at 49.7 in January, after rising sharply in the wake of Trump's victory in the US presidential election. The Prices Paid Index surged 14 points to 36.1, reaching its highest level since 2014 and pointing to increasing inflation.
Upcoming fundamental releases: Trump's speech
The single fundamental event on the economic calendar could come with some volatility in the currency markets as the world will be watching President-Elect Donald Trump's speech and seeking some indications on foreign and domestic policy.
Decent downside risks for Gold
Daily chart:: Gold gained some pips to the UD Dollar, following a volatile session the day before, when it posted what appears to be a high wave candle, which expresses confusion in the market. The pair is most likely to be targeting 1,211.87/1,213.17 – an area which corresponds to the bottom broken trend-line of the junior channel and the weekly R1, where the gains will be cut for today's session. There is still risk on the downside as well, due to the fact that a senior broken channel might also require consolidation. In a falling case scenario, 1,184.64/1,182.34 is most likely to make bulls take over after 1,191.73 is tested.Traders gradually reduce bullishness
Spreads (avg,pip) / Trading volume / Volatility
Market participants foresee the price of Gold being around 1,277 in April
Traders who were asked regarding their longer-term views on gold between December 20 and January 20 expect, on average, to see the metal around 1,277 in early April. Generally, 43% (-1%) of participants believe the price will be above 1,250 in ninety days. Alongside, 28% (-6%) of those surveyed reckon the currencies will trade in the range between 1,000 and 1,200 over the next three months.