Economic activity in the US services sector rose unexpectedly last month, official figures showed on Friday. The Institute for Supply Management reported its Purchasing Managers' Index for the services sector climbed to 57.6 in February, while market analysts expected the Index remain unchanged from the prior month's reading of 56.5 during the reported period. Any reading above the 50-point level indicates activity expansion in the services sector. Furthermore, the Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index came in at 63.6, the highest level since February 2011, up from the previous month's 60.3. Data also showed the New Orders Index increased to 61.2, the highest since August 2015, following January's 58.6. The ISM said 16 out of 18 industries reported growth last month, adding that the share of companies expressing a positive outlook for the future rose markedly last month despite the existing uncertainty in the US economy. Economic activity contracted in the information industry and the real estate, rental and leasing industry in February.
After the release, the US Dollar hit its intraday high of 114.54 against the Japanese Yen but failed to maintain its gains as investors awaited a speech by the Fed Chair Janet Yellen in the day
Upcoming events: US Trade Balance
At 13:30 GMT on Tuesday the US will release their trade balance data. The data release will be covered by the Dukascopy research team. However, the analysts will concentrate on the USD/CAD currency exchange rate during the release, as the US data will be released simultaneously with its Canadian counterpart.
Gold reaches below 1,225 mark
Daily chart: During the early hours of Tuesday's trading session the yellow metal had paused the decline, which occurred during Monday's trading. The bullion stopped just below the 1,225 level and attempted to regain some of its value. However the attempt failed, and the commodity price still remains positioned to fall to the 1,219.20 level, where the 38.20% Fibonacci retracement level is located at. The Fibonacci retracement level is also supported by the weekly S1, which is located at 1,216.60 level.Trader opinion remains firm
Spreads (avg,pip) / Trading volume / Volatility
Market participants foresee the price of Gold being above 1,250 in April
Traders who were asked regarding their longer-term views on gold between February 7 and March 7 expect, on average, to see the metal near 1,300 in April. Generally, 73% of participants believe the price will be above 1,250 in ninety days. Alongside, 25% (+2%) of those surveyed reckon the currencies will trade in the range between 1,000 and 1,200 over the next three months.