The Census Bureau released US Retail Sales data that came out better than expected of 0.2%, compare to forecasted 0.1%. Note, that the US Core Retail Sales was released at the same time with the US Retail Sales.
Andrew Hunter, the senior U.S. Economist at Capital Economics said, "Along with the continued strength of the labor market, the boost to real incomes from the recent plunge in gasoline prices appears to be providing a big support to spending growth, which could continue for a few more months,".
Historical Data Table: Retail Sales m/m | Economic Calendar for 17.12.2018 | ||||||||
Date | 15.08.2018 | 14.09.2018 | 15.10.2018 | 15.11.2018 | 14.12.2018 | 10:00 AM | EU Final CPI | ||
Actual | 0.50% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.80% | 0.20% | 13:30 PM | CAD Foreign Securities Purchases | ||
Forecast | 0.10% | 0.40% | 0.70% | 0.60% | 0.10% | 13:30 PM | US Empire State Manufacturing Index | ||
Initial Reaction on Main Pairs | Open Position Proportions on 06.12.2018 | ||||||||
Open Price | Close Price | % Change | Longs | Shorts | |||||
AUD/USD | 0.7161 | 0.71546 | -0.09% | AUD/USD | 62.16% | 37.84% | |||
EUR/USD | 1.12877 | 1.1276 | -0.10% | EUR/USD | 47.56% | 52.44% | |||
USD/JPY | 113.567 | 113.626 | 0.05% | USD/JPY | 27.98% | 72.02% | |||
NZD/USD | 0.67923 | 0.67851 | -0.11% | NZD/USD | 51.49% | 48.51% |