Company News by ForexMart

USD Falls for Sixth Consecutive Week as NFP Data Disappoints

The US dollar fell for the sixth consecutive week and has recorded its lowest drop since July 2016 after the NFP report disappointed a lot of market players as the supposed effects of a highly positive hiring data was offset by the lack of wage-induced pressures. This was also further propelled by various uncertainties surrounding Trump’s policies regarding the USD, as well as his newly-imposed sanctions on Iran. The results of the NFP report were also not enough to compensate for the uncertainties brought about by the Fed’s refusal to give out hints on its next steps regarding the impending interest rate hike.

Worst-Performing Economy in the Eurozone - Italy

According to an analysis conducted in the euro zone, the economy of Italy has the worst condition among European Union countries after 18 years while the leading country is Germany. The besieged Italian republic was witnessed to be the only nation within the region to have an economic decline equal to its population size during the year, 1998.

The state’s Gross Domestic Product is down to 0.4 percent within that period which performed worse than Greece as stated in the EU data from Bloomberg. Moreover, the current GDP of Italy grew by 6.2 percent, however, the number of all individuals is greater by 6.6 percent.

According to a Milan-based economist from UniCredit Bank AG, Loredana Federico, said in an interview that the country’s economy had a slow growth versus other nations. She also mentioned that it will tough for Italy to close the gap compared with other economic systems.

Asian Stocks Drop After JPY Haven Demand Surge

Asian equities experienced a decline following a JPY rally after the demand for the safe haven currency increased following various concerns surrounding political events worldwide. The Japanese Topix index decreased after a three-day high as the JPY recorded its highest value since November 2016 last Monday. This recent rally in equities caused by Trump’s policies have started to weaken as most investors are now worried with how the Trump administration plans to balance out its proposed tax cuts and added spending with its protectionist stance on international trade. Adding to risk are some EU countries where anti-establishment organizations are now gaining fuel prior to their respective national elections.

Indonesia Economy Rose to 5.02%

The Gross Domestic Product of Indonesia beefed up by 5.02 percent in 2016 versus 4.88 percent in 2015 based on the report of Central Statistics Agency (BPS) released on Monday. However, the Austronesian nation declined during the Q4 with a year-over-year decrease in GDP by 4.94 percent with the previous 5.02 percent in Q3.

The chief of BPS, Suhariyanto mentioned the government expenditure also dropped to 4.05 percent during the fourth quarter of 2016 followed by a budget curtailment which causes for a slower annual percentage compared with the same quarter in 2015 with an increase of 7.12 percent.

The adjusted public spending regarded as being caused by austerity measures led by the administration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo with an estimated Rp 137 trillion (US$10.27 billion) trimmed budget.

Furthermore, the figures for imports and exports grew slower with 1.74 percent only while 2.27 percent in 2016 accordingly. Investments mounted to 4.48 percent in the previous year.

The household consumption of Indonesia is considered the largest factor for the country’s GDP reaching 56 percent within the total percentage, the increase is approximately 5.01 percent.

Positive Reports Indicating Italy's Economic Recovery

Italy’s economy is performing well as it grew for the past three months signaling a stabilizing growth pace of the economy as statistics shown. Despite the uncertainty in the first half last year, the country was able to recover supported by the monthly report short-term economic forecasts by the national statistics agency ISTAT.

Results were further supported by the improving manufacturing sector, household purchasing power and higher investment. However, the consumer confidence index declines due to the current weak economic condition. On a brighter side, the business confidence has significantly advanced. This was greatly influenced by the manufacturing sector increased by 0.7% In November. Other sectors such as the foreign trade and and Household Consumption climbed by 2.2% and 0.3% respectively in the third quarter last year.

This remarkable results coincides with the expectations of the government and optimistic that this will lessen the fiscal adjustment needed from the European Union.

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You can register for the next competition which will take place from February 20, 2017 to February 24, 2017.

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Registration for the next competition finishes 1 hour before the contest starts.

Finance Minister Counters the Accusation Against ECB

The European Central has been accused of altering the Euro exchange rate and this is being negated by the French Finance Minister Michel Sapin. They are believed to have a goal in completing trading and attain the competitive policy goals by a significant U.S. authority saying that Germany gains an advantage over grossly undervalued Euro for personal gains.

Europe should still work harder to achieve former status prior to global financial crisis according to Sapin. Germany has to be more committed to restore into a better condition regarding its investments. At the same time, they are hopeful that the new president of the United States will recognize the significance of the European Union relationship with the United States.

Inflation in China Open Possibilities for Tighter Policies

Producer price inflation in China has reached figures higher than expected bringing the price close to six-year highs as price of steel and other raw materials surged while Consumer inflation climbed to a three-year high as fuel and food prices rallied on data released on Tuesday. Both prices producer and consumer are expected to reach 6.3 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively for this year.

Some analysts see this price inflation as a short-term rally with rally in the possibility for food prices to be seasonal. Moreover, the increase in price pressure in China has induced speculations of tighter monetary policy this year to boost economic growth and mainly because of credit risks concerns including leverage in the market.

The current Money Fall contest has already started on February 20, 2017 and will end on February 24, 2017.
You can register for the next competition which will take place from February 27, 2017 to March 3, 2017.

Note:
Registration for the next competition finishes 1 hour before the contest starts.

Thai Economy Records Slowest Annual Growth as Consumption Wanes

Thailand’s economy recorded its slowest growth rate in over a year during the previous quarter as the country’s private consumption waned. Thailand’s GDP data showed an expansion by 3% during the past quarter, its slowest annual recorded move. Thailand’s economy surged by 3.2% in 2016 as compared to 2.5% two years ago. This slow GDP growth was mainly attributed to the death of the Thai king followed by a major crackdown on illegitimate Chinese tourists, which also caused the country’s private consumption to drop. However, the Thai baht was among the best-performing currencies in Asia after it grew by over 2% against the USD.