Posted at 06 August 2026 / Categories Market Roundups
Market Roundup
• Australia Building Approvals (MoM) (Jun) 7.2%, 7.2% forecast, -1.6% previous
•Australia Trade Balance (Jun) A$1.929B, -A$1.060B forecast, -A$2.367B previous
•Australia Building Approvals (YoY) (Jun) 8.90%, 8.90% forecast, 5.50% previous
•Australia Exports (MoM) (Jun) 9.6%, -7.6% previous
•Australia Imports (MoM) (Jun) -0.2%, 0.9% previous
•Australia Private House Approvals (Jun) 0.4%, 0.4% forecast, 2.4% previous
Looking Ahead Events And Other Releases (GMT)
•08:30 Italy HCOB Construction PMI (Jul) 45.4 previous
•08:30 Germany HCOB Construction PMI (Jul) 44.8 previous
•08:30 France HCOB Construction PMI (Jul) 38.2 previous
•08:30 Eurozone HCOB Construction PMI (Jul) 42.8 previous
•09:00 Italy Industrial Production (YoY) (Jun) 1.0%, 1.1% forecast
•09:00 Italy Industrial Production (MoM) (Jun) 0.3%, -0.3% previous
•09:00 Germany Car Registrations (YoY) (Jul) 15.7%
•10:00 Eurozone Retail Sales (YoY) (Jun) 1.0% forecast, 1.6% previous
•10:00 Eurozone Retail Sales (MoM) (Jun) 0.1% forecast, 0.2% previous
Looking Ahead Events And Other Releases (GMT)
• No Events Ahead
Currency Forecast
EUR/USD : The euro edged lower against the dollar on Thursday as markets weighed the prospects of an Iran peace deal and awaited key U.S. labour market data. Reuters reported that a proposed Iran-Oman agreement could give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a major potential concession.Investors also focused on Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report after ADP data showed U.S. private employers added 44,000 jobs in July, below expectations and down from June’s 95,000 increase. Economists expect the official report to show 80,000 jobs added in July, with unemployment holding steady at 4.2%Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.1535(50%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.1600(psychological level).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.1442(38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 1.1422(SMA 20).
GBP/USD : The pound slipped against dollar on Thursday as uncertainty over a potential U.S.-Iran agreement and caution ahead of U.S. payroll data weighed on market sentiment. Traders remained focused on Gulf developments after Reuters reported that a proposed Iran-Oman deal aimed at ending the conflict could allow Tehran to oversee inbound traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. While Washington has not commented on the proposal, President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the strait was near, though U.S. officials maintained they would not accept Iranian control over the key global energy route. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.3474(38.2%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.3543(23.6%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.3414(50%fib), a break below could take the pair towards1.3395(SMA 20).
AUD/USD: The Australian dollar edged lower on Thursday as investors positined ahead of key U.S. labour market data due later this week. Market participants are awaiting the U.S. weekly initial jobless claims report before shifting focus to Friday’s closely watched July non-farm payrolls release, with economists expecting job growth of around 80,000.The employment data will be closely monitored for signals on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and could determine the next major move in AUD/USD. A stronger-than-expected labour market reading may support the U.S. dollar, while weaker data could increase expectations for Fed easing and provide support to the Australian dollar. Meanwhile domestic data showed, Australia’s trade balance delivered a significant upside surprise, recording a A$1.9 billion surplus in June compared with expectations for a A$1.1 billion deficit. Immediate resistance can be seen at 0.6971(SMA20), an upside break can trigger rise towards 0.6984(50%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 0.6917 (38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 0.6899(Lower BB).
USD/JPY: The U.S. dollar edged higher as yen struggled to retain intervention gains as concerns about U.S.-Iran deal and jitters about upcoming U.S. payroll data left traders cautious.Traders remained vigilant as developments in the Gulf unfolded, with Reuters reporting that a proposed Iran-Oman deal could allow Tehran to oversee inbound traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.President Donald Trump expressed confidence that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was near, but U.S. officials reiterated they would not accept Iranian control over the strategic waterway.Minutes from the BOJ's June meeting showed policymakers debated the need for additional rate increases as inflation risks intensified after lifting borrowing costs to their highest level in 31 years. Immediate resistance can be seen at 157.82 (38.2%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 158.88(May 15th high).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 157.31(Daily low) a break below could take the pair towards 157.00 (Psychological level).
Equities Recap
Asian shares pulled back on Thursday following the previous session’s AI-driven rally, as investor enthusiasm over artificial intelligence spending showed signs of fading and markets turned more cautious.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 was down by 0.89% , KOSPI was down at 4.58%, China A50 was down at 0.08%
Commodities Recap
Gold climbed for a fourth straight session on Thursday, reaching a seven-week high as a weaker dollar supported prices, while investors monitored the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz reopening.
Spot gold was up 0.2% at $4,254.98 per ounce by 0636 GMT, after earlier hitting its highest level since June ?18. On Wednesday, bullion posted its biggest daily gain since February.
Oil prices rose on Thursday as investors remained cautious over the outcome of Iran-Oman talks and whether they would restore oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures gained 46 cents, or 0.58%, to $79.91 a barrel by 0640 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures added 36 cents, or 0.48%, to $75.58 a ?barrel. Brent settled up slightly on Wednesday, while WTI edged lower.