Posted at 24 August 2026 / Categories Market Roundups
Market Roundup
•New Zealand Retail Sales (QoQ) (Q2) -0.5%, 0.1% forecast, 1.0% previous
•New Zealand Core Retail Sales (QoQ) (Q2) 0.7%, 0.3% forecast, 1.1% previous
•New Zealand Retail Sales Quarterly Vs. Year Ago (Q2) 3.3%, 4.5% previous
Looking Ahead Events And Other Releases (GMT)
• No Data Ahead
Looking Ahead Events And Other Releases (GMT)
• No Events Ahead
Currency Forecast
EUR/USD : The euro eased slightly against the U.S. dollar on Monday as traders awaited details of sanctions on Iran and on policy speeches this week in the U.S. and Japan.Later on Monday, at 1800 GMT, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to hold a press conference after threatening "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, with markets focused on whether he will target China.Iran's foreign minister has dismissed the threat of new U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation.Market participants will also be hoping for some clarity on the outlook for U.S. interest rates when Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh speaks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday. The euro was up at$1.16 at $1.1680. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.1744(23.6%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.1769(Higher BB).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.1632(38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 1.1552(50%fib).
GBP/USD: The British pound firmed against dollar a as focus shifted to a speech later this week by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh.Market participants will also be hoping for some clarity on the outlook for U.S. interest rates when Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh speaks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday, though his well-known aversion to forward guidance could lead to disappointment. Warsh is sure to face questions about Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's surprise announcement last week of at least a doubling in bond buybacks, aimed at restraining a rise in yields that was tightening financial conditions in the economy Bessent is due to hold a news conference later on Monday to outline sanctions on Iran, which has shown no sign of relinquishing its control over the vital Strait of Hormuz. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.3685(23.6%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.3716(Higher BB).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.3624(Daily low), a break below could take the pair towards1.3531(38.2%fib).
AUD/USD: The Australian dollar steadied on Monday as Australian dollar was supported by weakness in the U.S. dollar amid concerns over U.S. debt. All eyes are on what U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent might do after his intervention to cap longer-dated Treasury yields failed to calm market concern about fiscal spending and inflation, with the U.S. dollar emerging as the main casualty. Down Under, the Reserve Bank of Australia will release minutes of its August policy meeting where the board kept its key interest rate steady at 4.35% for a second time after three hikes this year. Policymakers have, however, said the rate could go higher if inflation risk materialises.Monthly inflation data is due on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters estimated consumer prices rose 0.8% in July versus a month earlier, but a base effect meant annual inflation likely slowed to 3.2% from 3.8%. The trimmed mean measure of inflation likely eased to 3.5% from 3.6%.. Immediate resistance can be seen at 0.7178(Higher BB), an upside break can trigger rise towards 0.7201(23.6%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 0.7093 (38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 07054(SMA 20)
USD/JPY: The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as markets awaited fresh catalysts, with the Jackson Hole symposium emerging as the key event later this week.The Jackson Hole Federal Reserve symposium later this week is likely to be the main market focus, with investors watching for any shift in central-bank expectations.Thursday appearance by Bank of Japan deputy governor Ryozo Himino will also be closely watched as a prelude to next month's policy meeting. In particular, investors will be looking to see if he pushes back on a shift ?in market pricing to see a faster pace of hikes.Ongoing Middle East tensions remain another source of uncertainty, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s scheduled press conference today could provide an additional market catalyst. Immediate resistance can be seen at 159.21(SMA 20), an upside break can trigger rise towards 160.00(Psychological level).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 158.60(Daily low) a break below could take the pair towards 156.16 (Daily low).
Equities Recap
Asian share dipped on Monday as investors awaited details of the U.S. sanctions on Iran expected later in the day. The Canadian dollar also weakened as concerns grew over a potential trade conflict with the United States.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 was down by 0.69% , KOSPI was downat 3.12%, China A50 was up at 1.06 %
Commodities Recap
Oil prices fell more than $1 a barrel on Monday as investors locked in profits following a strong recent rally, while markets awaited details of new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran.
Brent crude futures fell $1.49, or 1.6%, to $92.90 by 0649 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $85.32 a barrel, down $1.74, or 2%.
Gold prices climbed to their highest level in more than three months on Monday, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar, while investors turned their attention to upcoming U.S. inflation data and a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh later this week.
Spot gold was up 0.9% at $4,643.63 per ounce, as of ?0644 GMT, the highest level since mid May. Prices gained more than ?5% last week.