ADP In Focus Today

Ahead of Friday’s headline US employment data (NFP, average earnings, unemployment rate), today’s ADP employment change number will be closely watched. The market is looking for 196k, down from 239k prior. A reading in this area or below will likely be seen as raising the chances of a similar downward print at Friday’s NFP. In this scenario, USD is likely to come under pressure with weaker jobs growth endorsing the prospect of a smaller hike from the Fed in December. On the other hand, if today’s reading surprises to the upside, USD is likely to rally into Friday’s data with traders eyeing the prospect of a similar upside surprise at the NFP, keeping a larger hike on the table in December.

Keep An Eye On JOLTS Too

Alongside the NFP, we also have the latest JOLTS job openings data. The market is looking for this data to have cooled to 10.2 million from 10.7 million previous. If this projection is confirmed, in line with a weaker ADP reading, this should add to the case for USD bearishness. Any upside surprise, however, will reinforce the Fed’s view that the labour market is still too tight, keeping inflationary pressures alive in the US economy.

Technical Views

DXY

The reversal lower in the Dollar Index from highs around 151.81 has seen the market breaking down through support at 145 and through the bull channel lows. Price is currently testing support at the 139.33 level and looks vulnerable to a further break lower with 131.36 the next downside level to note. We are seeing bullish divergence on momentum readings here however, meaning a further push higher cannot be ruled out.