The British pound came under selling pressure as the construction PMI report showed a contraction as the index fell to 47.0 in March. This was below estimates of 50.9 and lower than February's 51.4. Data from the Eurozone's flash inflation estimates showed that headline consumer prices rose 1.4% on the year while core CPI was seen rising only 1.0%, less than forecasts.
In the U.S. trading session, the ADP payrolls report showed that the U.S. economy added 241k jobs in the private sector for March. February's print was also revised higher to show 246k jobs being added. The ISM's non-manufacturing PMI was a bit weaker at 58.8 just below estimates of 59.0.
Looking ahead, the economic calendar today will see the release of the services PMI data from the Eurozone and the UK. The Eurozone services sector is expected to remain steady at 55.0, unchanged from the previous month. The services sector in the UK is expected to show a decline to 53.9, down from 54.5 that was seen previously.
EUR/USD Intra-Day Analysis
EUR/USD (1.2283):The EUR/USD was seen trading within the range established from Tuesday forming an inside bar as a result on the daily chart. A breakout from this range could potentially establish a short term direction. With the resistance level at 1.2300 formed, we expect a breakout to the downside as price action is likely to test the lower support level at 1.2250. In the event that the euro breaks out higher, then watch for a close above 1.2300. Price action could be seen then testing the next resistance level at 1.2385.
GBP/USD Intra-Day Analysis
GBP/USD (1.4078):The British pound extended modest gains on the day on Wednesday. The gains came despite the fact that the construction PMI fell into contraction in March. Price action remains well below the upside target at 1.4116 where resistance is most likely to be established. To the downside, the support level at 1.4065 could be tested in the near term. A close below this level could however put the upside bias in question with the possibility that the declines could extend toward 1.4000 handle.
XAU/USD Intra-Day Analysis
XAU/USD (1329.67): Gold prices once again rallied to the 1345 level of resistance before giving up the gains to close flat on the day. The declines continue to extend lower with price breaking down below the 1336 level of support. Gold prices are now just a few points away from testing the 1328 handle. A breakdown below this level could signal further downside with the potential to test the 1307 region in the medium term