What you need to know today:
- Chinese Premier Li Keipand announced a growth target of 6-6.5%, another downgrade after the 6.6% level in 2018, the lowest in 28 years. The news weighs on the market mood.
- Optimism prevails on reaching a trade deal between the US and China, but this is mostly priced in.
- Brexit negotiations continue in Brussels with UK Brexit Secretary Barclay and Attorney General Cox meeting Chief EU Negotiator Barnier.
- Bank of England Governor Mark Carney will testify about Brexit, inflation, and the economy.
- Services PMI data is due all over the world with the US ISM Manufacturing PMI standing out. A minor bounce is projected in the forward-looking gauge for the largest sector, which also serves as a hint toward the Non-Farm Payrolls. Services PMI preview
- The Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged but made a dovish shift, weighing on the Aussie.
Euro-zone:
- French President Emmanuel Macro called for a “renaissance” for the 19-country bloc as it limps from crisis to crisis.
- Euro-zone services PMI data are projected to show that Italy and France suffer from a contraction in these sectors, while Germany and Spain are doing well.
- The Sentix Investor Confidence beat expectations but remained in negative territory at -2.2 points.
UK:
- The Services PMI is forecast to show stagnation in the UK’s largest sector amid Brexit uncertainty.
- The Construction PMI slipped to 9.5 points, indicating contraction.
- The eurosceptic European Research Group faction in the Conservative Party has hired a group of top lawyers to examine any changes to the Brexit deal.
US:
- Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren will speak later in the day.
- House Democrats have launched a broad investigation in President Trump’s dealings, asking for documents from 81 people, including the President’s sons.
- Construction Spending disappointed with a drop of 0.6% in December. This is expected to push GDP estimates lower.
China:
- The Caixin Services PMI disappointed with 51.5 points.
Australia:
- RBA Governor Lowe will speak about the housing market at the wake of the Asian session.
- Australian GDP is set to bounce but remain below the Q1 and Q2 levels.
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