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Forex Flash: NFP points to a loss of momentum - BBH

FXstreet.com (Barcelona) - Later on US NFP data at 12:30 GMT is one of the most important risk events for the week, and it “comes on the heels of a series of economic reports that were weaker than the consensus expected and points to a loss of momentum in late Q1 that is carrying into Q2,” says Marc Chandler, Global Head of Currency Strategy at Brown Brothers Harriman.

“Economists had generally under-estimated the strength of high frequency data in early Q1 and by the time they adjusted, the US economy began softening,” Marc notes, adding: “This pattern warns of downside risks to tomorrow's jobs report. Yet, even if the number is in line with expectations, it represents a clear slowing,” the analyst suggest. “The 3-month average is 171k and the 6-month average is near 201k,” he concludes.

Forex: GBP/USD ends six day winning streak, fails again at 1.5600 resistance

The GBP/USD finally ended its six day winning streak, closing down 22 pips at 1.5533. At one point, the pair traded as high as 1.5590, but was unable to take out the critical 1.5600 resistance level. Construction PMI came in better then estimates at 49.40 vs. 48.00 forecast, but the pair was unable to sustain early gains. Furthermore, Market participants will keep an eye on the US Non Farm Payrolls data due out at 12:30 GMT.
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Forex: Will the upcoming US Jobs data lead to further declines in EUR/USD?

A volatile day is what was expected, and a volatile day is what market participants received. After initially trading as high as 1.3216 after the ECB Rate Cut announcement, the pair sharply reversed gains during the Mario Draghi press conference and finished the day down 123 pips at 1.3061. In what has already been a very busy week on the economic front, perhaps the most important event (US Non Farm Payrolls est. 146k) will be released at 12:30GMT.
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