The final reading for the UK PMI services-sector index was revised to 50.0 from the flash reading of 49.2, but this was still the weakest reading since February 2021 as overall business confidence dipped to the lowest level since May 2020 with important reservations over the outlook. Confidence in the UK outlook remained fragile and risk appetite was unable to sustain optimism seen over the first two days of the week which was an important impediment for the UK currency. Overall volatility in gilts and the Pound remained elevated with the Bank of England again failing to buy gilts in the latest auction. Overall confidence in the UK outlook remained weak with Fitch cutting its rating outlook for the Bank of England amid fears over the UK fundamentals.
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The Euro-Zone September PMI services-sector index was revised marginally lower to 48.8 from the flash reading of 48.9 with the Spanish and Italian readings both weaker than expected while cost pressures were slightly stronger on the month. The Euro was unable to make any headway in early Europe on Wednesday with no further attack on parity and the single currency gradually lost ground as the dollar gained fresh traction during the day.
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10.00 Retail Sales (YoY) (Aug) Exp. -1.7% Prev. -0.9%
The US ISM non-manufacturing index declined marginally to 56.7 for September from 56.9 previously, but was above expectations of 56.0 with both new orders and business activity registering a slightly slower rate of expansion on the month. There was a stronger rate of employment growth for the month while supply-side pressure eased slightly. Prices increased at the slowest rate since February 2021, although this was still in significant expansion territory. The data overall triggered renewed doubts whether the Federal Reserve would be able to draw back from aggressive monetary tightening which underpinned the US currency. Markets had also been braced for a weaker figure and the dollar posted further gains after the release.
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