The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index is an important leading indicator, and is based on a survey of manufacturers in the Philadelphia area. It examines manufacturers’ opinions of business activity, and helps provides a snapshot of the business climate and sentiment in the US. A reading which exceeds the forecast is bullish for the dollar.
Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/JPY.
Published on Thursday at 14:00 GMT.
Indicator Background
The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index measures regional manufacturing growth. The manufacturing sector is a vital component of the economy and the index provides a useful reading for determining whether the economy is in a growth or contraction phase.
The February reading rose to 10.2, which was above the market forecast of 9.0. However, traders should note that the index tends to show a lot of volatility, and thus the market predictions are often off the mark. The forecast for March calls for a further rise, up to 11.8. Will the index continue its upward swing this month?
Sentiments and levels
The current account deficit in Japan, together with the recent easing by the BOJ, are weighing on the yen. In contrast, the US economic situation is continuing to improve. So, the overall sentiment is bullish on USD/JPY towards this release.
Technical levels, from top to bottom: 85.50, 84.50, 83.50, 82.87, 82.20, 81.60 and 80.60.
5 Scenarios
Within expectations: 8.0 to 16.0: In such a case, the yen is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
Above expectations: 16.1 to 20.0: An unexpected higher reading can send USD/JPY above one resistance level.
Well above expectations: Above 20.0: The chances of such a scenario are very low. The pari could break two or more resistance lines on such an outcome.
Below expectations: 3.0 to 7.9: A lower reading than forecast would push USD/JPY downwards, and one support level could be broken.
Well below expectations: Below 3.0: A weak reading would signal worsening conditions in the manufacturing sector. In this scenario, the pair could break two or more support levels.
For more on the yen, see the USD/JPY.