The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index surveys consumer attitudes and expectations about the US economy. An increase in consumer confidence is a positive sign about the health of the economy, and a reading that is higher than forecast is bullish for the US dollar.
Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/JPY.
Published on Friday at 13:55 GMT.
Indicator Background
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, which is released monthly, is an important leading economic indicator. It helps measure future spending behavior, and provides an indication of consumer confidence in the economy. Analysts look to the index to help answer the critical question of “is the US consumer optimistic or pessimistic about the economy?”
The index continues to look strong and has been above the 80-point level for three straight readings. In July, the index rose to 83.9 points. Although this fell short of the estimate of 85.3 points, the index still posted its highest level is more than six years. The estimate for the August release stands at 85.6 points. Will the index follow through and move even higher in the upcoming release?
Sentiments and levels
Japanese releases have not looked all that sharp recently, and the US dollar took advantage of a weak Japanese GDP release earlier in the week, as USD/JPY moved above the 98 line. In the US, market sentiment is strong with regard to the US economy, and strong numbers out of the US could revive talk of QE tapering, which is a dollar-positive event. So, the overall sentiment is bullish on USD/JPY towards this release.
Technical levels, from top to bottom: 100.85, 100.00, 98.90, 97.80, 96.71, and 93.79.
5 Scenarios
- Within expectations: 82.0 to 90.0: In such a case, USD/JPY is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
- Above expectations: 90.1 to 95.0: An unexpected higher reading can send the pair above one resistance line.
- Well above expectations: Above 95.0: The chances of such a scenario are low. Two resistance lines could be broken on such an outcome.
- Below expectations: 77.0 to 81.9: A weak reading could push down on the pair, and one support level could be broken.
- Well below expectations: Below 77.0: A sharp drop in consumer confidence will likely hurt the dollar, and USD/JPY could break two support levels.
For more on the yen, see the USD/JPY.
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