Headline: Markets Watch: PBoC Fix Seen Near 7.1121 as Nvidia, Japan Data, and Gold Outlook Shape Sentiment
Introduction: Global markets opened with a cautious tone as traders weighed a stronger Japanese data pulse, expectations for China’s daily yuan fixing, and pivotal tech earnings. Policy headlines and commodity views added to the mix, setting the stage for a busy session across FX, equities, and commodities.
The People’s Bank of China is expected to set the USD/CNY central parity close to 7.1121, a level that will guide yuan trading and broader Asia FX sentiment. In Australia, the Westpac Leading Index turned positive in October, rising 0.11% month-on-month from a prior 0.03% decline, with the six‑month annualised measure improving—suggesting tentative momentum into year-end. Japan’s September core machinery orders surprised to the upside at 4.2% month-on-month and 11.6% year-on-year, comfortably beating expectations and supporting a firmer view on domestic capex.
Equity and AI-hardware sentiment now hinge on Nvidia’s upcoming report due November 19. Investors will scrutinize whether the chipmaker can outperform already elevated guidance and deliver a confident Q4 outlook. Any signs of softness in AI chip demand could quickly trigger a sector-wide pullback, with ripple effects across broader risk assets.
Policy and commodities also grabbed attention. Donald Trump said he has chosen his preferred candidate for the next Federal Reserve Chair but did not reveal a name, adding intrigue to the interest-rate outlook. The White House outlined planned weapons sales to Saudi Arabia alongside an AI memorandum of understanding, following Trump’s meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince earlier in the week. In commodities, Deutsche Bank reiterated a bullish stance on gold, citing persistent central bank buying on price dips and projecting upside toward $4,000/oz, even as ETF flows remain muted amid high volatility.
Key Points: – Markets expect the PBoC to set the USD/CNY reference rate near 7.1121, a key cue for yuan and Asia FX trading. – Australia’s Westpac Leading Index rose 0.11% m/m in October, with the six‑month annualised pace improving. – Japan’s core machinery orders beat forecasts at +4.2% m/m and +11.6% y/y, signaling solid capex momentum. – Nvidia’s November 19 report is pivotal for AI hardware and equity sentiment; any miss could spur a pullback. – Trump said he has decided on a preferred next Fed Chair but withheld the name; policy watchers remain alert. – Deutsche Bank remains bullish on gold, citing central bank demand and potential upside toward $4,000/oz.
