The USD Reverses Course as the NFP Misses Expectations

Last week brought some troubling events in the United States, as protesters took the Capital by assault. Lives were lost, and the nation faces an identity crisis.

Shortly after the order was restored, President Trump recognized President-elect Biden’s victory and ensured people that there would be a peaceful transition of power on the 20^th of the month when the new administration takes charge.

But it was too little too late. In the meantime, Twitter suspended the President’s account, and America is on a race to identify each and every one of the protesters.

As such, the economic data paled in the face of the political events. However, the USD did move, as it seems that it reversed course, easing from the highs.

What Did the NFP Show?

The NFP report released last Friday showed the data for the month of December 2020. The U.S. economy lost 140k jobs, much worse than the expectations of adding 60k.

Unsurprisingly, the leisure and hospitality sectors were responsible for most of the job losses, as the pandemic continues to take its toll. However, the November numbers were revised higher, and the unemployment rate remained stable, somehow diminishing the impact of the December report.

ISM Manufacturing Above 60

One of the most striking pieces of economic data released last week was the ISM Manufacturing. It climbed above 60, and most of the time, when it did so in the past, the dollar strengthened in the following one hundred days.

The thing is that all investment houses predict a lower dollar in 2021. Whenever such a consensus exists, the danger is that exactly the opposite happens.

So far, the dollar reflected the risk-on environment, as it moved hand in hand with the U.S. equities. As the new administration prepares to run America, the dollar may be in the grasp of a sharp reversal.

The EURUSD is already down two big figures from the highs, and AUDUSD and GBPUSD correct as well. If the dollar’s strength continues, the world risks being caught on the wrong side of the market, as most traders are positioned for a weak dollar.