USDTHB Exchange Rate

After growing for fifteen consecutive months, U.S. service sector activity unexpectedly contracted in the month of April, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Friday. The ISM said its services PMI dipped to 49.4 in April from 51.4 in March, with a reading below 50 indicating contraction. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 52.0.

After growing for fifteen consecutive months, U.S. service sector activity unexpectedly contracted in the month of April, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Friday.

After reporting stronger than expected job growth over the past several months, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of April. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment climbed by 175,000 jobs in April after surging by an upwardly revised 315,000 jobs in March.

After reporting stronger than expected job growth over the past several months, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of April.

Gold prices slumped anew to USD 2,155 per ounce from USD 2,163 on Friday, and USD 2,184 a week ago, boosting the US Dollar up against its Rivals. 

The US ISM Manufacturing PMI in February fell to 47.8, way below estimates of 49.5, and 49.1 previously. US Bond yields tumbled, with the 10-year rate settling at 4.18% (4.25%). The 2-year US treasury rate slumped 11 basis points, finishing at 4.53%.

Heading into this morning’s RBNZ Rate Decision meeting, the Kiwi (NZD/USD) steadied to 0.6170, little changed from 0.6165 previously. The Kiwi retreated off Monday’s high at 0.6211. Last week RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr acknowledged the risks of tightening policy.

The Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the Greenback’s value against a basket of 6 major currencies steadied to finish at 104.27, little changed from previously. In volatile overnight trade, the DXY ratcheted to 104.67 on the higher-than-forecast US PPI before tumbling.