Apple Cutting Revenue Guidance Fuels Risk Off Sentiment

Extreme market turbulence that ruled at the end of 2018 and most notably in December looks set to stay for another session. Whilst weakness in Chinese manufacturing was to blame in the previous session, Apple cutting its guidance has hit sentiment on Thursday.

Apple shocked Wall Street with an extremely rare profit warning. Softer demand in China and disappointing iPhone upgrades led to the darling of Wall Street announcing that it expected to miss revenue guidance by as much as 10%. This announcement feeds directly into the fears that have been dominating market sentiment over the past few months; slowing Chinese growth, the impact of the US – Sino trade war and technology valuations in general.

The announcement drives home the point that the US - Sino trade war is negatively impacting the global economy. Yesterday we saw global manufacturing slowing, today we saw the first trillion-dollar company cut its revenue guidance, these are warning signals that investors are hearing loud and clear.

Risk off dominated overnight, with riskier assets such as equities out of demand. Equities in Asia and Europe are seen taking another step lower and US future point to hard sell off after the opening bell.

A broad flight to safety has been evident with the safe haven Japanese yen the principal beneficiary. The Japanese yen surged over 8% versus the Australian dollar, caught in a flash crash overnight, the yen closed 2% higher versus the dollar. A combination of high market anxiety and low volumes as trading in New York ended and Japan remained closed for a public holiday saw the yen soar at least 1% versus all its G-10 peers.

US data to send USD/JPY towards 107.00?

USD/JPY hit a nine-month low of 105.00 overnight, before closing off the lows at 107.43. Any move higher has been capped by resistance at 108.00. The pair will need to see a convincing move above 108 to see a recovery towards 108.85. Technical indicators remain within bearish territory warranting some caution.

Traders will be looking towards US ISM Manufacturing data later today and then non-farm payroll figures tomorrow for further clues as to the health of the US economy. ISM Manufacturing data is expected to show US manufacturing activity decline in December to 57.8 from 59.3. US non-farm payrolls are expected to show 180,000 jobs were added in December. Weakness in US data will fuel risk off sentiment pushing the yen higher back towards 107.00.

The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.

Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.

The products and services available to you at FOREX.com will depend on your location and on which of its regulated entities holds your account.

FOREX.com is a trading name of GAIN Global Markets Inc. which is authorized and regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority under the Securities Investment Business Law of the Cayman Islands (as revised) with License number 25033.

FOREX.com may, from time to time, offer payment processing services with respect to card deposits through StoneX Financial Ltd, Moor House First Floor, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET.

GAIN Global Markets Inc. has its principal place of business at 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.