Yes, I know it's Dec data but it's the first release in 2017
It's nearly time for the most exciting data point of the month.
Here's a run down of the numbers;
NFP expected in at 178k Reuters, 175k BBG
BBG hi est 221k
BBG Lo 125k
Nov 178k
Average hourly earnings 0.3% exp vs -0.1% prior m/m
2.8% exp vs 2.5% prior y/y (that's a pretty high expectation)
The top 5 NFP callers are thus;
Jim O'Sullivan - High Frequency Econ - 155k
Ryan Sweet - Moody's - 180k
P de Bruin/M Cabezas ABN Amro - 185k
Stephan Buu CTI Capital - 162k
Robert Dyer - Comerica - 163k
NFP pickers
Picking a guess out of thin air, I'm going for a miss around the 150k mark.
More importantly, the trade. As I think were in USD rally selling mode right now, my choice trade would be a good number and a pop in the buck to fade.
Levels wise, 116.75/80, 117.00, 117.15/20 & 117.75/80 are worth watching. 117.75/80 would be a very juicy level that I'd look to short.
Below, 115.55/65, 115.00 & 114.70/75 are the numbers I'd watch as places of possible strong support.
The only possible fly in the ointment to fading a pop is if those earnings numbers are strong. The year on year number is set very high so a miss will help in a strategy to fade a beat in the payrolls number. A good number and that earnings matching or beating may cause a prolonged rally as the bulls pile back in on hike hopes.
As always, stay safe, pick your levels and be quick and nimble.
