Core Viewpoint - The euro is experiencing a phase of recovery against major currencies, influenced by fluctuations in the US dollar index and marginal improvements in eurozone economic data, with upcoming European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy decisions being a critical factor for the euro's mid-term direction [1] Economic Fundamentals - The eurozone economy is showing signs of overall recovery with internal differentiation, as evidenced by positive quarterly GDP growth and an increase in economic sentiment indices, particularly in manufacturing, services, and construction sectors [2] - The eurozone's composite PMI remains above the expansion threshold, although slightly below market expectations, with manufacturing PMI showing a minor recovery but still in contraction territory, while service sector expansion is slowing [2] - There is a divergence in performance among member states, with Germany's composite PMI showing stronger expansion compared to France, where the service sector PMI has fallen into contraction [2] Policy Impact - The ECB's monetary policy direction is a key variable affecting the euro's exchange rate, with market focus on the upcoming interest rate decision and the potential for a cautious policy signal to provide temporary support for the euro [3] - If the ECB signals a clear easing stance or lowers economic and inflation expectations, it could suppress the euro's upward potential [3] - A strong euro could negatively impact regional inflation levels and GDP growth, presenting a balancing challenge for the ECB between exchange rate and monetary policy [3] Short-term and Mid-term Outlook - In the short term, the euro against the US dollar and other major currencies is expected to remain in a range-bound fluctuation, influenced by the ECB's decision and US economic data [3] - Mid-term uncertainties include the potential for increased economic divergence among core eurozone countries, the ECB's policy adjustments, and external factors such as global trade conditions and geopolitical issues impacting the euro's exchange rate [3] Market Implications - Stakeholders involved in euro-related trade and foreign exchange should closely monitor the ECB's interest rate decision and subsequent communications, as well as eurozone monthly inflation and PMI data, to effectively manage risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations [4] - The short-term strong trend of the euro is unlikely to change, but post-policy implementation, the exchange rate is expected to choose a mid-term direction with potentially increased volatility [4]

Group 1 - Eurozone Q4 GDP annual growth rate preliminary value is 1.3%, exceeding the expectation of 1.2% and slightly lower than the previous value of 1.4% [1] - Eurozone Q4 GDP quarterly growth rate preliminary value is 0.3%, matching the previous value and above the expectation of 0.2% [1] - Eurozone unemployment rate in December is 6.2%, better than the expected 6.3% and unchanged from the previous value of 6.3% [1]

Employment - Initial jobless claims in the U.S. decreased to 199,000, better than the expected 218,000, with the previous value revised from 214,000 to 215,000[6] - Continuing claims fell from 1.913 million to 1.866 million, against an expectation of 1.902 million[6] Economic Activity - The U.S. Weekly Economic Index (WEI) was stable at 2.23% for the week ending December 27, 2025, with a four-week moving average of 2.26%[13] - The German Weekly Activity Index (WAI) rose to 0.14% for the week ending December 21, 2025, compared to 0.1% the previous week[13] Retail and Mortgage Rates - The U.S. Redbook retail sales year-on-year growth increased to 7.6%, with a four-week moving average of 6.7%[17] - The 30-year mortgage rate in the U.S. slightly decreased to 6.15% from 6.18% the previous week[20] Financial Conditions - Financial conditions in the U.S. and Eurozone marginally tightened, with the Bloomberg Financial Conditions Index for the U.S. at 0.795, down from 0.807[38] - Offshore dollar liquidity showed a slight easing, with the three-month swap basis for the yen against the dollar improving from -24.125 pips to -21.5 pips[43] Commodity Prices - The RJ/CRB commodity price index decreased by 0.9% week-on-week, following a 1.8% increase the previous week[34] - U.S. gasoline prices continued to decline, averaging $2.69 per gallon, down 1.1% from the previous week[34] Federal Spending - U.S. federal spending for the calendar year 2025 is projected to be approximately $7.765 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.8%[54]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent economic data from the US, Eurozone, and Japan, highlighting that most data points are below expectations, indicating potential economic weakness and areas to monitor in the upcoming weeks [2][3][5]. Group 1: US Economic Data - November non-farm payrolls exceeded expectations, but other key economic indicators such as October retail sales, November CPI, and Michigan consumer confidence index fell short [2][11]. - Upcoming data to watch includes October durable goods orders, November industrial output, and December consumer confidence index [2][11]. - Weekly economic activity index in the US remained stable, while the German index showed a rising trend [17]. Group 2: Eurozone Economic Data - Eurozone data released this week, including the December monetary policy meeting results and October industrial output, met expectations, while December PMI for manufacturing and services fell short [3][12]. - No significant data releases are scheduled for the upcoming week in the Eurozone [4][12]. Group 3: Japanese Economic Data - Japan's economic indicators, including the quarterly manufacturing index and November CPI, aligned with expectations, while the December PMI showed improvement compared to the previous month [5][13]. - Key upcoming data includes December Tokyo CPI, November unemployment rate, and November industrial output [5][14]. Group 4: Employment and Demand - Initial jobless claims in the US decreased to 224,000, slightly better than expected, while continuing claims rose but remained below forecasts [24]. - The commercial retail sales growth in the US showed a year-on-year increase of 6.2%, indicating a recovery in consumer demand [20]. Group 5: Price and Financial Conditions - Commodity prices have declined, and US gasoline prices continued to drop, with the average price at $2.77 per gallon [32][33]. - Financial conditions in the Eurozone improved slightly, while those in the US remained stable [35]. - The spread-to-worst for high-yield US corporate bonds remained largely unchanged, indicating stable credit conditions [41]. Group 6: Fiscal Spending - As of December 18, total federal spending in the US reached approximately $7.537 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6%, compared to 3% in the same period last year [46].

Group 1 - The Eurozone's November Composite PMI preliminary value is 52.4, slightly below the expected 52.5 and unchanged from the previous value of 52.5 [1] - The Eurozone's November Services PMI preliminary value is 53.1, exceeding the expected 52.8 and higher than the previous value of 53 [1]

Core Insights - Eurozone's Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased by 0.1% month-on-month in September, against an expectation of 0% [1] - The previous value was revised from -0.30% to -0.4% [1] Summary by Category - **Economic Indicators** - The PPI decline indicates a potential easing in inflationary pressures within the Eurozone [1] - The revision of the previous month's PPI suggests a more significant contraction than initially reported [1]

Core Insights - The Eurozone's July CPI year-on-year preliminary value is reported at 2%, which is above the expected 1.90% but slightly below the previous value of 2.00% [1] Economic Indicators - July CPI year-on-year preliminary value: 2% [1] - Expected CPI: 1.90% [1] - Previous CPI: 2.00% [1]

Group 1 - The Eurozone's second quarter GDP year-on-year preliminary value and July industrial and economic sentiment indices are set to be released shortly [1]

Group 1 - The Eurozone's Producer Price Index (PPI) for May decreased by 0.6% month-on-month, matching expectations and showing a significant improvement from the previous value of -2.2% [1]

Group 1 - The Eurozone's consumer confidence index for June is set to be released shortly, indicating potential shifts in consumer sentiment [1] - The US Conference Board's leading economic index for May will also be published soon, which may provide insights into future economic trends [1]