European session review: Pound drops moderately on confirmation of stable employment

The following data was published:

(Time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

8:30 Changing UK average earnings (excluding bonuses), m 3 / y in June 2.2% 2.3% 2.3%

8:30 UK Change of average earnings, 3 m / d in June 2.3% 2.4% 2.4%

8:30 UK ILO unemployment rate for June 4.9% 4.9% 4.9%

8:30 UK Number of applications for unemployment benefits, thousand. 0.9 Revised July 10 with 0.4 -8.6

9:00 Switzerland investor expectations index according to ZEW and Credit Suisse in August 5.9 -2.8

In the UK, the number of applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell in July, while the unemployment rate remained stable at its lowest level in more than 10 years.

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits decreased by 8 600 people in July from June, confounding expectations for an increase of 10,000.

The unemployment rate according to ILO standards was 4.9 percent in the second quarter, in line with expectations, and at the same rate as it was during the three months to May. The last time it was lower was in the period from July to September 2005.

In the second quarter, average earnings, including bonuses, rose by 2.4 percent, as expected, and earnings excluding bonuses rose by 2.3 percent compared with a year earlier.

The employment rate in the second quarter amounted to 74.5 percent, the highest figure since comparable records began in 1971.

The number of unemployed fell by 52,000 compared with the previous quarter to 1.64 million.

Euro moderately lower against the US dollar, correcting after sharp rise yesterday. Market participants analyzed the recent statements by the Fed, as well as the expected release of protocols of the July FOMC meeting, which could shed light on the Central Bank plans for the timing of rate hikes.

Recall, Dudley said yesterday that he supports a hike in September. "We are approaching the moment when it is appropriate to re-raise the rate, - said Dudley -. US employment in the last 3 months is growing at an average rate at the level of 190 thousand per month, and economic growth should accelerate in the 2nd half of the year.. and the signals of accelerating wage growth. Overall, the US economy is in good condition".

Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Lockhart said that he's optimistic about the economic outlook, and therefore feel justified o hike. He added that the weak data on US GDP for the 2nd quarter should be viewed in the context of other factors.

EUR / USD: during the European session, the pair fell to $ 1.1253

GBP / USD: during the European session, the pair fell to $ 1.2994

USD / JPY: during the European session, the pair vysrosla to Y101.16 and retreated