New York Open Briefing: Monday, August 17, 2026
The New York trading session commences with a notable divergence in currency performance and equity markets. Over the past 24 hours, the Australian dollar leads in strength, up 0.38%, followed by the New Zealand dollar at +0.25%, while the US dollar is the weakest, down 0.28%. This backdrop sees the JP225 gaining 0.41% in Asia, contrasting with the DE40 which declined 0.19% in Europe. The overall risk meter registers +0.07, suggesting a slightly risk-on sentiment as the session begins.
Economic data released earlier included Brazil’s IBC-Br Economic Activity, which came in at -0.64%, significantly below the consensus of 0.24%. More broadly, a series of releases from China indicated a softer economic picture. Retail Sales y/y registered 0.6%, falling short of the 1.8% consensus, and Industrial Production y/y was 4.5%, below the 4.9% consensus. Additionally, Fixed Asset Investment y/y declined -6.7%, worse than the -6.3% consensus. These figures have contributed to market movements, with AUDUSD trading up 0.40% and NZDUSD gaining 0.19%, while USDCHF is down 0.24%.
Separately, the Bank of Japan’s recent statement scored +0.85 on the hawkish side, indicating a shift in tone for the central bank.
Traders will look ahead to the TIC Net Long-Term Transactions from the US, scheduled for 20:00 UTC.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | JP225 +0.41%, AUDUSD +0.40%, USDCHF -0.24% |
| Currency strength, 24h | AUD strongest at +0.38%, USD weakest at -0.28% |
| Risk meter | +0.07 (mildly risk-on) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:00 UTC | USD | TIC Net Long-Term Transactions | Medium | 90.5B |
Times are UTC. This brief describes measured market state and the published schedule. It is not financial advice and nothing in it is a trade recommendation.