New York Open Briefing: Thursday, October 15, 2026
New York opens with a mixed sentiment across global equities. The UK100 gained 0.97% and the US30 advanced 0.35%, while the DE40 and JP225 also saw positive moves. However, the forex market shows divergence, with AUDUSD down 0.67% and NZDUSD falling 0.44%. The Australian Dollar is the weakest currency over 24 hours, down 1.47%, contrasting with the Swiss Franc, which is up 0.51%. The overall risk meter stands at -0.59, indicating a risk-off tone as the session begins.
Recently released US Initial Jobless Claims came in at 197K, slightly below the consensus of 199K, representing a -1.0% surprise. Looking ahead for the USD, Retail Inventories m/m and Retail Inventories excl. Autos m/m are scheduled at 14:00 UTC, with consensus for the former at 0.3%. Later, at 16:00 UTC, the EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change is due, with a consensus of -0.831M following a previous -3.186M. The EIA Cushing Crude Oil Stocks Change is also expected at the same time, with a consensus of -0.186M.
Retail positioning data indicates shifts in sentiment. The crowd book on XAUUSD moved 11pt toward short over 24 hours, with retail books disagreeing by 26 points. On EURUSD, the book shifted 15pt toward short. Conversely, ETHUSD saw its book move 10pt toward long. For the New Zealand Dollar, Electronic Card Retail Sales m/m are due at 21:45 UTC, with a consensus of 1.3%.
Traders will likely focus on the EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change later in the session.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | UK100 +0.97%, AUDUSD -0.67%, NZDUSD -0.44% |
| Currency strength, 24h | CHF strongest at +0.51%, AUD weakest at -1.47% |
| Risk meter | -0.59 (risk-off) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 UTC | USD | Retail Inventories m/m | Medium | 0.3% |
| 14:00 UTC | USD | Retail Inventories excl. Autos m/m | Medium | – |
| 16:00 UTC | USD | EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change | High | -0.831M |
| 16:00 UTC | USD | EIA Cushing Crude Oil Stocks Change | Medium | -0.186M |
| 21:45 UTC | NZD | Electronic Card Retail Sales m/m | Medium | 1.3% |
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.