EU CAPITAL GOODS: Legrand: Acquisition   

The Spanish services PMI was weaker-than-expected at 53.2 (vs 54.5 cons, 55.1 prior), somewhat disappointing after a stronger-than-expected manufacturing reading on Monday. That left the composite PMI at 53.7 (vs 54.9 cons, 54.7 prior). The composite PMI has nonetheless been above 50 for 24 consecutive months now, underscoring Spain’s position as the Eurozone growth outperformer post Covid.

Details of the PMI were solid from an activity standpoint, but its worth noting another acceleration in inflationary pressures amongst services firms. 

Key notes from the release:

• “Higher activity was again principally linked to a rise in new business”…“ Some firms pointed to the release of previously delayed contract agreements as a reason for increased new work. Improved product and service provision also helped to support the marked rise in sales volumes”.
• “Firms were suitably encouraged to take on additional staff in August, largely in response to higher workloads overall”….“ Employment levels have now risen on a continuous basis for just under three years, although growth in August was noticeably slower than July’s four-month high”
• “Prices data showed a pick-up in inflationary pressures. Input prices overall rose to the greatest degree since February with firms pointing to higher supplier charges in general”.
• “Service providers took advantage of a positive demand environment by passing on their increased input costs to clients wherever possible. This helped to underpin the steepest rise in selling prices since April 2024”.

A negative open for gilts despite the recovery from worst levels in Bunds, as weakness in T-notes weighs.

• Futures break yesterday’s low (89.60). Fibonacci support is nearby (89.46), with bears remaining in technical control.
• Yields 2-3bp higher across the curve, steepening theme intact.
• 10s closed at 4.80% yesterday, seeing the first print above that level since late March. January highs (4.921%) present the next upside target there.
• 30s trade through yesterday’s fresh multi-decade high.
• That comes as ongoing fiscal worry, some questions surrounding the future of Chancellor Reeves and the potential Budget date (26 November touted) dominate locally.
• Final UK services PMI data is due today.
• Elsewhere, BoE’s Bailey, Lombardelli, Taylor & Greene will appear in front of the Treasury Select Committee. We will provide a little more on that in due course.
• Note that BoE’s Breeden will speak this morning, although the setting of the address (a “money & payments” conference) may limit scope for comments on monetary policy.

• Holding On To Its Latest GainsRES 4: $40.323 - 2.000 proj of the Apr 7 - 25 - May 15 swing
• RES 3: $42.000 - Round number resistance  
• RES 2: $41.064 - 1.764 proj of the Apr 7 - 25 - May 15 swing
• RES 1: $40.977 - Intraday high      
• PRICE: $40.817 @ 08:16 BST Sep 3
• SUP 1: $38.804 - 20-day EMA 
• SUP 2: $37.787 - 50-day EMA
• SUP 3: $36.216 - Low Jul 31 and a key support   
• SUP 4: $35.285 - Low Jun 24

Trend signals in Silver remain bullish and the metal has traded sharply higher this week. Resistance at $35.930, the Jul 23 high, has been cleared. This confirms a resumption of the uptrend and maintains the price sequence of higher highs and higher lows. Moving average studies are in a bull-mode position, reinforcing current trend conditions. Sights are on $41.064 next, a Fibonacci projection. Initial support to watch is $38.804, the 20-day EMA.