Initial Jobless Claims in the week ending February 21 came in at 212K, below economists’ expectations of 215K but slightly above the previous reading of 208K. Continuing Claims also declined to 1.833 million, signaling stabilization in labor market conditions. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Jobless claims are a mixed bag, and here’s why that matters: a drop in initial claims signals a resilient labor market, but the slight uptick from previous weeks raises eyebrows. For traders, this data could influence market sentiment, especially in sectors sensitive to consumer spending. A stable labor market often supports economic growth, which could bolster equities, particularly in consumer discretionary stocks. However, if claims continue to rise, it might signal underlying economic weakness, prompting a shift in trading strategies. Keep an eye on the S&P 500 and related ETFs for potential reactions. Also, watch the 1.8 million level in continuing claims; a significant rise above this could indicate trouble ahead. On the flip side, the market might be overreacting to these numbers, especially if other economic indicators remain strong. So, while the initial claims are encouraging, don’t lose sight of broader economic trends. The real story is how these figures play into the Fed’s next moves, especially with interest rates still in play. Watch for any shifts in market sentiment as traders digest this data over the coming days. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the 1.8 million level in continuing claims; a rise above could signal economic weakness, impacting equities and trading strategies.

DBS Group Research economist Chua Han Teng notes that the Bank of Thailand surprised markets with a 25bps rate cut to 1.00% at its first 2026 meeting, following earlier easing since October 2024. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The Bank of Thailand’s unexpected 25bps rate cut to 1.00% is a game changer for traders: it signals a shift in monetary policy that could ripple through regional markets. This move comes after a series of easing measures since October 2024, indicating that the central bank is prioritizing economic growth over inflation concerns. Traders should watch how this impacts the Thai baht and related assets, especially if the cut leads to increased capital outflows or shifts in investor sentiment. The immediate effect might be a weakening of the baht against major currencies, which could create opportunities for forex traders looking to capitalize on volatility. Look for key resistance levels in the baht around recent highs, as a break could signal further downside. On the flip side, this rate cut could also spur domestic consumption and investment, potentially stabilizing the economy in the long run. Keep an eye on upcoming economic data releases from Thailand that could provide insight into the effectiveness of this policy shift and its broader implications for Southeast Asian markets. 📮 Takeaway Watch for the Thai baht’s reaction to the rate cut; a break below recent lows could signal further weakness, presenting trading opportunities in forex markets.

New Zealand ANZ – Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence dipped from previous 107.2 to 100.1 in February 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Consumer confidence in New Zealand just took a hit, dropping to 100.1 from 107.2, and here’s why that matters: A decline in consumer confidence often signals potential slowdowns in spending, which can ripple through the economy and impact various sectors. For traders, this could mean a bearish outlook for the New Zealand dollar, especially if the trend continues. Economic indicators like this one can influence forex pairs, particularly NZD/USD, as traders adjust their positions based on perceived economic health. If confidence doesn’t rebound, we might see the NZD testing lower support levels, which could trigger further selling pressure. But there’s a flip side: if the market overreacts to this dip, it could create a buying opportunity for savvy traders looking for a rebound. Keep an eye on upcoming economic data releases and sentiment indicators to gauge whether this dip is a temporary blip or the start of a more significant trend. Watch for key levels around 0.6200 in NZD/USD as a potential pivot point in the coming weeks. 📮 Takeaway Monitor NZD/USD closely for potential support around 0.6200, as consumer confidence dips could lead to increased volatility in the forex market.

Standard Chartered economists Carol Liao and Shuang Ding expect China to set a 2026 GDP growth target of 4.5–5.0% at the National People’s Congress, slightly below 2025. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight China’s projected GDP growth target of 4.5–5.0% for 2026 is a signal for traders to recalibrate their strategies. This forecast, slightly lower than 2025, suggests a cautious economic outlook that could impact commodity prices and global markets. Traders should watch for reactions in the Chinese yuan and related assets, as a weaker growth target might lead to increased volatility. If the yuan depreciates, it could trigger a sell-off in commodities like oil and copper, which are sensitive to Chinese demand. Keep an eye on key technical levels in these markets, especially if the yuan breaks below recent support levels. On the flip side, if the growth target is perceived as conservative but achievable, it might stabilize market sentiment in the short term. Watch for any shifts in monetary policy or stimulus measures that could arise from this announcement, as they could provide trading opportunities in both forex and commodities markets. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the Chinese yuan closely; a depreciation could signal broader market volatility, especially in commodities, if growth targets are missed.

Statistics Bureau of Japan will publish its data for February on Friday at 23.30 GMT. The Tokyo CPI measures the price fluctuation of goods and services purchased by households in the Tokyo region, excluding fresh food, whose prices often fluctuate depending on the weather. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Tokyo’s CPI data release is looming, and here’s why it matters for traders: inflation readings can sway market sentiment. With the Bank of Japan’s ongoing monetary policy adjustments, any unexpected CPI figures could trigger volatility in the yen and related assets. If inflation rises more than anticipated, it could lead to speculation about tighter monetary policy, impacting forex pairs like USD/JPY. Conversely, a lower CPI could reinforce the current accommodative stance, keeping the yen under pressure. Traders should keep an eye on the 23.30 GMT release, as the immediate reaction could set the tone for the rest of the week. Watch for key levels around 145.00 in USD/JPY; a break above could signal further bullish momentum, while a dip below 143.50 might indicate a bearish reversal. The real story is how these numbers could ripple through global markets, especially if they deviate significantly from expectations. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the Tokyo CPI release on Friday at 23.30 GMT; significant deviations could impact USD/JPY and set the week’s trading tone.

The rally on the AUD/JPY was halted on Thursday as the cross-pair retreated some 0.40% during the session on broad strength of the Japanese Yen. Hawkish comments by two officials of the Bank of Japan, weighed on the pair, which trades below the 111.00 mark at the time of writing. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The AUD/JPY’s recent retreat signals a shift in market sentiment, driven by hawkish Bank of Japan comments. With the pair trading below 111.00, traders should be cautious as this level could act as a resistance point. The strength of the Yen reflects broader risk-off sentiment, potentially impacting other pairs like AUD/USD and NZD/JPY. If the Yen continues to gain, we might see further downside in AUD/JPY, especially if economic data from Australia doesn’t support a bullish outlook. Keep an eye on the upcoming economic releases from both countries, as they could provide the catalyst for a breakout or further consolidation. Watch for a break below recent lows for confirmation of a bearish trend, or a rebound above 111.00 for a potential recovery play. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the 111.00 resistance level closely; a break below recent lows could signal further downside in AUD/JPY.