A weaker-than-expected jobs report has led to a rally in bonds, with the unemployment rate indicating a softer labor market, which is positive for interest rates. The bond market had already rallied before the report, and the overall reaction suggests that bad news for employment benefits bond prices.
The US dollar surged after the release of strong NFP data, leading to a rise in Treasury yields and potential implications for the Fed's policy stance. The article provides technical analysis for three U.S. dollar pairs: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD, highlighting key price levels and potential scenarios for each pair. The EUR/USD faces support at 1.0780 and resistance at 1.0860, while the USD/JPY may target 148.90 with support at 147.40. GBP/USD is consolidating within a symmetrical triangle, with critical levels at 1.2750 and 1.2630.
The US dollar rallied and gold slumped after the US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report exceeded expectations, with 353k new jobs created in January and the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7%. The dollar index jumped after the release, leading to a decrease in US rate cut expectations, while gold's recent gains were quickly reversed, with the metal currently trading at $2,033/oz.
Management consulting firm Aon has announced its plans to acquire privately held insurance broker NFP in a $13.4 billion deal, aiming to tap into the fast-growing middle-market segment of insurance brokerage, wealth management, and retirement plan advisory. The deal, expected to close in mid-2024, will be funded with $7 billion in cash and $6.4 billion in Aon stock. Despite Aon's shares falling 8% due to anticipated one-time transaction and integration costs, the company expects long-term adjusted operating margin expansion. NFP, with over 7,700 employees, is projected to generate $2.2 billion in annual revenue this year and forecast a 14% rise in total revenue by 2025.
Aon, a global professional services firm, has announced its acquisition of NFP, a leading middle-market provider of risk, benefits, wealth, and retirement plan advisory solutions. The $13.4 billion deal will expand Aon's presence in the middle-market segment and enhance its distribution capabilities. NFP will operate as an independent platform within Aon, with its CEO, Doug Hammond, continuing to lead the business. The acquisition is expected to drive long-term EPS accretion and contribute to strong combined free cash flow. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in mid-2024.
Aon, a global professional services firm, has announced its acquisition of NFP, a leading middle-market provider of risk, benefits, wealth, and retirement plan advisory solutions. The $13.4 billion deal will expand Aon's presence in the middle-market segment and enhance its distribution capabilities. NFP will operate as an independent platform within Aon, going to market as "NFP, an Aon company." The acquisition is expected to drive long-term EPS accretion and contribute to strong combined free cash flow. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in mid-2024.
Gold prices have pulled back as the US dollar strengthened and US yields rose following better-than-expected jobs data, reducing expectations of large-scale rate cuts. The upcoming US CPI print is expected to impact gold prices, with a softer-than-expected figure potentially weighing further on the dollar and providing a tailwind for gold. Gold has started the week testing a support level at $1985, with resistance levels at $2010 and $2050. The main catalyst for a bullish continuation would be if US CPI cools at a faster rate than anticipated.
Volatility spiked across various assets last week, with U.S. Treasury yields dropping and stocks rallying. The Dow Jones 30 reached close to its all-time high, while the Nasdaq 100 failed to break resistance. Precious metals also saw a strong rally, with gold coming close to its record high. In the foreign exchange market, USD/JPY experienced significant losses, while EUR/USD remained flat due to lower-than-expected Eurozone inflation. Looking ahead, U.S. interest rate expectations and upcoming economic data, including the non-farm payrolls (NFP), will be key drivers for market volatility.