Foreign Exchange Market Update

February 3, 2026

Eurozone

Euro traded at 1.1819 against USD at 9:00 AM PST

France's inflation eased in January. The consumer price index rose by 0.3% annually in January, a slower pace than the 0.8% increase seen in December. Similarly, EU harmonized inflation softened to 0.4% from 0.7% in the previous month. Monthly, consumer prices dropped 0.3%, and the harmonized index of consumer prices slid 0.4% in January. 02/03/2026 - 06:45:00 (RTTNews)

Spanish unemployment increased sharply in January. The number of registered unemployed increased by 30,392 to 2.44 million in January. Compared to last year, unemployment decreased by 160,381 or 6.17%.

By economic sectors, registered unemployment fell by 3,793 in construction and by 14 in industry. Meanwhile, unemployment increased in services by 35,073 people and in agriculture by 881 people. Unemployment among young people aged below 25 years rose in January by 4,040 compared to the previous month, marking its lowest record for January. 02/03/2026 - 03:52:00 (RTTNews)

Australia Hikes Key Rates for First Time Since Late 2023

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its benchmark rate for the first time since November 2023 as inflation picked up materially. The policy board, governed by Michele Bullock, decided to lift the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85%.

"The Board judged that inflation is likely to remain above target for some time and it was appropriate to increase the cash rate target," the bank said in a statement. Policymakers said they are focused on their mandate to deliver price stability and full employment and will do what they consider necessary to achieve that outcome. The board observed that inflationary pressures picked up materially in the second half of 2025.

Although the recent pick-up in inflation was driven by temporary factors, private demand is growing more quickly than expected, capacity pressures are greater than previously assessed, and labor market conditions are a little tight, they noted.

In its latest Statement on Monetary Policy, the RBA raised its near-term inflation and economic outlook. For the year ending June 2026, the bank forecasts an economic growth of 2.1%, up from the prior estimate of 1.9%. Inflation is projected to rise to 4.2% compared to 3.7% estimated previously. The bank lowered its unemployment rate outlook for the year ending June 2026 to 4.3% from 4.4%.

Overall, the level of demand in the economy is expected to come into balance with potential supply by the end of the forecast period, with inflation projected to remain above the target range for some time. 02/03/2026 - 00:08:00 (RTTNews)

Hong Kong Retail Sales Rise in December

Hong Kong retail sales value increased in December, driven by higher sales of jewelry and valuable gifts. The retail sales value grew 6.6% year-on-year in December, following November's 6.5% rise. Online sales accounted for 8.8% of the total retail sales value. The value of online retail sales grew 30.9% from last year to HK $3.1 billion.

Further, the volume of retail sales moved up 5.1% from a year ago in December, which was faster than the 4.4% rise in November. In the fourth quarter, total retail sales value moved up 1.2% from the prior quarter, while sales volume dropped 0.4%. For 2025, the value of total retail sales increased by 1.0% in value and remained at a similar level in volume compared with 2024.

Looking ahead, improving local consumption sentiment underpinned by robust economic growth momentum, together with continued vibrant growth in inbound visitors, will continue to be favorable to retail businesses. 02/03/2026 - 06:03:00 (RTTNews)