Forex Today: Dollar, Gold find move up as coronavirus curbs NFP enthusiasm, thin liquidity expected

Here is what you need to know on Friday, July 3:

Markets have stabilized as investors digest the better-than-expected Non-Farm Payrolls figures, an upbeat Chinese survey and Americans enjoy a long weekend. Concerns about the surge in US coronavirus cases are keeping the safe-haven dollar and gold bid.

US Non-Farm Payrolls figures showed a leap of 4.8 million jobs, far above three million projected and the Unemployment Rate dropped to 11.1%. On the other hand, an increase in permanent layoffs and the timing of NFP surveys – from June 12, before the recent surge.

See NFP Analysis: Good, but as good as it gets, re-closing is rapidly ravage reopening gains

US coronavirus cases have hit yet another daily high above 50,000, with Florida topping 10,000 infections per day amid an increasing positive test rate. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top US epidemiologist, said that the US reopened too soon before the virus came under control and that it could mutate.

Texas has mandated face masks under certain conditions and other states also imposed restrictions. High-frequency indicators such as gasoline consumption, restaurant reservations, and foot traffic data are pointing to a significant slowdown. Weekly jobless claims for the week ending June 26 remained stubbornly high. 

Investors are somewhat cheered by the Chinese Caixin Non-Manufacturing Index, which surged to 58.4 points. 

Brexit talks between top negotiations have been postponed to next week amid disagreements and a "lack of divergence." On the other hand, both the EU and the UK expressed hope of reaching a "landing zone." GBP/USD is trading below 1.25 ahead of final Services Purchasing Managers' Index figures. 

EUR/USD is back to its morning range of 1.12-1.1250 as European leaders have yet to agree on the EU Fund. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said a compromise can be achieved. Final services PMIs will likely show a cautious recovery.

AUD/USD is advancing after Australia's final retail sales figures for May came out at 16.9%, better than the original score. 

WTI Oil is changing hands above $40, extending its upward move. 

Cryptocurrencies suffered a knee-jerk sell-off late on Thursday before digital currencies found their feet. Bitcoin is hovering above $9,000 once again.

US markets will be closed for the Independence Day weekend, keeping volumes and liquidity thin later in the day.

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