Prior was 50.1Business activity 55.0 vs 53.0 expectedPrior business activity 52.6New orders 56.0 vs 50.3 priorEmployment 46.5 vs 46.4 priorPrices 69.2 vs 69.9 priorThe pickup in new orders is encouraging and runs counter to the poor reading on that metric in the S&P Global survey. The poor number is on employment, which is skidding along the recent bottoms. This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prelim was 55.4Prior was 55.7Composite 54.6 vs 55.1 priorThe absolute number here is a solid one and suggests that the economy is ok at the moment but the declines in business optimism are forward looking and might be problematic. They could also simply reflect the chaotic nature of current US policymaking and never turn into a change in real demand.The ISM survey is due at the top of the hour.Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence “Although weaker than signaled by the preliminary ‘flash’ PMI reading, and below that seen in July, the expansion of the service sector in August was still the second strongest recorded so far this year. Together with a robust manufacturing PMI reading, the surveys are consistent with the US economy growing at a solid 2.4% annualized rate in the third quarter. “Fuller order books, reflecting a summer upturn in customer demand, has meanwhile encouraged service providers to take on additional staff in increasing numbers, accompanied by a return to hiring in the manufacturing sector. While low household confidence is reportedly keeping spending on consumer services relatively subdued, demand for financial services is showing especially strong growth amid improving financial market conditions. “However, the brighter news on current economic growth and hiring is marred by concerns over future growth prospects and inflation. Business optimism regarding the year ahead outlook has dropped to one of the lowest levels seen over the past three years amid escalating worries over the uncertainty and drop in demand caused by federal government policy, most notably tariffs, as well as the associated rise in price pressures. Inflation concerns have been fanned by a further steep rise in input costs which have fed through to another marked increase in average charges for services. “The survey data therefore point to some downside risks to growth in the coming months while signaling upside risks to inflation, as import tariffs feed through to prices charged for both goods and services.” This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Last month's non-farm payrolls report was such a mess that it's not a surprise that the market is muddling along sideways today. Moreover, the firing of the BLS chief could lead to some strange takes on Friday.The S&P 500 is up 12 points in early trading or 0.2%. We've seen some mid-day selling so far this week along with some strong bids into the close. This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Yesterday's economic data didn't prompt much in the way of definitive market moves but it watered the seeds of doubt about the US economy that started to germinate after the big non-farm payrolls revisions.JOLTS job openings fell and then later in the day the Beige Book was worrisome:Most of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts reported little or no change in economic activity since the prior Beige Book period—the four Districts that differed reported modest growth. Across Districts, contacts reported flat to declining consumer spending because, for many households, wages were failing to keep up with rising prices.The Beige Book isn't the kind of thing that causes an immediate re-think -- like non-farm payrolls -- but anecdotal data tends to lead and when you combine that with McDonald's highlighting a struggling consumer and it's a bad mix.In general, I don't think this market minds a soft economy because it will bring about rate cuts but an outright recession is a problem. As Fed Governor Waller highlighted yesterday: When the jobs market crumbles, it can crumble fast.So far the economy looks like it's slowing and the market is ok with that, so long as it doesn't get ugly. There is a big Fed put available too -- 4 full points of potential rate cuts -- and that's a huge put. This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prior was -5.86B This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prelim was +1.6% This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prior was +229KClaims four-week moving avg 231K vs 228.5K priorContinuing claims +1.940K vs 1.962K This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prior was -60.2BGoods trade -102.84B vs -103.6B prelim This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Prior +0.3%; revised to +0.6%That's a bit of a downer but just be mindful that it comes amid a more positive revision to the June estimate. The breakdown shows that sales for food, drinks, tobacco declined by 1.1% while automotive fuel sales fell by 1.7% on the month. Non-food product sales were seen up just marginally by 0.2%. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

The report says that the two sides are in the final stages of talks to implement lower tariffs on Japanese auto imports within two weeks after the issuance of a US presidential executive order. The tariffs rate reduction will be lowered from the current 27.5% to 15% and is set to take effect by the end of September.But for now, the exact date is yet to be confirmed as things are still under discussion with the final decision set to rest on none other than US president Trump. I think that final point can be a major sticking point.If things play out positively, that will be a good boost for the yen as it does reduce the burden on the BOJ in pushing for rate hikes. But again, it's all still tentative as we have to wait to see how Trump's tariffs will play out in the appeal with the Supreme Court and then also how he feels about the arrangement with Japan on agriculture especially. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

The Ifo institute now expects the German economy to only expand marginally by 0.2% this year, revised lower from their previous projection of 0.3%. Meanwhile, they see the economy expanding by 1.3% in 2026 but that is also lower than their previous estimate from the summer of 1.5%. For 2027, Ifo forecasts the German economy to grow by 1.6%.Of note, the institute says that US tariffs are continuing to pose significant headwinds for Germany and that "if economic policy remains at a standstill, there will be further years of economic paralysis and erosion of German business prospects". This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Success in both football and trading isn’t about luck, it’s about preparation, strategy, and execution. Few clubs embody this mindset better than Liverpool FC, where every performance is the result of analysis, training, and discipline.That same mindset connects naturally to the world of trading, where careful preparation and a structured approach often make the difference between consistency and chaos. Interestingly, this connection is now stronger than ever as EC Markets, a global trading provider, is an official sponsor of Liverpool FC, bringing together two worlds that thrive on focus, planning, and performance.Just as footballers prepare for match day with detailed strategies, traders also need to prepare before entering the markets. The similarities are clear: success, whether on the pitch or in the markets, depends on reading the field, rehearsing strategies, sharpening mental focus, and executing with discipline.Know the field: market analysis is your pre-match briefingLiverpool never walks onto the pitch without studying the opposition. Coaches and analysts watch hours of match footage, spotting patterns and planning counter-strategies.For traders, this step is market analysis. The “opponent” is volatility, uncertainty, and price movement. To compete effectively, you need to know the conditions before you enter.● Technical analysis – Use charts to identify support, resistance, and trend direction. Patterns like double tops or bullish engulfing candles can reveal potential turning points.● Fundamental analysis – Economic reports, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events often act as game-changing moments. An economic calendar is essential.● Multi-timeframe review – A trade setup might look promising on a 15-minute chart but completely different on a daily chart. Always zoom out before committing.Preparation is where you gain your edge. The better you understand the “field,” the less you’ll be caught off guard.Train before the big match: the power of practiceNo football team experiments with new tactics during a final. They test and refine on the training ground until movements are second nature.For traders, practice happens through demo trading or small-position live trading. This is where you test strategies, refine your execution, and learn how you react under pressure, without risking your entire account.● Use a demo account wisely – Don’t just click buy and sell. Simulate real trading with defined rules, risk per trade, and a strategy in place.● Build a trading journal – Record your entries, exits, reasoning, and emotions. Reviewing this log will reveal patterns in your decision-making.● Test risk management tools – Practice using stop-loss and take-profit orders. Learn how different position sizes affect your account.Training is where mistakes become lessons, not losses.Master the mental game: focus like a proWhen Liverpool players walk into a packed stadium, they shut out the noise and concentrate fully on the match. That ability to focus under pressure is what separates champions from average teams.Traders face the same challenge. Markets can move sharply, and emotions, fear, greed, or FOMO, can easily hijack your decisions. Developing mental discipline is key to long-term success.Here are a few tips on mastering the mental game:● Create a trading routine – Start each session by checking your plan, economic calendar, and levels of interest.● Avoid overtrading – If your setup doesn’t appear, don’t force it. Waiting is a skill.● Stay emotionally neutral – Don’t get overconfident after a win or reckless after a loss. Each trade is independent of the last.Focus ensures that you trade based on logic and preparation, not impulse.Execution: turning strategy into resultsOn match day, Liverpool players trust the plan and execute with precision. Every pass and run is part of a bigger strategy.For traders, execution means sticking to your rules even when emotions try to interfere. It’s where analysis, practice, and focus come together.Educational takeaway:● Risk only what you can afford – Never put more than 1–2% of your trading capital on a single position.● Use risk–reward ratios – Aiming for trades where the potential reward outweighs the risk (e.g., 2:1) increases your chances of long-term profitability.● Review every trade – After execution, ask: did I follow my plan? What can I improve next time?Execution isn’t about perfection, it’s about discipline.Playing the long gameA football season isn’t won in one match, it’s built over months of consistent effort. Trading is the same. Not every trade will succeed, but sticking to preparation, practice, focus, and execution will build resilience and consistency.EC Markets, proud partners of Liverpool FC, encourage traders to think like professionals: treat each session as part of a bigger season, keep learning from every outcome, and stay committed to the process. Success isn’t about one lucky moment, it’s about playing the long game with strategy, discipline, and confidence. This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com.

Prior 44.3That's a slight bounce back after the fall in July, which saw the worst reading in a little over five years. But still, the below 50.0 reading means construction activity and output reflected another notable decline on the month. There were steeper declines observed in residential and civil engineering activity, offset slightly by a slower reduction in commercial building. HCOB notes that:"Construction activity has decreased throughout the yearto-date, which is the longest continuous downturn since early-2020. August data signalled only a partial easing in the speed of decline after output fell at the fastest pace for over five years in July. "Sharply reduced levels of housing and civil engineering activity were again the main reasons for a weak overall construction sector performance. Commercial work showed some resilience in August, with the downturn the least marked for three months. "There were some positive signals on the supply side as vendors' delivery times shortened, subcontractor availability improved and purchasing price inflation hit a ten-month low. However, easing supply conditions mostly reflected subdued demand and a lack of new projects. "Elevated business uncertainty and worries about broader prospects for the UK economy meant that construction sector optimism weakened in August. The proportion of panel members expecting a rise in output over the year ahead was 34%, down from 37% in July and lower than at any time since December 2022." This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

In today’s digital economy, trading is faster, more accessible, and more data-driven than ever before. But with this transformation comes an uncomfortable truth: security risks are rising just as quickly as opportunities. For traders, the integrity of a platform isn’t measured only by spreads, execution speed, or product range, it’s measured by the confidence that their information and assets are safe.At VT Markets, we believe safety isn’t a feature you add on top of a trading platform; it is the foundation on which trust is built. In an environment where cyber threats evolve daily, security must keep pace.The Changing Nature of Security in FinanceOver the past decade, financial markets have seen extraordinary innovation, from algorithmic trading to mobile-first investing. Yet the same digital transformation that empowered millions of traders has also opened the door to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.This reality places a responsibility on trading platforms: to anticipate risks before they arise, invest in security infrastructure, and make protection seamless for users. Security is no longer just a back-end concern-it is central to user experience.Security as User ExperienceToo often, security is framed as a trade-off: more protection means less convenience. But technology has advanced to the point where this no longer needs to be true. Features like biometric authentication and Passkeys show that platforms can offer faster, easier access while strengthening account safety.At VT Markets, recent updates are built around this principle. Traders can now choose biometric or passkey login, with One-Time Passwords (OTP) as the baseline requirement. We’ve reinforced our 2FA process: authenticator changes can only be made once every 24 hours, verified through SMS or WhatsApp, with additional checks from our customer service team.We’ve also introduced customizable in-app safety locks, letting traders control how often their session re-authenticates - 5, 10, or 15 minutes. These layered safeguards create an environment where security is ever-present but never intrusive.The Road AheadAs cyber threats continue to evolve, financial platforms have a duty to stay ahead. This is not about occasional upgrades but about building a culture of continuous improvement. At VT Markets, that means ongoing innovation, regular updates, and a user-first approach to security.Traders should not have to worry about whether their accounts are safe; that responsibility rests with us.A Shared ResponsibilityWhile platforms must lead the charge, security is also a shared responsibility. Traders play a role by enabling 2FA, keeping devices secure, and staying informed about emerging risks. Together, platforms and users can build a trading ecosystem where opportunity and safety go hand in hand.For us, the promise is simple: we will continue to evolve, innovate, and prioritize user safety, ensuring that every trade is underpinned by trust. This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com.

The institute sees the German economy expanding by 0.1% this year, edging back up after two years of contraction. They see improved business expectations as being one to lift economic prospects, helped by higher government spending. However, US tariffs policy remains the biggest obstacle for the time being.Looking out to 2026 and 2027, IfW forecasts that the German economy will grow by 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. Meanwhile, they are anticipating that the budget deficit will widen from 2% of GDP in 2024 to roughly 3.5% by 2027. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Prior 46.3After hitting a 29-month high in July, German construction activity is seen moderating slightly in August. Of note, new orders continued to decline sharply but there are some positives. Civil engineering activity returns back to growth territory in August while the rate of job shedding is seen slowing down markedly on the month. HCOB notes that:“Germany’s construction sector is still struggling to gain traction. Residential construction continues to shrink at a relatively steep pace, and commercial building activity has taken a sharp hit after a surprise uptick in the previous month. The only bright spot is civil engineering, which showed solid growth in August – likely benefiting from the federal government’s infrastructure program. That dip in the previous month now looks more like a one-off. “The cautious optimism seen a few months ago has given way to growing pessimism. The index tracking future activity has dropped significantly. Persistently high long-term interest rates and the perception that the new government is also having trouble turning its promises into actual legislation seem to be weighing on sentiment. “Input price inflation has eased slightly and is now well below the average of recent years. But after the price surge in 2021/22, levels have only partially normalized. Production costs remain high, which continues to hold back momentum in the construction sector. “There are a few faint signs of a recovery in demand. For instance, supplier delivery times have improved very little, with the index now at its lowest level since February. Also, while the availability of subcontractors is still rising, it’s doing so at a slower pace than the month before. Subcontractors have also raised their prices a bit more than in previous months, which fits the picture. Still, overall conditions remain tough, and any recovery is likely to be slow and gradual.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Eurostoxx flatGermany DAX +0.2%France CAC 40 -0.2%UK FTSE -0.1%Spain IBEX -0.2%Italy FTSE MIB +0.1%This comes with US futures also continuing to keep lightly changed as we get things underway. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures are both just up 0.1% while Dow futures are down 0.1%. After a bit of a hiccup caused by the bond market, things are settling down now as the situation bends but don't break. All eyes will be on more US labour market data to settle the score for the remainder of the week. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Prior 2.9%The Swiss jobless rate continues to hold steady for now, with the number of registered unemployed persons seen moving a little higher to 132,105 people. Compared to August last year, the jobless rate was at 2.5% and the number of registered unemployed persons was 111,354 people. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

There are quite a number to take note of on the day, as highlighted in bold below.They are all for EUR/USD and layered all the way through from 1.1600 to 1.1700. The large blanket of expiries will be a good reason for price action to feel more trapped amid the push and pull from any option plays. If anything, that might just result in a smaller area to play around, with just a light extension of the daily range before we get to the US ADP employment data.For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.Head on over to investingLive (formerly ForexLive) to get in on the know! This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Prior +0.2%Core CPI +0.7% y/yPrior +0.8%The key figure is the core annual inflation estimate and that is just marginally lower from July. Overall, it doesn't do much to change the current SNB outlook. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.