The Swiss Franc ended slightly down on Friday against the Dollar but with strong gains for the week. USD/CHF tested 1.0275 during the American session but failed to break below. For the first time in five days the pair did not reach fresh lows for the year. In the last two weeks Greenback has fallen more than 300 pips. On the upside, USD/CHF has a resistance zone at 1.0320 and above at 1.0365. On the other side, below multi-month lows support lies at 1.0220.
Franc is also stronger against the Yen and Cable. GBP/CHF plunged form 1.6950 to 1.6715, posting a fresh 4-month low. The pair has fallen in the last five day accumulating a decrease of more than 550 pips. To the Yen, the Swiss rebounded in a daily uptrend line and rose for four consecutive day ending with a weekly gain of 150 pips. CHF/JPY is consolidating above 88.00.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Markets ends week at 2009 highs; Dollar holds near multi-month low Fri, Sep 18 2009, 21:48 GMT
FXstreet.com (Córdoba) – Markets in the U.S. ended Friday with moderate gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.35% on Friday and more than 2% form last week. Main stocks indexes also finished close to the highest level since October of 2008.
The Dollar finished slightly up on the last day of the week. During the American session moved sideways across the board. Cable was the worst among currencies, falling to a 2-week low against the Dollar and to a 4-month low to the Franc and the Euro.
Greenback failed to hold below 1.4700 and lost previous gains to the Euro. The pair ended down for the day but during the week gain more than 100 pips, accumulating an increase of 400 pips for the current month.
USD/JPY moved sideways during the American session between 91.00 and 91.50. Greenback failed to break above 91.60 and remains near multi-month lows. The Euro rose only a few pips against the Yen on Friday. EUR/JPY rose everyday of the week rising from 131.00 to 134.80.
The Dollar finished slightly up on the last day of the week. During the American session moved sideways across the board. Cable was the worst among currencies, falling to a 2-week low against the Dollar and to a 4-month low to the Franc and the Euro.
Greenback failed to hold below 1.4700 and lost previous gains to the Euro. The pair ended down for the day but during the week gain more than 100 pips, accumulating an increase of 400 pips for the current month.
USD/JPY moved sideways during the American session between 91.00 and 91.50. Greenback failed to break above 91.60 and remains near multi-month lows. The Euro rose only a few pips against the Yen on Friday. EUR/JPY rose everyday of the week rising from 131.00 to 134.80.
Forex: USD/JPY rises above 91.30 Fri, Sep 18 2009, 20:40 GMT
The Dollar remained steady against the Yen during the American session. USD/JPY is moving inside a range between 91.60 and 91.00 since yesterday. The fracture of this lateral channel could give some acceleration toward the direction of the break. On the downside the next support lies at 90.50 and below at 90.10. On the upside resistance is located at 91.80 and above at 92.00. Despite being near multi-month low, Greenback, in a weekly basis, is gaining after five consecutive weeks with losses.
Forex: Cable falls to 1.6230 against the Dollar Fri, Sep 18 2009, 20:28 GMT
FXstreet.com (Córdoba) – Cable weakness across the board remains intact. GBP/USD fell to 1.6230 posting a fresh intra-day low. During the American session the pair plunged more than 100 pips. At 1.6320 Cable has a key support, in case the pair falls below Greenback could gain momentum. The next support lies at 1.6200. Cable is heading toward a weekly loss of more than 400 pips and has fallen in the last four days.
Forex: EUR/USD moves sideways, holds above 1.4700 Fri, Sep 18 2009, 18:30 GMT
FXstreet.com (Córdoba) – The Euro is back above 1.4700, recovering after falling to 1.4680. In the last hours EUR/USD moved sideways in a range with support at 1.4710 and resistance at 1.4735. Greenback failed to hold gains and weakened. Despite recent rise in the pair, for the day is still down, 0.20% below today’s opening price. It is the first day in almost two week that the Euro does not reach fresh multi-month highs.
The ecPulse.com analysis team comments: “ After sinking to the lowest level since September, 2008 the dollar rebounded today after investor’s concerns of economical outlook shifted their attention to low yielding assets rather than holding higher yielding assets, even as improvement was seen in the Manufacturing, Housing and services sector.”
The ecPulse.com analysis team comments: “ After sinking to the lowest level since September, 2008 the dollar rebounded today after investor’s concerns of economical outlook shifted their attention to low yielding assets rather than holding higher yielding assets, even as improvement was seen in the Manufacturing, Housing and services sector.”
Forex: EUR/USD: Euro dips below 1.4700 as U.S. markets dip Fri, Sep 18 2009, 14:32 GMT
The Euro has weakened somewhat on early U.S session, as U.S. stocks approach negative levels, and the pair has breached 1.4700 level to hit 1.4680.
Initial support, below 1.4700, remains at 1.4640 (Sept 16 low) and below here, 1.4625. and 1.4560 (Sept 3 low). On the upside, resistance levels, above 1.4700, lie at 1.4770 /Sept 17 high) and above here, 1.4800 and 1.4825 (Sept 23'08 high).
On the downside, Mohammed Isah, technical analyst at FXTechstrategy, warns about corrective pullbacks to 1.4634: "Corrective pullbacks could be shaping up. Its daily studies which are deeply overbought add to this view and if that plays out, declines could be seen towards the 1.4634 level, its Sept 11’09 high at first with a break and hold below there creating scope for further declines towards the 1.4446 level, its Aug 09 high."
Initial support, below 1.4700, remains at 1.4640 (Sept 16 low) and below here, 1.4625. and 1.4560 (Sept 3 low). On the upside, resistance levels, above 1.4700, lie at 1.4770 /Sept 17 high) and above here, 1.4800 and 1.4825 (Sept 23'08 high).
On the downside, Mohammed Isah, technical analyst at FXTechstrategy, warns about corrective pullbacks to 1.4634: "Corrective pullbacks could be shaping up. Its daily studies which are deeply overbought add to this view and if that plays out, declines could be seen towards the 1.4634 level, its Sept 11’09 high at first with a break and hold below there creating scope for further declines towards the 1.4446 level, its Aug 09 high."
India Forex Reserves Increase 9/18/2009
Friday, the Reserve Bank of India said in a report that the total foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 280.978 billion as on September 11, larger than the US$ 277.65 billion recorded as on September 4.
At the same time, the foreign currency assets increased to US$ 264.56 billion from US$ 261.66 billion last week. The gold reserves remained unchanged at US$ 9.828 billion.
Meanwhile, nation's reserve position with the International Monitory Fund amounted to US$ 1.37 billion, larger than the US$ 1.35 billion last week.
At the same time, the foreign currency assets increased to US$ 264.56 billion from US$ 261.66 billion last week. The gold reserves remained unchanged at US$ 9.828 billion.
Meanwhile, nation's reserve position with the International Monitory Fund amounted to US$ 1.37 billion, larger than the US$ 1.35 billion last week.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Thu, Sep 17 2009,
STERLING
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4765 level and was supported around the $1.4685 level. Data released in the U.S. today saw August housing starts improve to 598,000 from a revised July print of 589,000 while August building permits improved to 579,000 from a revised July print of 564,000. Also, weekly initial jobless claims fell to +545,000 from a revised +557,000 while continue jobless claims were higher than expected at 6.230 million. Moreover, the September Philadelphia Fed survey printed at 14.1, an improvement from the August reading of 4.2. All eyes will be on next week’s Group of Twenty meeting in Pittsburgh to see if policymakers make any progress on some countries’ initiative to replace the U.S. dollar as the main international reserve currency. In eurozone news, German finance minister Steinbrueck warned against “too much euphoria” with regard to economic expectations. Steinbrueck also said there are no current initiatives to withdraw fiscal stimuli. On a pessimistic note, he added “We have no credit crunch in Germany on a macroeconomic level, but on a microeconomic level we have it, and it could intensify.” Concerning the Merkel government’s plan to cut taxes after the 27 September general election, he noted those plans are “unreal.” Data released in the eurozone today saw July construction output fall 2% m/m and 10.8% y/y. Also, the EMU-16 July trade surplus improved to €6.8 billion. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.60 level and was supported around the ¥90.50 level. As expected, Bank of Japan upgraded its assessment of the Japanese economy and noted the economy is “showing signs of recovery.” The central bank kept the unsecured overnight call rate unchanged at 0.1% and maintained their emergency lending programs for financial institutions and companies. The “showing signs of recovery statement” represented an upgrade from last month’s “stopped worsening” statement. BoJ Governor Shirakawa reported that while fiscal stimulus measures have been helpful, policymakers “are not confident about the strength of private final demand after those effects fade.” Shirakawa also noted BoJ officials are monitoring the yen’s recent appreciation. Similarly, BoJ Deputy Governor Yamaguchi noted “High downside risks to the economy are continuing, reflecting such things as the international finance and economic situation, and medium- to long-term growth expectations of companies.” Data released in Japan today saw the July tertiary index improve while the Ministry of Finance’s large company business sentiment survey revealed Japanese manufacturers turned optimistic about the economy for the first time in nearly two years. Yesterday, incoming finance minister Fujii talked about recent movements in exchange rates, reporting they “are not fluctuating rapidly now.” There is definitely less concern in the market now over actual intervention than there was when the Liberal Democratic Party was in charge. Fujii also said it is important to respect the central bank’s independence and said the central bank should not finance spending. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 1.08% to close at ¥10,443.80. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥134.75 level and was supported around the ¥133.40 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.55 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.75 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8200 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8187. Yesterday’s U.S. TICS investment flows data revealed China was a net buyer of U.S. government assets last month.
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4765 level and was supported around the $1.4685 level. Data released in the U.S. today saw August housing starts improve to 598,000 from a revised July print of 589,000 while August building permits improved to 579,000 from a revised July print of 564,000. Also, weekly initial jobless claims fell to +545,000 from a revised +557,000 while continue jobless claims were higher than expected at 6.230 million. Moreover, the September Philadelphia Fed survey printed at 14.1, an improvement from the August reading of 4.2. All eyes will be on next week’s Group of Twenty meeting in Pittsburgh to see if policymakers make any progress on some countries’ initiative to replace the U.S. dollar as the main international reserve currency. In eurozone news, German finance minister Steinbrueck warned against “too much euphoria” with regard to economic expectations. Steinbrueck also said there are no current initiatives to withdraw fiscal stimuli. On a pessimistic note, he added “We have no credit crunch in Germany on a macroeconomic level, but on a microeconomic level we have it, and it could intensify.” Concerning the Merkel government’s plan to cut taxes after the 27 September general election, he noted those plans are “unreal.” Data released in the eurozone today saw July construction output fall 2% m/m and 10.8% y/y. Also, the EMU-16 July trade surplus improved to €6.8 billion. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.60 level and was supported around the ¥90.50 level. As expected, Bank of Japan upgraded its assessment of the Japanese economy and noted the economy is “showing signs of recovery.” The central bank kept the unsecured overnight call rate unchanged at 0.1% and maintained their emergency lending programs for financial institutions and companies. The “showing signs of recovery statement” represented an upgrade from last month’s “stopped worsening” statement. BoJ Governor Shirakawa reported that while fiscal stimulus measures have been helpful, policymakers “are not confident about the strength of private final demand after those effects fade.” Shirakawa also noted BoJ officials are monitoring the yen’s recent appreciation. Similarly, BoJ Deputy Governor Yamaguchi noted “High downside risks to the economy are continuing, reflecting such things as the international finance and economic situation, and medium- to long-term growth expectations of companies.” Data released in Japan today saw the July tertiary index improve while the Ministry of Finance’s large company business sentiment survey revealed Japanese manufacturers turned optimistic about the economy for the first time in nearly two years. Yesterday, incoming finance minister Fujii talked about recent movements in exchange rates, reporting they “are not fluctuating rapidly now.” There is definitely less concern in the market now over actual intervention than there was when the Liberal Democratic Party was in charge. Fujii also said it is important to respect the central bank’s independence and said the central bank should not finance spending. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 1.08% to close at ¥10,443.80. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥134.75 level and was supported around the ¥133.40 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.55 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.75 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8200 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8187. Yesterday’s U.S. TICS investment flows data revealed China was a net buyer of U.S. government assets last month.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Wed, Sep 16 2009
STERLING
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4730 level and was supported around the $1.4645 level. Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke yesterday reported the U.S. recession “appears to be over” and this gave a bid to some global asset markets. Many data were released in the U.S. today. First, the August consumer price index was up 0.4% m/m, exceeding expectations and stronger than the previous 0.0% reading, while the ex-food and energy component was up 0.1%, matching July’s print and expectations. August CPI was off 1.5% y/y, up from the prior reading of -2.1% y/y, and the core ex-food and energy rate came at +1.4%, down from the prior reading of +1.5%. Other data released today saw the Q2 current account balance print at –US$ 98.8 billion, an improvement from the previous reading of –US$ 101.5 billion but worse than expectations. Moreover, July total net TIC flows printed at –US$ 97.5 billion, down from the revised –US$ 56.8 billion June total. Net long-term TIC flows were also lower at US$ 15.3 billion, down from a revised US$ 90.2 billion in June. Data revealed that both China and Japan continue to be net purchasers of U.S. assets while Russia appears to be selling U.S. assets. Both China and Russia have been vocal proponents of replacing the U.S. dollar as the main international reserve currency. Other data released today saw August capacity utilization improve to 69.6% with industrial production falling to +0.8% from a revised +1.0%, still above expectations. Finally, the September NAHB housing market index matched expectations with a reading of +19, up from +18 in August. The U.S. Treasury reported it will reduce some borrowing on behalf of the Federal Reserve to keep government debt under a legal limit. In other Fed news, the Fed has tightened its review of commercial real estate. Bernanke is expected to testify before Congress about regulatory change on 1 October. The Federal Open Market Committee’s interest rate decision is expected next Wednesday. In eurozone news, the German retail sector reported it believes most of the worst of the recession is still ahead of us. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 August consumer price inflation off 0.2% y/y, unrevised from the provisional estimate, and was up 0.3% m/m. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥90.15 level and was capped around the ¥91.35 level. Incoming finance minister Fujii talked about recent movements in exchange rates, reporting they “are not fluctuating rapidly now.” There is definitely less concern in the market now over actual intervention than there was when the Liberal Democratic Party was in charge. Fujii also said it is important to respect the central bank’s independence and said the central bank should not finance spending. Most traders believe BoJ will not change interest rates when its policy decision is announced overnight. There is a possibility the central bank could make an announcement about the renewal or non-renewal of some emergency programs that are currently expected to expire by year’s end. The yen has recently benefited from its positive interest rate differential over the U.S. dollar and from the repatriation of overseas yen proceeds ahead of the fiscal half-year end at the end of the month. The new head of the banking and postal service ministry said he will seek to assist small companies get through the credit crunch by extending their loan payments for three years. Today’s U.S. TICS flows data revealed Japan was a net buyer of U.S. Treasuries last month. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 0.52% to close at ¥10,270.62. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.45 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥148.60 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.15 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8187 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8225. Today’s U.S. TICS investment flows data revealed China was a net buyer of U.S. government assets last month.
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4730 level and was supported around the $1.4645 level. Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke yesterday reported the U.S. recession “appears to be over” and this gave a bid to some global asset markets. Many data were released in the U.S. today. First, the August consumer price index was up 0.4% m/m, exceeding expectations and stronger than the previous 0.0% reading, while the ex-food and energy component was up 0.1%, matching July’s print and expectations. August CPI was off 1.5% y/y, up from the prior reading of -2.1% y/y, and the core ex-food and energy rate came at +1.4%, down from the prior reading of +1.5%. Other data released today saw the Q2 current account balance print at –US$ 98.8 billion, an improvement from the previous reading of –US$ 101.5 billion but worse than expectations. Moreover, July total net TIC flows printed at –US$ 97.5 billion, down from the revised –US$ 56.8 billion June total. Net long-term TIC flows were also lower at US$ 15.3 billion, down from a revised US$ 90.2 billion in June. Data revealed that both China and Japan continue to be net purchasers of U.S. assets while Russia appears to be selling U.S. assets. Both China and Russia have been vocal proponents of replacing the U.S. dollar as the main international reserve currency. Other data released today saw August capacity utilization improve to 69.6% with industrial production falling to +0.8% from a revised +1.0%, still above expectations. Finally, the September NAHB housing market index matched expectations with a reading of +19, up from +18 in August. The U.S. Treasury reported it will reduce some borrowing on behalf of the Federal Reserve to keep government debt under a legal limit. In other Fed news, the Fed has tightened its review of commercial real estate. Bernanke is expected to testify before Congress about regulatory change on 1 October. The Federal Open Market Committee’s interest rate decision is expected next Wednesday. In eurozone news, the German retail sector reported it believes most of the worst of the recession is still ahead of us. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 August consumer price inflation off 0.2% y/y, unrevised from the provisional estimate, and was up 0.3% m/m. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥90.15 level and was capped around the ¥91.35 level. Incoming finance minister Fujii talked about recent movements in exchange rates, reporting they “are not fluctuating rapidly now.” There is definitely less concern in the market now over actual intervention than there was when the Liberal Democratic Party was in charge. Fujii also said it is important to respect the central bank’s independence and said the central bank should not finance spending. Most traders believe BoJ will not change interest rates when its policy decision is announced overnight. There is a possibility the central bank could make an announcement about the renewal or non-renewal of some emergency programs that are currently expected to expire by year’s end. The yen has recently benefited from its positive interest rate differential over the U.S. dollar and from the repatriation of overseas yen proceeds ahead of the fiscal half-year end at the end of the month. The new head of the banking and postal service ministry said he will seek to assist small companies get through the credit crunch by extending their loan payments for three years. Today’s U.S. TICS flows data revealed Japan was a net buyer of U.S. Treasuries last month. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 0.52% to close at ¥10,270.62. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.45 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥148.60 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.15 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8187 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8225. Today’s U.S. TICS investment flows data revealed China was a net buyer of U.S. government assets last month.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Tue, Sep 15 2009
EURO
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4685 level and was supported around the $1.4560 level. The common currency established another intraday high dating to 18 December 2008 as traders assumed more risk in their portfolio and chased higher-yielding currencies. Data released in the U.S. today saw the August headline producer price index climb 1.7% m/m and off -4.3% y/y, up from the July reading of -0.9% m/m and -6.8%, respectively. The core ex-food and energy component was up 0.2% m/m and 2.3% y/y, up from the prior reading of -0.1% and down from the prior reading of 2.6%, respectively. These data suggest some pricing power may be returning to the wholesale market in the U.S. and could presage a small amount of inflation. Federal Reserve policymakers would likely approve of higher inflation because inflation is now seen as being under target. Other data released in the U.S. today saw August advance retail sales up a stronger-than-expected 2.7%, a steep increase from the revised July print of -0.2%, while the ex-autos component also reversed course and was up 1.1%. Additionally, the September Empire State manufacturing index improved to 18.88 from the prior reading of 12.08 while July business inventories were off 1.0%. The positive tenor to U.S. economic data continues and while it has resulted in a bid in many asset markets, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged for quite some time. On the policy front, Group of 20 policymakers will convene in Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks next week and are likely to press for higher capital requirements at many “systemically-important banks.” In eurozone news, the German ZEW economic expectations index rose to 57.7 in September from 56.1 in August, defying expectations for a stronger print. Also, EMU-16 labour costs were up 4.0% y/y in Q2, an acceleration from +3.6% in Q1. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.65 level and was supported around the ¥90.80 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board is expected to keep its overnight call rate target unchanged this week and keep its emergency lending programs intact. BoJ’s quarterly tankan survey will be released on 1 October and could provide the central bank with some near-term direction on monetary policy. Deflation remains a sizable threat in the Japanese economy with consumer prices having fallen 2.2% in July. Finance minister Yosano verbally intervened against the yen’s recent appreciation, noting “sudden currency moves are unwelcome.” Data released in Japan overnight saw August final machine tool orders off 71.5% y/y. There is some speculation in the Japanese media that Bank of Japan will adopt a “more positive assessment” of the Japanese economy this week but it is not known if the assessment will be an upgrade. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 0.15% to close at ¥10,217.62. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.70 level and was supported around the ¥132.75 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.45 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.15 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8225 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8224. The Obama administration yesterday announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
STERLING
The British pound weakened vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.6400 figure and was capped around the $1.6655 level. Sterling came off after it was reported U.K. annual consumer price inflation remained below the central bank’s 2.0% target for a third consecutive month in August, up 1.6% y/y. This was below July’s print of 1.8% and represented the weakest result since January 2005. Sterling was also weaker after Bank of England Governor King reported reducing the interest it pays on deposits could be a “useful supplement” to current monetary policy. Prime Minister Brown reported the government will reduce fiscal spending to rein in the fiscal deficit. Other data saw the July DCLG house price index off 8.3%. The opposition U.K. Conservative party reported it would seek a loose monetary policy from the BoE if it wins the general election. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6330 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8895 level and was supported around the £0.8770 level.
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4685 level and was supported around the $1.4560 level. The common currency established another intraday high dating to 18 December 2008 as traders assumed more risk in their portfolio and chased higher-yielding currencies. Data released in the U.S. today saw the August headline producer price index climb 1.7% m/m and off -4.3% y/y, up from the July reading of -0.9% m/m and -6.8%, respectively. The core ex-food and energy component was up 0.2% m/m and 2.3% y/y, up from the prior reading of -0.1% and down from the prior reading of 2.6%, respectively. These data suggest some pricing power may be returning to the wholesale market in the U.S. and could presage a small amount of inflation. Federal Reserve policymakers would likely approve of higher inflation because inflation is now seen as being under target. Other data released in the U.S. today saw August advance retail sales up a stronger-than-expected 2.7%, a steep increase from the revised July print of -0.2%, while the ex-autos component also reversed course and was up 1.1%. Additionally, the September Empire State manufacturing index improved to 18.88 from the prior reading of 12.08 while July business inventories were off 1.0%. The positive tenor to U.S. economic data continues and while it has resulted in a bid in many asset markets, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged for quite some time. On the policy front, Group of 20 policymakers will convene in Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks next week and are likely to press for higher capital requirements at many “systemically-important banks.” In eurozone news, the German ZEW economic expectations index rose to 57.7 in September from 56.1 in August, defying expectations for a stronger print. Also, EMU-16 labour costs were up 4.0% y/y in Q2, an acceleration from +3.6% in Q1. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.65 level and was supported around the ¥90.80 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board is expected to keep its overnight call rate target unchanged this week and keep its emergency lending programs intact. BoJ’s quarterly tankan survey will be released on 1 October and could provide the central bank with some near-term direction on monetary policy. Deflation remains a sizable threat in the Japanese economy with consumer prices having fallen 2.2% in July. Finance minister Yosano verbally intervened against the yen’s recent appreciation, noting “sudden currency moves are unwelcome.” Data released in Japan overnight saw August final machine tool orders off 71.5% y/y. There is some speculation in the Japanese media that Bank of Japan will adopt a “more positive assessment” of the Japanese economy this week but it is not known if the assessment will be an upgrade. The Nikkei 225 stock index climbed 0.15% to close at ¥10,217.62. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.70 level and was supported around the ¥132.75 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.45 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.15 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8225 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8224. The Obama administration yesterday announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
STERLING
The British pound weakened vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.6400 figure and was capped around the $1.6655 level. Sterling came off after it was reported U.K. annual consumer price inflation remained below the central bank’s 2.0% target for a third consecutive month in August, up 1.6% y/y. This was below July’s print of 1.8% and represented the weakest result since January 2005. Sterling was also weaker after Bank of England Governor King reported reducing the interest it pays on deposits could be a “useful supplement” to current monetary policy. Prime Minister Brown reported the government will reduce fiscal spending to rein in the fiscal deficit. Other data saw the July DCLG house price index off 8.3%. The opposition U.K. Conservative party reported it would seek a loose monetary policy from the BoE if it wins the general election. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6330 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8895 level and was supported around the £0.8770 level.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Mon, Sep 14 2009
EURO
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4650 level and was supported around the $1.4515 level. The common currency reached its highest level since 18 December 2008 as negative sentiment continued to surround the U.S. dollar. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 employment decline 702,000 in the second quarter, up from -1.2 million in the first quarter. Other data released today saw EMU-16 July industrial production decline 0.3% m/m and 15.9% y/y. Many economists believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the European Central Bank. Interest rate futures are currently indicating the ECB will hike rates later and more slowly than the Fed. Euribor interest rate futures are signaling the ECB will raise rates in Q4 2010 from their current 1.0% level. In contrast, fed funds futures are predicting a 60% chance the Fed will lift interest rates to 0.25% no later than Q2 2010. Most economists continue to predict the U.S. unemployment rate will top out north of 10% and that jobs may slowly be created next year. The U.S. dollar has become a carry trade vehicle as borrowing costs are at record lows and the current interest rate structure is favouring higher-yielding currencies including the euro, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar. The Obama administration is currently preparing a plan that would overhaul global financial institutions, an initiative the government will try to gain support for at the upcoming Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh. ECB Vice President Papademos reported he will remain at the ECB until the end of his term and ECB President Trichet said that if Lehman Brothers were rescued one year ago it would not have necessarily have prevented the financial crisis from worsening. ECB member Wellink said he expects the economic recovery to be “very slow.” The European Union today maintained its 2009 eurozone inflation forecast at 0.4% and now sees gross domestic product growth off 4% this year. In U.S. news, San Francisco Fed President Yellen reported the Fed should boost employment and curb disinflation. Yellen also warned a major decline in the U.S. dollar could precipitate inflation and said unemployment will likely “remain elevated” for a few years. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.15 level and was supported around the ¥90.20 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board convenes this week and is likely to keep interest rates unchanged. The central bank also likely will not decide at this meeting whether or not to let its liquidity support programs expire at the end of December. BoJ-watchers are curious to see if the central bank will mention the deflationary pressures that are evident in the economy. BoJ Governor Shirakawa will speak after the central bank’s decision is announced on Thursday and could reiterate that deflationary pressures are likely for some time. Data released in Japan today saw the July revised industrial production up 2.1% m/m, better than the preliminary +1.9% print. Ministry of finance official Tango reported the government is paying “close attention” to the yen but did not hint at actual intervention. Notably, Japan’s fiscal half year ends at the end of this month and some of the recent appreciation of the yen could represent companies repatriating their overseas assets. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 2.32% to close at ¥10,202.06. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥132.90 level and was supported around the ¥131.30 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.90 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.80 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8224 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8220. The Obama administration announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4650 level and was supported around the $1.4515 level. The common currency reached its highest level since 18 December 2008 as negative sentiment continued to surround the U.S. dollar. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 employment decline 702,000 in the second quarter, up from -1.2 million in the first quarter. Other data released today saw EMU-16 July industrial production decline 0.3% m/m and 15.9% y/y. Many economists believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the European Central Bank. Interest rate futures are currently indicating the ECB will hike rates later and more slowly than the Fed. Euribor interest rate futures are signaling the ECB will raise rates in Q4 2010 from their current 1.0% level. In contrast, fed funds futures are predicting a 60% chance the Fed will lift interest rates to 0.25% no later than Q2 2010. Most economists continue to predict the U.S. unemployment rate will top out north of 10% and that jobs may slowly be created next year. The U.S. dollar has become a carry trade vehicle as borrowing costs are at record lows and the current interest rate structure is favouring higher-yielding currencies including the euro, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar. The Obama administration is currently preparing a plan that would overhaul global financial institutions, an initiative the government will try to gain support for at the upcoming Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh. ECB Vice President Papademos reported he will remain at the ECB until the end of his term and ECB President Trichet said that if Lehman Brothers were rescued one year ago it would not have necessarily have prevented the financial crisis from worsening. ECB member Wellink said he expects the economic recovery to be “very slow.” The European Union today maintained its 2009 eurozone inflation forecast at 0.4% and now sees gross domestic product growth off 4% this year. In U.S. news, San Francisco Fed President Yellen reported the Fed should boost employment and curb disinflation. Yellen also warned a major decline in the U.S. dollar could precipitate inflation and said unemployment will likely “remain elevated” for a few years. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.15 level and was supported around the ¥90.20 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board convenes this week and is likely to keep interest rates unchanged. The central bank also likely will not decide at this meeting whether or not to let its liquidity support programs expire at the end of December. BoJ-watchers are curious to see if the central bank will mention the deflationary pressures that are evident in the economy. BoJ Governor Shirakawa will speak after the central bank’s decision is announced on Thursday and could reiterate that deflationary pressures are likely for some time. Data released in Japan today saw the July revised industrial production up 2.1% m/m, better than the preliminary +1.9% print. Ministry of finance official Tango reported the government is paying “close attention” to the yen but did not hint at actual intervention. Notably, Japan’s fiscal half year ends at the end of this month and some of the recent appreciation of the yen could represent companies repatriating their overseas assets. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 2.32% to close at ¥10,202.06. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥132.90 level and was supported around the ¥131.30 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.90 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.80 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8224 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8220. The Obama administration announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Mon, Sep 14 2009
EURO
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4650 level and was supported around the $1.4515 level. The common currency reached its highest level since 18 December 2008 as negative sentiment continued to surround the U.S. dollar. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 employment decline 702,000 in the second quarter, up from -1.2 million in the first quarter. Other data released today saw EMU-16 July industrial production decline 0.3% m/m and 15.9% y/y. Many economists believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the European Central Bank. Interest rate futures are currently indicating the ECB will hike rates later and more slowly than the Fed. Euribor interest rate futures are signaling the ECB will raise rates in Q4 2010 from their current 1.0% level. In contrast, fed funds futures are predicting a 60% chance the Fed will lift interest rates to 0.25% no later than Q2 2010. Most economists continue to predict the U.S. unemployment rate will top out north of 10% and that jobs may slowly be created next year. The U.S. dollar has become a carry trade vehicle as borrowing costs are at record lows and the current interest rate structure is favouring higher-yielding currencies including the euro, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar. The Obama administration is currently preparing a plan that would overhaul global financial institutions, an initiative the government will try to gain support for at the upcoming Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh. ECB Vice President Papademos reported he will remain at the ECB until the end of his term and ECB President Trichet said that if Lehman Brothers were rescued one year ago it would not have necessarily have prevented the financial crisis from worsening. ECB member Wellink said he expects the economic recovery to be “very slow.” The European Union today maintained its 2009 eurozone inflation forecast at 0.4% and now sees gross domestic product growth off 4% this year. In U.S. news, San Francisco Fed President Yellen reported the Fed should boost employment and curb disinflation. Yellen also warned a major decline in the U.S. dollar could precipitate inflation and said unemployment will likely “remain elevated” for a few years. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.15 level and was supported around the ¥90.20 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board convenes this week and is likely to keep interest rates unchanged. The central bank also likely will not decide at this meeting whether or not to let its liquidity support programs expire at the end of December. BoJ-watchers are curious to see if the central bank will mention the deflationary pressures that are evident in the economy. BoJ Governor Shirakawa will speak after the central bank’s decision is announced on Thursday and could reiterate that deflationary pressures are likely for some time. Data released in Japan today saw the July revised industrial production up 2.1% m/m, better than the preliminary +1.9% print. Ministry of finance official Tango reported the government is paying “close attention” to the yen but did not hint at actual intervention. Notably, Japan’s fiscal half year ends at the end of this month and some of the recent appreciation of the yen could represent companies repatriating their overseas assets. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 2.32% to close at ¥10,202.06. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥132.90 level and was supported around the ¥131.30 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.90 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.80 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8224 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8220. The Obama administration announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4650 level and was supported around the $1.4515 level. The common currency reached its highest level since 18 December 2008 as negative sentiment continued to surround the U.S. dollar. Data released in the eurozone today saw EMU-16 employment decline 702,000 in the second quarter, up from -1.2 million in the first quarter. Other data released today saw EMU-16 July industrial production decline 0.3% m/m and 15.9% y/y. Many economists believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the European Central Bank. Interest rate futures are currently indicating the ECB will hike rates later and more slowly than the Fed. Euribor interest rate futures are signaling the ECB will raise rates in Q4 2010 from their current 1.0% level. In contrast, fed funds futures are predicting a 60% chance the Fed will lift interest rates to 0.25% no later than Q2 2010. Most economists continue to predict the U.S. unemployment rate will top out north of 10% and that jobs may slowly be created next year. The U.S. dollar has become a carry trade vehicle as borrowing costs are at record lows and the current interest rate structure is favouring higher-yielding currencies including the euro, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar. The Obama administration is currently preparing a plan that would overhaul global financial institutions, an initiative the government will try to gain support for at the upcoming Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh. ECB Vice President Papademos reported he will remain at the ECB until the end of his term and ECB President Trichet said that if Lehman Brothers were rescued one year ago it would not have necessarily have prevented the financial crisis from worsening. ECB member Wellink said he expects the economic recovery to be “very slow.” The European Union today maintained its 2009 eurozone inflation forecast at 0.4% and now sees gross domestic product growth off 4% this year. In U.S. news, San Francisco Fed President Yellen reported the Fed should boost employment and curb disinflation. Yellen also warned a major decline in the U.S. dollar could precipitate inflation and said unemployment will likely “remain elevated” for a few years. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥91.15 level and was supported around the ¥90.20 level. Bank of Japan’s Policy Board convenes this week and is likely to keep interest rates unchanged. The central bank also likely will not decide at this meeting whether or not to let its liquidity support programs expire at the end of December. BoJ-watchers are curious to see if the central bank will mention the deflationary pressures that are evident in the economy. BoJ Governor Shirakawa will speak after the central bank’s decision is announced on Thursday and could reiterate that deflationary pressures are likely for some time. Data released in Japan today saw the July revised industrial production up 2.1% m/m, better than the preliminary +1.9% print. Ministry of finance official Tango reported the government is paying “close attention” to the yen but did not hint at actual intervention. Notably, Japan’s fiscal half year ends at the end of this month and some of the recent appreciation of the yen could represent companies repatriating their overseas assets. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 2.32% to close at ¥10,202.06. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥132.90 level and was supported around the ¥131.30 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥149.90 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.80 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8224 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8220. The Obama administration announced tariffs on Chinese tires and other goods while China announced it is launching an anti-dumping investigation into U.S. chicken and auto products. Most economists do not believe a trade war will ensue.
Monday, September 14, 2009
FOREX-Yen shines, strikes 7mth high on tarnished USD
SYDNEY, Sept 14 - The yen was broadly higher on Monday, with talk of Japanese repatriation helping it strike a fresh 7-month high on a U.S. dollar which was undermined by falling U.S. Treasury yields.
Traders said the latest drop in Treasury yields had surprised many and forced Japanese investors in hybrid currency positions to sell dollars for yen.
With U.S. LIBOR rates LIBOR falling further below Japanese rates, the U.S. dollar was also fast becoming the preferred funding currency for carry trades.
Also weighing on the U.S. dollar was persistant talk of Asian central banks diversifying from U.S. dollars to other currencies and assets, including gold. Spot gold XAU= was holding above $1000 and ounce, lending some support to commodity currencies.
The U.S. dollar was weaker at 90.28 yen JPY=, having fallen to as low as 90.18 yen according to Reuters graphics. It was down from 90.64 yen late on Friday when it shed over 1 percent. Dealers say there are large option barriers at around 90 yen and gains could be capped around that level.
The 90 yen level is also considered to be psychologically important and a break below that level could pose a headache for Japanese authorities who have usually frowned upon a sharply higher currency in the past. [nSP189738]
The dollar got little support from improving U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday as prospects for a sustained global economic recovery and low U.S. borrowing rates continued to encourage investors to move out of the U.S. dollar into riskier assets and higher-yielding currencies.
"The U.S. dollar is fighting an uphill battle, while the yen is basking in the sun of renewed buying interest," said Matthew Strauss, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital.
"Important technical breaks, the dollar replacing the yen as a funding currency for buying riskier assets, debt concerns and questions about the dollar's reserve currency status are all weighing on it."
This month alone the U.S. dollar index or .DXY has lost 2.0 percent fall to its lowest in a year with greenback down against all the major currencies.
Trade tensions between the United States and China [ID:LD514738] added to the U.S. dollar's woes on worries China might retaliate by selling more of its U.S. dollar assets.
On Monday, the euro EUR= was firmer at $1.4591, having hit a 2009 high of $1.4634 on Friday. But the single currency ceded ground on the yen, trading at around 131.79 EURJPY=R, down from 132.17 yen late in New York on Friday.
Traders said the latest drop in Treasury yields had surprised many and forced Japanese investors in hybrid currency positions to sell dollars for yen.
With U.S. LIBOR rates LIBOR falling further below Japanese rates, the U.S. dollar was also fast becoming the preferred funding currency for carry trades.
Also weighing on the U.S. dollar was persistant talk of Asian central banks diversifying from U.S. dollars to other currencies and assets, including gold. Spot gold XAU= was holding above $1000 and ounce, lending some support to commodity currencies.
The U.S. dollar was weaker at 90.28 yen JPY=, having fallen to as low as 90.18 yen according to Reuters graphics. It was down from 90.64 yen late on Friday when it shed over 1 percent. Dealers say there are large option barriers at around 90 yen and gains could be capped around that level.
The 90 yen level is also considered to be psychologically important and a break below that level could pose a headache for Japanese authorities who have usually frowned upon a sharply higher currency in the past. [nSP189738]
The dollar got little support from improving U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday as prospects for a sustained global economic recovery and low U.S. borrowing rates continued to encourage investors to move out of the U.S. dollar into riskier assets and higher-yielding currencies.
"The U.S. dollar is fighting an uphill battle, while the yen is basking in the sun of renewed buying interest," said Matthew Strauss, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital.
"Important technical breaks, the dollar replacing the yen as a funding currency for buying riskier assets, debt concerns and questions about the dollar's reserve currency status are all weighing on it."
This month alone the U.S. dollar index or .DXY has lost 2.0 percent fall to its lowest in a year with greenback down against all the major currencies.
Trade tensions between the United States and China [ID:LD514738] added to the U.S. dollar's woes on worries China might retaliate by selling more of its U.S. dollar assets.
On Monday, the euro EUR= was firmer at $1.4591, having hit a 2009 high of $1.4634 on Friday. But the single currency ceded ground on the yen, trading at around 131.79 EURJPY=R, down from 132.17 yen late in New York on Friday.
FOREX-Yen shines, strikes 7mth high on tarnished USD
SYDNEY, Sept 14 - The yen was broadly higher on Monday, with talk of Japanese repatriation helping it strike a fresh 7-month high on a U.S. dollar which was undermined by falling U.S. Treasury yields.
Traders said the latest drop in Treasury yields had surprised many and forced Japanese investors in hybrid currency positions to sell dollars for yen.
With U.S. LIBOR rates LIBOR falling further below Japanese rates, the U.S. dollar was also fast becoming the preferred funding currency for carry trades.
Also weighing on the U.S. dollar was persistant talk of Asian central banks diversifying from U.S. dollars to other currencies and assets, including gold. Spot gold XAU= was holding above $1000 and ounce, lending some support to commodity currencies.
The U.S. dollar was weaker at 90.28 yen JPY=, having fallen to as low as 90.18 yen according to Reuters graphics. It was down from 90.64 yen late on Friday when it shed over 1 percent. Dealers say there are large option barriers at around 90 yen and gains could be capped around that level.
The 90 yen level is also considered to be psychologically important and a break below that level could pose a headache for Japanese authorities who have usually frowned upon a sharply higher currency in the past. [nSP189738]
The dollar got little support from improving U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday as prospects for a sustained global economic recovery and low U.S. borrowing rates continued to encourage investors to move out of the U.S. dollar into riskier assets and higher-yielding currencies.
"The U.S. dollar is fighting an uphill battle, while the yen is basking in the sun of renewed buying interest," said Matthew Strauss, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital.
"Important technical breaks, the dollar replacing the yen as a funding currency for buying riskier assets, debt concerns and questions about the dollar's reserve currency status are all weighing on it."
This month alone the U.S. dollar index or .DXY has lost 2.0 percent fall to its lowest in a year with greenback down against all the major currencies.
Trade tensions between the United States and China [ID:LD514738] added to the U.S. dollar's woes on worries China might retaliate by selling more of its U.S. dollar assets.
On Monday, the euro EUR= was firmer at $1.4591, having hit a 2009 high of $1.4634 on Friday. But the single currency ceded ground on the yen, trading at around 131.79 EURJPY=R, down from 132.17 yen late in New York on Friday.
Traders said the latest drop in Treasury yields had surprised many and forced Japanese investors in hybrid currency positions to sell dollars for yen.
With U.S. LIBOR rates LIBOR falling further below Japanese rates, the U.S. dollar was also fast becoming the preferred funding currency for carry trades.
Also weighing on the U.S. dollar was persistant talk of Asian central banks diversifying from U.S. dollars to other currencies and assets, including gold. Spot gold XAU= was holding above $1000 and ounce, lending some support to commodity currencies.
The U.S. dollar was weaker at 90.28 yen JPY=, having fallen to as low as 90.18 yen according to Reuters graphics. It was down from 90.64 yen late on Friday when it shed over 1 percent. Dealers say there are large option barriers at around 90 yen and gains could be capped around that level.
The 90 yen level is also considered to be psychologically important and a break below that level could pose a headache for Japanese authorities who have usually frowned upon a sharply higher currency in the past. [nSP189738]
The dollar got little support from improving U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday as prospects for a sustained global economic recovery and low U.S. borrowing rates continued to encourage investors to move out of the U.S. dollar into riskier assets and higher-yielding currencies.
"The U.S. dollar is fighting an uphill battle, while the yen is basking in the sun of renewed buying interest," said Matthew Strauss, senior currency strategist at RBC Capital.
"Important technical breaks, the dollar replacing the yen as a funding currency for buying riskier assets, debt concerns and questions about the dollar's reserve currency status are all weighing on it."
This month alone the U.S. dollar index or .DXY has lost 2.0 percent fall to its lowest in a year with greenback down against all the major currencies.
Trade tensions between the United States and China [ID:LD514738] added to the U.S. dollar's woes on worries China might retaliate by selling more of its U.S. dollar assets.
On Monday, the euro EUR= was firmer at $1.4591, having hit a 2009 high of $1.4634 on Friday. But the single currency ceded ground on the yen, trading at around 131.79 EURJPY=R, down from 132.17 yen late in New York on Friday.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Sun, Sep 13 2009,
The euro came off marginally vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested bids around the US$ 1.4550 level and was capped around the $1.4635 level. Chicago Fed President Evans today said inflation is “under control,” in contrast to a recessionary period in the 1970s when inflation was rampant. Kansas City Fed President Hoenig reiterated the economy is ongoing while influential economist John Taylor warned the Fed may have to raise interest rates in early 2010. Taylor also warned the U.S. dollar will continue to depreciate if the U.S. does not improve its debt position. Data released in the U.S. today saw the August import price index climb 2.0% m/m and decline 15.0% y/y, an improvement from the revised July print of -19.2% y/y. Also, July wholesale inventories were off 1.4%, down from the revised June result of -2.1%, while the mid-September University of Michigan consumer sentiment indicator came in at 70.2, up from the prior reading of 65.7. In eurozone news, reportes that European Central Bank President Trichet is retiring were dismissed. ECB member Bini Smaghi said interest rates need to rise before inflation. Trichet reported the ECB needs to remain “alert” on price developments. ECB member Juncker noted the euro’s current level should not hurt the economy and said there are the “first signs of improvement” in the economy. ECB’s Paramo reiterated “all options” remain on the table for the ECB’s exit strategy. Central bankers continue to try and get eurozone commecial banks to lend more of the liquidity the central bank is plying into the system. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥90.20 level and was capped around the ¥91.80 level. The pair weakened to its lowest level since February as traders continued to react to the Democratic Party of Japan’s electoral victory and the yen’s positive interest rate differential over the U.S. dollar. Notably, U.S. dollar interbank borrowing costs are now cheaper than yen interbank borrowing costs and the U.S. dollar is now being used more than yen in short carry trades to finance positions in higher-yielding currencies. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the government will continue its aggressive buyback of Japanese government securities. Finance minister Yosano reported there is not a full-fledged economic recovery yet. Data released in Japan this week saw the August corporate goods price index unchanged m/m and off 8.5% y/y while July core machinery orders were off 9.3% m/m and 34.8% y/y. Also, Q2 GDP was up 0.6% q/q, lower than the expected gain of +0.9% q/q but still enough to suggest Japan’s economy is no longer in a technical recession. Despite this week’s data that evidenced positive economic growth, BoJ-watchers believe the central bank will not exit its monetary stimulus measures anytime soon. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.66% to close at ¥10,444.33. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested bids around the ¥131.55 level and was capped around the ¥133.80 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥150.45 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥86.95 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8220 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8234. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang this week reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months. China’s commerce ministry today said now is the time for Chinese companies to invest overseas.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥90.20 level and was capped around the ¥91.80 level. The pair weakened to its lowest level since February as traders continued to react to the Democratic Party of Japan’s electoral victory and the yen’s positive interest rate differential over the U.S. dollar. Notably, U.S. dollar interbank borrowing costs are now cheaper than yen interbank borrowing costs and the U.S. dollar is now being used more than yen in short carry trades to finance positions in higher-yielding currencies. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the government will continue its aggressive buyback of Japanese government securities. Finance minister Yosano reported there is not a full-fledged economic recovery yet. Data released in Japan this week saw the August corporate goods price index unchanged m/m and off 8.5% y/y while July core machinery orders were off 9.3% m/m and 34.8% y/y. Also, Q2 GDP was up 0.6% q/q, lower than the expected gain of +0.9% q/q but still enough to suggest Japan’s economy is no longer in a technical recession. Despite this week’s data that evidenced positive economic growth, BoJ-watchers believe the central bank will not exit its monetary stimulus measures anytime soon. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.66% to close at ¥10,444.33. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested bids around the ¥131.55 level and was capped around the ¥133.80 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥150.45 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥86.95 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8220 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8234. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang this week reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months. China’s commerce ministry today said now is the time for Chinese companies to invest overseas.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Thu, Sep 10 2009,
The euro extended recent gains vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4600 figure and was supported around the $1.4465 level. The common currency remains on the offensive as traders continue to react to multinational calls for the U.S. dollar’s dominance as the premier international reserve currency to end. European Central Bank President Trichet today called for “convincing” deficit cuts. Germany’s economics ministry reported the economy has bottomed out but warned “the risk of a worsening credit crunch still exists.” G20 officials will convene in Pittsburgh later this month and are likely to continue with rhetoric that reports the global economy is on the mend but there is still a need for caution and still a need to keep fiscal and monetary stimuli in place. Data released in the eurozone today saw German August consumer price inflation confirmed at +0.2% m/m and +1.8% y/y while German June corporate insolvencies were up 15.9% y/y. In U.S. news, the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book was released today and it revealed economic activity is was stabilizing or firming in all but one of the Fed’s twelve regions. Businesses reported they were “cautiously positive” about the economic outlook and this was an improvement from the previous Beige Book. Data released in the U.S. today saw 17.0% increase in MBA mortgage applications, up from the prior reading of -2.2%. Data to be released tomorrow include the July trsade balance and weekly initial jobless claims. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥91.60 level and was capped around the ¥93.30 level. Some Japanese banks today predicted Japanese government bonds will appreciate on account of Bank of Japan’s likelihood to keep interest rates unchanged. Most BoJ-watchers believe the central bank will not exit its monetary stimulus measures anytime soon. BoJ Policy Board member Suda reported “the need for extraordinary measures is diminishing because corporate financing conditions have improved. We can’t underestimate the disadvantages (of those policies).” Suda’s comments suggest there may be a discussion on BoJ’s Policy Board regarding the exit strategy even though she said she has “no preconceptions about when the bank should discontinue the program.” Data released in Japan overnight saw August machine tool orders off 6.5% m/m and 71.3% y/y. Former MoF mouthpiece “Mr Yen” Sakakibara reported “The U.S. (dollar) will remain as the world leader for at least a few more decades,” referring to the multilateral calls to end dollar hegemony. Some Japan-watchers believe the new Democratic Party of Japan government may worsen Japan’s finances despite the DPJ’s statements that they’ll do not plan to dramatically increase supply of Japanese government bonds. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.78% to close at ¥10,312.14. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested bids around the ¥131.00 figure and was capped around the ¥134.15 level. The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥152.75 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥86.40 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8243 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8231. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang this week reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months. China’s commerce ministry today said now is the time for Chinese companies to invest overseas.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥91.60 level and was capped around the ¥93.30 level. Some Japanese banks today predicted Japanese government bonds will appreciate on account of Bank of Japan’s likelihood to keep interest rates unchanged. Most BoJ-watchers believe the central bank will not exit its monetary stimulus measures anytime soon. BoJ Policy Board member Suda reported “the need for extraordinary measures is diminishing because corporate financing conditions have improved. We can’t underestimate the disadvantages (of those policies).” Suda’s comments suggest there may be a discussion on BoJ’s Policy Board regarding the exit strategy even though she said she has “no preconceptions about when the bank should discontinue the program.” Data released in Japan overnight saw August machine tool orders off 6.5% m/m and 71.3% y/y. Former MoF mouthpiece “Mr Yen” Sakakibara reported “The U.S. (dollar) will remain as the world leader for at least a few more decades,” referring to the multilateral calls to end dollar hegemony. Some Japan-watchers believe the new Democratic Party of Japan government may worsen Japan’s finances despite the DPJ’s statements that they’ll do not plan to dramatically increase supply of Japanese government bonds. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.78% to close at ¥10,312.14. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested bids around the ¥131.00 figure and was capped around the ¥134.15 level. The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥152.75 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥86.40 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar gained ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8243 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8231. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang this week reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months. China’s commerce ministry today said now is the time for Chinese companies to invest overseas.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Tue, Sep 8 2009,
The euro moved sharply higher vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4535 level and was supported around the $1.4330 level. Today’s intraday high represented the pair’s strongest print since 18 December 2009. Traders are talking about a few key factors. First, trading desks resumed normal operations today after the summer and long U.S. holiday weekend. Second, one ongoing theme involves the record amount of U.S. Treasury supply projected for this year and its impact on the U.S. dollar. The Obama administration today sought an increase in the debt ceiling so that more supply can be issued and a major concern among traders is that the value of the U.S. dollar will be eroded. The United Nations was on the tape over the weekend suggesting Special Drawing Rights should replace become another major global reserve currency alongside the U.S. dollar. China, which holds an appreciable amount of U.S. dollars, has been very vocal saying the U.S. must protect the value of the U.S. dollar. Third, it is unlikely the Federal Reserve is going to raise interest rates anytime soon. While some of the Fed’s quantitative easing programs will expire on their own, the Fed is likely to maintain an ultra-accommodative monetary policy for at least the next couple of business quarters. In eurozone news, European Central Bank member Weber reported the central bank is closely examining developments in money and credit aggregates. Weber added “When upward risks to medium-term price stability become apparent, then the time has come to raise the level of monetary policy restriction. The negative late effects of the preceding (economic) downturn, in particular rising unemployment, have at this point not fully cropped up.” Weber sees a “gradual” withdrawal from the ECB’s quantitative easing. German finance minister Steinbrueck today said German gross domestic product growth is likely to contract by between 5% and 6% in 2009. Data released in Germany today saw July industrial production fell 0.9% m/m and 17% y/y while the July trade surplus rose to €13.9 billion from €12.1 billion. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥92.00 figure and was capped around the ¥93.10 level. The main catalyst was a considerably weaker U.S. dollar that fell relative to most other major currencies. The Japanese government kept its economic assessment unchanged today, noting the economy is “picking up” while reducing its view of the labour market on account of record unemployment. Economists cite declining income and spending as ongoing risk factors. Data released in Japan overnight saw August economic sentiment decline to 41.7 from 42.4 in July, the first decline in eight months and the 29th consecutive month the index has been below the neutral 50.0 level. Other data saw August corporate bankruptcies up 2.4% y/y while bank lending growth decelerated to +1.8% y/y. Additionally, the August M3 money supply index was up 2% and the unadjusted current account surplus was off 19.4% y/y at ¥1.266 trillion. Some Japan-watchers believe the new Democratic Party of Japan government may worsen Japan’s finances despite the DPJ’s statements that they’ll do not plan to dramatically increase supply of Japanese government bonds. The Nikkei 225 stock climbed 0.70% to close at ¥10,393.23. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.80 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥151.30 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.30 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8231 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8245. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang yesterday reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months.
STERLING
The British pound appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested offers around the US$ 1.6495 level and was supported around the $1.6485 level. Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling reported now is not the correct time to reduce U.K. fiscal spending. Data released in the U.K. overnight saw like-for-like retail sales off 0.1% y/y in August, in contrast to overall retail sales growth of 2.2%. NIESR reported the U.K. economy returned to growth in the three months ending in August with GDP up 0.2% from a 0.3% decline in the three months to July. Other data saw July manufacturing output up 0.9% m/m and off 10.1% y/y. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6030 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8790 level and was supported around the £0.8730 level.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥92.00 figure and was capped around the ¥93.10 level. The main catalyst was a considerably weaker U.S. dollar that fell relative to most other major currencies. The Japanese government kept its economic assessment unchanged today, noting the economy is “picking up” while reducing its view of the labour market on account of record unemployment. Economists cite declining income and spending as ongoing risk factors. Data released in Japan overnight saw August economic sentiment decline to 41.7 from 42.4 in July, the first decline in eight months and the 29th consecutive month the index has been below the neutral 50.0 level. Other data saw August corporate bankruptcies up 2.4% y/y while bank lending growth decelerated to +1.8% y/y. Additionally, the August M3 money supply index was up 2% and the unadjusted current account surplus was off 19.4% y/y at ¥1.266 trillion. Some Japan-watchers believe the new Democratic Party of Japan government may worsen Japan’s finances despite the DPJ’s statements that they’ll do not plan to dramatically increase supply of Japanese government bonds. The Nikkei 225 stock climbed 0.70% to close at ¥10,393.23. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.80 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥151.30 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.30 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8231 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8245. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang yesterday reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months.
STERLING
The British pound appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested offers around the US$ 1.6495 level and was supported around the $1.6485 level. Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling reported now is not the correct time to reduce U.K. fiscal spending. Data released in the U.K. overnight saw like-for-like retail sales off 0.1% y/y in August, in contrast to overall retail sales growth of 2.2%. NIESR reported the U.K. economy returned to growth in the three months ending in August with GDP up 0.2% from a 0.3% decline in the three months to July. Other data saw July manufacturing output up 0.9% m/m and off 10.1% y/y. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6030 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8790 level and was supported around the £0.8730 level.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Mon, Sep 7 2009,
The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4360 level and was supported around the $1.4300 figure. European Central Bank President Trichet said economic stabilization is “something which seems to be confirmed at the global level…it’s not excluded that we would have a bumpy road ahead and of course alertness remains of the essence.” Trichet added “A number of projections had been slightly revised up, confirming that we’re probably in a large part of the economy, out of the period of freefall.” He also noted there is “a great unity of purpose” to deliver price stability even though most central banks are not yet ready to unwind their massive stimulus programs. Notably, yields on two-year Germab government debt reached a record low today as traders priced in the ECB’s commitment to not raise interest rates for at least one year. Two-year German Schatz treasury yields were as low as 1.05% today, down from 1.41% one month ago. Data released in Germany today saw July factory orders up 3.5% m/m, the fifth consecutive monthly increase and a positive sign for industrial production, but were off 19.8% y/y. Other data saw the EMU-16 September Sentix investor confidence index improve to -14.6 from -17. ECB member Noyer called for uniform global accounting rules and ECB member Draghi reported “conditions are improving.” Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Hoenig was quoted this weekend as saying not enough has beend one to reduce one underlying problem of too much public debt. Liquidity will return to normal overnight after the long U.S. holiday weekend. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥92.80 level and was capped around the ¥93.30 level. The yen was mixed across the board as some risk appetite returned to the market but reduced liquidity limited the yen’s moves. Vice finance minister Tango reported the MoF will determine how much of this year’s extra budget has been utilized. Possible incoming new finance minister Fujii last week said the incoming Democratic Party of Japan government may reallocate as much as ¥5 trillion in stimulus spending currently allocated to “wasteful” programs. Bank of Japan Governor Shirakawa reported the global economic recovery is likely to be “moderate” and said it is “meaningful” to discuss a global exit policy from the massive monetary stimuli. Data released in Japan overnight saw the August monetary base decline 0.62%. The Nikkei 225 stock climbed 1.31% to close at ¥10,320.94. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.85 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥151.60 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥87.55 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8245 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8253. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months.
STERLING
The British pound depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.6325 level and was capped around the $1.6445 level. Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling on Saturday said each country will determine when it is proper to implement exit strategies from stimulus measures but said now is the correct time to develop those exit strategies. Prime Minister Brown said leading global economies should keep policies enacted through 2010 if the global economy is to return to economic growth. Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee convenes on Thursday and is not expected to change interest rates at this time. Nonetheless, some BoE-watchers believe the BoE may increase its asset-purchase plan that currently stands at £175 billion. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6030 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8780 level and was supported around the £0.8715 level.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥92.80 level and was capped around the ¥93.30 level. The yen was mixed across the board as some risk appetite returned to the market but reduced liquidity limited the yen’s moves. Vice finance minister Tango reported the MoF will determine how much of this year’s extra budget has been utilized. Possible incoming new finance minister Fujii last week said the incoming Democratic Party of Japan government may reallocate as much as ¥5 trillion in stimulus spending currently allocated to “wasteful” programs. Bank of Japan Governor Shirakawa reported the global economic recovery is likely to be “moderate” and said it is “meaningful” to discuss a global exit policy from the massive monetary stimuli. Data released in Japan overnight saw the August monetary base decline 0.62%. The Nikkei 225 stock climbed 1.31% to close at ¥10,320.94. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.85 level and was supported around the ¥132.85 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥151.60 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥87.55 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8245 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8253. People’s Bank of China adviser Fan Gang reported “macroeconomic policies must be preemptive. Some PBOC-watchers believe China is unlikely to lift interest rates or reserve requirements within the next six months.
STERLING
The British pound depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.6325 level and was capped around the $1.6445 level. Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling on Saturday said each country will determine when it is proper to implement exit strategies from stimulus measures but said now is the correct time to develop those exit strategies. Prime Minister Brown said leading global economies should keep policies enacted through 2010 if the global economy is to return to economic growth. Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee convenes on Thursday and is not expected to change interest rates at this time. Nonetheless, some BoE-watchers believe the BoE may increase its asset-purchase plan that currently stands at £175 billion. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6030 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8780 level and was supported around the £0.8715 level.
U.S. Forex Market Commentary Sun, Sep 6 2009,
The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.4325 level and was supported around the $1.4190 level. The common currency retraced some of yesterday’s losses as Group of 20 officials convened in London today. The big news in the market today was a mixed bag of U.S. economic data that saw the August unemployment rate increase to 9.7% from the prior reading of 9.4% while non-farm payrolls fell 60,000 to 216,000 from a revised 276,000. Also, average hourly earnings were up 0.3% m/m and 2.6% y/y, both more-than-expected, while August average weekly hours were unchanged at 33.1. While some economics suggest the improvement in non-farm payrolls are consistent with the recent broad improvement in economic data, others point to an unemployment rate that continues to creep higher toward to the psychologically-important 10.0% level. Dallas Fed President Fisher warned “We are likely to see a prolonged period of sluggish economic performance and uncomfortably high unemployment as businesses reallocate capital and labour.” In eurozone news, European Central Bank member Noyer called on the G20 to implement international rules to render bankers’ bonuses more transparent. Some European governments are seeking tougher international regulations to limit the size of bonuses and extend the period over which bonuses are paid. German finance minister Steinbrueck reported it is premature to decide when countries should implement exit strategies to remove economic stimuli from the system. ECB President Trichet said the bank will not necessarily raise interest rates when policymakers begin to withdraw emergency stimulus measures. ECB member Stark said the central bank is “cautiously optimistic” about the economic outlook. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3900 figure.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥93.25 level and was supported around the ¥92.30 level. Likely incoming Prime Minister Hatoyama, whose Democratic Party of Japan swept to power last weekend, spoke against protectionism today – one week after railing against “American-style free-market economics.” Hatoyama will attend the Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh this month. Data released in Japan overnight saw Q2 corporate capital spending off 21.7% y/y. Bank of Japan Governor Shirakawa is attending the Group of Twenty meeting in London today and will attend Monday’s Bank for International Settlements meeting in Basel. Notably, three-month U.S. dollar Libor decline to 0.32188 whereas three-month Libor for yen loans declined to 0.38188. The difference of six basis points is the widest since May 1993 and means the U.S. dollar can now be borrowed more cheaply than the yen. The Nikkei 225 stock lost 0.27% to close at ¥10,187.11. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.20 level and was supported around the ¥131.75 level. The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥152.70 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.90 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8253 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8290. There were rumours in the market yesterday that China may suspend equity initial public offerings from September to October. China announced yesterday that it plans to purchase US$ 50 billion in International Monetary Funds bonds. Chinese benchmark money rates rose by the most in one month on speculation that demand for capital will increase ahead of Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd’s first share issuance next week. It was reported China will purchase approximately US$50 billion of International Monetary Fund bonds using the yuan. Also, China Banking Regulatory Commission warned banks to guard against risks to ensure the flow of credit to the real economy.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥93.25 level and was supported around the ¥92.30 level. Likely incoming Prime Minister Hatoyama, whose Democratic Party of Japan swept to power last weekend, spoke against protectionism today – one week after railing against “American-style free-market economics.” Hatoyama will attend the Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh this month. Data released in Japan overnight saw Q2 corporate capital spending off 21.7% y/y. Bank of Japan Governor Shirakawa is attending the Group of Twenty meeting in London today and will attend Monday’s Bank for International Settlements meeting in Basel. Notably, three-month U.S. dollar Libor decline to 0.32188 whereas three-month Libor for yen loans declined to 0.38188. The difference of six basis points is the widest since May 1993 and means the U.S. dollar can now be borrowed more cheaply than the yen. The Nikkei 225 stock lost 0.27% to close at ¥10,187.11. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.20 level and was supported around the ¥131.75 level. The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥152.70 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.90 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar lost ground vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8253 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8290. There were rumours in the market yesterday that China may suspend equity initial public offerings from September to October. China announced yesterday that it plans to purchase US$ 50 billion in International Monetary Funds bonds. Chinese benchmark money rates rose by the most in one month on speculation that demand for capital will increase ahead of Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd’s first share issuance next week. It was reported China will purchase approximately US$50 billion of International Monetary Fund bonds using the yuan. Also, China Banking Regulatory Commission warned banks to guard against risks to ensure the flow of credit to the real economy.
Euro / Dollar Technical Forex Analysis for Forex Traders
The Euro is trying at this very moment to break the falling trendline from Aug 27th high, which is a trendline that frustrated the Euro on several occasions recently. If it succeeds, there will be a big probability to surpass 1.4405 and head towards areas above 1.45 for the first time this year, where targets such as 1.4510 and 1.4572 are waiting. To consider that this line is broken, we need to see a break of 1.4338.
If this line survives another test and managed to stop the Euro once more, we will head to
1.4295 and a break here then we will see a correction of Friday's rise, targeting 1.4245 ideally. If this is the case then this support will be very important to decide short- term's direction. But even if such a drop happens, it will not distort the technical image before breaking 1.4245, since approaching this support and not breaking it would be a positive sign for the Euro, giving it the ambition of flying above 1.45.
If this line survives another test and managed to stop the Euro once more, we will head to
1.4295 and a break here then we will see a correction of Friday's rise, targeting 1.4245 ideally. If this is the case then this support will be very important to decide short- term's direction. But even if such a drop happens, it will not distort the technical image before breaking 1.4245, since approaching this support and not breaking it would be a positive sign for the Euro, giving it the ambition of flying above 1.45.
Forex trading news and forex form
The U.S. dollar fell on Wednesday, touching new lows for 2009 against major currencies, as investors moved to riskier assets like stocks and higher-yielding currencies. The rally in European and U.S. stocks has supported hopes for economic recovery, and together with the drop in U.S. dollar borrowing costs, has encouraged investors to look for higher returns around the world. Renewed concerns over the dollar's long-term status as the world's reserve currency and options-related euro buying also contributed to the sell-off, which started on Tuesday. "The dollar trade is ultimately a risk trade. That is, as risk appetite improves, the dollar gets hurt," said Boris Schlossberg, a director for currency research at GFT Forex in New York. "The move lower, started once a key technical barrier on euro/dollar was lifted late on Friday," he added. "Large options contracts expired and that enabled traders to push the euro through $1.45 and now the target is $1.46. The rise in stocks and commodities is contributing to the move." In midday trading in New York, the euro rose 0.6 percent to $1.4571 EUR= after briefly touching $1.46, a fresh 2009 high, according to Reuters data. UBS AG analysts cut forecasts for the dollar, saying in a note that they raised their one-month euro/dollar forecast to $1.45 from $1.40 and 3-month forecast to $1.35 from $1.30
Daily Forex Overview Fri, Sep 11 2009,
The dollar fell to multi-month lows against the yen and euro in Asia Friday as Japanese investors unloaded the U.S. unit, likely dismayed by recent drops in U.S. interest rates.
The greenback briefly touched JPY91.22, the lowest since JPY91.12 on Feb. 16. The euro rose to USD1.4620, the highest since USD1.4720 on Dec. 18.
Traders said that the dollar's current round of downtrend against the yen that started in early August has more room to run based on technical charts as well as actual money flows.
The selling of dollars by Japanese institutional investors, and non-Japanese bankers that followed suit, came after U.S. Treasury bonds rallied strongly a day before, sending their yields lower.
Euro retreated from USD1.4608 to USD1.4502 in U.S. morning on cross selling due to long liquidation; however, price received a boost from strong U.S. equities and rose to another fresh 2009 high of USD1.4614 in New York afternoon.
GBP posted a decent gain from USD1.6481 to USD1.6687, but has room to catch up to the EUR's performance this year. The BoE meeting last night did not result in any increase in quantitative easing, removing one headwind for sterling.
The Australian dollar was trading just below 1-year highs versus the U.S. dollar in late Sydney trading Friday, supported by a weak U.S. dollar and news of strong August Chinese industrial production. However, against crosses like the yen, the Australian dollar continued to struggle, ending weaker on the day.
Market expectation
The euro and U.K. pound are favored to make further gains against the dollar on Friday as a cavalcade of negatives line up against the U.S. currency.
A sunnier global economic outlook and continuing strength in stocks and commodities are leading investors out of the safe-haven dollar and into the higher-yielding euro.
European stocks are expected to open higher Friday after solid gains on Wall Street following better than expected jobless claims data and a largely positive session in Asia.
Early Europe provided additional demand, extending move to USD1.4627 but late talk of sell interest placed toward USD1.4630 countered. Rate currently trades back around USD1.4615. A break of USD1.4630 to expose the USD1.4650 barrier, with talk of stops above, which if triggered will bring the larger USD1.4700 level into view. Larger barrier interest noted here, and expected to draw stronger protective selling ahead, with large stops noted above. Support seen placed at USD1.4560/50, with interim interest around the Asian lows of USD1.4571.
Traders remain focused more on U.S. data, including a final University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for September to be issued later in the global day.
The greenback briefly touched JPY91.22, the lowest since JPY91.12 on Feb. 16. The euro rose to USD1.4620, the highest since USD1.4720 on Dec. 18.
Traders said that the dollar's current round of downtrend against the yen that started in early August has more room to run based on technical charts as well as actual money flows.
The selling of dollars by Japanese institutional investors, and non-Japanese bankers that followed suit, came after U.S. Treasury bonds rallied strongly a day before, sending their yields lower.
Euro retreated from USD1.4608 to USD1.4502 in U.S. morning on cross selling due to long liquidation; however, price received a boost from strong U.S. equities and rose to another fresh 2009 high of USD1.4614 in New York afternoon.
GBP posted a decent gain from USD1.6481 to USD1.6687, but has room to catch up to the EUR's performance this year. The BoE meeting last night did not result in any increase in quantitative easing, removing one headwind for sterling.
The Australian dollar was trading just below 1-year highs versus the U.S. dollar in late Sydney trading Friday, supported by a weak U.S. dollar and news of strong August Chinese industrial production. However, against crosses like the yen, the Australian dollar continued to struggle, ending weaker on the day.
Market expectation
The euro and U.K. pound are favored to make further gains against the dollar on Friday as a cavalcade of negatives line up against the U.S. currency.
A sunnier global economic outlook and continuing strength in stocks and commodities are leading investors out of the safe-haven dollar and into the higher-yielding euro.
European stocks are expected to open higher Friday after solid gains on Wall Street following better than expected jobless claims data and a largely positive session in Asia.
Early Europe provided additional demand, extending move to USD1.4627 but late talk of sell interest placed toward USD1.4630 countered. Rate currently trades back around USD1.4615. A break of USD1.4630 to expose the USD1.4650 barrier, with talk of stops above, which if triggered will bring the larger USD1.4700 level into view. Larger barrier interest noted here, and expected to draw stronger protective selling ahead, with large stops noted above. Support seen placed at USD1.4560/50, with interim interest around the Asian lows of USD1.4571.
Traders remain focused more on U.S. data, including a final University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for September to be issued later in the global day.
Daily Forex Overview Thu, Sep 10 2009,
The dollar extended its losses against the euro and yen in Asia Thursday as Asian asset management funds and short-term players sold the U.S. unit on mounting concern that the country's economic recovery may be slower than expected.
Those fears, triggered by a Federal Reserve report released overnight, prompted Asian players to get behind the dollar-selling that predominated in New York trade.
The Fed's Beige Book report drew attention to flat retail sales despite government purchase incentives, and further clouded expectations for the bank to raise interest rates in the near-term, dealers said.
Meanwhile, the dollar stood at JPY91.98 compared to JPY92.08. Dealers said the unit could fall as low as JPY91 toward the end of the month, when Japanese firms are expected to repatriate overseas earnings, for which they must sell the dollar.
The euro dollar pair inclined recording a high of USD1.4580 and a low of USD1.4542, having the union currency trading around USD1.4575. Yesterday the pair managed to breach the USD1.4550 resistance level to get to the USD1.4602 level where it found a strong resistance to start falling again back to the USD1.4540 levels.
The Pound rallied with the Euro but was capped again ahead of USD1.66 as traders pared back positions ahead of today MPC rate decision. Risk appetite and general USD weakness is providing support but the pound is losing ground on many crosses as it fails to match gains.
The Australian dollar yielded strong overnight gains in local trading Thursday after news of a larger-than-forecast drop in employment in August prompted markets to scale down the chances of a rate hike before year end.
Market expectation
The euro continues to hold near its highest levels of the year while the dollar remained on the defensive as investors continued to favor riskier assets.
For EURUSD offers seen placed from around the USD1.4585 level through to USD1.4600, Asian names suggested, with main stops gathering above USD1.4620. Bids now seen placed between USD1.4545/40 (76.4% USD1.4532/1.4585), a break below to expose stronger demand placed toward USD1.4530 with stops placed on a break.
For Pound offers seen placed from USD1.6566 through to USD1.6576 (76.4%) ahead of stronger interest placed between USD1.6590/00. Support remains at USD1.6525/20, a break to open a deeper move toward USD1.6510/00 (USD1.6507 61.8% USD1.6455/1.6592) ahead of USD1.6487 (76.45). Below here may allow for a deeper move toward USD1.6455/45.
Traders also said that a recent rise in gold prices, which tend to move inversely with the greenback, also suggests continuing dollar weakness. Spot gold was at USD992.90 an ounce in Asian trade Thursday, up 50 cents from its New York close.
European stocks are expected to start the session flat overall Thursday after the main indexes closed at new highs for 2009 in the previous session as the appetite for equities increased.
Those fears, triggered by a Federal Reserve report released overnight, prompted Asian players to get behind the dollar-selling that predominated in New York trade.
The Fed's Beige Book report drew attention to flat retail sales despite government purchase incentives, and further clouded expectations for the bank to raise interest rates in the near-term, dealers said.
Meanwhile, the dollar stood at JPY91.98 compared to JPY92.08. Dealers said the unit could fall as low as JPY91 toward the end of the month, when Japanese firms are expected to repatriate overseas earnings, for which they must sell the dollar.
The euro dollar pair inclined recording a high of USD1.4580 and a low of USD1.4542, having the union currency trading around USD1.4575. Yesterday the pair managed to breach the USD1.4550 resistance level to get to the USD1.4602 level where it found a strong resistance to start falling again back to the USD1.4540 levels.
The Pound rallied with the Euro but was capped again ahead of USD1.66 as traders pared back positions ahead of today MPC rate decision. Risk appetite and general USD weakness is providing support but the pound is losing ground on many crosses as it fails to match gains.
The Australian dollar yielded strong overnight gains in local trading Thursday after news of a larger-than-forecast drop in employment in August prompted markets to scale down the chances of a rate hike before year end.
Market expectation
The euro continues to hold near its highest levels of the year while the dollar remained on the defensive as investors continued to favor riskier assets.
For EURUSD offers seen placed from around the USD1.4585 level through to USD1.4600, Asian names suggested, with main stops gathering above USD1.4620. Bids now seen placed between USD1.4545/40 (76.4% USD1.4532/1.4585), a break below to expose stronger demand placed toward USD1.4530 with stops placed on a break.
For Pound offers seen placed from USD1.6566 through to USD1.6576 (76.4%) ahead of stronger interest placed between USD1.6590/00. Support remains at USD1.6525/20, a break to open a deeper move toward USD1.6510/00 (USD1.6507 61.8% USD1.6455/1.6592) ahead of USD1.6487 (76.45). Below here may allow for a deeper move toward USD1.6455/45.
Traders also said that a recent rise in gold prices, which tend to move inversely with the greenback, also suggests continuing dollar weakness. Spot gold was at USD992.90 an ounce in Asian trade Thursday, up 50 cents from its New York close.
European stocks are expected to start the session flat overall Thursday after the main indexes closed at new highs for 2009 in the previous session as the appetite for equities increased.
Daily Forex Overview Wed, Sep 9 2009 ,
The euro rose to a near nine-month high against the dollar in Asia Wednesday as soaring commodity prices spurred players' risk appetite, increasing demand for the risk-sensitive unit.
The euro, which usually benefits from higher crude oil and gold prices, rose to as high as USD1.4518, near USD1.4535 marked on Dec. 18 last year. Crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange stood around USD71 a barrel, close to its five-business day high. Gold on the spot market stayed above a six-month high of USD1000 an ounce in Asia.
The common currency also briefly hit a 12-day high of JPY134.17 against the yen.
The Euro as stated above the Euro broke higher against the dollar with the key USD1.4450 level giving way and USD1.4500 quickly following. Gold and Soaring Oil combined with strong global stocks to underpin the move higher. German July Industrial Output fell unexpectedly to -0.9% vs. 1.5% forecast.
Similar to euro, cable started its rally in European morning in line with the greenback's broad-based selloff and the release of stronger-than-expected U.K. industrial and manufacturing production data (industrial production in July came out as 0.5% and -9.3% respectively, beating the forecast of 0.2% and -10.1% while manufacturing data came out as 0.9% and -10.1%, better than 0.3% and -11.1% in forecast), price latter rose to as high as USD1.6590 at NY opening before a retreat occurred due to profit-taking.
The Australian dollar ended higher on Wednesday, although well below its session peak, after weaker-than-expected retail sales dented expectations for an early rate hike. Interest rate futures rallied hard after retail sales for July fell 1.0% on month against an expected gain of 0.5%, indicating waning consumer demand as the government's fiscal stimulus afterglow fades. Traders immediately wound back bets the Reserve Bank of Australia will hike rates in October, which were reinforced by an expected 2.0% fall in housing finance.
Market expectation
The European unit will likely strengthen against the dollar for now because players are worried that higher commodity prices will hurt the U.S. economy, dealers said.
For EURUSD sell interest said to remain in place from USD1.4520, with further offers seen placed around the NY high at USD1.4535. Above here suggested option barrier at USD1.4550 moves into view. Bids seen placed from around USD1.4470, with interest extending to USD1.4450 with stops placed on a break of USD1.4440.
USDJPY rising, but should be capped at JPY92.60-92.70 level as no reasons to support USDJPY gain, says dealers. Says some European players buying pair to settle accounts, but amount appears small, says USD1 million or so in total; impact being magnified as flows still thin.
Europe's major stock indexes are expected to open little changed Wednesday, after a shaky session in Asia and with investors struggling to determine direction following successive days of gains.
The euro, which usually benefits from higher crude oil and gold prices, rose to as high as USD1.4518, near USD1.4535 marked on Dec. 18 last year. Crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange stood around USD71 a barrel, close to its five-business day high. Gold on the spot market stayed above a six-month high of USD1000 an ounce in Asia.
The common currency also briefly hit a 12-day high of JPY134.17 against the yen.
The Euro as stated above the Euro broke higher against the dollar with the key USD1.4450 level giving way and USD1.4500 quickly following. Gold and Soaring Oil combined with strong global stocks to underpin the move higher. German July Industrial Output fell unexpectedly to -0.9% vs. 1.5% forecast.
Similar to euro, cable started its rally in European morning in line with the greenback's broad-based selloff and the release of stronger-than-expected U.K. industrial and manufacturing production data (industrial production in July came out as 0.5% and -9.3% respectively, beating the forecast of 0.2% and -10.1% while manufacturing data came out as 0.9% and -10.1%, better than 0.3% and -11.1% in forecast), price latter rose to as high as USD1.6590 at NY opening before a retreat occurred due to profit-taking.
The Australian dollar ended higher on Wednesday, although well below its session peak, after weaker-than-expected retail sales dented expectations for an early rate hike. Interest rate futures rallied hard after retail sales for July fell 1.0% on month against an expected gain of 0.5%, indicating waning consumer demand as the government's fiscal stimulus afterglow fades. Traders immediately wound back bets the Reserve Bank of Australia will hike rates in October, which were reinforced by an expected 2.0% fall in housing finance.
Market expectation
The European unit will likely strengthen against the dollar for now because players are worried that higher commodity prices will hurt the U.S. economy, dealers said.
For EURUSD sell interest said to remain in place from USD1.4520, with further offers seen placed around the NY high at USD1.4535. Above here suggested option barrier at USD1.4550 moves into view. Bids seen placed from around USD1.4470, with interest extending to USD1.4450 with stops placed on a break of USD1.4440.
USDJPY rising, but should be capped at JPY92.60-92.70 level as no reasons to support USDJPY gain, says dealers. Says some European players buying pair to settle accounts, but amount appears small, says USD1 million or so in total; impact being magnified as flows still thin.
Europe's major stock indexes are expected to open little changed Wednesday, after a shaky session in Asia and with investors struggling to determine direction following successive days of gains.
Daily Forex Overview Tue, Sep 8 2009
The dollar and euro fell against the yen in Asia Tuesday on selling by Japanese exporters to settle their accounts, with trading direction for the rest of the day likely to depend on stock movements, dealers said.
As of 0450 GMT, the dollar stood at JPY92.72 from JPY92.97 in London Monday, while the euro was at JPY132.90 from JPY133.54. The New York market was closed Monday for a holiday. Although the overall volume of trade in Asia was thin, some Japanese exporters and short-term hedge funds sold dollars and euros, dealers noted.
The Euro continued to be buoyant as fresh gains in Asian stocks sent EURJPY higher and Economic data in Europe underpinned gains into the USD1.4300's. July German Industrial Orders at 3.5% vs. 2% forecast. EURGBP was supported on GBP concerns ahead of the UK rate decision Thursday.
GBP peaked at USD1.6378 around the same time, but underperformed thereafter to USD1.6327. The Pound had a large bounce going into Europe as news of a USD16bn takeover offer of Cadbury from Kraft led to speculation of substantial M&A buying. This enthusiasm waned as the offer was rejected and attention turned to the MPC rate announcement on Thursday which has the potential to create further GBP downside if the Asset Purchase program is increased again from the current 175bn pounds.
The Australian dollar Tuesday continued to nudge higher while bond futures followed gains in Treasurys as dealers await a raft of top tier domestic data for the latest health check on the economy.
Market expectation
EURUSD breaks above Monday's high at USD1.4363, with reported stops above USD1.4365 targeted and triggered to take rate on to USD1.4371. Traders note major German name buys behind the move up. Next offers seen placed from USD1.4380 through to USD1.4400, with larger stops noted above here, a break to expose much reported barrier at USD1.4450.
Topping the list of releases Wednesday is housing finance, retail sales and consumer confidence, all of which will be crucial in feeding the debate on whether the Reserve Bank of Australia tightens policy as soon as next month.
Economists expect retail sales to have grown 0.5% in July, but housing finance is forecast to drop 2.0%.
Among the data Friday is China's industrial output. Economists surveyed forecast on average that output may increase by 12.0% in August from a year earlier, faster than July's 10.8% increase.
If results are weaker than expected and spur a fall in Chinese stock prices, the dollar may target JPY90 and the euro may fall below JPY130.00, some dealers said. On the other hand, if results are positive, currency market reaction will likely be limited because players have already factored in such outcomes, dealers noted.
As of 0450 GMT, the dollar stood at JPY92.72 from JPY92.97 in London Monday, while the euro was at JPY132.90 from JPY133.54. The New York market was closed Monday for a holiday. Although the overall volume of trade in Asia was thin, some Japanese exporters and short-term hedge funds sold dollars and euros, dealers noted.
The Euro continued to be buoyant as fresh gains in Asian stocks sent EURJPY higher and Economic data in Europe underpinned gains into the USD1.4300's. July German Industrial Orders at 3.5% vs. 2% forecast. EURGBP was supported on GBP concerns ahead of the UK rate decision Thursday.
GBP peaked at USD1.6378 around the same time, but underperformed thereafter to USD1.6327. The Pound had a large bounce going into Europe as news of a USD16bn takeover offer of Cadbury from Kraft led to speculation of substantial M&A buying. This enthusiasm waned as the offer was rejected and attention turned to the MPC rate announcement on Thursday which has the potential to create further GBP downside if the Asset Purchase program is increased again from the current 175bn pounds.
The Australian dollar Tuesday continued to nudge higher while bond futures followed gains in Treasurys as dealers await a raft of top tier domestic data for the latest health check on the economy.
Market expectation
EURUSD breaks above Monday's high at USD1.4363, with reported stops above USD1.4365 targeted and triggered to take rate on to USD1.4371. Traders note major German name buys behind the move up. Next offers seen placed from USD1.4380 through to USD1.4400, with larger stops noted above here, a break to expose much reported barrier at USD1.4450.
Topping the list of releases Wednesday is housing finance, retail sales and consumer confidence, all of which will be crucial in feeding the debate on whether the Reserve Bank of Australia tightens policy as soon as next month.
Economists expect retail sales to have grown 0.5% in July, but housing finance is forecast to drop 2.0%.
Among the data Friday is China's industrial output. Economists surveyed forecast on average that output may increase by 12.0% in August from a year earlier, faster than July's 10.8% increase.
If results are weaker than expected and spur a fall in Chinese stock prices, the dollar may target JPY90 and the euro may fall below JPY130.00, some dealers said. On the other hand, if results are positive, currency market reaction will likely be limited because players have already factored in such outcomes, dealers noted.
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