Elsewhere, dramatic reactions were noted to other central bank decisions this week, most notably Wednesday saw the Riksbank unexpectedly cut its repo rate to -0.25% from -0.10% and expand their QE programme to SEK 30bln which saw USD/SEK rise to its highest level since March 2009. The central bank also warned of further cuts in the future if required. Whilst at the other end of the spectrum on Thursday the SNB kept rates on hold at -0.75% as expected, however this still saw EUR/CHF weighed on as some participants had been looking for the SNB to cut rates further while the NOK strengthened against EUR by over 2500 pips after the Norges Bank unexpectedly kept rates on hold. Also on Thursday, the BoE saw Haldane’s dovish side as the chief economist and MPC member suggested the BoE has options which include sovereign bond purchases or cutting rates amid downside risks to inflation, before adding that there is no immediate case to alter rates.
Looking ahead to next week, many participants will be looking closely at the host of Fed speakers with the obligatory black out period over. As well as this next week sees plenty of tier one data including European and US PMIs, US Durable goods, UK retail sales and of course Greece will remain in focus for the EUR.
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