EURO
The euro depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested bids around the US$ 1.5805 level and was capped around the $1.5885 level. The common currency came off after it was reported that U.S. banking giant Citigroup registered lost less money in the second business quarter than estimated. Citigroup took a charge of US$ 7.2 billion, below the $9.0 billion write-down that was expected. Traders are paying close attention to earnings reports from other U.S. financial institutions, especially during this period of heightened credit market dislocation. In eurozone news, the EMU-15 May trade balance printed at -€4.6 billion, down from April’s surplus of €2.5 billion. Also, German producer price inflation registered its strongest rise since 1982, up 0.9% m/m and 6.7% y/y. European Central Bank member Draghi reported “Whereas in past months spill-over effects had been modest and underlying inflation had remained subdued, lately the risks have increased.” ECB President Trichet reported EMU-15 GDP growth is likely to be weak in Q2 and Q3 before recovering and added second-round inflation effects need to be prevented. Euro bids are cited around the $1.5645/ $1.5230 levels.
JPY / CNY
The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥106.90 level and was supported around the ¥105.95 level. Liquidity will be reduced in Japan on Monday on account of a national holiday. Bank of Japan Governor Shirakawa reported the economy is likely to avoid a “deep adjustment” and minutes from BoJ Policy Board’s June meeting evidenced concern with rising global inflation. Data released in Japan overnight saw June department store sales off 7.6% y/y, the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Shirakawa said the “balance is 50-50” towards boosting economic growth and combating inflation. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.65% to close at ¥12,803.70. Dollar bids are cited around the ¥103.65 level. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥169.30 level and was supported around the ¥168.20 level. The British pound and Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the crosses tested offers around the ¥213.30 and ¥104.55 levels, respectively. The Chinese yuan appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8169 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.8213. Data released in China today saw the June property climate index fall to 103.08.
STERLING
The British pound depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.9905 level and was capped around the $2.0035 level. Technically, today’s intraday high was right around the 38.2% retracement of the move from $2.1160 to $1.9335. Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Sentence reported “I have been particularly struck by the speed with which inflation has moved to somewhere that is significantly above target. There are clear risks to inflation expectations in this environment.” Sterling also came off on media reports the U.K. Treasury is considering altering its fiscal rules to allow more borrowing to counteract the anticipated economic slowdown. Data released in the U.K. today saw June net borrowing rose to ₤9.2 billion, down from ₤6.3 billion on account of higher government spending. It was also reported that CML gross mortgage lending printed at its weakest level since 2006. BoE MPC member Gieve noted CPI is likely “to be well over 4 per cent for much of the rest of the year.” Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.9870/ 1.9360 levels. The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the ₤0.7960 level and was supported around the ₤0.7915 level.
SWISS
The Swiss franc depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the CHF 1.0250 level and was supported around the CHF 1.0175 level. Technically, today’s intraday high was right around the 38.2% retracement of the move from CHF 0.9645 to CHF 1.0625 level. Swiss National Bank encouraged Swiss banks to increase their capitalizations. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the CHF 1.0395 level. The euro and British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the Swiss franc as the crosses tested offers around the CHF 1.6210 and CHF 2.0445 levels, respectively.
