EURO
The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested bids around the US$ 1.2705 level and was capped around the $1.2825 level. Traders are wondering what news may emerge at this weekend’s Group of Twenty meeting in Washington, D.C. Traders are deliberating the likelihood of additional monetary easing from both the European Central Bank and Federal Reserve before the end of the year and again in Q1 2009. ECB President Trichet and other ECB members have made it abundantly clear that they have not prejudged monetary policy but that it is possible rates could come down in December. Trichet yesterday said “An ambitious and effective reform of the financial system is necessary, but not sufficient to restore a stable global economic order. At the Fed, policymakers continue to implement multiple liquidity provision facilities to support commercial banks, investment banks, primary dealers, and the commercial paper market. The media is reporting that Germany’s “Wise Men” are gloomy on their 2009 economic outlook and foresee a likely recession. It was reported yesterday that German GDP fell 0.5% q/q and this means the eurozone’s largest economy entered a recession for the first time in five years. The French media today reported that France likely escaped a recession with its upcoming Q3 GDP data. Data released in Germany today saw October consumer price inflation at -0.2% m/m and +2.4% y/y. Many U.S. economic data will be released today including retail sales, University of Michigan sentiment, import prices, and business inventories. Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.2135 level.
JPY / CNY
The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥96.85 level and was capped around the ¥98.05 level. Finance minister Nakagawa verbally intervened against the yen’s recent gains saying “Rapid foreign exchange rate swings would have a negative impact on the economy.” Prime Minister Aso proposed some initiatives ahead of the Group of Twenty meeting in Washington, D.C. including a loan of up to US$ 100 billion to the International Monetary Fund and greater supervision of credit ratings agencies. G20 officials meet today and tomorrow to discuss a possible overhaul of the Bretton Woods system. Data released in Japan yesterday saw revised September industrial orders up +1.1% m/m while October wholesale prices were up 4.8% y/y, down from September’s 6.8% climb. Bank of Japan Policy Board member Nakamura said he does not see the need to cut rates again immediately and said Japan needs to monitor the impact of the most recent cut. Dealers are wondering if the BoJ will be easing monetary policy further, particularly if other central banks continue to reduce borrowing costs to contend with the ongoing credit crisis. The Nikkei 225 stock index gained 2.72% to close at ¥8,462.39. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥104.15 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested bids around the ¥123.25 level and was capped around the ¥125.70 level. The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥143.30 level while the Swiss franc lost ground vis-à-vis the yen and tested bids around the ¥81.45 level. In Chinese news, October fixed asset investment was up 27.2% y/y in the first ten months of 2008.
STERLING
The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.4760 level and was capped around the $1.4930 level. Cable moved sharply lower yesterday as traders reacted to a very dovish quarterly inflation report from Bank of England. BoE Governor King reported the central bank “…is certainly prepared to cut that rate again if it is necessary.” The Monetary Policy Committee last week slashed rates by a major 150bps and King noted the BoE will take rates to whatever level is necessary to meet its 2% inflation target. Many traders expect the MPC will cut rates again next month. Notably, the inflation report also contained the biggest-ever cut in inflation forecasts with policymakers now eyeing inflation “well below 2%” by 2010 if official rates follow current market projections. Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling justified it is proper for the government to increase public borrowing now to help counter the economic recession. MPC’s Sentance said it will take time for the BoE’s recent 150bps cut to work through to the real economy. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.4315 level. The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested bids around the ₤0.8565 level and was capped around the ₤0.8625 level.
SWISS
The Swiss franc depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the CHF 1.1910 level and was supported around the CHF 1.1840 level. The Swiss government this week agreed an economic stimulus package valued around CHF 890 million to counter the anticipated economic recession next year. The government reported “Switzerland is still currently in a comparatively good economic and employment situation, but due to global economic developments, the prospects have become noticeably more gloomy since September.” Data released in Switzerland yesterday saw the November ZEW expectations index improve marginally to -88.5 while October producer and import prices rose 2.9% y/y and were off 0.6% m/m. U.S. dollar offers are cited around the CHF 1.2120 level. The euro and British pound lost ground vis-à-vis the Swiss franc as the crosses tested bids around the CHF 1.5100 and CHF 1.7545 levels, respectively.
