Currencies
- The euro (EUR) climbed against the US dollar (USD) on Friday to 1.3400. The single currency rose but is still under pressure as the FOMC Meeting Minutes is coming ahead on Wednesday. Today the European Trade Balance will be announced and is expected to be at 14.9B.
- The US dollar (USD) fell against the Japanese yen (JPY) at 102.35 on Friday as Ukraine reported convoy attack. The greenback is under pressure as the US inflation rate is coming ahead on Tuesday, while the FOMC Meeting Minutes in Jackson Holes is coming ahead on Wednesday.
Equities
- European equities fell on Friday on speculation that tensions in Ukraine might worsen during the weekend. The Germany 30 (DAX) went to 9132, the EU Stocks 50 (ESX) to 3043 and the France 40 (CAC) to 4191.
Commodities
- WTI Crude (OIL) rose to 97.18 USD per barrel from 95.54 on Friday before the Crude Oil Inventories on Wednesday.
Mover & Shaker with forex options
- Gold (XAU) dropped against the USD dollar (USD) on Friday to 1292 before rebounding back to 1305 as US economy improvement looks more likely than the tensions in Ukraine, decreasing the demand for the safe haven.
- Option traders may consider constructing a Straddle on the XAUUSD and gain if the pair moves in either direction, while the risk is limited to the premium paid.
- A Straddle can be constructed by buying an at the money Put and an at the money Call.
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