The greenback took a double hit on Monday sending the dollar's index below 100 for the first time since December 8 as U.S. treasury yields declined sharply and the safe haven Yen was the major beneficiary. The withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement wasn't new news to the markets, but it shows that the anti-trade and protectionist agenda campaigned by Mr. Trump wasn't just talk - the President is serious about delivering on his promises and investors are becoming increasingly concerned about what's coming next. Treasury Secretarydesignate Steven Mnuchin reiterated comments he made last week on the strong dollar and its negative impact on the economy, which was perceived as a verbal intervention dragging the dollar lower.

Surprisingly, investors didn't respond positively to Trump's pledge to cut regulations by 75% or even more, which indicates that markets are currently more concerned about protectionist actions than fiscal expected measures. However, sentiments might change when tax cuts and stimulus measures come into play.

The dollar index has declined 3.6% from January highs so far, and with no tier one economic data on the agenda until Friday, politics will remain the key driver in FX markets. Although the dollar may suffer more losses on the short-run, I still believe that monetary policy will be the main driver in the next couple of months. It's becoming clear that divergence in monetary policy between the U.S. and the rest of the world will resume in 2017 and 2018, and the U.S. treasury department won't have the tools to prevent investors from buying the U.S. currency.

Today Sterling will attract most of the trader's attention. GBPUSD is currently hovering around 2017 highs, just a couple of hours before the announcement of the U.K.'s supreme court decision on whether Prime Minister Theresa May can activate the process for Brexit without parliamentary approval, or if parliament approval is needed before triggering the official start of the two year Brexit negotiations with the EU.

Sterling has appreciated by more than 400 pips versus the dollar since May delivered her Brexit speech last Tuesday, and we are likely to see another leg higher if the U.K.'s supreme court voted in favor of the Parliament "most likely to be the base scenario". However, this wouldn't mean that Brexit won't come into action, it's just going to slow the process and add a few more complexities. Although GBPUSD might still see a spike higher due to more short squeezing, I would consider selling rally then buying the dips.

Disclaimer:This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. FXTM, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 90% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD consolidates recovery gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD consolidates recovery gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase following Wednesday's rebound and trades in a narrow range above 1.0650. The improving risk mood doesn't allow the US Dollar to gather strength as markets await mid-tier data releases.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD clings to moderate gains above 1.2450

GBP/USD clings to moderate gains above 1.2450

GBP/USD is clinging to recovery gains above 1.2450 in European trading on Thursday. The pair stays supported by a sustained US Dollar weakness alongside retreating US Treasury bond yields. Fed policymakers will speak later in the day.

GBP/USD News

Gold shines amid fears of fresh escalation in Middle East tensions

Gold shines amid fears of fresh escalation in Middle East tensions

Gold trades in positive territory near $2,380 on Thursday after posting losses on Wednesday. The precious metal holds gains amid fears over tensions in the Middle East further escalating, with Israel responding to Iran's attack over the weekend.

Gold News

Ripple faces significant correction as former SEC litigator says lawsuit could make it to Supreme Court

Ripple faces significant correction as former SEC litigator says lawsuit could make it to Supreme Court

Ripple (XRP) price hovers below the key $0.50 level on Thursday after failing at another attempt to break and close above the resistance for the fourth day in a row. 

Read more

Have we seen the extent of the Fed rate repricing?

Have we seen the extent of the Fed rate repricing?

Markets have been mostly consolidating recent moves into Thursday. We’ve seen some profit taking on Dollar longs and renewed demand for US equities into the dip. Whether or not this holds up is a completely different story.

Read more

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures