Rate cut expectations weigh on the euro

Chris Beauchamp IG

While the Nasdaq 100 is surging again today, the euro is in retreat ahead of tomorrow’s expected ECB rate cut, says Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at online trading platform IG.

Stocks rally following US inflation data

Risk sentiment had been kept in check ahead of the inflation print today, but the news has unleashed fresh buying. Technically the ‘Santa Rally’ doesn’t usually start for a few more days, but the Nasdaq 100 has got its gains in early, surging to a new record high. Interestingly, we have seen the dollar push higher too even though today’s figures are unlikely to mean the Fed will swerve from a rate cut next week. But looser rates should mean stronger economic growth, reinforcing the desire of investors to keep investing in the US.

Canada cuts rates, ECB’s turn next?

The euro is dropping against the dollar and sterling ahead of the ECB’s decision tomorrow. It will be the second bank to do so in 24 hours, following Canada’s lead this afternoon. While both the ECB and the Fed are in easing mode, they are conducting this policy for very different reasons – for the ECB, it’s a question of doing what it can to prop up an ailing economy whereas the Fed can enjoy gently easing policy to support more solid growth.

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Chris Beauchamp

EUR/USD weakens to near 1.1900 as traders eye US data

The EUR/USD pair loses ground to around 1.1905, snapping the two-day winning streak during the early European trading hours on Tuesday. Markets might turn cautious ahead of the release of key US economic data, including US employment and inflation reports that were pushed back slightly due to the recently ended four-day government shutdown.

GBP/USD edges lower below 1.3700 on UK political risks, BoE rate cut bets

The GBP/USD pair trades on a weaker note around 1.3685 during the European session on Tuesday. The Pound Sterling edges lower against the US Dollar amid political risk in the United Kingdom and rising expectations of near-term Bank of England rate cuts.

Gold drifts lower as positive risk tone tempers safe-haven demand; downside seems limited

Gold drifts lower during the Asian session on Tuesday and snaps a two-day winning streak, though it lacks strong follow-through selling and shows some resilience below the $5,000 psychological mark amid mixed cues. The outcome of Japan's snap election on Sunday removes political uncertainty, which, along with signs of easing tensions in the Middle East, remains supportive of the upbeat market mood.

Bitcoin Cash trades lower, risks dead-cat bounce amid bearish signals

Bitcoin Cash trades in the red below $522 at the time of writing on Tuesday, after multiple rejections at key resistance. BCH’s derivatives and on-chain indicators point to growing bearish sentiment and raise the risk of a dead-cat bounce toward lower support levels.

Follow the money, what USD/JPY in Tokyo is really telling you

Over the past two Tokyo sessions, this has not been a rate story. Not even close. Interest rate differentials have been spectators, not drivers. What has moved USD/JPY in local hours has been flow and flow alone.

Bitcoin Cash trades lower, risks dead-cat bounce amid bearish signals

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) trades in the red below $522 at the time of writing on Tuesday, after multiple rejections at key resistance. BCH’s derivatives and on-chain indicators point to growing bearish sentiment and raise the risk of a dead-cat bounce toward lower support levels.