Sterling awaits UK retail sales

Today's Highlights

• USD shaken but not stirred by the Trumpification of American politics

• NZ retail sales improve and NZD does likewise

• Sterling awaits UK retail sales

Current Market Overview

The US Dollar is remarkably stoic in spite of the turbulence in the White House. Just a few weeks into the new administration, the ‘fine-tuned machine' of an administration; as described by Mr Trump, has seen the resignation of a national security advisor, rumours of Kremlin infiltration and the President directly attacking the press. Mr Trump's nominee for the replacement national security advisor has, understandably, said no to the job. Mr Trump did make one very accurate statement though. He said, "I don't think there's ever been a President elected who in this short period of time has done what we have done."

Away from the political mayhem, the US housing data was stronger than expected but wasn't enough to strengthen the USD. In fact, the greenback weakened slightly on the day and the lack of US data today is likely to see that status quo maintained.

Strong retail sales data was released in New Zealand overnight and the NZ Dollar has reflected that with a little strength. Many institutions are raising their expectations of further NZ Dollar strength, so beware if you are a buyer of the Kiwi.

Retail sales will be the key to the Pound today. We are expecting this morning's release of January data to be upbeat after the unexpected dip we saw in December. However, as with so much UK data, surprises are almost expected these days, so be ready for volatility early on.

And Jurassic Park is getting nearer to reality. Harvard University scientists believe they are only a few years away from producing a hybrid Mammoth/Asian elephant embryo. Let's just hope no one has any velociraptor DNA knocking about. And if they do recreate the feisty beasts, don't let them anywhere near the kitchen. I've seen what they can do.