Today's Highlights
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Reasons why the US Dollar is weaker
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UK inflation awaited
Current Market Overview
The big mover over the past few days has been the US Dollar. The GBPUSD rate is hitting $1.38; the highest since June 2016 in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote. The EURUSD rate is the highest we have seen since December 2014. Dollar weakness doesn't have a very obvious cause but is probably a combination of cautiousness over the Federal Reserve's rate hike plans, higher commodity prices, fears that the NAFTA agreement may fail and a few other factors.
German inflation in line with expectations
On the East side of the Atlantic, the economies of Europe and the UK are improving and central bankers are planning for higher interest rates, even if the pace of change is uncertain and somewhat disparate. We have already seen German inflation in line with expectations this morning and we will also get UK inflation data this morning, which ought to reflect a small reduction to 3.0% or thereabouts. It is still at the very top end of the Bank of England's target range and the BoE Governor will have to write to the Chancellor to say sorry. Sterling is not in control of its own destiny at the moment though; significantly stronger against the weak US Dollar but down against the Euro and many others. If this inflation data is anything more than an annualised 3.1%, the Pound will strengthen though because it will heap pressure on the Bank of England to bring forward an interest rate hike. The opposite is also true though, anything below 3.0% will see the Pound sink.
Key data to be released tomorrow
The rest of the day is light on data. There will be the US Empire State Manufacturing Index, which is watched but not heavily influential. Traders will more likely await tomorrow's industrial production, manufacturing output and capacity utilisation data before reacting to the USD. The Dollar has regained a little of yesterday's loss as traders have taken profit overnight.
And finally, if you were given a drone for Christmas, and I am sure you did or know someone who did, beware. The US State of New Jersey has banned ‘drunk droning'. The state has used the drink driving limit as their guide to stop people operating flying drones whilst under the influence. I suspect the same will be rolled out elsewhere at some stage because flying a drone near a prison is a big concern for all legislators.
Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.
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