KBC Market Research Desk
KBC Bank
Trading on global markets developed in a rather calm, orderly fashion yesterday and this bias was also visible in the currency markets. The euro spiked temporarily lower early in the session on the confirmation that the EU finance ministers failed to reach an agreement on a fiscal response to corona on an EU level. However, there was no follow-through price action. Intra-EMU spreads gradually eased from an initial widening and EUR/USD settled in a sideways trading pattern in the mid 1.08 area (close 1.0858). The trade-weighted dollar stabilized in the lower half of the 100 big figure. An ongoing positive sentiment, in particular in US equity markets, prevented a new USD rebound. Smaller currencies mostly also maintained Thursday’s gains. At least for now, it looks that the level of stress in global FX markets is easing.
This morning, Asian equity markets mostly show modest gains with Japan underperforming. Sentiment remains constructive even as news on the development of the coronavirus is mixed at best (e.g. Singapore). The trade-weighted dollar (DXY) is holding just north of the 100 level. USD/JPY (108.95) is trading with a mildly positive bias, but holding with its short-term consolidation pattern. The Aussie dollar maintains recent constructive bias and regained the 0.62 level.
Today, the US jobless claims and consumer confidence deserve some attention. However, of late, poor US data seldomly were a negative for the USD. Fed’s Powell giving an economic update is a wild card. The discussion on the EU fiscal response remains a (modest) euro negative, but we maintain the view that global risk sentiment and the overall risk-on/off dynamics in global USD trading remains a main driver for EUR/USD trading. Last week, EUR/USD falling below 1.09 deteriorated the technical picture. The pair tested 1.0775/70 support, but no clear break occurred. The March low comes in at 1.0636. We continue to watch the TW USD. The USD might stay well bid, but we don’t expect a rebreak beyond 103. EUR/USD rebounding above the 1.0950 area would be a first sign of improvement. In a day-to-day perspective, investor caution going into the long weekend might be slightly USD positive.
Yesterday, EUR/GBP returned to 0.8750 area, but recent lows/support survived. GBP (cable) trading is also USD driven. Even so, sterling recently often outperformed against the euro when the dollar declined. We don’t see strong (economic) reasons for a further EUR/GBP decline, but a break below 0.8740 would be technically relevant.
This non-exhaustive information is based on short-term forecasts for expected developments on the financial markets. KBC Bank cannot guarantee that these forecasts will materialize and cannot be held liable in any way for direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this document or its content. The document is not intended as personalized investment advice and does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell or hold investments described herein. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources KBC believes to be reliable, KBC does not guarantee the accuracy of this information, which may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions and estimates constitute a KBC judgment as of the data of the report and are subject to change without notice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD stands firm above 0.6500 with markets bracing for Aussie PPI, US inflation
The Aussie Dollar begins Friday’s Asian session on the right foot against the Greenback after posting gains of 0.33% on Thursday. The AUD/USD advance was sponsored by a United States report showing the economy is growing below estimates while inflation picked up. The pair traded at 0.6518.
EUR/USD mired near 1.0730 after choppy Thursday market session
EUR/USD whipsawed somewhat on Thursday, and the pair is heading into Friday's early session near 1.0730 after a back-and-forth session and complicated US data that vexed rate cut hopes.
Gold soars as US economic woes and inflation fears grip investors
Gold prices advanced modestly during Thursday’s North American session, gaining more than 0.5% following the release of crucial economic data from the United States. GDP figures for the first quarter of 2024 missed estimates, increasing speculation that the US Fed could lower borrowing costs.
Bitcoin price continues to get rejected from $65K resistance as SEC delays decision on spot BTC ETF options
Bitcoin (BTC) price has markets in disarray, provoking a broader market crash as it slumped to the $62,000 range on Thursday. Meanwhile, reverberations from spot BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to influence the market.
Bank of Japan expected to keep interest rates on hold after landmark hike
The Bank of Japan is set to leave its short-term rate target unchanged in the range between 0% and 0.1% on Friday, following the conclusion of its two-day monetary policy review meeting for April. The BoJ will announce its decision on Friday at around 3:00 GMT.