VIX at an all-time low

Yann Quelenn Swissquote Bank Ltd

The news did not make massive headlines. The VIX, the US volatility index which is also known as the “Fear Index”, just collapsed to an all-time low below 10. We recall that the 20-year average is above 20 for the index. A few weeks ago, Janet Yellen, Fed Chairman, warned markets about asset valuation which she considers as too high. Fed definitely believes that stocks markets are in a bubble. This is ironic as the Fed largely participated to underpin asset prices with free money.

While the volatility is at an all-time low, stocks prices are at an all-time high. There is then the potential relation between low volatility and high stock prices which could drive investors towards a sell-off. Markets are now in a pausing mode certainly fearing that consequence. However, stocks markets are not losing steam and may further head higher.

Stay on top of the markets with Swissquote’s News & Analysis

All eyes are on Fed now which balance sheet reduction should be discussed in November. Currency-wise the dollar is now trading at 14-month low on recent disappointment of Trump expected fiscal policies and Fed failing to fully deliver what was expected.

Author

Yann Quelenn

Swissquote Bank Ltd

Yann Quelenn is a Market Analyst at Swissquote Bank with strong technical and financial background. Previously, he worked as FX Trader at Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild and as Portfolio Manager at Polaris Investment in Luxembourg.

EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD picks up pace and reaches two-day tops around 1.1820 at the end of the week. The pair’s move higher comes on the back of renewed weakness in the US Dollar amid growing talk that the Fed could deliver an interest rate cut as early as March. On the docket, the flash US Consumer Sentiment improves to 57.3 in February.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

Gold climbs further, focus is back to 45,000

Gold regains upside traction and surpasses the $4,900 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, shifting its attention to the critical $5,000 region. The move reflects a shift in risk sentiment, driving flows back towards traditional safe haven assets and supporting the yellow metal.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound amid risk-off, $2.6 billion liquidation wave

Bitcoin edges up above $65,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as dust from the recent macro-triggered sell-off settles. The leading altcoin, Ethereum, hovers above $1,900, but resistance at $2,000 caps the upside. Meanwhile, Ripple has recorded the largest intraday jump among the three assets, up over 10% to $1.35.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans.

XRP rally extends as modest ETF inflows support recovery

Ripple is accelerating its recovery, trading above $1.36 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors adjust their positions following a turbulent week in the broader crypto market. The remittance token is up over 21% from its intraday low of $1.12.