Forex Today: Dollar retreats as coronavirus concerns cast aside ahead of data, end-of-week action


Here is what you need to know on Friday, June 26:

The market mood is mixed after a late rally in Wall Street allowed the dollar to recover despite a record number of coronavirus cases in the US and the Federal Reserve's warning to lenders. A speech by the ECB's Lagarde, several US figures, and COVID-19 statistics are eyed.

Coronavirus: Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that further reopening of the local economy is halted as Intensive Care Units fill up. The Center for Disease Control reported a record number of infections and estimates that the total number of cases is probably around 23 million, ten times the current estimate. 

President Donald Trump insisted that the US economy will roar forward and not shut down. He is facing an uphill reelection campaign, trailing in the polls against rival Joe Biden in all swing states. 

The Federal Reserve has banned the largest banks from share buybacks in the third quarter and paying dividends in for the second one. The move is meant to keep resilient amid high economic uncertainty. The announcement somewhat weighed on sentiment.

US data: Durable Goods Orders beat expectations with an increase of 15.8% in May, while weekly jobless claims disappointed by staying near 1.5 million. Friday's economic releases include Personal Spending, which is projected to bounce in May, and Personal Income, which carries expectations for a fall. The final Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan is also eyed.

See US Personal Income and Spending May Preview: Markets look ahead and behind

Gold prices are off their highs around $1,760 amid the more stable mood but could rise if investors are fearful again ahead of the weekend. Stocks may also fall back if investors fear COVID-19 figures continue rising while markets are closed.

EUR/USD is trading above 1.12 ahead of a speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. She may discuss the current economic situation and the dealings with the German constitutional court. The ECB meeting minutes published on Thursday reiterated the bank's willingness to act.

Brexit: Tensions remain elevated after David Frost, Chief UK Negotiator, accused the EU of the impasse in talks while his counterpart in Brussels Michel Barnier expected a breakthrough only in October. Face-to-face talks resume on Monday.

AUD/USD is consolidating below 0.68 as coronavirus cases are moving up in Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the increase is localized. 

Oil prices are on the rise once again and helped the Canadian dollar stabilize.

Major cryptocurrencies have been holding their ground, with Bitcoin trading around $9,200. Action in altcoins is elevated. 

More What to watch out for and why the dollar is king in the US coronavirus comeback

 

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD gained traction and turned positive on the day above 1.0650. The improvement seen in risk mood following the earlier flight to safety weighs on the US Dollar ahead of the weekend and helps the pair push higher.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD reversed its direction and advanced to the 1.2450 area after touching a fresh multi-month low below 1.2400 in the Asian session. The positive shift seen in risk mood on easing fears over a deepening Iran-Israel conflict supports the pair.

GBP/USD News

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold stabilized near $2,380 after spiking above $2,400 with the immediate reaction to reports of Israel striking Iran. Meanwhile, the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields helps XAU/USD hold its ground.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in

Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above  $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research. 

Read more

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

US GDP, core PCE and PMIs the next tests for the Dollar. Investors await BoJ for guidance about next rate hike. EU and UK PMIs, as well as Australian CPIs also on tap.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures