|

Forex Today: Risk-off returns amid cautious Brexit optimism, RBA minutes/China data prove dismal for Antipodeans

Forex today remains largely in favor of risk aversion as the return of Japanese traders reacted over the Chinese requirement to have further talks before signing a trade deal with the US. Adding to the risk-off mood could be the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s statement that the recent typhoon in Eastern Japan will have prolonged economic impact. On the contrary, markets ignore better than forecast China CPI while also showing less reaction to the RBA minutes, not to mention Brexit positive headlines from the Daily Telegraph and the BBC. Additionally, investors largely ignored the surprise release of the US New York (NY) Empire State Manufacturing Index.

The US Dollar (USD) losses appeal against the traditional safe-havens like the Japanese Yen (JPY), Swiss Franc (CHF) and Gold. The same could also be attributed to the pullbacks of EUR/USD, GBP/USD and the NZD/USD pair. However, AUD/USD has to bear the burden of dovish RBA minutes and the pair’s nature of risk barometer. Further, Crude Oil also suffers from trade pessimism despite US-Turkey tension.

Main Topics in Asia

Japan govt says it will consider extra budget for typhoon relief - Reuters

EU mulls new emergency summit to 'get Brexit deal done' - BBC

BOJ: Will keep rates at very low levels at least through spring 2020

The RBA minutes: Board prepared to ease policy further if needed to support growth, jobs

US Defence Secretary Esper: Will be meeting with NATO allies next week…

Brexit: A Brexit deal appears to be taking shape - Telegraph

Key Focus Ahead

While trade/Brexit headlines will keep being the key drivers, the United Kingdom’s (UK) employment data and German ZEW Survey could entertain momentum traders. It should also be noted that comments from second-tier policymakers of the Bank of England (BOE) and the United States’ (US) Federal Reserve System (Fed) will join Swiss Producer and Import Prices to add the burden of the US and Canadian traders when they are back from Monday’s off.

EUR/USD registers an inside day ahead of German Zew survey

EUR/USD created an inside day or inside bar candlestick pattern on Monday, indicating investor indecision and impending volatility. A bullish close could be seen if the German Zew Survey blows past expectations. 

GBP/USD: Options market turns bullish on Sterling for first since January 2018

The options market has turned bullish on Sterling for the first time in nearly two years. Investors are likely anticipating a Brexit breakthrough and adding bets to position for a rally in Sterling. 

USD/JPY unchanged on 108 handle in Tokyo opening hour, eyes on key events

USD/JPY was steady in Tokyo's opening hour, weighing trade risks and upcoming events.  Looking ahead, eyes are on US Industrial Production and Fed speakers.

Author

Anil Panchal

Anil Panchal

FXStreet

Anil Panchal has nearly 15 years of experience in tracking financial markets. With a keen interest in macroeconomics, Anil aptly tracks global news/updates and stays well-informed about the global financial moves and their implications.

More from Anil Panchal
Share:

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD: Bears retain control below 1.1780-1.1770 confluence breakpoint

The EUR/USD pair remains on the back foot through the Asian session on Friday and currently trades just above mid-1.1700s, well within striking distance of a nearly one-month low set the previous day.

GBP/USD seems vulnerable near one-month low as traders await US data

The GBP/USD pair prolongs its weekly downtrend for the fifth consecutive day on Friday and slides back closer to a nearly one-month low, touched the previous day. Spot prices trade below mid-1.3400s during the Asian session on Friday and seem vulnerable to slide further as traders now look to important US macro data for a fresh impetus.

Gold eyes next breakout on US GDP, PCE inflation data

Gold sticks to recent gains around the $5,000-mark early Friday, biding time before the high-impact US macro events. The focus is now on the US fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product, core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index and the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple remain range-bound as breakdown risks rise

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are trading sideways within consolidation ranges on Friday, signaling a lack of directional bias in the broader crypto market. BTC rebounded from key support, and ETH is nearing the lower consolidation boundary, while XRP is holding at its lower trendline boundary. 

Hawkish Fed minutes and a market finding its footing

It was green across the board for US Stock market indexes at the close on Wednesday, with most S&P 500 names ending higher, adding 38 points (0.6%) to 6,881 overall. At the GICS sector level, energy led gains, followed by technology and consumer discretionary, while utilities and real estate posted the largest losses.

Official Trump price approaches breakout with mixed signals from traders

Official Trump (TRUMP) is trading at $3.50 at the time of writing, approaching its upper consolidation range. A breakout from this range could open the door for an upside move. On-chain data shows market indecision, with balanced flows between bulls and bears, signaling a lack of clear directional bias.