Forex today in Asia experienced risk-off flows, as mixed Chinese inflation data combined with fresh North Korea headlines weighed negatively on the investors’ minds. The safe-haven Yen extended yesterday’s rebound and hit a five-day low against its US counterpart while the Aussie and Kiwi held onto minor bids amid broad-based US dollar retreat.
Among other related markets, both crude benchmarks edged higher while gold prices hovered near weekly lows, in response to higher Treasury yields across the curve. The Asian equities drifted lower, correcting slightly after a strong start to the year.
Main topics in Asia
US 10-year Treasury yield hit 10-month high
The yield on the benchmark US 10-year Treasury note closed above 2.5 percent yesterday; its highest level since March.
7.8 M earthquake strikes Caribbean, tsunami waves possible - USGS
Reuters came out with the breaking news, citing that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean islands, with a tsunami alert issued for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Island.
Trump Administration won't allow oil drilling off the coast of Florida
The Associated Press (AP) reported earlier today that the Trump administration noted that it won't allow oil drilling off the coast of Florida.
North Korea refuses to budge on nuclear stance in talks with South - Nikkei
Japanese daily, Nikkei, reports on the outcome of the talks held yesterday between North and South Korea.
BCC: UK economy set for "underwhelming" 2018 ahead of Brexit
The British Chambers of Commerce's (BCC) published its latest Quarterly Economic Survey earlier today, with key findings noted below.
China's Dec CPI ticks higher, but misses estimates
China's Consumer Price Index (MoM) (December) came in at 0.3% vs 0.4% exp and 0.0% last, while Consumer Price Index (YoY) (December) was 1.8% vs 1.9% exp and 1.7% last.
Key Focus ahead
Heading into Europe, all eyes remain on the first major macro release of this week, the UK manufacturing and industrial figures that will be reported alongside the trade and construction data release. Meanwhile, the Euroland has no macro news to report today.
Moving on, the NA calendar remains relatively quiet, except for the Canadian building permits and the US import prices data. Also, of note will be the weekly US EIA crude inventories report for both the CAD and oil prices.
EUR/USD - 10Y US-German spread widens, bearish chart posture
The EUR/USD did recovery in Asia to 1.1948 from the two-week low of 1.1915, however, a sharp rise in the US Treasury yield indicates the 10Y US-German spread could rise in USD-positive manner.
GBP/USD: Will the recovery sustain ahead of the UK data?
The GBP/USD pair staged a solid comeback from a dip to near 1.35 handle in the overnight trades, now consolidating the recovery below the 1.3550 mark, as the focus shifts towards the UK economic releases…
UK: Key economic events ahead – Nomura
Analysts at Nomura present a brief preview of the UK manufacturing and industrial output data that will be published alongside the trade figures later today at 0930GMT.
US oil may rise into $64.17-$64.72 range - Reuters News
A Reuters report says oil is witnessing an extended fifth wave and could rise to $64.17-$64.72 range.
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