A reasonably quiet Asian session for the major currency pairs with JPY standing out as the exception. USDJPY continued its move higher pushing just over the 99 level. EURJPY traded to a 4 week high reaching 132.34 so far. Today’s opportunities in JPY may well come in the form of technical analysis rather than an event based spark. Focusing on EURJPY the next resistance level to watch is 132.75. Any pullback and the 131.30 support is likely to become a focus for short term traders who missed the recent action.
We’ve seen consolidation in Sterling after the gyration that followed the Fed statement on Wednesday and yesterday’s comments by the Bank of England’s Martin Weale suggesting further asset purchases remain a possibility if circumstances dictate may keep sterling’s upside limited for now.
Data/Event Risks
EUR: The confidence data this afternoon notes a huge event risk for the euro, but data significantly stronger than expected could give the single currency a modest lift into the weekend.
USD: After a wobble earlier in the year the new home sales data is seen continuing the improving trend, currently at levels seen 5 years ago but still some 65% below the peak seen at the height of the pre-crisis boom, a level that may never be achieved again. Data needs to be notably firmer than expected to impact the dollar, especially given strong focus on labour market data at this time.
Latest FX News
JPY: A weaker JPY overnight as the market absorbs the BOJ’s comments and its likely reaction to economic weakness. Market participants from varying sectors are reassessing their risk appetite and positions in light of this development.
AUD: Aussie holds above its recent lows trading around physiologically important 0.9000 level. Although any significant recovery appears unlikely the downside pressure has eased as stocks hold on to modest gains.
GBP: Very little change to GBPUSD overnight as it trades around the 1.5600 level. Rallies appear short lived as consolidation sets in. Today’s second reading of Q2 GDP at 08:30 GMT is unlikely to be a catalyst for a move today but worth keeping an eye on never-the-less. The initial reading came in at 0.6% Q/Q. Update: Q2 growth was revised up to 0.7%.
Share
