The U.S. dollar is slightly weaker to start this morning but remains in favorable ranges across the G10. Indeed, the DXY Dollar Index is within two-tenths of its strongest level since July 2020.
Overview
American equities remain near record highs but markets, in general, seem to lack direction as positive fundamental data and strong earnings push up against dwindling consumer sentiment and inflation fears. Rising bond yields will continue to help the greenback if the trend continues. In the meantime, it appears the greenback is trying to establish new, stronger ranges against most of its rivals. This morning’s economic data showed that housing starts fell modestly and below most forecasts. Building permits fared better. However, the greenback has had a limited reaction to the second-tier data. Attention will shift to this afternoon’s 20-year Treasury auction at 1 p.m.
What to Watch Today…
- 20-Year Treasury Auction at 1 p.m.
WOW, IT’S A ‘FOUR-PEAT’ | Top MXN Forecaster for Last 4 Quarters
Bloomberg ranks Monex for MXN, G10 Currencies, and NZD! Learn More
EUR
Unless you were chart-watching in the wee hours of the morning you will be forgiven for not realizing the EUR/USD pair experienced heightened volatility overnight. Euro fell as much as half a percent within minutes last night, only to slowly recover all those losses throughout the early morning. The quick drop was likely the result of stop-loss selling at a major technical level, per Bloomberg. EUR/USD is still near its recent lows and the worst level for Euro since July 2020 as the greenback enjoys widespread support.
GBP
The British pound popped higher against the U.S dollar and rallied to its strongest level since February of 2020 versus the Euro after a gauge for inflation showed price pressures at their highest level in a decade. U.K. consumer prices rose 4.2% from a year ago in October, which was higher than expectations. Increasing inflation is adding immense pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates, possibly as soon as next month.
A 15-basis point hike is currently being priced in and we will continue to watch money markets. What is becoming clear, however, is that the Bank of England is very likely to outpace the U.S. Fed on the interest rate front in the medium term.
Ready to spin the currency market moves in your favor?
Discover HOW WE Can HELP You SEND or RECEIVE PAYMENTS
