Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Foreign Exchange Research - Daily Market Commentary


DAILY MARKET COMMENTARY
23 November 2009

Monday

 

 

Fundamental Outlook at 1500 GMT (EDT + 0500)

 

 

The euro gained significant ground vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.5000 figure and was supported around the $1.4850 level.  Traders continue to hammer the U.S. dollar despite verbal intervention by U.S. and European officials intent on talking the greenback higher. Over the past couple of weeks, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Geithner, and European Central Bank President Trichet have reiterated their support for the long-standing strong U.S. dollar policy.  Trichet reiterated his support for the dollar today, saying he "considers it extremely important" that U.S. authorities are supportive of the dollar.  Trichet today talked about the ECB's monetary policy, reporting "There is an increasingly pressing need for ambitious and realistic fiscal exit strategies and for fiscal consolidation."  He added some countries, like Spain, are close to losing their fiscal credibility.  Trichet said the "freefall" of the global economic crisis has ended and the ECB last week said it will tighten some collateral standards involving the types of asset-backed securities it accepts for refinancing operations.  St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank President Bullard today suggested the Fed should extend its program to purchase mortgage-backed securities and agency bonds past the current deadline of March 2010.  Bullard said a policy like this "would give the Fed the option to react to future news as it comes in."  Data released in the U.S. today saw October existing home sales print at a stronger-than-expected 6.10 million level on an annualized basis, up 10.1% m/m.  These data are consistent with other recent data evidencing a pick-up in residential housing market activity.  Other data released today saw the Chicago Fed's October national activity index print at -1.08, down from a revised September reading of -1.01.  Data to be released in the U.S. tomorrow include Q3 gross domestic product growth with a print around 2.8% expected by some economists.  Indian Prime Minister Singh today said there is "no replacement" for the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency.  In eurozone news, ECB member Ordonez cautiously reported "We don't know yet if the incipient global economic recovery has enough independent support for a stimulus withdrawal without running the risk of a new drop in activity."  Data released in the eurozone today saw the EMU-16 November composite purchasing managers index climb to 53.7 from 53.0 in October.  The manufacturing PMI reading climbed to 51.0 while the services PMI reading printed at 53.2.  Notably, activity in France's private sector expanded at its fastest pace in three years.  Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.4445 level.

¥/ CNY

The yen depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested offers around the ¥89.95 level and was supported around the ¥88.55 level.  Japanese financial markets were closed overnight and will reopen tonight.  Bank of Japan and the government remain embroiled in a disagreement about how best to address Japan's problem with deflation.  On Friday, the government declared the economy was again suffering from deflation for the first time since 2006.  The government is exerting pressure on the central bank to make sure it does not unwind its ultra-easy monetary policy anytime soon.  Last week, Bank of Japan's Policy Board kept its overnight call rate target unchanged at 0.1%. BoJ Governor Shirakawa then said the government and the central bank share the view that prices will keep declining.  Shirakawa also defended his belief that purchasing more corporate bonds will not help the economy, saying "When there is a shortage of demand in the economy, providing liquidity alone won't help to push prices higher."  Most BoJ-watchers believe the central bank will keep interest rates unchanged through at least most of 2010.  Referring to the economy, the central bank on Friday reported "Japan's economy is picking up mildly due to various policy measures taken at home and abroad, although the momentum of a self-sustaining recovery in domestic private demand remains weak."  BoJ's Policy Board recently predicted core consumer prices will decline 1.5% in the year ending March 2010, decline 0.8% in the fiscal year ending March 2011, and decline 0.4% in the fiscal year ending March 2012.  The Nikkei 225 stock index on Friday lost 0.54% to close at ¥9,497.68.  U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥94.75 level.  The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥133.45 level and was supported around the ¥132.05 level.  The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥148.20 level while the Swiss franc moved lower vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥88.40 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar appreciated vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8319 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8289.  People's Bank of China is said to have requested that its commercial banks slow down their rampant lending and increase their capital.  People's Bank of China Governor Zhou on Friday reported China is "passive" on the U.S. dollar and that its value does not impact the Chinese economy.  Zhou also said the central bank "will continue to maintain the moderately loose monetary policy and expansionary fiscal policy for a while."  U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner last week reported he is "quite confident" China will relax controls on its currency. 

 

 

 

The British pound rallied vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested offers around the US$ 1.6645 level and was supported around the $1.6480 level.  Traders again chased yield as gains in global equities markets fueled demand for riskier assets.  A Bank of England paper published this weekend noted "
Some studies have argued that credit growth and asset prices are useful leading indicators of banking system crises.  It is important that this work be pursued, as it may be possible to introduce a baseline rule-like element into any system."  On the political front, Tories leader Cameron pledged his opposition Conservative party would enact an emergency budget within 50 days after being elected.  The International Monetary Fund today called on the U.K. government's support for the economy to remain in place for "some time."  BoE Monetary Policy Committee member was quoted as saying a "modest recovery" is underway. 
Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.6430 level.  The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the ₤0.9035 level and was supported around the ₤0.8995 level.

CHF

The Swiss franc appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the CHF 1.0070 level and was capped around the 1.0180 level.  The pair is inching closer and closer to parity.  Switzerland's Economiesuisse today predicted the Swiss economy will expand 0.7% in 2010 with unemployment rising to 4.9% and inflation printing around 0.7%. Swiss National Bank President Roth last week said the central bank has the instruments to reduce liquidity if needed and the markets know the central bank will react to inflation if it emerges.  U.S. dollar offers are cited around the CHF 1.0270 level.  The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the Swiss franc as the single currency tested bids around the CHF 1.5105 level while the British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the Swiss franc and tested bids around the CHF 1.6720 level.

 

 

Technical Outlook at 1330 GMT (EDT + 0500)

 

             (Bid Price)       (Today's Intraday Range)                                

           

EUR/ USD        1.4980                1.4998, 1.4851
USD/ JPY           88.98                 89.02,   88.56
GBP/ USD        1.6620                1.6647, 1.6481
USD/ CHF         1.0086                1.0180, 1.0071
AUD/USD         0.9255                 0.9275, 0.9136
USD/CAD         1.0562                 1.0703,
1.0538
NZD/USD         0.7340                0.7366, 0.7222
EUR/ JPY         133.27                 133.33, 132.05
EUR/ GBP        0.9014                 0.9037, 0.8997
GBP/ JPY         147.78                 147.96, 146.49
CHF/ JPY           88.15                   88.23,   87.30

 

 

 

                                       

Support                        Resistance                   Support                     Resistance

 

EUR/ USD                                                              USD/ JPY

 

 

L1.        1.4470                          1.4915                             88.60               93.30 

L2.        1.4355                          1.5140                             87.10               95.50
L3.        1.4175                          1.5360                             86.10               98.85

 

   GBP/ USD                                                          USD/ CHF

 

L1.        1.6115                          1.6685                          1.0275                          1.0580

L2.        1.5720                          1.6830                          1.0040                          1.0695

L3.        1.5405                          1.7040                          0.9750                          1.0885

 

 AUD/ USD                                                           USD/ CAD

 

L1.        0.8450                          0.8830                          1.0535                          1.0945

L2.        0.8300                          0.9050                          1.0365                          1.1125

L3.        0.8070                          0.9120                          1.0155                          1.1355

 NZD/ USD                                                           EUR/ JPY

 

L1.        0.6880                          0.7125                          131.45                          135.75

L2.        0.6750                          0.7260                          129.75                          136.90

L3.        0.6535                          0.7395                          127.00                          138.75

 

 

  EUR/ GBP                                                          EUR/ CHF

 

L1.        0.8795                          0.8995                          1.5110                          1.5380

L2.        0.8675                          0.9105                          1.4905                          1.5580

L3.        0.8320                          0.9225                          1.4670                          1.5880

 

  GBP/ JPY                                                           CHF/ JPY

 

L1.        146.10                          152.50                            86.30                           88.65

L2.        142.05                          157.75                            85.40                           90.10

L3.        135.70                          161.70                            81.55                           91.60

 

 

SCHEDULE

 

 

Sunday, 22 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A

 

Monday, 23 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

0800     CH                    October M3 money supply (7.8% y/y)

0800     France              November PMI, manufacturing (55.6)

0800     France              November PMI, services (57.7)

0830     Germany           November PMI, manufacturing (51.0)

0830     Germany           November PMI, services (50.7)

0900     Eurozone          November PMI, manufacturing (50.7)

0900     Eurozone          November PMI, services (52.6)

0900     Eurozone          November PMI, composite (53.0)

1330     US                    October Chicago Fed national activity index (-0.81)

1330     Canada             September retail sales (0.8% m/m)

1330     Canada             September retail sales, ex-autos (0.5% m/m)

1500     US                    October existing home sales (5.57 million)

1500     US                    October existing home sales (9.4% m/m)

2300     Australia           September leading index (1.8%)

 

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       Japan               November PMI, manufacturing (54.3)

0045     Japan               Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Yamaguchi speaks

0500     Japan               October supermarket sales (-2.4% y/y)

0500     Japan               Bank of Japan monthly report

0700     Germany           Q3 gross domestic product (0.7% q/q)

0700     Germany           Q3 gross domestic product (-4.8% y/y)

0700     CH                    October UBS consumption indicator (0.632)

0745     France              November business confidence (89)

0750     France              October consumer spending (2.3% m/m)

0750     France              October consumer spending (1.0% y/y)

0815     CH                    Q3 employment level (3.945 million)

0900     Germany           November Ifo, expectations (96.8)

0900     Germany           November Ifo, business climate (91.9)

0900     Germany           November Ifo, current assessment

0930     UK                    Q3 total business investment (-10.2% q/q)

0930     UK                    Q3 total business investment (-21.8% y/y)

0930     UK                    October BBA house purchase loans

1000     Eurozone          September industrial new orders (2.2% m/m)

1000     Eurozone          September industrial new orders (-23.1% y/y)

1330     US                    Q3 gross domestic product, annualized (3.5%)

1330     US                    Q3 gross domestic product price index (0.8%)

1330     US                    Q3 PCE, core (1.4% q/q)

1400     US                    September S&P/ Case-Shiller home price index

1400     US                    September S&P/ Case-Shiller home price index (-14.9% y/y)

1500     US                    November consumer confidence (47.7)

1500     US                    September house price index (-0.3% m/m)

1500     US                    Q3 house price purchase index (-0.7% q/q)

1500     US                    November Richmond Fed manufacturing index (7)

2200     Australia           Reserve Bank of Australia official speaks

2350     Japan               October merchandise trade balance, total (¥525.3 billion)

2350     Japan               October corporate service prices (-3.2% y/y)

 

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       Japan               November small business confidence (43.4)

0000     Australia           November DEWR skilled vacancies (1.9% m/m)

0030     Australia           Q3 private capital expenditure (3.3%)

0030     Australia           Q3 construction work done (-0.1%)

0200     NZ                    November NBNZ business confidence (48.2)

0700     Germany           December GfK consumer confidence (4.0)

0830     Italy                  November consumer confidence

0900     Italy                  September retail sales

0930     UK                    Q3 gross domestic product (-0.4% q/q)

0930     UK                    Q3 gross domestic product (-5.2% y/y)

0930     UK                    September index of services (-0.1%)

1200     US                    MBA mortgage applications

1330     US                    October durable goods orders (1.4%)

1330     US                    October durable goods, ex-transportation (1.2%)

1330     US                    October personal income (0.0%)

1330     US                    October personal spending (-0.5%)

1330     US                    October PCE deflator (-0.5% y/y)

1330     US                    October PCE, core (0.1% m/m)

1330     US                    October PCE, core (1.3% y/y)

1330     US                    Weekly initial jobless claims (505,000)

1330     US                    Continuing jobless claims (5.611 million)

1500     US                    November University of Michigan consumer sentiment (66)

1500     US                    October new home sales (402,000)

1500     US                    October new home sales (-3.6% m/m)

1900     US                    Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes

2350     Japan               Bank of Japan Policy Board meeting minutes

 

Thursday, 26 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       Germany           November consumer price index (0.1% m/m)

N/A       Germany           November consumer price index (0.0% y/y)

N/A       Germany           November CPI, harmonized (0.1% m/m)

N/A       Germany           November CPI, harmonized (-0.1% y/y)

0200     NZ                    October M3 money supply (2.7% y/y)

0900     Eurozone          October M3 money supply (1.8% y/y)

1100     UK                    CBI quarterly distributive trades survey

1700     France              October total jobseekers

2145     NZ                    October trade balance (-NZ$ 424 million)

2350     Japan               October jobless rate (5.3%)

2350     Japan               October household spending (1.0% y/y)

2330     Japan               November Tokyo-area consumer price index (-2.4% y/y)

2330     Japan               November Tokyo CPI, ex-food and energy (-1.4% y/y)

2330     Japan               October consumer price index (-2.2% y/y)

2330     Japan               October CPI, ex-food and energy (-1.0% y/y)

2350     Japan               October large retailers' sales (-5.6%)

2350     Japan               October retail trade (0.9% m/m)

2350     Japan               October retail trade (-1.3% y/y)

Friday, 27 November 2009

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       Germany           October import price index (-0.9% m/m)

N/A       Germany           October import price index (-11.0% y/y)

N/A       Eurozone          November Ifo business climate survey

0745     France              November consumer confidence (-35)

0900     Italy                  October hourly wages

1000     Eurozone          November economic confidence (86.2)

1000     Eurozone          November business climate indicator (-1.78)

1000     Eurozone          November consumer confidence (-18.0)

1000     Eurozone          November industrial confidence (-21.0)

1000     Eurozone          November services confidence (-7.0)

1030     CH                    November KOF leading indicator (1.45)

1330     Canada             Q3 current account (-C$ 11.2 billion)

  


 

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