Sunday, January 10, 2010

Foreign Exchange Research - Daily Market Commentary



DAILY MARKET COMMENTARY
1 January 2010

Friday

 

           

 


 

Fundamental Outlook at 1500 GMT (EDT + 0500)

 

 

The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar on Thursday as the single currency tested bids around the US$ 1.4305 level and was capped around the $1.4440 level.  The common currency gained 2.52% in 2009.  Data released in the U.S. yesterday saw weekly initial jobless claims improve to +432,000 from a revised +454,000 while continuing claims improved to 4.981 million from a revised 5.038 million the week before.  The common currency fell to three-month lows on U.S. economic recovery signs and an improved economic outlook from the Fed.  Some dealers believe the Fed is inching closer to removing more of its monetary stimulus measures.  Recently, the U.S. dollar has started to benefit from improving U.S. economic fundamentals, a reversal from earlier in the year when the greenback failed to markedly improve from better fundamentals.  In eurozone news, data released on Wednesday saw EMU-16 bank lending decline 0.7% m/m last month, the third consecutive month of declines.  Also, the EMU-16 leading economic index rose 0.7% to 107.1 last month following October's 0.6% gain and September's 0.9% gain.  Moreover, the EMU-16 M3 money supply fell by 0.2% y/y, far below the forecast.  The euro's share of global foreign reserves has risen to all-time highs according to the International Monetary Fund.  The euro's share of global foreign reserves is now at 27.7% whereas the U.S. dollar's weighting has falledn to 61.6%.  ECB member Mersch this week reported the eurozone economic recovery looks "moderate and precarious."  In contrast, ECB member Kranjec reported there are signs the global economic crisis is over. ECB member Bini Smaghi reported global central banks should be able to adopt a more "minor role" in managing the economy next year "and the real economy can take over again." Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.3885 level.

¥/ CNY

The yen depreciated sharply vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar on Thursday as the greenback tested offers around the ¥93.15 level and was supported around the ¥91.90 level.  The pair gained 2.63% in 2009.  In the absence of major news overnight, traders continue to square their books at year-end and react positively to dollar-supportive U.S. economic data.  Ongoing doubts concerning Japan Airlines and the company's possible bankruptcy are having a negative impact on the yen.  Standard & Poors yesterday warned Japan's "AA" credit rating could be lowered if Japan fails to stabilize its debt levels.  The Japanese government released a long-term strategy yesterday that aims to achieve GDP growth of an average 2% over the next decade.  Data released in Japan this week saw December PMI improve to 53.8.  Minutes from Bank of Japan's latest Policy Board meeting were released last week in which the government asked the central bank to monitor deflation.  The minutes revealed "many" Policy Board members agreed "the bank would maintain its stance of responding promptly to changes in the market situation."  Policymakers said the central bank "would adopt the most effective method for money-market operations that conformed to changes in financial markets."  After an emergency meeting on 1 December, the central bank introduced a ¥10 trillion fixed-rate lending facility that was designed to arrest the yen's advances and counter deflation.  The central bank also characterized the most recent bout of deflation as "mild."  The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 0.86% to close at ¥10,546.44.  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 ¥133.60 level and was supported around the ¥132.45 level.  The British pound moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested offers around the ¥150.65 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥90.05 level. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar appreciated vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan as the greenback closed at CNY 6.8270 in the over-the-counter market, up from CNY 6.8255.  People's Bank of China Governor Zhou reported "2010 is a crucial year in strengthening the stabilization and recovery of the economy and defeating the international financial crisis."  People's Bank of China reported China's foreign reserves management will face a larger challenge in 2010.  PBoC reaffirmed it will "gradually proceed" with exchange rate reform.

The British pound appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested offers around the US$ 1.6235 level and was supported around the $1.6050 level.  Former MPC member and current CBI chief Lambert warned election politics could jeopardize the U.K.'s economic recovery.  Cable gained 10.71% in 2009.  A Bank of England survey released this week reported banks were more willing to lend to homeowners and companies in Q4 2009.  The quarterly credit conditions survey also indicated the availability of mortgage loans is expected to rise in Q1 2010 also.  Data released in the U.K. this saw Nationwide December housing prices rise 0.4% m/m and 5.9% y/y.  Prime Minister Brown talked up the U.K.'s economic growth prospects yesterday but acknowledged the economic recovery remains "fragile." Brown must call a general election by early June.  Large spending cuts will likely be required to improve the U.K.'s fiscal position.  Most traders believe Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee remains in a wait-and-see mode and will expand its quantitative easing programs if required.  Monetary policy is expected to remain unchanged until February, however, when Q4 GDP and the latest quarterly inflation report are due.  Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.5755 level.  The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the British pound as cable tested bids around the ₤0.8855 level and was capped around the ₤0.8955 level.

CHF

The Swiss franc depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the CHF 1.0285 level and was capped around the CHF 1.0385 level.   The pair lost 2.98% in 2009.  Data released in Switzerland this week saw the December KOF leading indicator improve to 1.68 from 1.62 in November.  KOF, however, also reported the Swiss economy will "significantly lose momentum" in the coming months.   Other data released in Switzerland this week saw the UBS November consumption indicator rise to 1.28 from 0.88 in October.  This represents the third consecutive monthly increase, evidencing an increase in consumer spending.  U.S. dollar offers are cited around the CHF 1.0615 level.  The euro moved lower vis-à-vis the Swiss franc as the single currency tested bids around the CHF 1.4820 level while the British pound appreciated vis-à-vis the Swiss franc and tested offers around the CHF 1.6755 level.

 

Technical Outlook at 1330 GMT (EDT + 0500)

 

             (Bid Price)       (Today's Intraday Range)                                

           

EUR/ USD        1.4323               1.4355,  1.4313
USD/ JPY           93.02                 93.11,    93.01
GBP/ USD        1.6128                 1.6184, 1.6097
USD/ CHF         1.0350                 1.0354, 1.0346
AUD/USD         0.8971                0.8986, 0.8975
USD/CAD         1.0518                 1.0539,
1.0526
NZD/USD         0.7225                0.7260, 0.7224
EUR/ JPY         133.22                 133.58, 132.45
EUR/ GBP        0.8864                 0.8896, 0.8846
GBP/ JPY         150.26                150.83, 149.76
CHF/ JPY           89.79                  89.93,   89.78

 

                                       

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, 3 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

1530     US                    Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke speaks

 

Monday, 4 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

0830     CH                    December purchasing managers index (56.9)

0850     France              December PMI, manufacturing (54.4)

0855     Germany           December PMI, manufacturing (53.1)

0900     Eurozone          December PMI, manufacturing (51.2)

0930     Eurozone          December Sentix investor confidence (-5.5)

0930     Italy                  December consumer price index

0930     UK                    November mortgage approvals (57,300)

0930     UK                    November net lending secured on dwellings (₤900 million)

0930     UK                    December PMI, manufacturing (51.8)

0930     UK                    November M4 money supply (0.0% m/m)

0930     UK                    November M4 money supply (9.2% y/y)

0930     UK                    November net consumer credit (-₤600 million)

1500     US                    December ISM manufacturing (53.6)

1500     US                    December ISM, prices paid (55.0)

1500     US                    November construction spending (0.0% m/m)

1515     US                    Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Lockhart speaks

1815     US                    Federal Reserve Governor Duke speaks

2350     Japan               December monetary base (3.8% y/y)

 

Tuesday, 5 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       Germany           November retail sales (0.0% m/m)

N/A       Germany           November retail sales (-1.7% y/y)

0000     Australia           November HIA new home sales (-6.0% m/m)

0745     France              December consumer confidence (-30.0)

0855     Germany           December unemployment change (-7,000)

0855     Germany           December unemployment rate (8.1%)

0930     UK                    December PMI, construction (47.0)

1000     Eurozone          December consumer price index, estimate (0.6% y/y)

1230     Canada             November industrial product prices (-0.3% m/m)

1230     Canada             November raw materials price index (2.5% m/m)

1300     US                    Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Hoenig speaks

1500     US                    November pending home sales (3.7% m/m)

1500     US                    November pending home sales (28.6% y/y)

1500     US                    November factory orders (0.6%)

 

Wednesday, 6 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

0001     UK                    December Nationwide consumer confidence (73.0)

0001     UK                    December BRC shop price index (0.2%)

0030     Australia           November retail sales (0.3% m/m)

0030     Australia           November building approvals (-0.6% m/m)

0030     Australia           November building approvals (11.7% y/y)

0850     France              December PMI, services (60.9)

0855     Germany           December PMI, services (53.1)

0900     Eurozone          December PMI, services (53.0)

0900     Eurozone          December PMI, composite (53.7)

0930     UK                    December PMI, services (56.6)

1000     Eurozone          November producer price index (0.2% m/m)

1000     Eurozone          November producer price index (-6.7% y/y)

1000     Eurozone          October industrial new orders (1.7% m/m)

1000     Eurozone          October industrial new orders (-16.4% y/y)

1200     US                    MBA mortgage applications

1230     US                    December Challenger job cuts (-72.3% y/y)

1315     US                    December ADP employment change (-169,000)

1500     US                    December ISM, non-manufacturing composite (48.7)

1900     US                    Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes

1905     Australia           November trade balance (-A$ 2.379 billion)

2145     NZ                    November trade balance (-NZ$ 487 million)

 

Thursday, 7 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

N/A       UK                    December Halifax house prices (1.4% m/m)

0000     Japan               December official reserve assets (US$ 1.073 trillion)

0500     US                    Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Bullard speaks

0815     CH                    December consumer price index (0.2% m/m)

0815     CH                    December consumer price index (0.0% y/y)

1000     Eurozone          November retail sales (0.0% m/m)

1000     Eurozone          November retail sales (-1.9% y/y)

1000     Eurozone          December economic confidence (88.8)

1000     Eurozone          December consumer confidence (-17.0)

1000     Eurozone          December business climate indicator (-1.56)

1000     Eurozone          December industrial confidence (-19.0)

1000     Eurozone          December services confidence (-4.0)

1100     Germany           November factory orders (-2.1% m/m)

1100     Germany           November factory orders (-8.5% y/y)

1200     UK                    Bank of England MPC interest rate decision

1200     UK                    Bank of England asset purchase program

1330     US                    Weekly initial jobless claims

1330     US                    Continuing jobless claims

1500     Canada             December Ivey purchasing managers index (55.9)

1800     US                    Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Hoenig speaks

 

Friday, 8 January 2010

all times GMT

(last release in parentheses)

 

 

0000     Australia           Q3 quarterly wage agreements

0500     Japan               November leading index (89.4)

0500     Japan               November coincident index (94.3)

0500     China                Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Bullard speaks

0545     CH                    December unemployment rate (4.1%)

0700     Germany           November trade balance (€13.6 billion)

0700     Germany           November current account (€11.0 billion)

0745     France              November trade balance (-€4.4 billion)

0930     UK                    December PPI, input (0.1% m/m)

0930     UK                    December PPI, input (4.0% y/y)

0930     UK                    December PPI, output (0.2% m/m)

0930     UK                    December PPI, output (2.9% y/y)

0930     UK                    December PPI, output core (-0.1% m/m)

0930     UK                    December PPI, output core (2.0% y/y)

1000     Eurozone          November unemployment rate (9.8%)

1100     Germany           November industrial production (-1.8% m/m)

1100     Germany           November industrial production (-12.4% y/y)

1230     Canada             December employment, net change (79,100)

1230     Canada             December unemployment rate (8.5%)

1300     US                    December non-farm payrolls, net change (-11,000)

1330     US                    December unemployment rate (10.0%)

1330     US                    December average hourly earnings (0.1% m/m)

1330     US                    December average hourly earnings (2.2% y/y)

1330     US                    December average weekly hours (33.2)

1500     US                    November wholesale inventories (0.3%)

1835     US                    Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Lacker speaks

2000     US                    November consumer credit (-US$ 3.5 billion)

  



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