FX Update – December 11 – USD & GBP Remain Heavy

EURUSD, H1

The Dollar softened against most currencies, with most stock markets and oil prices rising in Asia, although overall risk appetite in global markets is relatively more subdued compared to recent times. As the European session got under way some demand for the USD has been evident. The GER30 has tanked over 1% in European trading as a no-trade deal Brexit, potentially looms. Base metal prices are below trend highs, and US equity index futures are also flat or modestly lower. The risk of a no-deal outcome between the EU and UK in the Brexit endgame has risen, while in the US Democrat House Speaker Pelosi said that wrangling over a fiscal aid package could drag on through Christmas, just as Covid-19 containing measures are becoming more restrictive and extensive across the country. Add in the usual year-end wind down, along with depleted levels of cash on hand at global investors, and the scene looks set for a consolidation in global asset markets, if not a correction.

Among currencies, the USDIndex fell to a four-day low at 90.62, swinging the 32-month low that was seen a week ago at 90.48 back into scope, before a tick higher 90.80. EURUSD concurrently lifted to a four-day high, at 1.2163 and then declined to 1.2130. The pair’s 32-month low, seen last Friday, is at 1.2178. USDJPY fell back to levels around 104.00, correcting after yesterday posting a nine-day high at 104.59. AUDUSD posted a fresh 30-month high at 0.7571, and AUDJPY scaled to a new 20-month high. NZDUSD saw a 30-month peak, too over 0.7100. USDCAD remained heavy, but remained above the 32-month low seen yesterday at 1.2704. As for the Pound, the currency has been holding up well so far, but looks vulnerable. UK PM Johnson said that “in all candour that the treaty is not there yet,” while stating that he is willing to return to Brussels, or visit Berlin and/or Paris, to get a deal over the line. The leaders have set a deadline of Sunday, though discussions could extend through next week if a deal has been agreed by the end of the weekend. Markets still expect a deal, but acknowledge the risk for a no-deal. Bookmakers Willian Hill are currently given odds with an implied probability of 61.9% for a no-deal outcome, with a 45.5% chance given for a deal being struck, which is down from the 62% that was given ahead of Johnson’s meeting with EU’s von der Leyen on Wednesday. We would anticipate a sharp decline in the Pound in the event of a no-deal scenario.

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Stuart Cowell

Head Market Analyst

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