USDJPY bounces from two-week lows

USDJPY, H1

A moderate risk-off theme has become re-established in global markets, which pushed Treasury and other top-tier sovereign yields lower and hit stock markets while buoying the Yen in forex markets. USDJPY ebbed moderately lower as the Japanese currency picked up a safe-haven bid, breaking free of what had been a narrow orbit of the 109.50 level. A two-week low was set at 109.20. EURJPY and other Yen crosses also softened.

A South China Morning Post¹ article shone a light on the depth of US-China trade tensions, citing unnamed Chinese officials blaming the Trump administration for the recent breakdown in negotiations, claiming that the US “kept adding new demands in the late stages of the negotiations,” asking for changes that would in some cases “directly affect China’s political and social stability.”

Elsewhere, EURUSD eked out a three-session low at 1.1175, returning the focus to the two-year low seen last week at 1.1107. The results of the EU parliamentary elections saw far right nationalist parties win an unprecedented share of seats, but less than had been expected, while green parties fared much better than had been anticipated. Sterling saw some choppy price action as the UK election results were digested.

Cable printed a two-session low at 1.2654 before settling near 1.2680. The Brexit Party’s success at the EU parliamentary elections will strengthen the odds for the Conservative Party to opt for a candidate with strong Brexit-supporting credentials to become the new party leader, and thereby the new prime minister. However, while the Brexit and UKIP parties took 35% of the vote, the anti-Brexit parties collectively took about 40% of the vote.

¹https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/3011949/trump-doesnt-need-trade-deal-china-and-markets-had-better

Stuart Cowell

Head Market Analyst

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.