EUR/USD extended its rally for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as the US Dollar (USD) continued to face headwinds following the credit downgrade of the United States last Friday.
The United States (US) House of Representatives is poised to begin casting votes on the Republican party's tax and budget bill that is front-loaded with many of President Donald Trump's wishlist items.
Oil prices have been under persistent pressure since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January, weighed down by a combination of recession fears, rising global supply, and a softer US Dollar.
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) caught a firm bid on Wednesday, climbing one-half of one percent during the midweek market session.
The US Dollar (USD) maintained its weekly leg lower well in place weakening to new two-week lows on the back of rising concerns over the US fiscal position in light of President Trump’s tax bill and worries over the performance of the US economy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) recoiled on Wednesday, tumbling 800 and testing below 42,000 after demand for United States (US) Treasuries declined.
Gold prices advance by over 0.50% and remain above the $3,300 mark as traders grow increasingly nervous about the United States (US) tax bill vote, along with escalating tensions in the Middle East. XAU/USD trades at $3,307 after bouncing off a daily low of $3,285.
United States 20-Year Bond Auction climbed from previous 4.81% to 5.047%
The Pound Sterling rose to a new year-to-date (YTD) high of 1.3468 against the US Dollar on Wednesday as UK inflation rose, drifting away from the Bank of England's (BoE) 2% target, which had led to interest rate reductions earlier in the month.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) continues to strengthen against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, with the release of a record trade surplus in April highlighting the largest monthly goods surplus on record with the United States.
Silver price (XAG/USD) hits a fresh weekly high to near $33.20 during North American trading hours on Wednesday. The white metal strengthens as the US Dollar (USD) extends its downside on the United States (US) credit rating erosion in the wake of large debt levels and escalated fiscal imbalances.
United States EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change registered at 1.328M above expectations (-1.85M) in May 16
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday that there are signs that the United States (US) could be interested in having a trade deal with the European Union (EU), per Reuters.
The EUR/JPY pair edges down to near 162.90 during North American trading hours on Wednesday. The cross ticks lower as the Japanese Yen (JPY) outperforms across the board, with investors remaining increasingly confident that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will raise interest rates again this year.
The US Dollar (USD) continues to weaken against the Japanese Yen (JPY), as shifting economic conditions and central bank outlooks reshape expectations for both currencies.
Canada New Housing Price Index (YoY) fell from previous 0.1% to -0.6% in April
Canada New Housing Price Index (MoM) registered at -0.4%, below expectations (0.1%) in April
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) strengthens further against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, marking a three-day rally, with USD/CAD slipping below 1.3900 as markets digest stronger-than-expected Canadian inflation figures and a broadly subdued Greenback.
Japanese Yen (JPY) is entering Wednesday’s NA session with an impressive 0.4% gain vs. the US Dollar (USD), a mid-performer among the G10 in an environment of broad-based USD weakness, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the performance of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, slips for a third consecutive day on Wednesday as markets brace for another playing field of geopolitical tensions.
Mexico Retail Sales (MoM) above expectations (0.1%) in March: Actual (0.5%)
Mexico Retail Sales (YoY) above forecasts (2.2%) in March: Actual (4.3%)
Pound Sterling (GBP) is entering Wednesday’s NA session with a 0.1% gain again the US Dollar (USD) but losses against most of the remaining G10 currencies, trading erratically in response to the release of stronger than expected inflation data, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.
Australian Dollar (AUD) fell post-dovish RBA yesterday. AUD last at 0.6445 levels, OCBC's FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note.
The US Dollar (USD) is trading weaker on the session. It’s another one of those uncomfortable 'sell everything' days for the US.
USD/JPY extended its decline following the broad decline in USD. USD/JPY was last at 143.74 levels, OCBC's FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note.
Yesterday’s hotter than expected April CPI data served to dampen expectations of a June BoC rate cut, putting some moderate, downward pressure on US/Canada interest rate spreads, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.
US Dollar (USD) fell broadly against most currencies. DXY was last at 99.59, OCBC's FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note.
The USD/CHF pair slides to near 0.8240 during the European trading session, extending the losing streak for the third trading day on Wednesday.
Euro (EUR) is up 0.5% vs. the US Dollar (USD) and a mid-performer among the G10 in an environment of broad-based USD weakness, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.
Downward momentum has largely faded; US Dollar (USD) is likely to trade in a 7.1850/7.2450 range for now against Chinese Yuan (CNH), UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.
The Mexican Peso (MXN) and the US Dollar (USD) are gearing up for a crucial day of economic and fundamental headwinds, which could offer further insight into the current and projected growth outlooks for both economies.
There is scope for US Dollar (USD) to edge lower to 143.80 vs Japanese Yen (JPY); a sustained break below this level seems unlikely. In the longer run, the bias for USD is on the downside toward 143.80, potentially to 143.30, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.
The AUD/USD pair moves higher to near 0.6460 during European trading hours on Wednesday. The Aussie pair gains as the US Dollar (USD) continues to underperform its peers on the back of the United States (US) Sovereign Credit rating erosion.
News of a potential Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is causing EUR/USD to rise this morning and shows that the euro is currently still favored as a safe haven against the dollar. However, this does not seem to be a problem, at least for the ECB.
South Africa Retail Sales (YoY): 1.5% (March) vs previous 3.9%
United States MBA Mortgage Applications: -5.1% (May 16) vs previous 1.1%
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is likely to trade in a sideways range of 0.5905/0.5945 against the US Dollar (USD). In the longer run, outlook remains mixed, but NZD is likely to trade in a tighter range of 0.5835/0.5985, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.
China's Gold imports surged to an 11-month high last month despite record-high prices, according to customs data, ING’s commodity analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey note.
EUR/USD jumps to near 1.1350 on Wednesday, extending its winning streak for the third trading day. The major currency pair strengthens as the US Dollar (USD) continues to face a sharp selling pressure amid the United States (US) credit rating erosion.
Australian Dollar (AUD) is likely to trade in a sideways range of 0.6400/0.6450 vs US Dollar (USD). In the longer run, outlook is mixed; AUD is likely to trade in a range between 0.6370 and 0.6480, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.
European natural Gas prices had a strong day yesterday, with the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) settling almost 5% higher, ING’s commodity analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey note.
Periods of data silence often serve as a useful gauge of the market’s underlying bias in FX.
European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Martins Kazaks said on Wednesday, “the ECB will soon reach terminal rate if baseline holds.”
Silver (XAG/USD) reverses an intraday dip to the $33.00 neighborhood and climbs to over a one-week high during the first half of the European session on Wednesday. The white metal currently trades around the $33.15-$33.20 region, up 0.20% for the day, and seems poised to appreciate further.
Pound Sterling (GBP) could edge higher and test 1.3420; the major resistance at 1.3445 is likely out of reach for now. In the longer run, GBP could continue to rise; based on the current momentum, it might find 1.3445 difficult to break, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.
Germany 10-y Bond Auction increased to 2.66% from previous 2.47%
Silver prices (XAG/USD) rose on Wednesday, according to FXStreet data.
The oil market spiked in early morning trading on media reports suggesting that Israel could be planning a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, ING’s commodity analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey note.
AUD/JPY remains steady and is holding ground near 92.80 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The currency cross depreciated by more than 0.50% in the previous session following the interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the People’s Bank of China (PBoC).
Gold (XAU/USD) breaks higher on Wednesday towards $3,308 at the time of writing, fueled by concerns that tensions in the Middle East might spiral out of control again and US fiscal woes. In late trading on Tuesday, CNN reported that Israel is considering targeting nuclear sites in Iran.
UK inflation for April surprised on the hot side this morning, with service CPI spiking from 4.7% to 5.4% against expectations for 4.8%, ING’s FX analyst Francesco Pesole notes.
EUR could rise above 1.1290; the current momentum suggests any further advance is unlikely to reach 1.1320.
European currencies in general are enjoying good momentum, with the Swiss franc and the Swedish krona on top of this week’s G10 scorecard, ING’s FX analyst Francesco Pesole notes.
United Kingdom DCLG House Price Index (YoY) came in at 6.4%, above forecasts (5.2%) in March
NZD/USD is trading around 0.5940 during the European hours on Wednesday. The pair has retraced its recent losses registered in the previous session as a neutral bias persists, suggested by the technical analysis of the daily chart showing the pair is consolidating within a rectangular pattern.
South Africa Consumer Price Index (MoM) down to 0.3% in April from previous 0.4%
South Africa Consumer Price Index (YoY) rose from previous 2.7% to 2.8% in April
Greece Current Account (YoY) fell from previous €-2.49B to €-2.998B in March
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price extends its gains for the fourth successive session, trading around $62.70 per barrel during the early European hours on Wednesday.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) attracts bids against its major peers on Wednesday, hitting a fresh three-year high near 1.3470 against the US Dollar (USD).
Indonesia Bank Indonesia Rate meets expectations (5.5%)
Here is what you need to know on Wednesday, May 21:
The GBP/JPY cross trims a part of its modest intraday losses following the release of hotter-than-expected UK consumer inflation figures, though it lacks follow-through buying.
The EUR/GBP cross trims recent gains near 0.8435 during the early European session on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling (GBP) edges slightly higher against the Euro (EUR) after the release of UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data for April.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price advances on Wednesday, early in the European session. WTI trades at $62.87 per barrel, up from Tuesday’s close at $62.16.
The USD/CAD pair extends the previous day's breakdown momentum below a one-week-old trading range and attracts sellers for the third successive day on Wednesday.
United Kingdom Consumer Price Index (YoY) above forecasts (3.3%) in April: Actual (3.5%)
United Kingdom Retail Price Index (YoY) came in at 4.5%, above forecasts (4.2%) in April
Sweden Capacity Utilization fell from previous 0.7% to 0.5% in 1Q
United Kingdom Core Consumer Price Index (YoY) came in at 3.8%, above forecasts (3.6%) in April
United Kingdom Consumer Price Index (MoM) above forecasts (1.1%) in April: Actual (1.2%)
United Kingdom Retail Price Index (MoM) above forecasts (1.5%) in April: Actual (1.7%)
FX option expiries for May 21 NY cut at 10:00 Eastern Time via DTCC can be found below.
The EUR/USD pair gathers strength to near 1.1330 during the early European session on Wednesday, bolstered by a weaker US Dollar (USD).
The USD/CHF pair continues to lose ground for the third successive day and drops to a two-week low, around the 0.8220-0.8215 region during the Asian session on Wednesday. Moreover, the fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance for spot prices remains to the downside.
The GBP/USD pair extends its winning streak for the third successive session, trading around 1.3430 during Wednesday's Asian hours. The technical analysis of the daily chart suggests a persistent bullish bias as the pair remains within an ascending channel pattern.
Gold price (XAU/USD) prolongs its weekly uptrend for the third straight day and climbs further beyond the $3,300 mark, to a one-and-a-half-week high during the Asian session on Wednesday.
Gold prices rose in India on Wednesday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The Indian Rupee (INR) edges lower on Wednesday. The US Dollar (USD) bids from foreign banks, likely on behalf of custodial clients, and the weaker Chinese Yuan weigh on the Indian currency. Additionally, a decline in local equities and a rise in crude oil prices also undermine the INR.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the US Dollar (USD) against a basket of six major currencies, is extending its losses for the third successive session and trading lower at around 99.70 during the Asian hours on Wednesday.
Silver (XAG/USD) retreats slightly following an Asian session uptick to the $33.20 area, or over a one-week high, and erodes a part of the previous day's strong move up.
Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed on Wednesday that Group of Seven (G7) nations are mulling over coordinated efforts to impose levies on low-value Chinese imports.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) touched a fresh two-week high against a broadly weaker US Dollar (USD) during the Asian session on Wednesday despite the disappointing release of Japan's trade balance data.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said late Tuesday that cars assembled in Mexico and exported to the United States (US) will be levied an average tariff of 15%, not 25%, clarifying that they will avail additional discounts that local products benefit from.
The NZD/USD pair attracts some buyers to around 0.5935 during the early Asian session on Wednesday, bolstered by a weaker US Dollar (USD). The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Thomas I. Barkin is scheduled to speak later on Wednesday.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) edges higher against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, rebounding after falling more than 0.50% in the previous session.
China’s Commerce Ministry said early Wednesday that US measures on China’s advanced chips are ‘typical of unilateral bullying and protectionism.’ Chinese authorities urged the US to immediately correct its erroneous practices.
On Wednesday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 7.1937 as compared to the previous day's fix of 7.1931 and 7.2133 Reuters estimate.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $62.95 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The WTI price surges after CNN reported that US intelligence suggests Israel is making preparations to possibly strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
EUR/USD caught a bounce for a second day in a row on Tuesday, bolstering the pair back toward the 1.1300 handle. Despite a near-term rise in bullish momentum bolstering the Fiber, EUR/USD remains well back from recent multi-year highs near 1.1575.
Japan Merchandise Trade Balance Total came in at ¥-115.8B, below expectations (¥227.1B) in April
Japan Imports (YoY) came in at -2.2%, above forecasts (-4.5%) in April
Japan Exports (YoY) meets forecasts (2%) in April
The United States (US) has obtained new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, even as US President Donald Trump has been pursuing a diplomatic deal with Tehran, multiple US officials familiar with the latest intelligence told CNN.
During a discussion panel hosted by the Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Atlanta, the San Francisco and Cleveland Fed Bank Presidents Mary C. Daly and Beth Hammack both took the opportunity to express concern about the current state of the US economy.
The USD/CAD pair extended its decline to near 1.3910 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The US Dollar (USD) weakens against the Canadian Dollar (CAD) amid renewed concerns over the US economy. Traders will keep an eye on the speech from the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Thomas I.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) begins the Asian session virtually unchanged against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, following a 0.49% loss in the previous session as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced interest rates. At the time of writing, the AUD/USD trades at 0.6420 flat.
Silver price soared on Tuesday, climbing past the $33.00 mark per troy ounce as the US Dollar weakened across the board.
New Zealand Trade Balance NZD (MoM) came in at $1426M, above expectations ($500M) in April
New Zealand Imports: $6.42B (April) vs previous $6.62B
New Zealand Exports climbed from previous $7.59B to $7.84B in April
New Zealand Trade Balance NZD (YoY) increased to $-4.81B in April from previous $-6.13B
GBP/USD rose slightly on Tuesday, climbing toward (but still not able to capture) the 1.3400 handle.