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Market Overview

Pound Stabilizes after Selloff, Focus Stays in UK with CPI Featured

After suffering steep selloff yesterday on political uncertainties, Sterling stabilized and recovers mildly today. But focus will set to stay in the UK with CPI featured in the economic calendar. For the moment, GBP/USD and EUR/GBP are still holding in range. Thus, we're treating the selloff in the Pound as part of a corrective pattern first. Meanwhile, the calendar is getting busy today with Eurozone set to release GDP, industrial production as well as German ZEW economic sentiment. Some volatility could be seen in EUR/GBP. US will also release PPI later today which gives the market a glimpse of the inflation outlook, and as a prelude to Wednesday's CPI release. The greenback is generally staying in consolidation mode and needs fresh inspiration for a breakout.

Sterling Stays Weak on Political Turmoil, Central Bankers Dominate Slow Day

Sterling continues to trade as the weakest currency on political turmoils in UK. But so far, downside is limited. GBP/USD is holding above 1.3038 near term support. EUR/GBP below 0.9032 near term resistance. These two pairs are regarded as staying in sideway consolidation. More notable movement is seen in GBP/JPY. While GBP/JPY is also staying in range of 146.92/151.92, the break of 148.42 minor support now suggests fall from September high at 152.82 is ready to resume. Elsewhere, Yen and Swiss Franc are trading broadly higher on risk aversion. The economic calendar is light today but dominated by central bankers' comments. Many important data, including inflation, growth and sentiments, will be released around the world in the days ahead.

Sterling Plummets as Theresa May Steps Closer to Leadership Challenge

Sterling tumbles broadly as another week starts on political concerns. Prime Minister Theresa May's position is getting shaky as more MPs are getting impatient with her. Brexit Secretary David Davis dismissed EU's two week deadline and warned that no number nor formula would be provided on the divorce bill. On the other hand, Dollar gains broadly as riding of Friday's surge in treasury yields. For the time being, most pairs and crosses are stuck in recently established range. But with a heavy calendar ahead, and news on US tax plan, Brexit negotiation and German coalition, volatility is anticipated.

Dollar Ended Broadly Lower on Tax Plan Jitters, Rally Resumption Delayed

It was a rather dull week last week as US tax plan was the main market driver. Dollar ended broadly lower as investors were clearly dissatisfied with the Senate's version of the plan, which delay corporate tax cut by a year. But judging from reactions in US stocks, comparing to European markets, sentiments were not that bad. For the moment, DOW's up trend is still intact. Similar picture is seen in Dollar which is holding above key near term support level against all other major currencies. Indeed, US long term yields staged the strongest rally in more than a month on Friday, on worry off additional bond supply next year. And the surge in 10 year yield could provide the greenback with extra support. The economic calendar with come back this week with more important economic data, like CPI fro US and UK. And, with a tight working schedule, US tax plan will stay on top as a key focus in the markets.

Sterling Surges on Production Data, to End the Week as Strongest

Sterling shines today in rather dull trading as lifted by strong production data. Industrial production rose 0.7% mom, 2.5% yoy in September versus expectation of 0.3% mom, 1.9% yoy. Manufacturing production rose 0.7% mom, 2.7% yoy versus expectation of 0.3% mom, 2.4% yoy. Trade deficit also narrowed to GBP -11.3. But construction output dropped more than expected by -1.6% mom. Over the week, the Pound will also likely end as the strongest one. Canadian Dollar follows closely as supported by surge in oil price. Meanwhile, Dollar is set to end as the weakest as traders are dissatisfied with Senate's plan to delay corporate tax cut by a year.

Dollar Soft as Senate Released Tax Plan, Stocks Down But Not Out

The US markets responded negatively overnight as Senate's version of tax plan confirmed they wanted to delay corporate tax cut by a year. But considering intraday price actions, the reactions were not disastrous. DOW dropped initially to 23310.02 before paring much losses to close at 23461.91, down -101.42 pts or -0.43%. That's close to open at 23492.09. S&P 500 dropped as low as 2566.33 before closing at 2584.62, down -9.76 pts or -0.38%. That's even slightly higher than open at 2584.00. NASDAQ dropped to as low as 6687.28 then closed at 6750.05, down -39.07 pts or -0.58%. That's notably higher than open at 6737.45. After all, US equities has now entered into a consolidation phase after recent record runs. 10 year yield tried to recovery and ended up 0.006 at 2.331. Dollar, on the other hand, stays pressured and is set to end as the weakest one for the week.

Dollar Lacks Momentum for Recovery as Senate Tax Plan Awaited

Dollar tries to recover today but momentum is weak. The greenback is still trading as the weakest major currency for the week, as weighed down by concerns over the tax plan. But the picture could be cleared up as Senate is set to unveil their version of the bill. Released from US, initial jobless claims rose 10k to 239k in the week ended November 4, higher than expectation of 231K. Nonetheless, the four week moving average dropped -1.25k to 231.25k, lowest since March 1973. Continuing claims rose 17k to 1.9m in the week ended October 28. From Canada, new housing price index rose 0.2% mom in September.

Dollar Broadly Softer on Tax Plan Worries, Markets Stuck in Consolidation Mode

Dollar continues to trade generally weak today on worries of a delay in implementing corporate tax cut. EUR/USD edged lower to 1.1553 earlier this week but is now back above 1.16 as the greenback pared gains. Both USD/CHF and USD/JPY are stuck in tight range below recent high at 1.0037 and 114.73 respectively. Yen tried to stage a breakout yesterday but there was no follow through buying. Meanwhile, AUD/USD is also holding on to 0.7624 support as sideway trading continues. New Zealand Dollar trades slightly firmer after a more hawkish than expected RBNZ statement. But recent price actions in Kiwi remains corrective in nature.

Yen Surges on Global Flattening Yield Curve

Yen trades broadly higher today following a so called flattening yield curve phenomenon globally. 10 year German bund yields extends recent decline and hits a two month low at 0.32 today. 2 year yield was flat at -0.76% and that makings the 108 basis points spread the lowest in two months. Similar situation is seen in US with spread between 2- and 10-year yield at 67 basis points, lowest in nearly a decade. Economists see that as a sign of worry over inflation path. That is, inflation might not be heading up while global central banks begin tightening policies. Meanwhile, sentiments were also weighed down by uncertainty over the US tax plan as there were reports that Senate Republican could delay corporate tax cuts by a year to comply with Senate rules.

Dollar Pared Gains on Rumor of Delay to Corporate Tax Cut

Dollar weakens overnight on report that Senate Republicans are considering to delay corporate tax cut by a year. The greenback pared back some of this week's gains and turned mixed for the week. EUR/USD led the way down yesterday but breaking 1.1574 support. But equivalent move was not seen in other dollar pairs. USD/CHF was held below 1.0037 near term resistance. USD/JPY also failed to sustain above 114.44/9 zone. And even AUD/USD is held above 0.7624 support. Dollar is still waiting for inspiration for a firm breakout from consolidations. Meanwhile, Sterling and Yen remains the strongest one for the week so far.

Dollar Broadly Higher as EUR/USD Resumes Near Term Down Trend

Dollar trades broadly higher today as sentiments are supported by hope on tax cuts in US. In particular, EUR/USD breaks 1.1574 support to resume recent decline from 1.2091 high. Nonetheless, commodity currencies are trading as the weakest ones. In particular, Aussie is under some pressure after the non-eventful RBA rate decision. Economic calendar is lightly today and the main focuses for the rest of the day will be on speeches by BoC Governor Stephen Poloz and Fed Chair Janet Yellen.

Risk Appetite Stays in Financial Markets, Aussie Steady after RBA

The financial markets continued to trade with risk appetite this week. DOW managed to make another record high despite a mere 9.23 pts rise. S&P 500 and NASDAQ performed slightly better and gained 0.13% and 0.33% respectively, both at new records. FTSE was also firm yesterday and gained 0.03% to new record close at 7562.28. While that was below intraday record at 7598.99, that was enough to help lift Sterling for a rebound. GBP/USD is temporary safe after failing to break through 1.3026 key support following post BoE selloff. Meanwhile, Aussie trades steadily after RBA left cash rate unchanged at 1.50% as widely expected, with a carbon copy statement.

Euro Softer in Directionless Markets, Dollar Mixed

The direction in the Forex markets is no too clearly today. Yen was initially sold off earlier but there was no follow through selling so far. Instead, Euro is back under some selling pressure despite solid economic data. On the other hand, Dollar is mixed as US President Donald Trump's trip to Asia is no providing any inspiration to the markets. Instead, eyes will stay on the progress of the tax plan in Congress. But for now, in a rather light week, attention will be on RBA rate decision in the upcoming Asian session.

Yen Broadly Lower as a Light Week Starts; Trump Cries Trade Victim in Japan

Yen opens the weak generally lower. USD/JPY's break of 114.49 key resistance could now open up further rally to 118.65 key resistance. But more is needed to confirm underlying bullish momentum. BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda sounds quite upbeat in his latest assessment in the Japanese economy. US President Donald Trump started his Asian tour by crying that the US has suffered at hands of Japan for many many years, but markets paid little attention. The forex markets are mixed elsewhere with mild strength in Euro. But the initial focus of the week will on whether Dollar can ride on Friday's strength to resume recent uptrend

Dollar Survived Key Event Risks, Set to Resume Rally Soon

It was a week full of high profile events and much volatility was seen. But in the end, most forex pairs and crosses ended inside prior week's range. Canadian Dollar closed as the second strongest, next to Kiwi, thanks to strong October job numbers. In addition, the Loonie was lifted further as WTI crude oil surged through 55.24 key resistance to resume the up trend that started back in February 2016. Sterling was the weakest one as markets responded negatively to the dovish BoE rate cut. But the pound is stubbornly holding on to key near term support against Dollar, Euro and Yen so far. Dollar ended the week mixed after all the events. FOMC delivered a forgettable statement, Jerome Powell was confirmed as President Donald Trump's nomination as next Fed chair, House released the tax bill. Nonetheless, resilience of the greenback after non-farm payroll miss could be seen as hint of underlying strength. And Dollar could be back into driving seat soon.

Dollar Lower after Mixed Non-Farm Payrolls, Weakness Limited

Dollar weakens mildly in early US session after mixed employment data. Headline job growth as shown in non-farm payrolls report was at 261k in October, below expectation of 310k. But prior months figure was revised up from -33k contraction to 18k rise, roughly makes up the miss. Unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%, below expectation of being unchanged at 4.2%. The biggest disappointment is that average hourly earnings stalled at 0.0% mom, below expectation of 0.2% mom growth. While the greenback is sold off after the report, weakness is so far limited. Also from US, trade deficit widened slightly to USD -43.5b in September.

Powell Confirmed as Trump’s Nomination for Fed Chair, Tax Bill Released, Non Farm Payrolls Next

Fed Governor Jerome Powell was finally confirmed as US President Donald Trump's nomination as the one to succeed Janet Yellen as Fed Chair next year. House republicans also released the tax bill finally. Stock markets responded well to the news with DOW closing up 81.25 pts, or 0.35% at new record high. S&P 500 also reversed earlier loss and closed up 0.02% at 2579.85. But judging from the reactions in bonds, Powell is taken as a dovish Fed chair. 10 year yield lost 0.029 to close at 2.347, notably lower comparing to last week's close at 2.428. Powell is seen as a safe choice that would largely follow Yellen's path of gradual tightening. Focus will now turn to non-farm payrolls report.

Sterling Tumbles on Dovish BoE Rate Hike, Focus Turns to Fed Chair Nomination and Tax Plan

Sterling dives sharply as respond to BoE's dovish rate hike that suggests it's a one-off. Indeed, selling has already started around 30 minutes ahead of the announcement. At the time of writing, the Pound is still holding above key near term support level against Dollar, Euro and Yen. That is, GBP/USD is holding above 1.3026/68 support zone. GBP/JPY is staying above 148.88 support. EUR/GBP is staying well below 0.9032 resistance. More is needed to confirm underlying weakness in the Pound. For now, while traders will have one eye on Sterling, focus will also turn to US President Donald Trump's expected nomination of Jerome Powell as Fed chair, as well as Republican's release of the tax plan.

Dollar Lower after FOMC, Sterling Strong as BoE Rate Hike Awaited

Dollar weakens broadly after FOMC rate decision that provides little news to the markets. Instead, traders are keen awaiting US President Donald Trump's announcement on nominating Fed Governor Jerome Powell to take over Fed chair job next year. The announcement is expected at 3pm New York Time today. Also, after a day of delay, House is set to reveal the details of the tax bill. But the greenback could continue to stay in range and wait for tomorrow's non-farm payroll report. Meanwhile, Sterling remains the strongest one for the week as markets await the highly anticipated BoE rate hike.

Dollar Higher after ADP Job Report, Upside Limited ahead of Key Event Risks

Dollar strengthens mildly in early US after after stronger than expected job data. ADP report shows 235k growth in private sector jobs in October, above expectation of 200k. But upside is limited at the time of writing. There a number of key events for the rest of the week. Fed is widely expected to keep interest rate unchanged today and save the move for December. US President Donald Trump will announce his nomination for the next Fed chair tomorrow. Republicans will also reveal the details of the tax plan tomorrow after a day of delay. Finally, non-farm payroll report will be released on Friday.