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Market Overview

Roller Coaster Rides in Markets as Russia Invades Ukraine

The markets had a roller coaster ride on Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week. At the time of writing, Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands after three days of brutal attack by Russia. Wave of European leaders have start delivering supplies Ukraine while packages of sanctions were imposed, up to...

Stocks Extend Rebound, EUR/GBP Turning Around

Global stocks continue to rebound today. The West's refrain from excluding Russia out of SWIFT was seen as a relief. But still risks remain, in particular if war spreads to NATO countries. Economic data continue to take a back seat, and even another surge in US inflation doesn't move...

Markets Stabilized from Ukraine Crisis, But Risks Remain

Overall, the markets seem to have stabilized from the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia, for now at least. US stock markets staged a late and strong turnaround overnight while Asian markets also recovered. Gold is back pressing 1900 handle while WTI oil is trading around 96, after breaching...

Gold and Oil Surge on Russian Invasion, Stocks and Euro Dive

Russia invasion of Ukraine remains the dominant theme in the markets today. Safe haven flow pushes gold to highest level in more than a year, marching towards 2k handle. WTI crude oil also surges pass 100 level, rising as it does in geopolitical tensions. In the currency markets, Yen...

Global Markets Sink as Russia Invades Ukraine, Euro Under Heavy Selling

Global markets sink as Russia finally launches invasion of Ukraine. Risk averse sentiment dominates, pushing gold and oil higher, while stocks and cryptocurrencies tumble. In the currency markets, Yen and Swiss Franc surge sharply on safe-haven flows, together with Dollar. On the other hand, Euro is under heavy selling...

Aussie Surges as Risk Sentiment Improves, Euro and Sterling Shrugs Hawkish Comments

The markets are generally trading in risk-on mode today. New Zealand Dollar is leading commodity currencies higher, with additional boost from hawkish RBNZ rate hike. Australian Dollar is following closely, then Canadian Dollar. on the other hand, Yen and Dollar are under some selling pressure. Euro and Sterling are...

Most Markets Shrug Sanctions on Russia, NZD Jumps after Hawkish RBNZ

US stocks tumbled sharply overnight after the West unveiled a wave a sanctions on Russia's invasion on Ukraine, and warned that more are underway. But other markets were pretty steady, with Asian markets trading mildly higher. Gold is struggling to stand above 1900 handle. WTI crude oil is also...

Markets Surprisingly Calm Despite War Risks and Sanctions, Euro Recovers

The markets are surprisingly calm despite some initial volatility on escalation in Russia Ukraine situation. News of sanctions on Russia are staying to flow out, with the UK sanctioning five Russians banks and three individuals. Germany also put the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on hold....

Euro and Sterling Sink on Escalating Risks of Russia Invading Ukraine

Market sentiment sinks deeply after Russian President Valdimir Putin declared recognition of independence of the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, and ordered troops to enter the regions, which is seen as risk of imminent invasion. Coordinated sanctions on Russia are expected shortly from the US and allies, including the...

Swiss Franc Surges as Risk Sentiment Turns Sour Again

Risk sentiment turns sour again as the arrangement for a Biden-Putin summit looks far from being promising. As the same time, there seems to be some scattered escalations in Russia-Ukraine situations. Major European indexes are trading mildly lower, together with US futures. Gold is holding in tight range slightly...

Markets Steady as Biden and Putin Agreed on a Ukraine Summit

The markets are steadily mixed in Asian session today. Sentiment is stabilized somewhat on news that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed in principle to a summit over Ukraine, as brokered by French President Emmanuel Macron. Nevertheless, risks of imminent war remain. For now,...

Indecisive Markets Awaited Clarity on Russia-Ukraine Situation, Euro Weakened

The markets were rather indecisive last week, as there is still no clarity on the Russia-Ukraine situation. The fall in benchmark treasury yields and rally in Gold suggest some risk-off undertone. But then, the selloff in equities was not very committed. Meanwhile, crude oil price gyrated in established range...

Markets Staying Quiet, Canada and UK Retail Sales Ignored

The financial markets are generally quiet today. Stocks are slightly down by losses are limited. Retail sales data from Canada and UK are largely ignored. Commodity currencies are the strongest ones for now. Yen, Dollar and Euro are the weaker ones. There news of shelling in Ukraine east by...

Sterling to Look into Retail Sales for Range Breakout

Even though the US markets were in deep selloff overnight, Asian markets are just mixed. Investors are still waiting for come clarity on the Russia-Ukraine situation before taking a committed move. Trading is also subdued ahead of a long weekend in the US, with a holiday on Monday. In...

Yen and Gold Rise as Investors Stay Nervous on Russia-Ukraine

The markets are overall mixed today, as investors are holding their breath, awaiting confirmation on whether Russia is going to invade Ukraine, or not. Gold jumps notably and is now eyeing 1900 handle on nervous sentiment. In the currency markets, Yen is currently the stronger one, followed by Kiwi...

Sentiment Remains Fragile and Sensitive to Ukraine Situation, Aussie Shrugs Mixed Job Data

Australian Dollar rises mildly in Asian session, together with New Zealand Dollar. But both were hammed down after a Russian media reported that Ukraine forces opened fire on four settlements of the LPR. Overall market sentiment remains rather fragile and ultra-sentiment. Dollar and Yen are both picking up some...

Canadian Dollar Popped Up by CPI, Sentiment Turns Cautious Again

Overall market sentiment is slightly weaker entering into US session. While Russia showed videos of tanks leaving Crimea, NATO questioned de-escalation and said troop buildup was still going on. There is little reaction to much stronger than expected US retail sales. Nevertheless, Canadian Dollar is popped up by higher...

Euro Steady after ECB Comments, Focus Back from Ukraine to Fed Minutes

Asian markets are cautiously optimistic as worries over Russia-Ukraine situation eased. While there are reports of cyber attacks by Russia on Ukraine's defence ministry and banks, investors are still calm. If the risks of war do vanish, hopefully, focuses will be turned back to Fed's tightening pace, which might...

Euro Rebounds, Sentiment Improved as Russia-Ukraine Tensions Ease

Overall market sentiment improved a lot after Russia said it pulled back some troops near the border of Ukraine. As worries of imminent war eased, Gold and oil price dip notably, while stocks rebound. Euro is staging a recovery, together with Aussie and Kiwi. On the other hand, Yen...

Gold Jumps on Ukraine Risks, Swiss Franc Firm and Euro Weak

The forex markets are pretty steady in Asia session today, with major pairs and crosses bounded inside yesterday's range. Sentiment is mixed as investors are awaiting to see Russia would invade Ukraine on February 16, as media reported. But the rally in Gold suggests that investors are getting nervous...