Asian Markets Stay Firm, German Vote and Canadian Inflation in Focus
Risk appetite in Asian markets has been solid this week, support by optimism surrounding China's latest measures to boost domestic consumption. Hong Kong stocks continue to lead gains in the region. Meanwhile, in the forex markets, both New Zealand and Australian Dollars are holding firm, though the Aussie is...
Dollar Edges Lower Post-Retail Sales, But Cautious Traders Keep Selling Momentum Limited
Dollar edged lower in early U.S. trading following weaker-than-expected retail sales data. However, the downside pressure remained limited, as investors took comfort in the fact that February’s sales growth marked a return to expansion after contraction in January. The data helped ease fears of an extended downturn in consumer...
China Stimulus Fuels Asian Rally, But Market Caution Persists on US Outlook
Asian markets opened the week on a positive note, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from China and optimism surrounding Beijing’s latest efforts to boost domestic consumption. Investors welcomed China’s “special action plan” aimed at stimulating household spending, which aligns with Premier Li Qiang’s government report last week that named...
Currency Markets Consolidate as Trader Start Repositioning for Tariff Battles in April
The past week in the currency markets was marked more by consolidation than decisive moves, even as risk aversion deepened in US stock markets. Dollar’s selloff slowed and turned into a modest recovery, but there was no clear momentum for bullish trend reversal. Sentiment remained fragile, weighed down by...
Euro Rallies as Germany Said to Reach Landmark Debt Deal to Boost Growth
Euro jumped notably higher following reports that Germany’s political leaders have reached a crucial agreement on the historic debt deal. According to sources close to the negotiations, Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz and the Greens have agreed on a massive increase in state borrowing, just days before a decisive parliamentary vote...
Equities Extend Losses on Tariff Fears, But Forex Markets Hold Steady in Consolidation
US stock markets suffered another brutal session overnight, with NASDAQ leading the decline, shedding nearly -2%. All three major indexes closed below their respective 55 W EMAs, reinforcing the bearish case that the markets are now in a medium-term correction phase. This technical breakdown suggests that downside momentum is...
Greenback Strengthens as Euro Pulls Back and US-EU Trade Tensions Escalate
Dollar is staging a notable rebound as markets transition into US session, though the exact catalyst behind the move is unclear. Part of Dollar’s strength could be attributed to a broad pullback in Euro, as traders begin to take profits after this month's strong gain. Euro’s retreat is providing...
Forex Steadies Despite Fresh Tariff Escalations, Euro Starting to Retreat
Forex markets are holding steady in Asian session today, with major currency pairs and crosses all confined within yesterday’s ranges. This lack of movement comes despite a significant escalation in the US-led trade war, as newly effective 25% tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum products have prompted swift...
Dollar Struggles for Direction as Softer CPI Fails to Trigger Major Moves
Dollar is struggling to find a definitive direction in early US session, even after the softer-than-expected Consumer Price Index report offered fresh evidence of easing inflation pressures. Annual core CPI now sits at its lowest level since 2021, a development that should bring some relief to both the Fed...
Canadian Dollar Volatile on Trade Chaos, Focus Shifts to BoC Cut and US CPI
Canadian Dollar endured a roller-coaster session overnight, initially hitting turbulence after US President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50%. Markets were rattled by the surprise escalation, which was set to take effect within hours. However, the situation shifted after Ontario Premier...
Euro Rally Extends as German Greens Eye Defense Spending Deal This Week
Euro's rally continues after a brief pause, boosted by signs of political breakthrough in Germany over major defense and infrastructure spending. Consensus appears to be emerging around the large-scale funding deal, a game-changer toward bolstering Europe’s economic and defense resilience, especially amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine.
Germany’s Green party...
Recession Fears Weigh on Markets as Risk-Off Trade Intensifies
The risk-off sentiment that triggered the biggest US stock market selloff in months has spilled over into Asian markets, leading to broad declines across the region. The currency markets reflect this shift too, with traditional safe havens such as Japanese Yen and Swiss franc leading gains in Asia, while...
Risk Sentiment Dips in Europe But Euro Holds Steady
Risk sentiment took a mild turn to the downside in European markets today, with DAX pulling back from last week’s solid gains. Investors are watching developments in Germany’s political arena, where Greens have voiced opposition to proposals by CDU’s Friedrich Merz for a sweeping overhaul of debt rules, including...
Dollar Stays Soft as Forex Markets Quiet, US CPI Highlights the Week
Forex markets are trading quietly in the Asian session, remaining within Friday’s range and showing little impetus to move decisively in either direction. Dollar is staying on the back foot, with a lack of substantial buying interest to sustain a meaningful rebound. While last week’s non-farm payroll data helped...
A Multi-Decade Trend Reversal Underway in EUR/USD?
The sharp contrast between Europe’s newfound unity and the ongoing tariff chaos in the US has been a defining theme in the financial markets. Euro’s extraordinary strength last week reflected growing investor confidence in the region’s strategic shift toward fiscal expansion and defense spending. From the formation of the...
Muted Market Response to NFP, Euro Holds Strong While Loonie Struggles
The much-anticipated U.S. non-farm payrolls report came and went without much impact to the markets. With job growth largely in line with forecasts, the data signaled a stable labor market and the balanced outcome offers little guidance to Fed policymakers, who will continue weighing inflation trends, fiscal uncertainties, and...
Risk Aversion Creeps Back as Markets Unconvinced by Trump’s Temporary Tariff Exemptions
Risk sentiment in the forex markets appears to be tilting towards risk aversion in Asian trading, marking a shift from the broad Dollar selloff earlier in the week. Overnight, US President Donald Trump granted temporary tariff exemptions for Canadian and Mexican goods under the USMCA, delaying a full-scale implementation...
Euro Holds Gains After ECB Cut, Yen Rallies on Higher JGB Yields
Euro remained firm following ECB’s decision to cut interest rates, a widely anticipated move. During the subsequent press conference, President Christine Lagarde emphasized a shift to “more evolutionary approach” to policy, now that monetary conditions have become “meaningfully less restrictive.” She also acknowledged the high levels of uncertainty, noting...
Tariff Pause for Automakers Soothes Markets, Euro Stands Tall Ahead of ECB Cut
Risk sentiment is mildly positive in Asian session today, as investors digest the latest developments in US trade policy and Chinese economic measures. Markets welcomed the news that the US has granted a one-month exemption for imports from Mexico and Canada for auto makers. The decision came after US...
Euro and DAX Surge on German Spending Boost, Dollar Struggle Continues after Poor ADP
Investor sentiment in Europe is exceptionally upbeat today, with German stocks leading the rally as DAX surges over 3%, breaking above the 23k mark. Euro also rallies across the board with solid momentum, with help from rise in Germany's benchmark yield, the overall positive sentiment, as well as a...