The markets are riding the risk roller coaster as headline overload has been dominating the Asian session.
First, the USTR tariff announcement had a bit more sting than expected due to the graduated settings 10 per cent now then up to 25 per cent in January on 200 bln. Which suggests the US is looking to talk but also not the President is not willing to cede the upper hand.
Then it was a matter of confusion reigns as CHINA SAYS COOPERATION IS ONLY RIGHT CHOICE FOR CHINA, followed by CHINA LIKELY WILL NOT SEND TRADE DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON, which tugged risk every which way but loose and left trader chasing their tail most of the session.
Frankly, I’m still surprised by the level of complacency, but then again, this escalation was so telegraphed suggesting today’s playbook could not have been scripted any better. But I’m keenly focused in USDCNH and China equities as the market’s composure surely belies the groundswell that’s yet to come.
Oil markets are in a tug of war as Iran sanctions will continue to provide near-term support, while discussions around global demand in the wake of this morning tariffs and speculation of further OPEC supply increases should temper upside ambitions. But in the absence of any OPEC supply shift, Iran and Venezuela shortfall should ultimately push prices higher, at least for the near term.
Gold continues to trade in tandem with the USD but, but with traders still debating the next USD direction we could remain in $1190- $1210 range.
ON the currency front, The Euro is showing a spring step but failed again at 1.1720. The August high 1.1730 remains critical while significant support should come in around 1.1620. Frankly, the EURUSD is where the near-term US dollar (X JPY) battle lines are forming.
Draghi has shifted less dovish, and fear index around Italian risk is easing., but we still have that unmistakably hawkish Fed here former dove like Lael Brainard continues to sound unmistakably hawkish every time she takes the podium.
