Polar Flashes Dents EUR’s Chances

It should be no surprise that it’s a rather anticlimactic start to a new forex week. It was always going to be hard to follow last week, where the Federal Reserve’s surprisingly dovish stance had the dollar under pressure rather than in full flight and supported by higher U.S. yields. Even flash data of polar extremes from opposite sides of the globe overnight is finding it difficult to get the forex market excited. It seems that investors may be more interested in the countries that qualify for the round of 16 at the World Cup in Brazil than these optioned contained currency ranges.

Asian investors got to cheer a much stronger-than-expected June flash manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for China from HSBC. Coming in at a six-month high, and the first instance of expansion in 2014, the data (50.8 versus 49.7) also showed a reversal in input prices (inflationary) and employment decreased at a slower rate, while the growth in new export orders slowed. The improvement was broad-based, with both domestic orders and external demand sub-indices in expansionary territory. The uptick points to Chinese “mini-stimulus” finally filtering through to the real economy, which would suggest that the People’s Bank of China will continue to use accommodative policy until the recovery is sustained.

Euro-Area PMI Slips

In contrast, the eurozone flash PMIs for June missed their mark resulting in the composite reading slipping to 52.8 from 53.3 in May. Breaking it down even further, weaker economic data from France (flash manufacturing and services both retreated) is overshadowing China’s ‘back on track’ report, and putting pressure on European bourses as the market heads stateside. The EUR is now trading on top of its day’s lows (€1.3580) while the AUD was the biggest winner in China’s good fortune, rising +0.5% outright ($0.9434). Yield differentials continue to favor interest and commodity sensitive currencies like the Aussie and the loonie ($1.0730). The CAD got help from last Friday’s stronger-than-expected Canadian inflation report, which may pressure Governor Stephen Poloz at the Bank of Canada to change his downside risks to inflation copy. The AUD/USD hit a two-month high above $0.9440 in the wake of the data, while front-month copper rallied 3/4% above $3.14. Crude prices have managed to remain elevated amid continuing turmoil in Iraq. Brent has added another +0.5% to trade at $115.39 per barrel, aside of last week’s nine-month high.

The forex market remains locked in tight ranges with dealers hoping for signs that volatility will pick up. With the lack of euro option expiries this week, perhaps the single currency will be influenced more by the European Central Bank’s intentions than option dealers. The 18-member currency has been on the back foot with the EUR PMI release earlier this morning. The contraction of the French economy was the instigator; however, more cross-related flows like EUR/JPY (€138.32) will be expected to provide further pressure, especially after failing to penetrate the 200-DMA (€138.96). Slower growth for the eurozone as a whole has the EUR challenging the 100-DMA (€1.3585). Nevertheless, with U.S. bond yields (+2.65% for U.S. 10’s remains key) also lower, it will temporary support the EUR, at least until this morning when U.S. home sales data is released (expected +2.2%).

British Banks Note Higher Loan Demand

The U.K. loan demand data released this morning suggests that the British economy continues to gather steam. Business demand loans rose for a second straight quarter. It’s a sure sign that investment is picking up and it should continue to support the U.K.’s economic recovery. The Bank of England (BoE) informed that lender reported demand for loans rose significantly in the second quarter, and is expected to rise further over the next three months. The loans are being used predominately to fund M&A activity and for investment in commercial real estate. To date, the U.K.’s economic recovery has been driven by consumer spending. A shift like this will please the BoE and Governor Mark Carney. He has always been concerned about the longevity of economic recovery solely depending on the consumer. The pound remains a forex darling (£1.7017), with strong support scattered below the £1.70 handle down to £1.6975. The market is comfortably continuing buying GBP on dips; nevertheless, a daily close above the August, 2009, high (£1.7045-50) would give the bulls an added reason to look for a move into the mid £1.73’s. The uptrend will remain intact as long at £1.6730 is not penetrated below.

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Dean Popplewell

Dean Popplewell

Vice-President of Market Analysis at MarketPulse
Dean Popplewell has nearly two decades of experience trading currencies and fixed income instruments. He has a deep understanding of market fundamentals and the impact of global events on capital markets. He is respected among professional traders for his skilled analysis and career history as global head of trading for firms such as Scotia Capital and BMO Nesbitt Burns. Since joining OANDA in 2006, Dean has played an instrumental role in driving awareness of the forex market as an emerging asset class for retail investors, as well as providing expert counsel to a number of internal teams on how to best serve clients and industry stakeholders.
Dean Popplewell