SNB & CHF

Sterling has neared the 50% retracement of the 11.5 cent decline since mid-December.  It is found near $1.4660.  After easing ahead of the BOE announcement, sterling was sold to $1.4530 on the initial headlines that showed the BOE was cutting its growth, inflation, and wage forecasts.    However, the short-sterling futures had already largely discounted the rates being low for longer, and UK debt instruments also sold off, and after the initial flurry, sterling stabilized and recovered...

The US dollar remains under broad pressure after yesterday's sharp decline.  Neither dovish comments by ECB President Draghi, nor the Reserve Bank of New Zealand have managed to reverse the gains of their respective currencies.   Similar, the rise in US yields and firm equities have failed to push the yen lower.  Investors and policymakers are trying to link news developments to the price action, but it seems to be a bit of a stretch.  It is true that NY Fed President Dudley, who had...

Apparently, when Irish eyes are smiling, it’s time to call an election. And that is what Prime Minister Kenny has done.  The election will be held on February 26.  The polls suggest that the governing coalition (Fine Gael and Labour) may struggle to secure a majority.   In some ways, Kenny is making the same bet as Spain's Rajoy.  The economy's strength will provide a lift on election day.  It has not worked out so well for Rajoy though Kenny may have greater success.  However, this is...

Marc attributes Euro strength and dollar weakness to the unwinding of the carry trade. With continued monetary divergence Marc expects the dollar to regain it's footing into the March ECB meeting. Marc believes there will be no Plaza Accord 2.0 and the Saudi's will not de-peg from the dollar.

As we noted last night, in what was the second clear example of sheer desperation by the Bank of Japan, the central banker formerly known as Peter Pan for his on the record belief that "he should fly", and as of this morning better known as Peter Panic, desperately tried to pull of his best "Draghi", up to and even stealing the ECB's trademark catch phrase, to wit: KURODA: POSSIBLE TO CUT NEGATIVE RATE FURTHER IF NEEDED KURODA: NO LIMIT TO MONETARY EASING MEASURES KURODA: WILL EXPAND EASING...

Marc attributes Euro strength and dollar weakness to the unwinding of the carry trade. With continued monetary divergence Marc expects the dollar to regain it's footing into the March ECB meeting. Marc believes there will be no Plaza Accord 2.0 and the Saudi's will not de-peg from the dollar.

Join us for a unique Forex experience in the FXStreet Live Analysis Room. The #FXroom is being hosted by Dale Pinkert, long time and popular contributor on FXStreet. Trading in community. Know our Mastermind concept as we all edify each other 1+1=11 at http://www.fxstreet.com/webinars/live-analysis/ Live Video and chat with experts and traders. Daily show 14 GMT; 9-11 am EST. Finally, don't miss the interview with the writer and speaker Marc Chandler @marcmakingsense at 15:15 GMT, 10:15 EST.

Join us for a unique Forex experience in the FXStreet Live Analysis Room. The #FXroom is being hosted by Dale Pinkert, long time and popular contributor on FXStreet. Trading in community. Know our Mastermind concept as we all edify each other 1+1=11 at http://www.fxstreet.com/webinars/live-analysis/ Live Video and chat with experts and traders. Daily show 14 GMT; 9-11 am EST. Finally, don't miss the interview with the writer and speaker Marc Chandler @marcmakingsense at 15:15 GMT, 10:15 EST.

The Bank of Japan surprised investors by introducing negative rates last week.  Leave aside the fact that the negative rates do not go into effect for more than another week, and even when in effect, will apply to a relatively small amount of deposits at the central bank.  The important point is that it is another central bank to introduce negative rates. Moreover, the yields of Japanese bonds through eight-year maturities have turned negative.    In comparison, German yields are...

The US dollar is sporting a softer profile today as the global capital markets are trying to stabilize.  Oil prices have steadied, with WTI back above $30.   Bond markets are narrowly mixed though the 10-year US Treasury is steady near 1.85%.  Asian and European equities followed US markets lower, but American equities have stabilized, and ahead of the ADP employment estimate and the ISM for non-manufacturing, S&P 500 is set to open slightly higher. The dollar continued to shed the...