This week we focus on the charts, we omit the technical explanations, given that Marc Chandler is currently on a two-weeks trip. The dollar was surprisingly strong this week. This despite a more hawkish ECB, bad U.S. economic data in the ISM surveys. Swiss Franc Currency Index The Swiss Franc index had a bad week with a bad Friday. The dollar index rose at the end. Swiss Franc Index Trade-weighted index Swiss...
Read More »Speculators continue reducing Euro shorts
Swiss Franc Speculators are reducing their net short Euro positions, since Draghi’s comments on inflation. Apparently not only against the dollar but also against the Swiss Franc. This also means that the euro zone may be target real money (like purchases of stocks, real estate and bonds) instead of Switzerland. This makes both European stocks and a Euro long FX position interesting. With a stronger euro, purchases...
Read More »Yellow Lights are Flashing
Summary: Bonds are not rallying despite poor US data. Greater chance that Trump gets elected than the Fed hikes next week. Berlin may be more important than Bratislava. (Two week business trip is winding down, leaving London tomorrow and will be in Canada for the first couple days of next week, then back to NY. Sporadic posts to continue. Thanks for your patience) Yellow lights are flashing. Bonds remain...
Read More »FX Daily, September 15: Early Update: Full Calendar but Little News
Swiss Franc As happened very often, traders expected more the SNB monetary assessment. And, as usually, the franc finally appreciated because the SNB did not act. Click to enlarge. FX Rates Looking at the diary, today is the most important day of the week. The Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank meet. The UK reports retail sales. EMU reports CPI figures. The US reports retail sales, industrial output, and...
Read More »FX Daily, September 14: Precarious Stabilization
Swiss Franc Swiss ZEW expectations came in better than expected. The value was +2.7 instead of expected negative value. Switzerland ZEW Expectations (see more posts on Switzerland ZEW Expectations, )Switzerland ZEW Expectations. Click to enlarge. FX Rates The US dollar advanced yesterday and is in narrow ranges with a mostly softer bias today. The exception is the Japanese yen. Japanese press have reported that...
Read More »Great Graphic: Net Mexican Migration to the US–Not What You Might Think
Summary: Net migration of Mexicans into the US has fallen for a decade. The surge in Mexican migration into the US followed on the heels of NAFTA. Although Trump has bounced in the polls, and some see this as negative for the peso, rising US interest rates and the slide in oil price are more important drivers. There has been much discussion in the US presidential campaign about immigration, especially from...
Read More »Thoughts on the Price Action
Summary: Global interest rates are rising. Something important is happening. It appears to be dollar positive. Price is Right – click to enlarge. The market has not changed its mind. Following Brainard’s comments yesterday the market had downgraded the chances, which were already modest, of a Fed hike next week. The September Fed funds futures is unchanged on the day. The implied yield of 41 bp matches the...
Read More »FX Daily, September 13: Much Noise, Weak Signal
Swiss Franc The last ECB meeting and Dragh’s hawkish comments is for us the main reason of the euro strength, this despite stronger Swiss GDP growth. We see a mismatch between the weak ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI and the St. Louis and Atlanta Fed GDP trackers. Click to enlarge. Federal Reserve Our approach to Fed-watching is clear: Among the cacophony of voices, the Troika of Fed leadership, Yellen, Fischer and...
Read More »FX Daily, September 12: Markets Off to a Wobbly Start
Swiss Franc The EUR/CHF retreated today together with falling stock prices. Later during the European day, U.S. stocks recovered. When investors sell their stocks and move into cash, then the Swiss Franc very often appreciates. This is the safe haven effect: cash in Swiss Franc is perceived as more secure. Click to enlarge. FX Rates Stocks and bonds have begun the new week much like last week ended. Sharp losses...
Read More »FX Weekly Preview: Capital Markets in the Week Ahead
Summary: Global bonds and global stocks ended last week on a weak note and this will likely carry into this week’s activity. The Bank of England meets, but the data may be more important. Oil and commodity prices more generally look vulnerable, and this coupled with higher yields sapped the Australian ad Canadian dollar in the second half of last week. The week ahead will likely be shaped by a combination of...
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