Currency Updates:
U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) in a break from the normal relationship stronger Stocks in the US failed to hurt the USD which managed small gains against most pairs. The rally in stocks was attributed to the improvement in Novembers Trade balance to 38.7b vs. 44bn previously and a jump in Consumer sentiment to 74.2 vs. 71.6 previously. In US stocks, DJIA +40 points closing at 11410, S& P +7 points closing at 1240 and NASDAQ +20 points closing at 2637.
The Euro (EUR) The Euro struggled to rally as the ECB fought internally over the size of the bailout fund and on whether the Eurozone can issue joint Eurobonds. Concerns over Peripheral bond markets still exist with Portugal and Spain the major focus. EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.3179 and a high of 1.3282 before closing at 1.3226.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) USD strength saw a grind higher on the major towards Y84 before consolidating in a quiet market. The market is also watching the BOJ closely to see if they will expand their own QE program. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 83.46 and a high of 84.01 before closing the day around 83.89 in the New York session.
The Sterling (GBP) some softer than expected November PPI at 3.3 vs. 3.5% y/y had very little impact in the market with stronger risk appetite competing with USD strength on the major. EUR/GBP managed to grind lower and GBP/JPY is also doing well in recent sessions. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.5750 and a high of 1.5861 before closing the day at 1.5810 in the New York session.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) the Aussie tested 0.9900 before easing back on USD strength in the US session. Attention will be on China stock markets today after very strong CPI at 5.1% y/y released on Saturday. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.9829 and a high of 0.9896 before closing the US session at 0.9846. Looking ahead, RBA Governor Stevens Speaks.
Oil & Gold (XAU) gold fell sharply in the US session over $20 an ounce before stabilizing at familiar levels. Overall trading with a low of USD$1372 and high of USD $1393 before ending the New York session at USD$1385 an ounce. Fell from $89 to $87 in sympathy with other commodities before consolidating. WTI Oil Closed -$0.58 at $87.79 a barrel.
