Currency Updates:
Currencies
- The euro (EUR) remained buoyant against the dollar after rising from 1.3530 to 1.3693 before the weekend. The single currency remained range bound since. Today’s events, including the release of US Home sales and German business climate data may act as pivot points for the pair.
- The US dollar (USD) continues to slide since last week against the Japanese yen (JPY). The pair has fallen from 104.80 to 101.82 before correcting to 102.48. Financial markets are still weary of the 10 billion taper especially as is evident through a weaker dollar.
Equities
- European stocks are on decline after reaching all-time highs at the beginning of the year. The GER 30 (DAX) has fallen from 9802.5 to 9347 over the last two weeks.
Commodities
- WTI Crude (OIL) demand has risen over the past week pushing prices higher. The crude oil trades at 96.69, up from 91.40 dollar per barrel less than two weeks ago.
Mover & Shaker with forex options
- Gold (XAU) continues to rise since the 19th of December. Throughout the period, the precious metal rose from 1190 dollars per troy ounce up to 1270.
- Options traders may consider constructing a Bull Call Spread on Gold in case gold may rise over the coming weeks
- A Bull Call Spread can be constructed by purchasing an at-the-money Call and selling an out-of-the-money Call on gold.
