Currency Updates:
U.S. Dollar Trading (US) ended the week on the front foot after stocks markets notched up 6 straight weeks of losses. Fresh selling was instigated by weak Chinese export numbers which cast a fresh cloud of concern about the health of the global economy. Dollar gains were across the board commodities also sold across the board. In US stocks, DJIA -172 points closing at 11951, S& P -18 points closing at 1270 and NASDAQ -41 points closing at 2643.
The Euro (EUR) heavy selling came through on the Euro after comments from ECB officials that a Greece credit event might stop the ECB accepting the bonds as collateral and have unforeseen spillover effects onto other smaller European countries. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.4476 and a high of 1.4654 before closing the day around 1.4534 in the New York session. Looking ahead, ECB President Speaks.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) was stable against the major with both safe havens finding support. EUR/JPY crashed lower to test Y115 before finding support and stabilizing. The weak Chinese data has darken investor sentiment towards the biggest economy in Asia. Overall the USD/JPY traded with a low of 79.95 and a high of 80.46 before closing the day around 80.30 in the New York session.
The Sterling (GBP) was under pressure in the risk off climate but did well against the Euro with some rare gains against the single currency. EUR/GBP reversed from 0.8900 to fall back to lower 0.8800 level and could fall back further if the Greece fears spread to more European countries debt. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.6217 and a high of 1.6382 before closing the day at 1.6231 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Bank Holiday.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) the Aussie came under heavy selling pressure on the back of being directly related to the weak Chinese news. Any mention that the Asia heavyweight would be cooling down hurts sentiment towards the commodity currency. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 1.0524 and a high of 1.0652 before closing the day at 1.0550 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Bank Holiday.
Oil & Gold (XAU) Gold slumped the most in a month on heavy long liquidations. USD strength and failure to break above $1550 the main catalyst. Overall trading with a low of USD$1526 and high of USD $1545 before ending the New York session at USD$1531 an ounce. Oil was not immune to the big pull backs in other markets falling sharply through $100 a barrel. WTI Oil Closed -2.30 at $99.50 a barrel.
