Currency Updates:
U.S. Dollar Trading (US) the USD was under pressure for most of the day with the ongoing Debt Ceiling debate increasing chances the US will lose its AAA rating. The EUR/USD tested 1.4500 in Asia and is leading the majors higher. In US stocks, DJIA -91 points closing at 12501, S& P -5 points closing at 1331 and NASDAQ -2 points closing at 2840. Looking ahead, June Durable Goods forecast at 0.3% vs. 2.1% previously m/m.
The Euro (EUR) the Euro was the main gainer from the US Debt issue and closed above 1.4500 in a strong technical break higher. Stock markets are under pressure but the usual safe haven demand for the Dollar is not there with CHF and Yen in demand instead. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.4356 and a high of 1.4526 before closing the day around 1.4510 in the New York session. Looking ahead, German June Import Prices forecast at 0.7% vs. 1.6% previously.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) was volatile testing support under Y78 before surging on intervention rumors to Y78.70 in 15 minutes. The gains were reversed almost as fast and fresh lows were seen in the US session as Dollar weakness dominated. Overall the USD/JPY traded with a low of 77.81 and a high of 78.71 before closing the day around 77.90 in the New York session.
The Sterling (GBP) was one of the strongest currencies in the market with the Q2 GDP impressing with the 0.2% in line with expectations but a note from the statistics agency saying without Japan/Royal Wedding the number would have been closer to 0.7%. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.6264 and a high of 1.6430 before closing the day at 1.6415 in the New York session. Looking ahead, July CBI Orders forecast at -2 vs. 1 previously.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) tracked the Euro higher able to ignore the falls in the stock markets with USD weakness the main story. RBA Governor Steven&rsquo s speech helped lift as well with positive comments on the economic outlook ahead of today all important CPI numbers. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 1.0820 and a high of 1.0970 before closing the day at 1.0960 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Q2 CPI forecast at 0.7% vs. 1.6% q/q.
Oil & Gold (XAU) Investors flooded into Gold with the precious metal supported on US downgrade fears and closing near all time highs at $1620. Overall trading with a low of USD$1607 and high of USD $1620 before ending the New York session at USD$1619 an ounce. Oil was the most volatile dropping after US data before reversing sharply when US stocks opened and tested $100. WTI Oil Closed +$0.30 at $99.50 a barrel.
