Tuesday, 12 January 2016

The Day Ahead...

Good morning

The safe-havens were back in demand as the sentiment on the Asian markets remained soured, despite stabilizing China stock markets (currently holding small gains across the board). While lower oil prices and persistent Chinese economic slowdown worries continued to weigh on the commodities-currencies. The People's Bank of China continued to act on its intention to calm the yuan market today, squeezing offshore yuan shorts and keeping a steady fix, confounding those looking for further Yuan devaluation. Overnight Yuan HIBOR (Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate - Offshore yuan borrowing rates) has jumped to a new record high of 66.82% from 13.4%.

The Japanese Yen has again benefited with USD/JPY despite a brief move towards 118.00 it has since reversed and is pushing towards 117.30 as I type. The Nikkei has been trading heavy as Japan return to work from their extended weekend, currently down -2.70% on the day.

Oil has been hit hard again as Asia sends Brent to a 12 year low and sees Hedge Funds starting to exit the commodity. Morgan Stanley warn that a strong US Dollar may send Brent down to as low as $20 a barrel.

The day ahead brings risk events for the British Pound. We have MoM Manufacturing and industrial production at 09:30 GMT followed by BOE’s Carney speaking this afternoon, although whether he can add any gems is to be seen. BoJ Governor Kuroda is also speaking at 10:30 GMT. But as ever this year the main focus will be all things China and the subsequent fallout.


Good luck.

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