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FX

Currency Markets Focus on Jackson Hole

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All eyes are likely to be on the annual gathering of central bankers at the Jackson Hole this week where ECB President Mario Draghi may offer clues on how he plans to trim the bank’s asset purchase program.

 

USD: Jackson Hole and return of US Congress key to the dollar’s near term outlook

  • The USD pared some of its losses against the JPY last Friday on news that Steve Bannon, the controversial advisor to President Trump was exiting the White House. The move is expected to help remove a layer of populism and protectionism from the Trump Administration, potentially creating a more positive environment for Republicans to focus on economic policy.

 

  • However, the lift in the dollar was short lived as investors await the Jackson Hole meeting of central bankers from August 24-26 to guide currency markets. The return of the US Congress on September 5 to discuss issues surrounding tax reform, healthcare, the debt ceiling and possibly infrastructure will also be important for the direction of the US dollar.

 

 

EUR & GBP: Further upside for EURGBP over the medium term

  • The relative performance of economic activity data between the UK, euro area and the US has historically proven to be a reliable signal for EURGBP spot movements. In recent months, the activity data from the euro area and the US has significantly outperformed the UK, which in turn coincided with GBP weakness versus the EUR and USD since April. As such, Citi analysts believe that there is further upside for the EURGBP in the medium term.

 

 

CAD: Canadian inflation likely to rise in coming months

  • While Canada’s headline inflation for July was in line with consensus at 1.2%, the reading was higher than the previous month. Citi analysts believe that Canada’s inflation has bottomed. Citi expects the Bank of Canada to hike interest rates in October, which will be supportive of the CAD.

 

 

CNY: China introduces curbs on FDI flows

  • China announced curbs on Foreign Direct Investment outflows by introducing a ‘banned, restricted or encouraged’ list for purchases of foreign assets. The government clamped down on areas seen as inappropriate or backdoor channels for offshoring money. Citi analysts believe that this strengthens the CNY and CNH in the near term as demand for the USD falls.

 

This is an extract from the Daily Currency Updated, dated 21st August. Please approach a Citigold Relationship Manager if you would like more information.

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