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FX

USD Selling Resumes

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Selling pressure on the USD resumed as the Federal Reserve acknowledged the risk of a more persistent slowing in inflation.

 

USD & JPY

View: USD to continue weakening against the G10 currencies

  • The more muted outlook for US inflation and heightened political risks within the Trump administration are likely to continue to weigh on the dollar. Citi analysts see the Dollar Index (DXY) approaching last year’s low of 91.90. EURUSD is expected to target 1.1876 while the USDJPY could head towards the 110.15-25 range.

 

 

EURO BLOC

View: Dips in euro well supported on crosses, upside for sterling limited.

  • The UK economy expanded 0.3% in the second quarter, barely up from the 0.2% growth in the first quarter, with manufacturing and construction acting as a drag on growth. In Citi’s view, the disappointing growth reduces the probability that the Bank of England would raise rates any time soon. This limits the sterling’s strength even as the dollar continues to weaken. The GBPUSD is likely to find it challenging to cross the 1.3219 level.

 

  • Comments from European Central Bank member Nowotny on the sluggish inflation in the euro zone kept the EURUSD relatively stable at 1.1700 despite the dollar’s weakness. However, Citi analysts believe that any dips in the euro are likely to be shallow. They favour seeking exposure in the euro against the dollar, as well as against the GBP and CHF.

 

 

COMMODITY BLOC

View: Limited upside for the AUD

  • Australia’s headline inflation rose 0.2% for the second quarter, below market expectations and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target level.  In his message yesterday, RBA Governor Lowe downplayed the importance of other central banks’ moves to tighten in recent months, suggesting the RBA is unlikely to hike rates anytime soon.   

 

  • Given the lackluster inflation reading and Lowe’s comments, the AUDUSD’s test of 0.8000 overnight was mainly driven by USD weakness.  Citi analysts believe that it would be challenging for the AUDUSD to cross 0.8019. Further strength in the AUD potentially presents an opportunity for investors to reduce their exposures.

 

 

EMERGING ASIA

View: The SGD to consolidate

  • The USDSGD traded below 1.3594 overnight on the back of USD weakness. In Citi’s view, with investors largely discounting the odds of tightening by the Monetary Authority of Singapore at the October meeting, further upside in the SGD appears limited. The USDSGD is likely to consolidate around 1.35 in the weeks ahead.

 

This is an extract from the Daily Currency Update, dated 27th July. Please approach a Citigold Relationship Manager if you would like a copy.

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