Pound (GBP) Wavers amid Fragile Ceasefire
The Pound (GBP) fluctuated yesterday, trending sideways overall, amid a mixed market mood as besieged Ukrainian cities evacuated civilians during a delicate ceasefire.
Russia had undermined previous attempts to open humanitarian corridors by proceeding with shelling, so investors were understandably cautious about yesterday’s evacuations.
With UK data still thin on the ground today, risk appetite and domestic economic headlines could cause most movement in the Pound.
Euro (EUR) Edges Up on EU Fiscal Stimulus
The Euro (EUR) ticked higher during yesterday’s trade as reports of a new EU fiscal stimulus package cheered EUR investors.
News emerged that the EU will use a joint-bond sale to raise funds that it can then use on energy and defence spending, thereby limiting the economic and geopolitical risks from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In the absence of Eurozone data today, EUR investors will likely remain focused on the news coming out of Ukraine.
US Dollar (USD) Mixed amid Tepid Market Mood
The safe-haven US Dollar (USD) was mixed yesterday, struggling for direction as risk sentiment remained muted.
USD investors largely ignored steeper-than-expected drops in the US balance of trade and economic optimism, with the Russia-Ukraine crisis and associated economic news driving trading sentiment.
Risk sentiment could continue to drive USD exchange rates through the first part of today’s session, while the afternoon’s JOLTs job openings data could also cause some movement.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Falls despite Rising Oil Prices
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) slipped yesterday, despite rising crude prices and a wider-than-forecast Canadian trade surplus. The downside seems to have come amid the weakening positive correlation between CAD and the price of crude, leaving the Canadian economy vulnerable to upside inflation risks.
With no Canadian data due out today, the ‘Loonie’ may be open to further losses.
Australian Dollar (AUD) Ticks Higher following RBA Comments
The Australian Dollar (AUD) edged higher in overnight trade following comments from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe, who struck a less dovish tone than in previous speeches.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Steady on Lukewarm Risk Appetite
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) traded sideways overnight as a tepid market mood kept the risk-sensitive ‘Kiwi’ in a tight range.