Pound (GBP) Rangebound as Risk Appetite Improves
The Pound (GBP) traded mostly sideways yesterday as a lack of UK economic data left Sterling without a clear direction.
However, an improvement in risk appetite prevented losses for the risk-sensitive currency as the Ukraine crisis showed signs of improvement amid the second day of ceasefires and ahead of peace talks today.
The absence of UK data continues today, leaving GBP to trade on risk sentiment, Russia-Ukraine news and domestic UK headlines.
Euro (EUR) Rallies amid European Optimism
The Euro (EUR) firmed through yesterday’s trade as European optimism continued to rise, building on Tuesday’s upbeat mood.
Evacuations in Ukraine continued for the second day, raising hopes of a de-escalation of violence. However, reports of Russian attacks in some areas may have capped EUR’s gains.
Today could see some significant movement in the Euro. The European Central Bank (ECB) faces a communications challenge amid its interest rate decision. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers for Russia and Ukraine will meet in Turkey to discuss a diplomatic solution.
US Dollar (USD) Falters as Market Mood Brightens
The US Dollar (USD) lost ground through yesterday’s session as a risk-positive tilt to markets saw traders shun the safe-haven currency.
A strong JOLTs job openings report in the afternoon failed to give USD a meaningful boost, despite printing above projections.
Turning to today, economists expect US inflation to hit a fresh 40-year high of 7.9%. This could bolster the US Dollar by increasing the likelihood of aggressive rate rises from the Federal Reserve this year.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Wobbles amid Mixed Market Drivers
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) wavered yesterday as the currency’s sensitivity to oil prices and risk appetite pulled it in different directions. A risk-on mood supported CAD while retreating crude prices put it under pressure.
With no notable Canadian data due out today, CAD may continue to trade without a clear direction.
Australian Dollar (AUD) Firms in Risk-On Trade
The Australian Dollar (AUD) ticked higher overnight as markets remained upbeat about a possible diplomatic solution in Ukraine, which boosted the appeal of the riskier ‘Aussie’.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Capped by Slump in Spending
The risk-sensitive New Zealand Dollar (NZD) also enjoyed the positive market mood in overnight trade. However, an unexpected slump in credit card spending limited NZD’s gains.