Daily Currency Update
USD - United States DollarThe US dollar reached new two-year lows against one of its major trading partners yesterday after the European Union finalized a recovery fund.The euro pushed through 1.16, touching intraday highs at 1.1601 before edging lower into this morning’s training. The USD remain weak amid signs its bull run may be ending. While uncertainty and risk aversion continue to provide a safe haven floor, fundamentals are starting to turn against the world’s base currency. Investors are shifting focus to Europe as the EU’s proactive and aggressive fiscal stimulus measures are expected to guide the area out of the coronavirus pandemic faster than their US counterparts as Congress continues to battle partisan objectives, delaying much needed fiscal support. The Dollar index fell another two tenths of a percent on Wednesday, marking its lowest level since March. As real interest rates continue to fall demand for the USD as high yield play is also diminishing adding increased downward pressure.
Key Movers
The Great British pound lost ground following reports the UK had abandoned hopes of securing a Free Trade Deal with the US before years end, while fears the Brexit Transition period will end without a deal grow. Having left the common market the UK is excluded from the EU Recovery Fund plans, funds that would be warmly welcomed as Britain’s debt continues to mount. Having slipped below 1.27 the GBP touched intraday lows at 1.2650 and is likely to remain under pressure as its economic future remains clouded.The AUD held onto recent gains, marking fresh highs overnight as risk aversion continues to ease and investors spur commodity and growth led currencies higher. Despite an uptick in new COVID19 cases in Victoria, alarming GDP forecasts and increased US/China trade tensions the AUD crept nearer 1.41 as a sustained risk on mood continues to steer direction. Having touched intraday highs at 1.409 the AUD edged lower into this morning’s open slipping back below 1.396.
Expected Ranges
- USD/CAD: 1.337 - 1.342 ▼
- GBP/USD: 1.267 - 1.275 ▼
- EUR/USD: 1.154 - 1.162 ▼
- USD/AUD: 1.396 - 1.409 ▲