Australian Dollar (AUD) Tumbles amid Risk-Off Mood
The Australian Dollar (AUD) slumped during yesterday’s trade as a souring market mood triggered a selloff in the risk-sensitive currency. Fears of a global recession hit markets once again, adding to growing anxiety about geopolitical tensions.
Hawkish remarks from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe failed to lift the ‘Aussie’ amid the firmly downbeat mood.
This morning is expected to bring some strong Australian employment data and a rise in consumer inflation expectations. If both data sets print as forecast, AUD could climb on further RBA interest rate rise bets.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Slides as Sentiment Sours
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) also fell sharply yesterday amid the bearish tone.
Investors became increasingly concerned that further policy tightening from the Federal Reserve could tip the world economy into a recession.
Turning to today, the ‘Kiwi’ could continue to trade in relation to risk appetite amid a lack of New Zealand economic data.
Pound (GBP) Plummets as UK Inflation Cools
The Pound (GBP) nosedived as European trade began yesterday after the UK’s latest inflation rate reading cooled more than forecast.
This saw traders pare back bets for further Bank of England (BoE) interest rate rises, which in turn triggered a Sterling selloff.
Today, the Pound may struggle for a clear direction amid an absence of UK data releases.
Euro (EUR) Firms amid Downbeat Trade
The Euro (EUR) found some success yesterday, strengthening against its riskier peers as the safer single currency benefitted from the downbeat market mood.
Mixed Eurozone data in the evening may have limited EUR’s gains. Industrial production in the bloc contracted more than forecast in December, while the monetary union’s balance of trade results beat expectations.
Later tonight, EUR investors will focus on European Central Bank (ECB) dynamics. The bank’s economic bulletin could cause movement, while a speech from policymaker Fabio Panetta may also influence the currency.
US Dollar (USD) Soars amid Risk Aversion and Strong Sales
The US Dollar (USD) surged higher yesterday, with a risk-off market mood providing the safe-haven currency with its initial boost.
A strong US retail sales print pushed USD even higher last night. Sales growth rebounded by a remarkable 3% – above the expected 1.8% – following December’s 1.1% contraction. This apparent strength in the US economy increased the likelihood of more Federal Reserve rate rises.
Risk appetite could continue to drive the US Dollar through today’s session. Tonight, an expected rise in US PPI could further boost Fed bets and lift the ‘Greenback’ higher.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Firms alongside USD
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) enjoyed its positive correlation with the US Dollar yesterday, firming against some of its peers. However, a dip in oil prices capped gains for the crude-linked currency.
Amid an absence of Canadian economic data today, oil price movements could drive CAD exchange rates.
Data Releases
Feb 16th 10:00 AUD Consumer Inflation Expectations (Feb) 5.7%
Feb 16th 10:30 AUD Unemployment Rate (Jan) 3.5%
Feb 16th 19:00 EUR ECB Economic Bulletin
Feb 16th 19:15 EUR ECB Panetta Speech
Feb 16th 23:30 USD PPI MoM (Jan) 0.4%
Feb 16th 23:30 USD Initial Jobless Claims (11/Feb) 200,000
Feb 16th 23:45 USD Fed Mester Speech