Australian Dollar Strengthens as Risk Appetite Improves

Australian Dollar (AUD) Boosted by Upbeat Market Mood

Yesterday, a risk-on market mood saw the risk-sensitive Australian Dollar (AUD) climb against its safer peers.

Markets reacted positively after the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) left loan prime rates unchanged. In addition, rising commodity prices also supported the resource-linked ‘Aussie’.

Turning to this morning, if the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest meeting minutes sound hawkish, the ‘Aussie’ could strengthen.

New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Rises amid Risk-On Trade

Similarly, the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) gained ground against safer assets during Monday’s cheery session.

However, the continued lull in NZD data releases may have served to cap the ‘Kiwi’ and prevent it from strengthening as much as AUD.

Today, NZD exchange rates could see volatile trade as investors mull the latest trade data which reflects October’s activity.

Pound (GBP) Undermined by Downbeat UK Economic Outlook

On Monday, the Pound (GBP) remained in a narrow range for most of the session amid a light data calendar.

This lack of data left Sterling exposed to concerns about the UK’s economic outlook, with the bleak forecasts tempering GBP’s appeal. However, the bullish market impulse served to cushion the Pound due to its increasingly risk-sensitive nature.

GBP investors are waiting in anticipation for the UK’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday, which will outline the government’s tax and spending plans. Could hopes of pro-growth policies keep the Pound underpinned today?

Euro (EUR) Rocked by Cooling German PPI

The Euro (EUR) endured volatile trade during Monday’s session, amid cooling German producer price index levels.

While October’s rate printed in line with forecasts, a continued cooldown in PPI may filter through to consumer inflation. As such, European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate hike bets were diminished, bringing additional turbulence.

The common currency may trade quietly today, due to a lack of impactful data releases.

US Dollar (USD) Undercut by Bullish Trade

On the back of an upbeat market mood, the safe-haven US Dollar (USD) weakened over the course of Monday’s session.

Furthermore, investors continued to pare back their bets on further tightening from the Federal Reserve. This served to inflict additional headwinds on the ‘Greenback’.

Risk appetite is likely to remain the primary catalyst of movement for the ‘Greenback’ today, as investors look ahead to Wednesday morning’s Fed meeting minutes.

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Slips alongside US Dollar

Despite a continued recovery in oil prices, the crude-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD) fell against its peers due to its close ties to a sliding US Dollar.

The latest Canadian inflation data is due tonight. October’s rates are forecast to cool across the board, which may weaken the ‘Loonie’.

Data Releases

Nov 21st 07:45    NZD    Balance of Trade (Oct) NZ $-1.15bn
Nov 21st 09:00    AUD    RBA Bullock Speech
Nov 21st 10:30    AUD    RBA Meeting Minutes
Nov 21st 23:30    CAD    Inflation Rate (Oct) 3.2%


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