FXStreet (Mumbai) – Today’s Asian session remained relatively quiet as there was nothing relevant in terms of economic news reported, and markets continued to digest the recent Chinese data. The entire antipodean complex staged a comeback after previous declines with the Aussie bulls retaining control post RBA minutes. While USD/JPY consolidates in familiar ranges as focus shifts towards the Fed speaks due later in the day.
Key headlines in Asia
RBA minutes: More evidence of a re-balancing toward non-mining
China’s 5th plenum: Aiming for higher quality, sustainable growth – HSBC
Dominating themes in Asia – centered on JPY, AUD, NZD
A low-key affair in Asia, with only the RBA minutes published and filled in an otherwise data-thin macro calendar this session. The US dollar corrected lower versus its major counterpart after enjoying solid gains on Monday following the release of impressive US housing data. Sentiment jumped 3 points in October to 64 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, reaching the highest level in a decade.
The USD/JPY pair extends its range-trade for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, now trading around 119.50 levels with all eyes set on the upcoming US housing starts and building permit data due for release later in the New York session. While the Fed Chair Yellen’s speech could trigger some fresh volatility around the major.
The Antipodean currencies extend the recovery mode and retain moderate gains, after booking losses on Monday following the sell-off across the commodity space. The Aussie outperforms its OZ counterpart, as bulls were boosted after the RBA minutes reiterated that lower AUD is supporting the economic growth while rates-on hold stance at the Oct meeting was an appropriate move. AUD/USD advances 0.27% to 0.7270. While the Kiwi rebounds +0.17% to 0.6801.
Meanwhile the Asian indices are trading cautious, expectant of fresh fundamentals triggers from the US session ahead. The Nikkei gains 0.47% to 18,216. Australia’s S&P ASX index loses -0.57% to 5,238. While the Shanghai Composite index keeps red to trade at 3,383. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng drops -0.53% to 22,953.
Heading into Europe & the US
Another light European trading session ahead, with BOE policymakers’ speeches expected to remain the main highlight. Besides, the second-tier data in the Euro zone current account and German PPI will be reported.
BOE MPC Member McCafferty is due to speak in London while the bank’s Governor Mark Carney is scheduled to testify on the Bank of England (BOE) Bill before the Treasury Select Committee, in London.
While the North American session offers plenty of risk events viz., US housing starts and building permits, Canadian wholesale sales and GDT price index from New Zealand.
Apart from economic data, a slew of speeches from the Fed officials will also hog the limelight.
FOMC Member Dudley is due to deliver a speech at the Evolving Structure of the US Treasury Market Conference, in New York. While Fed Member Powell is scheduled to speak at the same event. All ears will be on the Fed Chair Yellen’s brief remarks due to be delivered at the Labor Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony, in Washington DC.
EUR/USD Technicals
Valeria Bednarik, Chief Analyst at FXStreet noted, “Technically, the pair presents a bearish tone in the short term, as the 1 hour chart shows that the price has fallen below its moving averages, with the shortest presenting a strong bearish slope around the mentioned 1.1345 level. In the same chart, the technical indicators present a mid negative tone below their mid-lines, supporting additional declines on a break below 1.1280, a major static support.”
“In the 4 hours chart, the 20 SMA continues heading south around the current price, now around 1.1385, whilst the technical indicators have bounced partially from near oversold readings, but remain well below their mid-lines.”
(Market News Provided by FXstreet)