Dollar under Pressure and Sterling Falls

USD

On Tuesday, the U.S. dollar traded under pressure vs. its peers amid fears that U.S. President Donald Trump is having difficulties implementing his reform agenda. As it turns out, at least three Republicans are set to vote against the bill, along with Democrat lawmakers. This reminded market watchers of the lack of progress in terms of fiscal policy, which means that tax reform could be pushed back much later. As for data, import prices posted the 0.2% dip as expected and the NAHB housing market index dipped from 66 to 64 instead of improving to 67. US housing starts and building permits are lined up next. 

• Today, the U.S. dollar index, which measures the Greenback’s strength against a basket of six major rivals, rose as much as 0.2% to settle at 94.780 pips after falling as low as 94.476 yesterday, its lowest level since September 2016.

EUR

The single currency settled at $1.1535, having made a 14-months top at $1.1583.  Economic data from the region was actually weaker than expected as the German ZEW index slipped from 18.6 to 17.5 versus the 17.8 forecast while the region's ZEW is down from 37.7 to 35.6 to reflect weaker optimism. There are no major reports due from the euro zone today, leaving traders to price in expectations for the ECB statement tomorrow  as the ECB inches towards bringing an end to its monetary stimulus efforts. However, traders remain wary that the ECB’s policymakers could take a less hawkish approach than bulls were betting. 

GBP

The Sterling pound was one of the weakest performers for the day as UK inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.6% in June, down from 2.9% in May, pulling back from its post-Brexit high. Cable dropped amid expectations that the Bank of England (BOE) is now less likely to raise interest rates in the near future because of the lower than forecasted figure. GBP/USD fell by 0.2% to settle at $1.3024, after hitting $1.3126, highest level since September 2016. There are no reports due from the UK today. 

JPY

The yen regained some ground on risk appetite and dollar weakness. There were no reports out of Japan yesterday and none are due today so market sentiment could stay in play or traders might start pricing in expectations for the upcoming BOJ decision. 

Gold

Gold prices rose to a two-week high yesterday as the Greenback declined on fading hopes of an imminent hike in U.S. interest rates. The yellow metal rose as much as 0.5% to settle at $1,240.51.

 Oil

Oil prices declined slightly yesterday, after a surge in U.S. crude inventories and ongoing high supplies from producer club OPEC revived worries of a fuel supply overhang. Brent crude futures fell as much as 0.2% or 11 cents, to settle at $48.73 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $46.28.

The most important economic events:

• USD MBA Mortgage Applications (JUL 14): (GMT 11:00) – Medium- Forecast (N/A) – Previous (-7.4%).

Disclaimer
The prices and news mentioned in this outlook are absolutely no guarantee of future market performance and do not represent the view of ICM Capital Limited. Financial markets can move in either direction causing profits to be made or complete losses to be incurred by the trader. Each trader must decide for themselves what their risk appetite is and ensure that correct risk management procedures are in place before placing any trades.