Dollar Strengthens as Investors Seek Safety amid Growing Risks

USD

The dollar index which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies tested a nine-week high of 96.73 as investors were fleeing risky assets. Market participants await the preliminary GDP figures of the third quarter, where a strong reading could provide additional support to the U.S. dollar. The economic growth gap between the United States and other rivals act as a key supported for the buck.

EUR

The European Central Bank affirmed yesterday that its asset purchase program would end in December and that interest rates could gradually rise after summer 2019. However, these statements were not enough to provide support for the falling euro. The Italian Budget developments made it hard for the ECB president Mario Draghi to convince traders that the ECB will easily tighten its monetary policy. The EURUSD traded at a nine-week low of $1.1356, and the EURJPY tumbled to 127.30.

GBP

The British pound continued lower against the United States dollar and the Japanese Yen on ECB's president comments. Draghi said that the private sector needs to be prepared for Britain leaving the European Union without a Brexit deal. This statement was enough to lift investors’ woes and drive the pound lower. The GBPUSD traded at a seven-week low of $1.2797, and the GBPJPY traded at a low of 143.58.

Equities

The U.S. major indices recovered a little portion of Wednesday's losses, supported by stronger earnings. Tesla, Microsoft, American Airlines and others reported solid quarterly earnings which helped to ease investors' fears. The Dow Industrial Average futures traded above the 25000 level but settled up 0.4% at 24831, the S&P500 futures gained 0.7% to 2686 to end a six-day losing streak, and the Nasdaq futures earned 0.1% to 6890. However, U.S. futures couldn't sustain the gains through the Asian session and aimed lower.

Metals

Gold prices are hovering near a three-month high amid rising risks and market uncertainty. The gold ounce is trading at $1235, while the silver ounce is trading at $14.62.

Oil

Oil prices are still showing signs of weakness as they head to post the third weekly loss. Oil producers are warning of oversupply in the oil market amid a global economic slowdown. The West Texas Intermediate crude futures traded at a low of $66.48, and the Brent futures traded at a low of $76.04 during the Asian session.

Major Economic Events

Disclaimer
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