The Japanese’s trade balance numbers of ¥248.3B released earlier for August came in higher than expected of -¥37.5B, and better than the prior read of ¥10.9B. Nevertheless, this data did have any noticeable effect on the Japanese yen against major currencies.
Equities
Global stock markets closed higher on Tuesday thanks to positive Chinese data. However, Asian markets on Wednesday looked more cautious anticipating the Fed meeting on Wednesday.
Investors are taking into account market risks such as the US elections, a potential no-deal Brexit, and the delay of the Coronavirus vaccine, even though the president Trump said that the jab may be ready within few weeks.
Stock Market | Change % |
+0.5 % | |
-0.01% | |
+1.2% | |
-0.08% | |
-0.1% | |
+0.8% | |
+0.2% |
Currencies
The US Dollar index remained flat as investors wait for the Fed meeting on Wednesday. No change in the current monetary policy is expected, yet the market’s observers would be following the central bank’s growth and inflation projections, and of course the unemployment rates. Additionally, they will pay attention to the Fed dot plot diagram and whether the Fed members’ have changed expectations for the US interest rates in the coming years.
EUR/USD saw little change keeping and remained in the current trading zone 1.1713 – 1.1909. The technical outlook remains neutral while the pair continues below 1.1909.
GBP/USD steadied this week after losing over 3% of its value last week due to Johnson’s controversial internal market bill that breaches in part of it the UK commitments in the EU/UK exit treaty. With that said, we still think that both would agree eventually, due to the expensive bill they must pay in the hard Brexit scenario. From a technical point of view, a close below 1.2773 would change Cable’s technical outlook to negative.
Commodities
The oil price has traded higher for the second day due to a disruption in the US oil supply caused by hurricane Sally. The US Crude rose by 3.2% and Brent oil rallied by 2.5% on Tuesday, both markets extended their gains on Wednesday due to reports that the outage may continue for several days.
Gold rallied to a near two-week high on Tuesday then pulled back as investors preferred to wait for the Fed meeting before pushing the yellow metal in a clear direction. From a technical point of view, Gold’s outlook remains neutral while moving in the current trading zone $1,921 - $2,015.
Looking Ahead
On Wednesday, investors will know about the Eurozone balance of trade for July at 1:00 PM (UAE time), the Canadian inflation rate with the US retails sales for August come at 4:30 PM, and at 10:00 PM all eyes will be on the Fed rate decision and economic projections than the Fed chair press conference at 10:30 PM.
The Fed Dot Plot Diagram June 10-2020
Diagram source: The Federal Reserve Projection Materials