EUR/USD dipped to fresh 15-month lows near 1.1350 as ECB rhetoric remained dovish.

There were no major data releases on Monday, but with a strong New York business survey.

US bond yields edged higher on the day with inflation developments remaining crucial. Wall Street equities were little changed with reservations over underlying valuations. Asian equities were again mixed despite relatively positive US-China political talks.

The dollar posted strong net gains, primarily against low-yield currencies with the trade-weighted index at fresh 15-month highs.

EUR/USD dipped to fresh 15-month lows near 1.1350 as ECB rhetoric remained dovish with coronavirus concerns also a factor. Sterling was underpinned by slightly hawkish Bank of England rhetoric with further gains after solid labour-market data with GBP/EUR at 10-day highs.

Commodity currencies were resilient in the face of a firm US dollar with the Canadian dollar out-performing.

ECB President Lagarde reiterated that the conditions for raising interest rates were unlikely to be met in 2022. She added that tightening monetary policy now to temper high inflation would hurt the recovery and take effect just at the point when inflation was coming down. In this context, such a move would do more harm than good. She added that it was better to nurture the recovery through favourable financing conditions. ECB member de Cos stated that the 2023 inflation projections showed inflation below target in 2023.

The dovish ECB rhetoric continued to undermine Euro confidence with the currency unable to make significant headway into the New York open, especially with Euro sentiment also undermined by coronavirus concerns within the Euro area.

The New York Empire manufacturing index strengthened to 30.9 for November from 19.8 the previous month and well above consensus forecasts of 19.8. There was a faster rate of growth in new orders and shipments also increased at a strong rate for the month, although the growth in unfilled orders slowed.

There was a faster rate of growth in employment for the month with the component posting a record high while costs and prices increased at a very strong rate with the prices received index at a record high. Companies were less optimistic over the outlook while prices were expected at a faster rate over the next six months.

The dollar held a firm tone following the data and strengthened to fresh 15-month highs on a trade-weighted basis as the Euro retreated to the lowest level since July 2020. A break below the 1.1400 area triggered further selling with EUR/USD lows around 1.1360 before a marginal recovery on Tuesday as Euro sentiment remained weak.

US Treasuries were mixed at the New York open on Monday with a small increase in the 10-year bond yield as markets waited for further monetary policy developments. Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari maintained a dovish stance and stated that the Federal Reserve should not overreact to temporary factors and that he had seen no evidence of a shift in long-term inflation expectations. Fed rhetoric will continue to be monitored closely.

Markets remained on alert for a decision by President Biden on whether Fed Chair Powell will be nominated for a second term with reports that an announcement was imminent. There was further speculation that Brainard would be nominated instead which would be seen as a dovish move.

Asian equities were again mixed on Tuesday with an element of relief over the rhetoric surrounding talks between Biden and Chinese President Xi.

US yields edged lower and USD/JPY consolidated around 114.20 with EUR/JPY just below 130.00.

Sterling drifted ahead of Monday’s New York open with underlying sentiment still fragile. Bank of England MPC member Haskel stated that the economy was only firing on two cylinders and that it’s too early to declare success on getting those on furlough back to work which suggested opposition to a near-term rate hike.

In testimony to the Treasury Select Committee, Bank of England Governor Bailey stated that he is very uneasy about the inflation situation and that all meetings are live for any potential rate hike. He added that the November decision was a close call and that the real puzzle is what happens in the labour market. He did not that there was some evidence of wage settlements creeping higher. Chief economist Pill noted that there were risks in leaving tightening too late, but also noted the risks of going too early. MPC member Saunders reiterated his call for an immediate rate hike given the risks that rates will have to increase faster and further if the bank acts too late.

The overall rhetoric had a hawkish tinge which provided an element of Sterling support, although there was still a high degree of uncertainty.

UK unemployment edged lower to 4.3% in the three months to September from 4.5% with a strong employment increase and record high for vacancies, although underlying earnings growth was slightly weaker than expected. Sterling moved higher following the data with a GBP/USD advance to near 1.3450 while GBP/EUR rallied to 10-day highs above 1.1800.

Economic Calendar

ExpectedPrevious
10:00Euro-Zone GDP (Y/Y)3.70%
10:00Euro-Zone GDP (Q/Q)2.20%
13:15CAD Housing Starts(OCT)251.2K
13:30USD Core Retail Sales (M/M)(OCT)0.80%
13:30USD Advance Retail Sales (M/M)(OCT)0.70%
13:30USD Export Price Index (M/M)(OCT)0.1
13:30USD Import Price Index (M/M)(OCT)0.40%
14:15USD Industrial Production(OCT)-1.30%
15:00USD Business Inventories(SEP)0.60%
15:00NAHB Housing Market Index(OCT)80
16:10European Central Bank President Lagarde Speaks
17:00FOMC Member Raphael Bostic speech
20:30FOMC Member Mary Daly Speech
21:00USD TIC Net Long-Term(SEP)79.3B

*All rates shown are indicative of interbank rates and should only be used for indication purposes only. It is important to note that foreign exchange rates fluctuate and that rates may vary depending on the amount and the base currency that is purchased or sold. Rates are correct as of 8:00am UK time. CentralFX are not responsible for the rates shown.