Dollar Suffers First Two-Day Drop Since Debt Ceiling Standoff Ends

Dollar Suffers First Two-Day Drop Since Debt Ceiling Standoff Ends

We are a day away from the release of the 3Q US GDP release and two from the October NFPs – event risk that can materially alter FOMC taper forecasts and thereby the US dollar’s bearings. In the lead up, however, a lack of conviction and lingering volatility can create unusual trading conditions. The 0.1 percent slip from the Dow Jones FXCM Dollar Index (ticker = USDollar) marked the first consecutive decline for the benchmark since the deficit standoff ended October 17 and ultimately marked the turning point for a bull wave. For event risk, the past session offered up the ISM’s service sector activity survey for October. A 55.4 reading from the benchmark bested expectations, but it was the jump in the employment component that perhaps generates a little more interest in the lead up to official labor stats due Friday. The next trend we see from the dollar, carry and broader financial markets is very likely to originate from risk trends that are touched off by stimulus expectations. That leverages the importance of Fed commentary as well. It seems there is concerted effort to prepare the market for the Taper.

Euro Drops after EU Downgrades Region’s Growth, Debt Outlook

When it rains, it pours. The euro has already been pummeled this past week by souring rate expectations after the disappointing inflation report for the Euro-area. As we head into the ECB decision that will verify or dispel the resurgence of dovish fears by euro traders, there is a natural inclination for the speculative tides to moderate. Yet, the EU’s (European Union) Fall economic forecasts would ensure the concern stretched a little further. According to the authority, the group that shares the euro would grow 1.1 percent versus the 1.2 percent projected in May. More concerning, the jobless rate was seen unchanged from the current record high. Furthermore, individual member countries were looking at greater problems. Greece was still looking at a 4.0 percent contraction this year (slightly better than May’s view), Spain’s deficit ratio was expected to balloon while Ireland and Portugal are seen having issues with accessing the market.

British Pound, Yield Forecast Rise on Upgraded Growth Forecast

In direct contrast to the unfavorable turn for the Eurozone’s growth outlook, the UK was given a big boost for its own prospects. According to the Fall forecasts, the United Kingdom will grow 1.3 percent this year (previously expected to be 0.6 percent) and 2.2 percent in 2014 (previously 1.7 percent). That is a substantial upgrade, but one that we have seen reinforced by more than a few items this week. The CBI’s own upgrade last week was a smaller magnitude, but sets a similar tone. Meanwhile, the Markit service sector activity survey for October printed the highest reading since 1997. All of this translates into increased fodder for rate speculators to doubt the BoE’s cautious forecasts for rate hikes to be delayed until 2016. Meanwhile, the swaps curve has not steepened materially in response to the recent run of data – though the 10-year gilt yield jumped 3.7 percent. Perhaps this represents fundamental room for the sterling to cover after Thursday’s BoE decision…