Risk assets rallied hard overnight overcoming, albeit temporarily, fears of a Eurozone calamity. The boost to markets appeared to come from hopes of stimulus on many fronts. Although the European Central Bank (ECB) did not cut policy interest rates President Draghi did note that he ‘stands ready to act’ if needed. This implies that rates cuts are in the pipeline very soon but any more action will require European politicians to act first. Following the G7 conference call there is also speculation that EU officials are coordinating some form of support for Spain, especially for its banking sector but details of what this will entail is lacking.
Meanwhile, speculation that the Fed will at least extend ‘Operation Twist” if not opt for a further round of quantitative easing has helped to support the uplift to sentiment. Further clues will come from Fed Chairman Bernanke’s testimony to Congress today although we don’t expect him to signal a policy shift. Markets are clearly grasping for any potential positives in the form of potential policy support but the risk of disappointment remains high, especially in Europe where policy makers have yet to reveal any fresh plans.
The USD dropped further overnight as risk currencies rallied. Market positioning had become very long USDs and some correction of long positioning / profit taking is obviously taking place Data releases did not provide any support to the currency although the Beige Book did note that the economy was continuing to grow ‘moderately’ which was perhaps less negative than it could have been. The USD may find some support from the Bernanke’s testimony today. Although the Fed chief is set to be cautious in his outlook he is unlikely to point to further stimulus at this stage.
It’s worth highlighting the Australian data this morning. Employment rose by surprisingly strong 38.9k. The details of the jobs report are even better than the headline. Full time employment was up 46.1k, while part time jobs were down 7.2k. The only slight negative is the rise in the unemployment rate to 5.1% but this was largely due to a rise in the participation rate to 65.5% from 65.2%. This is the second solid Australian reading in a row following on from the Q1 GDP data yesterday. Given today’s jump in risk assets the data will help compound AUD gains in the short term. AUD/USD will face strong resistance around 1.0021.
ECONOMETER 