Europe Summary and Highlights 12 Jan
The USD was slightly lower across the board through the European morning.
European morning session
The USD was slightly lower across the board through the European morning. EUR/USD gained 10 pips to 1.1685, while USD/JPY also edged slightly lower, although EUR/JPY was a tad firmer. GBP was the best performer, with GBP/USD up 30 pips, while the scandis and commodity currencies moved in line with the EUR.
There was little news of any note, with data confined to the Sentix economic sentiment survey for the Eurozone which showed an improvement to its best level since July. FX moves look more driven by the concerns about Fed independence and Japanese political uncertainty.
Asia session
It has proven to be an eventful weekend as we see geopolitical risk and Fed independency on the cards. As Iran protest continues, it seems to see the U.S. began looking into potential scenarios and could flare up geopolitical tension further. And Trump did not stop there, it is reported on late Friday that Federal prosecutors has opened probe into Fed chair Powell amid renovation scrutiny, which Powell calls out to be a witch hunt. While it is not the first time Trump pressuring the Fed to cut rates, it is the first time a likely criminal investigation to be started against the Fed Chair. Gold jumped from these headlines and is seen supporting the Aussie. AUD/USD originally opened a few pips lower on strong USD but have since recovered and further rose to 0.17% higher at 0.6700, NZD/USD is trading 0.28% higher at 0.5747 while USD/CAD slips 0.16%.
It was reported on late Friday that Japan's PM Takaichi is considering calling a snap election. And we have more information on Monday on LDP lawmakers expect possible Lower House dissolution in late January. When asked about it, Takaichi reverted to priority being benefits of economic policy and measures aimed at curbing rising prices for Japanese household. It is worth noting that LDP coalition partner Komeito seems to be against the plan. USD/JPY opened higher and remain trading 0.13% higher at 158.12. Else, EUR/USD is trading 0.3% higher and GBP/USD is up 0.24%.