North American Summary and Highlights 2 June
Overview - The USD was mostly firmer but came off its highs as USD/JPY failed to break 160.
North American session
The USD, as was oil, was higher in North America, but came off its highs in the afternoon. USD/JPY came close to 160 from 159.75 before slipping back to 159.90. EUR/USD saw lows below 1.62 from 1.1650 before correcting to 1.1635. In addition to ongoing Middle East concerns, the USD was supported by a strong 731k increase in job openings in April’s JOLTS report.
EUR/GBP slipped to .8635 from .8645 with hawkish comments from MPC’s Greene following more moderate ones from Governor Bailey. SNB’s Schlegel reiterated an increased willingness to intervene to deal with overvaluation pressure. EUR/CHF made modest gains above .9150. AUD/USD, NZD/USD and USD/CAD saw little movement.
European session
Subdued European morning, some calm after Monday’s Iran concerns, but the dollar not backing off much further at this point. Crude sits back just off $90 now, off Monday’s near $95 highs but still off the mid $80 lows of last week.
EUR/USD back to sitting off 1.1650~ area, USD/JPY still poised under 160 (159.70s), higher beta pares a bit circumspect (SEK and NZD back to nearer flat on the day now).
Iran's Mehr News says Iran still reviewing, has not yet responded to the US' latest proposed final agreement.
EZ May HICP at 3.2% from 3.0%, in line with market. Ex food, energy, alcohol, tobacco 2.5% from 2.2% (mkt 2.4%).
UK April consumer credit £1.86bn vs mkt £1.7bn, mortgage approvals 65.9k (mkt 62k), M4 +0.2%m/m.
European Parliament committee voted to remove EU import duties on many U.S. goods, moving to comply with US trade deal. Legislation still needs to be approved by full EU assembly.