- Japan November trade balance -JPY685bln
- Foreign JGB holdings at record highs
- Japanese government set to downgrade economic growth forecasts- Reuters
- UK consumer confidence at 3-year lows
- Market on hold ahead of LTRO
- Regional stocks +2% on average; Kospi leads the way +3%
- Gold +0.5% to $1627/oz
The AUD has again been the stand-out performer, just as it was overnight, and interbank reports suggest that leveraged players have been piling into the AUD crosses. EUR/AUD is testing record lows near 1.2925. AUD/USD opened near 1.0080, dipped slightly in early trade before gaining fresh momentum in thin markets, on the break above 1.0100. Ranges: 1.0055/1.0144
EUR/USD followed the AUD lead, opening near 1.3080, spiking to 1.3120, and then consolidating quietly. Ranges: 1.3073/1.3126
Cable 1.5656/85; USD/JPY 77.73/91; USD/CHF .9281/.9321