- The US Dollar trades a touch softer on Monday with US traders enjoying the long weekend.
- Markets are digesting geopolitical headlines out of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
- The US Dollar Index tests 104 again and could slide below with the US session no present.
The US Dollar (USD) is digesting some geopolitical news that came out over the weekend and this Monday with tension being pushed back on high alert on Gaza and the Middle East. Israel has released an ultimatum for Hamas to give up the last hostages, otherwise a big military operation will take place before the Shabbat on March 8. Iran meanwhile reported that the attacks last week on one of its major Gas pipelines is the work of Israel, the New York Times reported.
On the economic data front, there are no numbers from the US and no US Federal Reserve speakers either. Fast forward to later this week and on Wednesday traders will move the markets on the publication of the US Fed’s most recent Minutes. Add Thursday with important US Purchase Manager Indices prints and although overall the calendar looks light, there could be some substantial movements later this week in the US Dollar Index.
- European Vice President Josep Borrell confirmed that the EU is now actively patrolling in the Red Sea.
- The New York Times reported that Iran has proof that Israel has blown up one of Iran’s most key Gas pipelines last week.
- Yemen’s Houthis have targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden.
- Europe is kicking off its EU election campaign with Ursula von der Leyen announcing she would like to run for a second term.
- The European Commission has slammed Apple with a fine over its Music Streaming business. The claim is allegedly Apple is breaking EU law over access to its music streaming services. The fine could amount to 500 million Euro.
- Equities are welcoming back China which is opening up again after its week-long close due to Chinese New Year. Markets are looking for direction this Monday with a very mixed view and no real outliers to report. US equity futures are trading, though with limited volumes and no opening bell ahead.
- The CME Group’s FedWatch Tool is now looking at the March 20th meeting. Expectations for a pause are 89.5%, while 10.5% for a rate cut.
- The benchmark 10-year US Treasury Note trades will not be moving this Monday with the US markets closed. The close on Friday was at 4.28%.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) is holding its ground above 104 in a very calm start of the week. With US traders not present in the markets, expect very thin volumes to occur, on a Monday where volumes are often already rather on the low side compared to the rest of the week. Rather look for the middle of this week for things to finally come alive, while traders look for clues on the timing of that first rate cut, which is now hanging between June and July.
Should the US Dollar jump to 105.00 on Friday, 105.12 is a key level to keep an eye on. One step beyond there comes 105.88, the high of November 2023. Ultimately, 107.20 – the high of 2023 – could even come back into scope, but that would be when several inflation measures are coming in higher than expected for several weeks in a row.
The 100-day Simple Moving Average looks to be holding for now, though pressure is building on it to snap, near 104.18, so the 200-day SMA near 103.70 looks more solid. Should that give way, look for support from the 55-day SMA near 103.14.
Risk sentiment FAQs
In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off” refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest.
Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit.
The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity.
The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.