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China markets open much weaker after extended New Year celebrations and virus containment measures.
Chinese equity markets fell 8% after the Chinese New Year holiday was extended to contain the coronavirus. The renminbi fell 1.5% and crossed over the psychologically important 7 figure. The British pound weakened as the first salvos are fired in the negotiations with the European Union on a new trade deal. The US dollar rebounded from Friday loses.
Economic Update for this week:
Monday: Markit France Manufacturing, US ISM Manufacturing, CA Markit Manufacturing
Tuesday: US Durable Goods
Wednesday, US Trade Balance
Thursday: US Jobless Claims
Friday: US Nonfarm Payrolls, CA Unemployment
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FX Rates
February 3, 2020Rates are not real time. Rates are today's indicative mid-market rates as of time of publishing, which may vary. Please contact SVB for a current quote.
EUR/USD 1.1055 GBP/USD 1.3036 USD/CAD 1.3246 AUD/USD 0.6696 USD/JPY 108.4900 USD/CNH 7.0138 USD/ILS 3.4462 USD/MXN 18.7532 USD/CHF 0.9647 USD/INR 71.3675
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USD
The dollar gained back half its losses from Friday. The greenback strengthened vs. the Chinese renminbi after Chinese authorities announced a $21B injection of liquidity in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus. US markets are watching the Democratic primary in Iowa today for signs a clear leader will emerge to challenge the president and begin to weigh any impact on the economy in the event Trump loses the November election.
GBPThe pound sank over 1% vs. the US dollar after the EU took a firm stance in the lead up to negotiations with the UK on future trade. Prime Minister Johnson rejected EU demands setting up difficult talks which must conclude by year-end.
EURThe euro gave back some gains from Friday, but trader sentiment is high for the euro especially vs. the US dollar. Hedge funds and speculators are adding to long euro positions as a way to bet against economic volatility in the US leading into the US presidential election.
CADRisk appetite improved after China’s overnight liquidity injection. The loonie is holding steady against the greenback but continues to outperform most of its peers. The price of oil stabilized after Friday’s 3% plunge. Canadian Markit manufacturing data is due out this morning and is expected to hold steady.
ASIA/PACIFICThe Chinese renminbi is down half a percent on the day as the coronavirus outbreak has sent the Shanghai & Shenzhen index into free-fall losing 8% in the first day of trading following Lunar New Year celebrations. The central bank in China announced an injection of $21B in liquidity through reverse repurchase agreements. The uncertainty of the potential impact of the virus has led economists to readjust Q1 growth forecasts for China significantly lower.
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