Equities higher, dollar mixed amid US stimulus hopes

Global equities are higher and the dollar is mixed amid heightened hopes for progress on the US stimulus package. There was little reaction to last night’s VP debate or this morning’s mixed US Jobless Claims data. Talk in the market of a contentious election has been replaced by talk of what a blue wave might mean. Yesterday’s release of September’s FOMC minutes provided little insight into future monetary policy. Covid-19 cases surged in Europe, with Scotland and England imposing new lockdown restrictions. US Treasury yields are steady. Oil and gold prices are firm.

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FX Rates
October 8, 2020

Rates 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 1.1743
GBP/USD 1.2925
USD/CAD 1.3247
AUD/USD 0.7157
USD/JPY 105.97
USD/CNH 6.7910
USD/ILS 3.3933
USD/MXN 21.4375
USD/CHF 0.9190
USD/INR 73.2425
USD
The dollar changed little overnight, as markets were unmoved by last night’s VP debate or this morning’s Jobless Claims data. Talk in the market of a protracted, contentious presidential election has been replaced by talk of what a blue wave (Biden plus a Democratic Senate) might mean to financial markets and the economy. Initial Jobless Claims were a bit higher and Continuing Claims were lower than expected. FOMC minutes gave few clues for its future monetary policy guidance, reiterating a call for fiscal stimulus to support economic recovery.

GBP
The UK pound fluctuated in a relatively wide range overnight, yet currently trades near yesterday’s closing level. New lockdown restrictions took place in Scotland and England after Covid-19 cases surged across Europe. The first day of new Brexit negotiations ended and comments from both sides for reaching an agreement were encouraging.
EUR
The euro is lower amid news of Covid-19 surges across Europe. Minutes of the September ECB meeting showed: 1) no complacency in the fight against economic recession; 2) inflation expectations were at “very depressed” levels with risk of falling further; and 3) concern that gains in the euro were offsetting some of their monetary stimulus efforts.
CAD
The Canadian dollar made small gains overnight amid firm commodity prices. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said they have more tools available to support the economy, including funds for lending, yield curve control, and additional QE asset purchases. When asked about negative interest rates, Macklem said “we are not actively discussing it, but never say never.”
ASIA/PACIFIC
Asian currencies were generally stronger overnight. Equity markets were mixed. The New Zealand dollar weakened after New Zealand Reserve Bank Chief Economist said they would rather provide too much stimulus, “than do too little too late.”

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Source: Bloomberg

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WRITTEN BY

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Equities higher, dollar mixed amid US stimulus hopes