Daily FX Update

Cate Camerota

Optimism for coronavirus vaccine supports risk-on trading

News from Moderna Inc. stated that their experimental vaccine for coronavirus showed early signs of promise. In reaction to this news, markets moved towards risk-on and the US dollar weakened across the board.

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
  • FX Rates
    May 19, 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.


  • USD

    The US dollar is weaker against its peers following positive news from Moderna Inc. that their experimental vaccine showed promise against the coronavirus. Later today, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will give testimony before the Senate Banking committee.

    GBP
    Sterling strengthened following news that the UK plans to cut tariffs on many products after it splits from the European Union. GBP/USD hit a high of 1.2268.
    EUR

    EUR/USD experienced its third day of advances climbing to a high of 1.0976. The common currency strengthened after news that Germany and France agreed to a 500 bn euro aid package to support the EU’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

    CAD
    USD/CAD trades lower breaking through 1.40 and hitting one-week low of 1.3905. The Canadian dollar has been supported by coronavirus vaccine optimism and higher oil prices with June WTI contract up 1.8%.
    ASIA/PACIFIC
    USD/JPY hit a weekly high of 107.95. The Japanese yen has been under pressure as investors speculate that the Bank of Japan will hold an unscheduled meeting on May 22.
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Cate Camerota
WRITTEN BY
Cate Camerota

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