Now, there is “meat on the bones”
Morning mid-market rates – The majors
August 24th: Highlights
- Hard Brexit details hit Sterling
- Powell to speak at Jackson Hole
- Euro rally peters out
Government attempt to allay no deal Brexit fears feeds concerns
Dominic Raab, the UK Brexit Minister set out his vision of “practical and proportionate” advice on steps that should be taken in the event of the UK departing the EU next March with no agreement in place. Since this would also affect the EU, Brussels has also issued guidelines which, naturally, are appreciably more comprehensive and would take until next March to read and understand!
The main areas highlighted by the UK guidelines are 1) the cost of using a credit card within the EU would rise considerably, 2) businesses trading with the EU may need to buy or develop new software to cope with additional customs checks, and 3) UK citizens living in the EU may find their access to bank accounts change and their pension rights removed.
One positive element is that despite a possible shortage of drugs available to hospitals, the process for bringing new drugs to market would be shortened considerably as EU testing procedures would be removed.
It is unclear what the purpose of the two sides documents is, since the public, particularly in the UK hardly need reminding about the coming upheaval.
Sterling fell versus the dollar to a low of 1.2804 before closing a few pips higher at 1.2810. Against the single currency, it was a similar story with the pound making a low of 1.1083 and the psychologically important 1.1000 level is now a clear target.
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Powell speech at Jackson Hole eagerly awaited
With President Trump’s recent criticism ringing in his ears, Powell must decide how to emphasize Central Bank independence yet remain in a job. It is expected that he will reiterate the hawkish views of his colleagues on the FOMC who left markets in no doubt following the release of minutes from their last meeting they are very much in “rate hike mode”.
President Trump’s comment that he was “less than thrilled” by the Fed’s actions was prefaced by his saying that he was prepared to allow them (the Fed) to do what they see as best. He (Trump) is, however, famously unconstrained by convention and since the Fed’s independence owes more to precedent than constitution, he may feel obliged to respond to any comments on that subject from Powell, who, of course, was nominated by Trump.
The dollar index rallied a little yesterday reaching 95.71 and closing close to that level as the trade talks between China and the U.S. ended with no agreement reached.
Euro drifting on a sea of indifference
The euro has fallen by around 3% this year versus the dollar but has rallied by considerably more versus Sterling. While this is not a barometer of market sentiment around Brexit, it does appear that should all the pamphlets, advisories and directives on a no-deal Brexit that have
suddenly appeared be necessary, the issues facing UK exporters to Europe may be tempered by a windfall in the shape of a weaker currency.
The Euro remains supported close to 1.1480 versus the dollar but there can be no significant rally from that level while monetary policy remains dovish with no prospect of a rate hike before Autumn ‘19 at the earliest.
Next week sees a relatively light slate of data with German and Eurozone-wide inflation due for release on Thursday and Friday. Almost needless to say in the current environment, both are expected to be unchanged,
Have a great day!
About Alan Hill
Alan has been involved in the FX market for more than 25 years and brings a wealth of experience to his content. His knowledge has been gained while trading through some of the most volatile periods of recent history. His commentary relies on an understanding of past events and how they will affect future market performance.”
