Sample Category Title

Trade Idea Update: EUR/USD – Hold long entered at 1.1985

EUR/USD - 1.1984

Original strategy  :

Bought at 1.1985, Target: 1.2090, Stop: 1.1950

Position : - Long at 1.1985

Target :  - 1.2090

Stop : - 1.1950

New strategy  :

Hold long entered at 1.1985, Target: 1.2090, Stop: 1.1950

Position : - Long at 1.1985

Target :  - 1.2090

Stop : - 1.1950

Euro’s retreat after rising to 1.2093 late last week suggests consolidation below this level would be seen and marginal weakness from here cannot be ruled out, however, reckon downside would be limited and bring another rise later, above 1.2030 would suggest an intra-day low is formed, bring test of 1.2070-75, break there would signal the pullback from 1.2093 has ended, then retest of this resistance would follow but break there is needed to extend recent upmove towards 1.2150-55 (61.8% projection of 1.1119-1.1910 measuring from 1.1662). 

In view of this, we are holding on to our long position entered at 1.1985. Below 1.1950 (previous resistance turned support) would signal a temporary top is formed instead bring weakness to 1.1925-30 first. 

USDJPY: Triggers Corrective Recovery, Eyes 109.00 Zone

USDJPY: The pair saw a saw recovery during early trading today opening the door for correction in the days ahead. On the downside, support comes in at the 108.00 level where a break if seen will aim at the 107.50 level. A cut through here will turn focus to the 107.00 level and possibly lower towards the 106.50 level. On the upside, resistance resides at the 109.00 level. Further out, we envisage a possible move towards the 109.50 level. Further out, resistance resides at the 110.00 level with a turn above here aiming at the 110.50 level. On the whole, USDJPY now faces a recovery higher threats.

Trade Idea Update: USD/JPY – Sell at 109.35

USD/JPY - 108.79

Original strategy  :

Sell at 108.90, Target: 107.70, Stop: 109.25

Position :  -

Target :  -

Stop : -

New strategy  :

Sell at 109.35, Target: 108.35, Stop: 109.70

Position :  -

Target :  -

Stop : -

As the greenback opened higher today and has edged higher, suggesting near term upside risk remains for the rebound from last week’s low of 107.32 to extend gain to 109.00 (50% Fibonacci retracement of 110.67-107.32), however, still reckon upside would be limited to 109.39-40 (61.8% Fibonacci retracement and previous resistance) and bring retreat later, below the Kijun-Sen (now at 108.07) would suggest the rebound from 107.32 has possibly ended but break of 107.60-65 is needed to confirm and bring retest of 107.32.

In view of this, we are still looking to sell dollar on further recovery as 109.35-40 should limit upside, bring retreat later. Above 109.55 would defer and signal low has been formed, bring a stronger rebound towards resistance at 108.93 which is likely to hold from here due to near term overbought condition.

EURUSD Testse Key 1.2030 Level

The EURUSD pair continues to hold above the 1.2000 level, with price-action moving to test the key 1.2030 level, despite a minor relief rally in the U.S dollar index, and a lack of macroeconomic data from Europe and the United States.

The euro is currently confined to a tight trading range between the 1.1980 and 1.2040 region, with a higher time frame close above or below these levels needed to set a stronger intraday directional trend.

This week's EURUSD directional bias is likely to be set by U.S economic data, as we see a number of high impact inflation and consumer spending data points from the United States economy.

Key intraday resistance for the EURUSD pair is located at 1.2048, 1.2069 and 1.2092. Once above the 1.2092 level, traders should look for further bullish advancement towards the 1.2130, 1.2160 and 1.2230 levels.

Intraday corrections lower for the EURUSD pair should find initial support from the September 1st Nonfarm payrolls spike high, at 1.1979.

The euro's 100-hour moving average offer further support, at 1.1968, as does the 200-hour moving average, at 1.1935.

GBPUSD Back Above 1.3200

The GBPUSD pair has moved back above the 1.3200 level, after a minor correction to the 1.3168 support level, during the early European trading session.

Price-action continues to remain extremely bullish, with the pair increasingly likely to target the current monthly and yearly price highs, at 1.3224 and 1.3268

The GBPUSD pair is now starting to test the 1.3220 level, which is a key Fibonacci level, and represents the 50 percent retracement of the Brexit spike high at 1.5017, to the 2016 trading low, located at 1.1434.

Above the 1.3268 level, GBPUSD upside objectives remain 1.3300 and 1.3348.

The 100-week moving average and upside channel top also converge, at 1.3396.

To the downside, GBPUSD support is located at the daily pivot at 1.3180, and the current weekly low, at 1.3168.

Further support is located at the weekly pivot, at 1.3109, and the former monthly pivot, at 1.3080.

GBP/USD Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.3113; (P) 1.3168; (R1) 1.3245; More...

Intraday bias in GBP/USD remains on the upside and rise from 1.2773 should target 1.3267 resistance first. Break there will resume whole rise from 1.1946 and target 1.3444 key resistance next. But again, price actions from 1.1946 are still seen as a corrective pattern. Hence, we'd expect strong resistance from 1.3444 to limit upside to bring larger down trend reversal eventually. On the downside, below 1.3123 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral first.

In the bigger picture, overall, price actions from 1.1946 medium term low are seen as a corrective pattern. While further rise cannot be ruled out, larger outlook remains bearish as long as 1.3444 key resistance holds. Down trend from 1.7190 (2014 high) is expected to resume later after the correction completes. And break of 1.2773 support will be the first sign that such down trend is resuming.

GBP/USD 4 Hours Chart

GBP/USD Daily Chart

US Backs Down on Tough North Korea Sanctions, Sterling Jumps on BoE Talk

Dollar recovers mildly today as risk aversion eased slightly. Hurricane Irma is weakening as it moved past Tampa, Florida. Some analysts pointed out that damage of Irma is not as catastrophic as feared, even though it's still devastating. Meanwhile, North Korea risk is temporarily eased after the weekend. The US has backed down on pushing toughest sanctions on North Korea. A watered down version will be tabled for vote in UNSC today. While the greenback trades mildly higher, it's clearly outshone by Canadian Dollar and Sterling. Meanwhile, Yen and Swiss Franc are trading as the weakest ones. Gold is also notably weaker, hitting as low as 1335.2, comparing to Friday's high at 1362.4. WTI crude oil is hovering tight range below 48 handle.

US watered down its proposal on North Korea sanction, UNSC to vote

A major focus today will be on United Nation Security Councils' vote on fresh sanctions on North Korea. The US originally wanted to propose tougher measures that include bans on oil imports, textile exports and employment of works from North Korea. However, it's reported that the US has backed down and scaled back the proposal before the vote. Now, the revised draft dropped the proposed complete oil ban. It's changed to a cap on shipments of refined petroleum products at 2m barrels a year. Crude oil exports to North Korea would be maintained at current level. Workers ban was also diluted while freeze of leader Kim Jong-Un's assets and national airline Koryo is dropped too. But even after that, it's uncertain whether the proposal would be passed in UNSC. Two veto-holding members, Russia and China, are known to be against fresh sanctions on North Korea.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tension between the US and North Korea seemed to have eased moderately. North Korea did nothing provocative on the foundation day during the week end. However, North Korea did warned that "in case the U.S. eventually does rig up the illegal and unlawful 'resolution' on harsher sanctions, the DPRK shall make absolutely sure that the U.S. pays a due price.." And, "the forthcoming measures to be taken by the DPRK will cause the U.S. the greatest pain and suffering it had ever gone through in its entire history."

Sterling jumps on BoE talks, but it will face CPI test first

Sterling jumps broadly today on talk that BoE would step up its warning on interest rate later in the week. The central bank is widely expected to keep bank rate and asset purchase target unchanged. Based on current inflation outlook, there is also no imminent need for a hike. But BoE may reiterate that markets are under-estimating the scale of interest rate hikes in the coming years. And it may want households, business and investors to be well prepared. However, it should be noted that policy makers will have to look into inflation data to be released tomorrow. In particular, CPI is expected to climb back to 2.8% yoy in August. Any downside surprise there would intensify expectation that inflation won't hit 3% handle as BoE projected. And that would knock Sterling back down. Of course, focus will also be on whether hawks Michael Saunders and Ian McCafferty would change their mind on voting for rate hike too.

Before that, eyes will be on a parliamentary vote of the so called Brexit "Repeal Bill" today. In short, the bill seeks to copy and paste EU laws into UK legislation so that UK will have the same functioning laws and regulatory framework at the time of Brexit. Brexit Secretary David Davis warned that a vote against the bill is "a vote for chaotic exit from the European Union". And he emphasized that "businesses and individuals need reassurance that there will be no unexpected changes to our laws after exit day and that is exactly what the repeal bill provides. Without it, we would be approaching a cliff edge of uncertainty which is not in the interest of anyone." The government will need to secure the votes today to move on to the next phase of the legislation process. Opposition Labour Party has already indicated that they will vote against unless there are concessions.

ECB Coeure warned of exogenous shocks to the exchange rate

ECB Executive Board member Benoit Coeure said today "compared with past demand shocks, policy will remain more accommodative for longer, thereby likely muting further the pass-through of any growth-driven exchange rate appreciation." He noted that current recovery in Eurozone is "driven by domestic demand". Therefore, Euro strength might "have less of an impact on growth than, for example, after the Great Financial Crisis." Stronger than expected growth this is has prompted ECB policy makers to consider scaling back the quantitative easing program. Coeur noted that "at the current juncture, however, the policy-relevant horizon – the 'medium term' concept in our monetary policy strategy – is likely to be longer given the persistence of subdued inflationary pressures." And he warned that "exogenous shocks to the exchange rate, if persistent, can lead to an unwarranted tightening of financial conditions with undesirable consequences for the inflation outlook."

BoJ's ultra loose policy will destabilize the banking sector

A Japan Financial Services Agency adviser Naoki Ohgo warned that BoJ's stimulus program is severely cutting into bank profits. "Only a handful of regional banks successfully making money in niche areas." Others are struggling to find new business models. And, unless regional banks boost profitability it "might not take long" for BoJ's policies to finally destabilize the banking sector. Ohgo warned that "consolidation is inevitable". Meanwhile, Ohgo also pointed out that "despite abundant supply of cash in the economy, inflation did not reach 2 percent." Hence, "it's clear that monetary easing wasn't enough to generate inflation."

Released from Japan, machine orders rose 8.0% mom in July, M2 rose 4.0% yoy, tertiary industry index rose 0.1% mom in July. Machine tool orders rose 36.3% yoy in August.

China cut forex reserve requirement from 20% to 0%.

In China, the PBoC will unwind the rules on forex exchange forward reserve requirements that were implemented back in 2015. Back then the Renminbi exchange rate suffered prolonged depreciation after the devaluation in August 2015. The implementation of 20% reserve requirement was a move to halt the unwanted speculation in the exchanged rate. Effective today, the requirement is cut down to 0%. The move is seen by the markets as the government is adopting a more liberalized approach to Yuan trading. And it's also an act to soften restriction on capital outflow. Released over the weekend, China CPI accelerated to 1.6% yoy in August, up from 1.4% yoy. PPI slowed to 5.4% yoy, below 5.5% yoy.

GBP/USD Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.3113; (P) 1.3168; (R1) 1.3245; More...

Intraday bias in GBP/USD remains on the upside and rise from 1.2773 should target 1.3267 resistance first. Break there will resume whole rise from 1.1946 and target 1.3444 key resistance next. But again, price actions from 1.1946 are still seen as a corrective pattern. Hence, we'd expect strong resistance from 1.3444 to limit upside to bring larger down trend reversal eventually. On the downside, below 1.3123 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral first.

In the bigger picture, overall, price actions from 1.1946 medium term low are seen as a corrective pattern. While further rise cannot be ruled out, larger outlook remains bearish as long as 1.3444 key resistance holds. Down trend from 1.7190 (2014 high) is expected to resume later after the correction completes. And break of 1.2773 support will be the first sign that such down trend is resuming.

GBP/USD 4 Hours Chart

GBP/USD Daily Chart

Economic Indicators Update

GMT Ccy Events Actual Forecast Previous Revised
23:50 JPY Machine Orders M/M Jul 8.00% 4.10% -1.90%
23:50 JPY Japan Money Stock M2+CD Y/Y Aug 4.00% 4.10% 4.00%
4:30 JPY Tertiary Industry Index M/M Jul 0.10% 0.10% 0.00%
6:00 JPY Machine Tool Orders Y/Y Aug P 36.30% 28.00%
12:15 CAD Housing Starts Aug 223K 220.0K 222.3K

 

Gold Retreats As Risk Appetite Returns

Gold gapped down on Monday, but with the Dollar vulnerable to further losses, the yellow metal will likely remain supported in the long-term.

Gold lost some of its sparkle on Monday, having hit its highest level in over a year in the previous session, as risk appetite flickered back to life.

The market players who were bracing for North Korea to conduct another missile launch over the weekend to mark their foundation day, were relieved when Pyongyang decided to host a celebration instead. This reprieve has rekindled appetite for riskier assets, and supported the Greenback while punishing safehavens such as Gold. While the yellow metal may continue to edge lower amid the risk-on trading environment, the lingering air of caution is likely to limit downside losses.

The Dollar is still vulnerable to further losses, as expectations rapidly fade over the Federal Reserve raising US interest rates in December, so Gold is likely to remain supported moving forward. Further upside is still on the cards, especially when considering how heightened political uncertainty in Washington, geopolitical tensions and Brexit concerns continue to stimulate the flight to safety.

From a technical standpoint, Gold bulls are still in the game, despite the nasty drop from over the weekend. A breakout above $1340 should encourage a further appreciation higher towards $1350. In an alternative scenario, a breakdown and repeated weakness under $1325 is likely to encourage a decline towards $1315 and $1300, respectively.

Dollar Gains Tentative Traction

Global equities and the U.S dollar are edging a tad higher this Monday morning, while haven assets retreat, as capital market fears ease about a standoff with North Korea and the impact of Hurricane Irma on the U.S economy.

Nonetheless, North Korea has warned of retaliation if the UN Security Council approves harsher sanctions in a vote later today.

The week ahead will feature an early look at how the eurozone's economic momentum is holding up in Q3, while consumer price data from the U.K and U.S. will show if those countries' central banks are getting any closer to their inflation targets.

The Bank of England (BoE) will hold its monetary policy meeting Thursday, the same day as the Swiss National Bank (SNB) will give its quarterly monetary policy assessment.

The volatile U.S retail sales date will close out the week on Friday giving the market a birds eye view on U.S consuming spending, while in Asia, the market will continue to monitor data from China with key industrial production and retail sales data scheduled. Down-under, Australia will release its jobs data on Thursday.

1. Global stocks edge higher

A weaker yen (¥108.40) boosted Japanese blue-chip stocks. Overnight, the Nikkei rallied +1.4%, after setting fresh four-month lows on Friday and logging its worst week in seven months. The broader Topix gained +1.2% on the lowest volume in a fortnight.

In South Korea, the Kospi was up +0.7%, while down-under, Australia's S&P/200 rose +0.7%.

In Hong Kong, stocks rallied the most in a week, encouraged by another case of Chinese state enterprise reforms and Beijing's loosening of controls to curb outflows that underlined rising confidence over the Yuan's value. The Hang Seng index rose +1.0%, while the China Enterprises Index gained +0.6%.

Note: The People's Bank of China (PBoC) scrapped two rules intended to support the yuan, showing that authorities are less worried about yuan depreciation after the currency's recent surge against the dollar.

In China, stocks were slightly higher, led by gains in shares of electric vehicle makers. The blue-chip CSI300 index was unchanged, while the Shanghai Composite Index added +0.3%.

In Europe, regional indices trade sharply higher across the board, led by Re-Insurers, as the impact from Hurricane Irma was less than feared.

In the U.S stocks are set to open in the black (+0.5%).

Indices: Stoxx600 +0.9% at 378, FTSE +0.6% at 7424, DAX +1.1% at 12432, CAC-40 +1.1% at 5170, IBEX-35 +1.4% at 10276, FTSE MIB +1.2% at 22026, SMI +0.6% at 8968, S&P 500 Futures +0.5%.

2. Oil weaker on U.S demand fears, gold lower

Ahead of the U.S open, oil prices are a tad lower on concerns that Hurricane Irma's pounding of Florida could dent oil demand. However, losses are being capped by weekend talks between the Saudi's and other OPEC members to possibly extend a pact to cut global oil supplies beyond next March.

Brent crude oil futures for November are down -5c at $53.73 a barrel, while benchmark U.S West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell by -4c to $47.80.

Note: The market believes that Irma will have a negative impact on demand, but not on processing. Hurricane Harvey and Irma are expected to inflict a bearish shock on oil demand this month of about -600k bpd.

Gold prices are under pressure after hitting it's highest in over a year in Friday's session, as the dollar recovers from last week's lows and as the lack of geopolitical developments dented safe-haven appeal.

Spot gold is down -0.8% at +$1,335.10 an ounce – it rallied to +$1,357.54 on Sept. 8.

3. Sovereign yields back up

U.S yields are backing up a tad as market concerns about the impact of Hurricane Irma on the U.S economy is decreasing after it hit Florida yesterday with the strength of a Cat 4 storm, rather than a Cat 5 hurricane.

The 10-year U.S Treasury bond yield has edged up +3 bps to +2.09%.

In Germany, Bund yields briefly dipped this morning after comments from ECB board member Benoit Coeure that monetary policy is likely to remain more accommodative for longer. 10-year yields are trading at +0.33%.

Note: ECB President Draghi may have appeared ‘dovish' in his press conference last week, but German Bunds also have to deal with domestic ‘hawkish' unofficial guidance.

In the U.K, 10-year Gilt yields increased +2 bps to +1.01%.

Note: There's a Bank of England (BoE) monetary policy meeting Thursday, and inflation and employment data before that. Governor Carney is expected to hold rates steady despite a potential uptick in in inflation before the meet.

4. Dollar gains tentative traction

With North Korea not deploying any missiles and Hurricane Irma landing as a Cat 4 storm has had a negative impact on the risk aversion trade.

The EUR/USD continues to hover just north of the psychological €1.2000 handle. The single unit's soft tone has been aided by this morning ‘dovish' comments from ECB's Coeure who reiterated that the Council view that monetary policy would likely remain more accommodative for longer.

USD/JPY (¥108.50) is higher as the North Korean missile test failed to materialize for the time being. Reports are also circulating that a UN draft on North Korea dropped its call for an oil embargo of the country.

GBP/USD (£1.3135) is a tad higher ahead of the U.S open. Focus is on U.K's Parliament vote on Brexit repeal bill later today. Brexit Minister Davis warned of chaotic Brexit if Parliament blocked the repeal bill.

5. Norway goes to the polls

Norway goes to the polls today to decide whether the Conservative Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, or her Labour rival, Jonas Gahr Store, will lead the country for the next four years.

The contest looks too close to call, with Solberg's right wing bloc of parties and Store's left wing opposition group neck-and-neck.

The results for a half dozen smaller parties will be critical.

Note: Voting ends at 3:00 pm EDT with exit polls expected immediately after.

The NOK ($7.7800) is a tad softer after Norway's August CPI data came in lower-than-expected – m/m -0.8% vs. -0.4%e, y/y +1.3% vs. +1.7%e. Today's inflation data is unlikely to alter the Norges Bank's outlook.

Market Update – European Session: Risk Appetite Finds Fresh Legs After The Most Severe Scenarios Of Weekend Events Failed...

Notes/Observations

Risk appetite finds some room as threats of North Korea escalation and the most severe US hurricane scenarios have been temporarily avoided

Inflation in Norway slipped unexpectedly in August.

Focus was on UK Parliament vote on Brexit repeal bill later today. Brexit Min Davis warned of chaotic Brexit if Parliament blocked the bill

Overnight/weekend

Asia:

No North Korea missile test/launch detected on the 69th anniversary of NK National Founding Day

North Korea reiterated view that closely following US' moves with 'vigilance'; ready and willing to use 'any form of ultimate means'. Warned of retaliation if UN Security Council approved US request for further sanctions - KCNA

US called for a vote on Monday, Sept 11th concerning Draft UN Security Council resolution on additional sanctions on North Korea

China Aug CPI Y/Y: 1.8% v 1.6%e; PPI Y/Y: 6.3% v 5.7%e

China PBOC said to have removed reserve request for offshore bank yuan accounts (reflect major changes of market environment currently)

Europe:

UK Brexit Min Davis said to warn of chaotic Brexit if Parliament block bill. Without repeal bill we would be approaching a cliff edge of uncertainty

UK Aug Visa Consumer Spending y/y: +0.3% v -0.8% prior (1st increase since Apr)

Greece PM Tsipras: Determined to speed up conclusion of 3rd bailout review. Wants IMF to decide if it will join 3rd bailout by end-2017

Americas:

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm

Energy:

Saudi Arabia Energy Ministry stated that Al-Falih discussed with his Venezuelan and Kazakh counterparts the possible extension of the global oil supply cut pact beyond March 2018

Economic data

(NO) Norway Aug CPI M/M: -0.8% v -0.4%e; Y/Y: 1.3% v 1.7%e

(NO) Norway Aug CPI Underlying M/M: -0.9% v -0.4%e; Y/Y: 0.9% v 1.4%e

(SE) Sweden Aug PES Unemployment Rate: 4.1% v 4.0% prior

(FR) Bank of France Aug Business Sentiment: 104 v 106e

(CZ) Czech Aug CPI M/M: -0.1% v -0.1%e; Y/Y: 2.5% v 2.6%e

(TR) Turkey Q2 GDP Q/Q: 2.1% v 1.8%e; Y/Y: 5.1% v 5.3%e; GDP (unadj): 6.5% v 5.2%e

(DK) Denmark Aug CPI M/M: -0.3% v -0.5%e; Y/Y: 1.5% v 1.3%e

(DK) Denmark Aug CPI EU Harmonized M/M: -0.4% v +1.0% prior; Y/Y: 1.5% 1.5% prior

(IT) Italy July Industrial Production M/M: +0.1% v -0.4%e; Y/Y: 4.4% v 5.3% prior; Industrial Production WDA Y/Y: 4.4% v 3.7%e

Fixed Income Issuance:

None seen

SPEAKERS/FIXED INCOME/FX/COMMODITIES/ERRATUM

Equities

Indices [Stoxx600 +0.9% at 378, FTSE +0.6% at 7424, DAX +1.1% at 12432, CAC-40 +1.1% at 5170, IBEX-35 +1.4% at 10276, FTSE MIB +1.2% at 22026, SMI +0.6% at 8968, S&P 500 Futures +0.5%]

Market Focal Points/Key Themes:

European Indices trade sharply higher across the board being led by Re-Insurers as the impact from Hurricane Irma was less than feared. Hannover Re, Swiss Re and Munich Re are all outperforming in Europe.In the UK Associated British Foods trades lower after there Full year Trading update, reporting strong sales especially from Primark, which reported sales up 13% (cc). Meanwhile Roche trades lower weighing on the Swiss SMI after its BRIM8 phase 3 study failed to meet primary endpoint.

Equities

Consumer discretionary [Air Berlin [AB1.DE] +13% (Hans Rudolf Wohrl offers up to €500M), Associated British Foods [ABF.UK] -2.2% (Trading update)]

Financials: [Beazly [BEZ.UK] +6%, Munich Re [MUV2.DE] +4.2%, Hannover Re [HNR1.DE] +4.4%, Swiss Re [SREN.CH] +4.5% (Hurricane Irma initial loss estimates less then originally forecast)]

Healthcare: [Roche [ROG.CH] -1.1% (Zelboraf (vemurafenib) failed to reduce the risk of melanoma recurring, compared with the placebo), Pharming Group [PHARM.NL] +5.6% (Concludes interactions with FDA)]

Speakers

ECB's Coeure (France): Exogenous shocks to exchange rate if persistent can lead to unwarranted tightening of financial conditions. Policy to remain more accommodative for longer, thereby muting further the pass-through of any growth-driven exchange rate appreciation. Transmission of monetary policy that the policy-relevant horizon likely to be longer given the persistence of subdued inflationary pressures

German govt said to seek Weidmann as next ECB chief when Draghi terms ends in 2019

Poland Central Bank's Lon: Saw need for 50bps cut in Base Rate

South Africa Fin Min Gigaba: Cautious on recovery in consumer spending

Thailand Central Bank reiterated view that current monetary stance is appropriate

Thailand Finance Ministry said to propose that central bank cut interest rates to boost investment

Currencies

The week began with a decrease in decline in risk aversion sentiment as North Korea held off any additional missile tests while Hurricane Irma’s wrath did not cause the extensive damage in Florida

North Korea marked the 69th anniversary of its founding on Saturday without resorting to any further missile or nuclear tests, fuelling some unwinding of safe-haven bets such as gold and government debt

EUR/USD hovering around the 1.20 level. The soft tone for Euro aided by dovish commentary from ECB’s Coeure who reiterated Council view that monetary policy would likely to remain more accommodative for longer.

USD/JPY was higher as the North Korean missile test failed to materialize for the time being. Reports also circulated that UN draft on North Korea dropped its call for an oil embargo of the country

GBP/USD was fractionally lower in the session. Focus was on UK Parliament vote on Brexit repeal bill later today. Brexit Min Davis warned of chaotic Brexit if Parliament blocked the repeal bill.

The NOK was softer after Norway Aug CPI data came in lower-than-expected. EUR/NOK higher by 0.3% to test above 9,35 level. The NOK was off its worst levels of the session as dealers believed the data Inflation unlikely to alter the Norges Bank's outlook

Fixed Income

Bund futures trade at 162.84 down 12 ticks trading lower on rising equities as the absence of activity from North Korea as well as Hurricane Irma damages being less than feared helped prop markets. Continued downside targets 162.53 while upside resistance stands initially at 163.22.

Gilt futures trade at 127.49 down 22 ticks with continued downside eyeing 127.25, then 126.88. A reversal targets 127.90 then 128.24.

Monday's liquidity report showed Friday’s excess liquidity rose to €1.778T from €1.775T and use of the marginal lending facility fell to €142M from €1.01B.

Corporate issuance saw $46.2B last week via 63 tranches, bringing YTD issuance to above $980B. For the week ahead analysts forecast around $25B to come to market.

In Euro denominated issuance ~€35B came to market via 41 issuers and 46 tranches marking the busiest day in Q3. Thursday saw the bulk of the issuance with just shy of €20B coming to market.

Looking Ahead

(UK) Parliament vote on Brexit repeal bill

05:30 (DE) Germany to sell €2.0B in 6-month BuBills

06:00 (IL) Israel Aug Consumer Confidence: No est v 116 prior

06:45 (US) Daily Libor Fixing

07:00 (IN) India announces details of upcoming bond sale (held on Fridays)

07:00 (BR) Brazil Sept IGP-M Inflation (1st Preview): 0.3%e v 0.0% prior

07:00 (CZ) Czech Central Bank to comment on CPI data

07:25 (BR) Brazil Central Bank Weekly Economists Survey

07:30 (TR) Turkey TCMB Survey of Expectations

08:00 (PL) Poland Aug Final CPI M/M: No est v -0.2% prelim; Y/Y: No est v 1.8% prelim

08:00 (ES) Spain Debt Agency (Tesoro) announces size of upcoming actions in week

08:05 (UK) Baltic Dry Bulk Index

08:15 (CA) Canada Aug Annualized Housing Starts: 216.0Ke v 222.3K prior

09:00 (MX) Mexico July Industrial Production M/M: -0.1%e v +0.1% prior; Y/Y: -0.2%e v -0.3% prior; Manufacturing Production Y/Y: 2.4%e v 2.3% prior

09:00 (RU) Russia July Trade Balance: $6.5Be v $8.7B prior; Exports: $27.4Be v $29.5B prior; Imports: $21.0Be v $20.8B prior

09:00 (FR) France Debt Agency (AFT) to sell combined €4.0-5.2B in 3-month, 6-month and 12-month Bills

09:30 (EU) ECB announces Covered-Bond Purchases

09:35 (EU) ECB calls for bids in 7-Day Main Refinancing Tender

09:50 (UK) BOE to buy £1.125B in in APF Gilt purchase operation (3-7 years)

11:30 (US) Treasury to sell 3-Month and 6-Month Bills

13:00 (US) Treasury to sell 3-Year Notes

14:15 (DE) German Chancellor Merkel takes questions at Televised Town-Hall Event in Luebeck

16:00 (US) Weekly Crop Progress Report

(MX) Mexico Aug ANTAD Same-Store Sales Y/Y: No est v 4.0% prior