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Blogs about basic information in forex trading, forex participants and how to earn big in forex trading.This morning, the broader currency markets are trading in a slight range, with the Japanese yen (JPY) and the British pound (GBP) showing gains against the US dollar.  There is a mild risk-aversion theme this morning as all eyes are on the US FOMC policy meeting today at 2:15 EST.
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This morning, the broader currency markets are trading in a slight range, with the Japanese yen (JPY) and the British pound (GBP) showing gains against the US dollar.  There is a mild risk-aversion theme this morning as all eyes are on the US FOMC policy meeting today at 2:15 EST.

As far as news-worthy currency events go, this may be the one which has the largest impact on the market.  It is almost 100% certain that the Fed will not be raising rates from .25%, however the market will be looking for clues for any change in language that may suggest a shift in policy.

The markets here in the US have been on edge recently, as political pressure and rhetoric have picked up because of what many see as a rejection of the current administration’s policies.   This has caused some in Congress to pull their support for Fed Chairman Bernanke, whose term is up at the end of January.

Let’s take a look at how specific currencies are faring so far:

Aussie (AUD):  Earlier today the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) number came in at .5% for Q4 and at 2.1% YoY, which was slightly higher than expectations.  This sent the Aussie initially higher and above .90 against the US dollar, though it’s now trading below on the move to risk aversion and fears that the moratorium in Chinese lending may affect the Australian economy. 

Kiwi (NZD):  The Kiwi is trading down on the risk aversion theme, most notably against the Japanese yen around .5% on the morning.   The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is coming out with its rate decision later today and is expected to maintain rates at 2.5%, which is a record low.  This could weigh heavily on the Kiwi as the market has priced in a 50 basis point rise by mid-year.

Loonie (CAD): The Loonie is trading near a 5-week low as world markets and commodities have sold off recently and the flight to safety trade has been in effect.  One of the major factors affecting the Loonie is the price of oil, which is off some from recent highs.

Euro (EUR): The Euro is off slightly this morning, as it attempts to shake off the problems it’s been having related to the debt crisis in Greece.  European stock indices are down today, as comments from ECB council member Weber said that the bank may take additional steps to withdraw liquidity from its banking system.  With today’s FOMC decision on tap, the Euro could test 1.40 which has been an area of psychological support for some time.

Pound (GBP): Reports are out this morning that the quantitative easing measures that the Bank of England has taken may be working.  Although UK GDP came in lighter than expected, it did come in positive which is a step in the right direction.  BOE policy-maker Sentance warned that the bank may need to act quickly if the recovery strengthens and inflation picks up.  The pound is up to 1.62 vs. the US dollar.

US Dollar (USD):  The dollar is weak against the pound and the yen this morning, but otherwise is up slightly against the commodity currencies and the Euro.  The market is waiting on the FOMC decision and more importantly if there is a change is language which may give hints about a change in policy.  Keep an ear out for a continuation of the “extended period” language.  The dollar has been gaining recently, as risk-aversion has heightened around the globe.

Yen (JPY):  The Japanese yen is at a 5-week high vs. the dollar, as the Japanese yen benefits the most from the risk-aversion trade.  With interest rates at .1% and not moving any time soon, the carry trade is back on with the yen as the funding currency of choice.  Also to note is that Japanese exports have risen for the first time since mid-2008, a sign that economic recovery may be taking place.

In world markets, stocks are down in Asia and Europe and the MSCI world stock index is experiencing its largest losing streak in almost a year as concerns that developed economies may be preparing to scale back which affects emerging markets.  In the US, the stock markets are down slightly as are gold and oil, which are trading below 1100 and 75 respectively.

Look for a reversal today if the Fed does as expected and maintains uniformity of language with its previous rate decisions.  The world markets are looking for some vote of confidence that will allow risk-taking to resume again.  Despite all of the political wrangling coming out of Washington, if Bernanke can project confidence that the recovery in the US in taking place, then it may signal game on again!

To learn more about how these events affect the currency markets, be sure to check out our currency trading courses!

To follow these events in a free, real-time practice account, click here!

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