Forex news for Asia trading Wednesday 19 July 2017

There's a headline I thought I'd never write :-D (Actually, can someone remind me to do so again just before Easter?)

Thursday is a big one, with the Bank of Japan (2-day meeting concludes):

and the European Central Bank meeting:

Early Asia kicked off /late US wound down with the regular private oil inventory data, this time bringing a surprise build in stocks and seeing WTI drop a little on the news.

Data flow was very light indeed, with some lower tier data from Australia and the Reuters Tankan for Japan (July). News flow was light also - S&P on Mexico (rating affirmed, outlook bumped up), Greek bond issue 'shelved for now', and US politics providing a talking point.

Currencies traded small ranges, but some movement:

EUR/USD dribbled a little lower (not much more than a 15 point range):

USD/JPY is little changed after a circa 20 point range while CHF and GBP both subdued against the USD also.

USD/CAD is a few points higher and NZD/USD a few lower. AUD, though, has managed to gain a little against the USD but also not much more than a 20 point range. AUD benefitted from an iron ore price gain in the overnight and also from a move higher for the rock on the Dalian exchange today.

Regional equities:

  • Nikkei +0.10%
  • Shanghai +0.80%
  • HK +0.42%
  • ASX +0.74%