CHF gains extend its overvaluation towards the Aug 2011 record high – DBS

FXStreet Insights Team FXStreet

Even as speculative unwinds look largely done, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Russia should be watched as it could bolster safe haven demand for CHF and JPY, DBS FX & Credit Strategist Chang Wei Liang notes.

SNB introduces a floor for EUR/CHF

“Egypt’s aviation ministry instructed all airlines to avoid Iran airspace due to military drills, while Ukraine staged a surprise military incursion into Russia. We are cautious that further strength in CHF could trigger an unexpected policy reaction.”

“Unlike the undervalued JPY, CHF is highly overvalued. Recent CHF gains have extended its overvaluation towards the Aug 2011 record high based on our DEER model, which subsequently prompted SNB to introduce a floor for EUR/CHF.”

“Yesterday, Swissmem put out a public statement calling SNB to act quickly in response to the sudden rise in CHF that is threatening a vulnerable recovery for overseas sales. SNB has already cut rates twice this year, and there is scope for more cuts to cool CHF demand.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

FXStreet

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

EUR/USD stays below 1.1850 after dismal German sentiment data

EUR/USD stays in negative territory below 1.1850 in the second half of the day on Tuesday. Renewed US Dollar strength, combined with a softer risk tone keep the pair undermined alongside downbeat German ZEW sentiment readings for February.

GBP/USD falls toward 1.3550, pressured by weak UK jobs report

GBP/USD remains under bearish pressure and extends its decline below 1.3600 on Tuesday. The United Kingdom employment data suggested worsening labor market conditions, bolstering bets for a BoE interest rate cut next month and making it difficult for Pound Sterling to stay resilient against its peers.

Gold recovers modestly, stays deep in red below $4,950

Gold (XAU/USD) stages a rebound but remains deep in negative territory below $4,950 after touching its weakest level in over a week near $4,850 earlier in the day. Renewed US Dollar strength makes it difficult for XAU/USD to gather recovery momentum despite the risk-averse market atmosphere.

Canada CPI expected to show sticky inflation in January, still above BoC’s target

Economists see the headline CPI rising by 2.4% in a year to January, still above the BoC’s target and matching December’s increase. On a monthly basis, prices are expected to rise by 0.1%.

UK jobs market weakens, bolstering rate cut hopes

In the UK, the latest jobs report made for difficult reading. Nonetheless, this represents yet another reminder for the Bank of England that they need to act swiftly given the collapse in inflation expected over the coming months.

Stellar mixed sentiment caps recovery

Stellar price remains under pressure, trading at $0.170 on Tuesday after failing to close above the key resistance on Sunday. The derivatives metric supports the bearish sentiment, with XLM’s short bets rising among traders and funding rates turning negative.