Forex Today: Risk-off leads the way, central banks paving the way for more easing

Here is what you need to know on Monday, October 19:

The risk-averse sentiment eased just modestly ahead of the weekly close, as US data beat expectations, with Retail Sales and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index improving by more than anticipated. Still, the greenback finished the week with gains against most major rivals.

EUR´s weakness was linked to increasing coronavirus cases in the EU, leading to restrictive measures in the Union. Over the weekend, European Central Bank board member Fabio Panetta warned that an ultra-loose monetary policy is more than necessary, amid the risk of a second wave of COVID-19 derailing the economic recovery. EUR/USD settled at 1.1715, ahead of ECB’s head Lagarde speech this Monday.

The British Pound was hit by comments from UK PM Boris Johnson, who said that local business should get ready for an Australia-type deal with the European Union, “given the EU have refused to negotiate seriously.¨ Even further, he said that talks with the EU were over, adding that EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier should only come to London this week “if he is prepared to discuss all of the issues on basis of a legal text.” Barnier was due in London for talks with his counterpart, David Frost. GBP/USD trades around 1.2900.

The Australian dollar was quite resilient to greenback’s demand but fell after RBA’s Governor Lowe hinted a rate cut in the near-term.

Over the weekend, China passed a law restricting exports of controlled items, allowing the government to act against countries that abuse export controls in a way that harm’s China’s interests. With no explicit mention, the decision is correlated to US measures on Huawei, part of the trade war ongoing between Washington and Beijing.

Gold prices consolidated around $1,900 a troy ounce for a second consecutive week, ending it with modest losses just below the mentioned level. Crude oil prices were also little moved these days, with WTI finishing the week modestly up at $40.70 a barrel.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC grand liftoff to $28,000 – Max Keiser

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.