- Australia Q2 GDP +0.6%, well above expectations of +0.2%.
- AUDUSD jumps 40 pips on the back of the GDP number, rate hike back on the agenda.
- Australian Treasurer says unemployment to rise further.
- Japan August Montary base +6.1% yr/yr.
- Japan’s Democrats say they wont meddle in BOJ policy.
- Nikkei down 2.7%, ASX200 down 2%
- Shanghai Composite opens down but trades up into positive territory.
- Gold falls to 951.50.
- Oil up 60c from NY settlement at 68.65.
Model funds were reportedly selling AUD, NZD and USD against the JPY early morning but once again the 92.50 area held firm to see a bounce of some sort. EURJPY was sold off to 131.40, the 61.8% Fibo retracement level of the recent move up from 127.00. Technical buyers and profit takers were seen at that level as were buyers above 92.50 in USDJPY, helping it up to 131.80 and 92.75 respectively.
The catalyst for the moves higher that followed, was via the Australian GDP number. Australian Q2 GDP was +0.6%, far better than the expected +0.2%. AUDUSD immediately jumped from 8270 to above 83c as the market revisited the notion of a rate hike before the end of 2009. AUDJPY buying was seen out of Japan, and the rest of the Yen crosses followed. That coupled with the Chinese Index moving higher into positive territory, was seen as an excuse to buy “risk”, with EURJPY trading up above 132.00, USDJPY to 93.00 and EURUSD dragged up along for the ride. However, Offers just above 132.20 proved to be too strong, sending it back down to sit at 131.80, as the Chinese Index retreated from its highs in the afternoon.
Ranges:
EURUSD 1.4189 – 1.4224
GBPUSD 1.6113 – 1.6171
USDJPY 92.49 – 93.01
EURJPY 131.43 – 132.25
AUDUSD 8337 – 8417
Goodluck,
Sam