The euro surged following a Portugal's debt sale which was perceived
to be a success. The nation sold 599 million euros of 2020 bonds at a
yield of 6.716% down from the previous 6.806% with a bid-to-cover of
3.2 from the previous 2.1 in November. The 650 million euros sold of
2014 bonds was at a yield of 5.396% (previous 4.041% in October) and a
bid-to-cover of 2.63 (previous 2.8). While borrowing costs fell
slightly for the longer term bonds, the rates remain at uncomfortable
levels. EUR/USD experienced a relief rally, trading as high as nearly
1.3145 after breaking back above the psychological 1.30 level.
On the economic data front, the U.S. saw its December import price
index slightly lower than expected with a slightly higher revision to
the previous reading. The number came in at +1.1% (cons. +1.2%) and
the prior +1.5% was revised from +1.3%. The Fed released its Beige
Book, noting the U.S. economy grew 'moderately' through December and
stated that financial conditions were mixed across the 12 districts.
This was met with little reaction in the FX markets.
U.S. equities advanced on increased appetite for risk. The Dow Jones
Industrial Average gained by about +0.72% and the S&P 500 rallied by
around +0.90%. Commodities gained also on the back of a softer dollar.
Gold and silver rose by roughly +0.43% and +0.53% respectively. Oil
moved higher by about +0.77% as crude oil inventories fell by -2.15
million barrels, more than the expected drop of -1.4 million barrels.
U.S. 10-yr Treasury yields edged higher to 3.36% on higher risk
appetite.
Economic data due out of the upcoming Asia/Pacific session includes
New Zealand December card spending, NZ December QV house prices, Japan
November machine orders, and Australia's December employment report.
Source: ActionForex.Com
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