Good morning

The main event of the day is the ECB meeting later today (not change in rates expected) followed by Draghi’s conference where there are calls for the ECB’s QE programme to be extended past the current Sept 2016 end date. There is no doubt that further assistance is needed and such a decision will cement the ECB efforts to strengthen the EU and avoid any further shocks to the system. The EUR(USD) could be slightly affected by such a decision but overall the currency remains firmly entrenched in the range of the past few months. Truth is all eyes are on next week’s FED/FOMC meeting though again no change in rates in expected though it will be interesting to see what Ms. Yellen has to say following the rate decision announcement. Overall the USD remains range bound vs the majors.

Today also sees the publication of UK Retail Sales (9.30am). Last print saw an increase of 0.20% with Economists polled predicting better results this time round at +0.30%.  On a separate note, BoE Governor Carney spoke yesterday and reinforced what we know already that the UK economy grew fastest and strongest amongst comparable Western Economies. The Gov. said membership of the EU had helped to lift UK growth and living standards, while enhancing Britain’s flexible jobs market and “dynamism”. Mr Carney said the UK had been the “leading beneficiary” in many ways of the “Four Freedoms” of the movement of goods, services, people and capital across borders, adding that Britain should seek a “principled” and “upfront” guarantee from the eurozone that the EU is a multi-currency zone.

Overall I think EURUSD and GBPUSD will continue to trade sideways (in the range) awaiting fresh news. As I have previously said I think my prediction at the beginning of this year for the EUR(USD) to trade at PARITY is not going to happen. We got close 1.0450’s but unfortunately it was not meant to be. The strong USD has indeed had a material impact on US corporates and US data as a whole so it would not surprise me if the FED/ECB/BoE had a “hand” in slowing down the USD rally.

DISCLAIMER

Any financial promotion contained herein has been issued and approved by ParityFX Plc (“ParityFX”); a firm authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) as a Payment Services Institution with registration number 606416.  It is for informational purposes and is not an official confirmation of terms.  It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor is it a complete statement of the financial products or markets referred to.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to the opinions or recommendations of ParityFX. Unless stated specifically otherwise, this is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell and any prices or quotations contained herein are indicative only. To the extent permitted by law, ParityFX does not accept any liability arising from the use of this communication.

Follow our tweets @parityfxplc

Follow us on LinkedIn ParityFX Plc