The greenback turns mixed in Asian session after FOMC minutes failed to provide inspirations to dollar bulls. The dollar index jumps to as high as 98.12 but retreats since then. That's mostly reflected in USD/JPY which rose to 104.62 but is back at 103.70. The minutes for September 20-21 FOMC meeting showed that the decision to stand pat was a "close call". Also, several members said that it would be appropriate to raise rates "relatively soon" provided that economic developments unfolded as expected. Also, the minutes also noted that "a reasonable argument could be made either for an increase at this meeting or for waiting for some additional information on the labor market and inflation." The minutes basically affirmed the expectation of a December hike. Fed fund futures are pricing in 70% chance for that.
China trade data took over as the main theme in Asian session today. China trade surplus narrowed to USD 42.0b in September, down from 52.1b and was sharply smaller than expectation of USD 53.1b. In Yuan terms, trade surplus narrowed to CNY 278b, down from CNY 346b and below expectation of CNY 365b. In dollar terms, exported dropped -10% yoy while import dropped -1.9% yoy. In CNY terms, exports dropped -5.6% yoy while imports rose 2.2%. The set of trade data raised much concerns over growth in China. Nikkei and HK HSI tumbles on the news. Meanwhile, Aussie is dragged down while Yen rebounds on risk aversion.
Elsewhere, New Zealand business NZ manufacturing index rose to 57.7 in September. Australia consumer inflation expectation rose 3.7% in October. UK RICS house price balance rose to 17 in September. German CPI final is the only feature in European session. Later in the day, Canada will release new housing price index. US will release jobless claims and import price index.