Dollar Weak as Risk Appetite Lifted by Solid Asian Data

Dollar remains broadly weak as the week starts as markets sentiments are boosted by solid Asian economic data. The preliminary HSBC China Manufacturing PMI rebounded from 49.9 to 51.1 in October, back in expansionary territory for the first time since July. HSBC noted that the data confirmed their view there is no risk of hard landing in China. Japan trade deficit narrowed to JPY -0.02T in September. Impressively, exports rose 2.4% yoy, marking the second month of growth following five month decline after the March natural disaster. Asian stock indices are broadly up today, partly following the QE3 triggered rally in US last week. Nikkei is up 1.9%, HSI up over 4%, Aussie All Ordinaries up 2.62%, crude oil is back above 88 level while dollar index is pressing 76.

After the EU summit on Sunday, no agreement was made on major issues including bank recapitalization, private sector involvements in Greece second bailout and the way to boost the EFSF. Though, one thing seemed to be sure is that using ECB to leverage the bailout fund is ruled out. The latest news flow said that policymakers are threatening to trigger a formal default on Greek debt unless banks accept losses of as much as 140B euro on their holdings or a haircut of around 50%. Both Reuters and Bloomberg also quoted the need of around 100B euro for bank recapitalization. The Reuters report also mentioned a haircut of 50% but emphasized that 'several major areas of disagreement remain', especially in the EFSF plan and 'it will require vast amounts of hard negotiation between Sunday and Wednesday to strike a deal that convinces financial markets and Europe's major trading partners that the crisis is in hand' while according to the Bloomberg report policymakers are heading toward using the EFSF to 'guarantee bond sales as a way to extend its reach. A second option is to set up an EFSF-insured fund that would seek outside investment in troubled bonds'. More in The Long-Awaited EU Summit – What Will It Deliver? and EU Summit: So Far it's Complicated - Not 'Comprehensive'.

Data from Australia saw PPI rose less than expected by 0.6% qoq, 2.7% yoy in Q3. The year over year rate was much lower than Q2's 3.4%. The data is arguing inflationary pressures have eased further in Australia. RBA would be on hold for longer than expected and is raising the prospect of a rate cut if global economic conditions deteriorate further. Though, the CPI data to be released later this week will be more crucial in near term rate outlook.

Looking ahead, Eurozone PMI data will be the main focus. German PMI manufacturing is expected to drop slightly to 50 in October PMI services is expected to recovery to 49.8. Eurozone PMI manufacturing and services are expected to drop to 48.1 and 48.5 respectively. Eurozone industrial orders are expected to rise 0.1% mom in August.