Sterling dips notably against other major currencies in an other wise rather quiet Asian session. Selloff in the Pound is seen as a reaction to news that Prime Minister May is preparing for Scotland to call for another independence referendum. And that would come as May triggers the Article 50 for Brexit negotiation with EU by the end of March. It's reported that May could agree to the vote on condition that it happens after completing the Brexit process. While Sterling weakens broadly, it's so far kept well in range against Dollar and Euro. The larger move is seen in GBP/JPY which is heading back to 138.53 support.
Dollar mixed as focus turns to Trump's Congress address
Meanwhile, Dollar is mixed as attention turns to US president Donald Trump's first address of Congress on Tuesday. Trump is expected to reveal his plan to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that Trump would not touch social security spending and Medicare for now. But Mnuchin and Trump have been delivering contrasting messages about currency manipulation recently. Hence, what Trump would talk about is still wildcard.
There are also much expectation on Trump to deliver tax reform. It should be noted again that the bullish run in stocks was based on expectation of Trump's expansive fiscal policy. However, yield topped back in December, suggesting that bond investors have turned cautious very early. And the lack of details on Trump's economic policies also limited rally attempts in Dollar. Much volatility could be triggered by Trump's address this week. And, the greenback could be vulnerable to selloff if Trump fails to live up to expectations again.
Busy economic calendar ahead with BoC
The economic calendar is very busy this week. But unlike the usual practice, NFP will not be released this Friday. BoC rate decision will catch some attention but would likely be a non-event. Here are some highlights for the week ahead:
- Monday: Eurozone M3; US durable goods, pending home sales
- Tuesday: New Zealand trade balance, NBNZ business confidence; Australia current account; Japan industrial production, retail sales; French GDP; Swiss KOF; US GDP revision, trade balance, S&P case-shiller house price, Chicago PMI, consumer confidence
- Wednesday: New Zealand terms of trade; Australia GDP; China PMIs; Swiss UBS consumption indicator; German CPI; Eurozone PMI finals; UK PMI manufacturing, mortgage approvals; BoC rate decision; US personal income and spending, ISM manufacturing, Fed's Beige Book
- Thursday: Australia building approvals, trade balance; Swiss GDP, retail sales; German import prices; UK construction PMI; Eurozone CPI flash, PPI, unemployment rate; Canada GDP, US jobless claims
- Friday: Japan CPI, unemployment rate, household spending, consumer confidence; UK PMI services; Eurozone retail sales; US ISM non-manufacturing