EUR/USD
Having traded in a narrow range for much of the session, the pair managed to eke out gains after the USD/JPY advanced above the key 100.00 level, which in turn lifted the EUR/JPY to its highest level in 4-years. Of note, reports during the first half of the European trading session that China will gradually expand the CNY trading band to help make the currency more flexible and market-driven resulted in broad-based, albeit short-lived USD weakness which pushed the EUR/USD and GBP/USD to session highs. However, the reaction was short-lived and the initial bout of selling pressure on the USD quickly abated after it became apparent that these comments were part of the study guide released by a Communist Party after the third plenum, and is part of long-term reforms as recently proposed by the Chinese government. In terms of EU related commentary, ECB's Constancio says QE is a possibility, but has not been discussed in any detail. Technically, support levels are seen at the 10DMA line at 1.3462, 1.3433 and then at 1.3418. On other hand, resistance levels are seen at the 21DMA line at 1.3576 and then at 1.3589.
GBP/USD
The pair finished the session largely unchanged, after broad based EUR strength in the closing stages of the session which pushed the EUR/GBP higher and managed to offset what was generally a weaker USD. There was little in terms of UK related commentary and going market participants will get to digest the release of the most recent policy meeting minutes on Wednesday. Of note, the FT reported that the amount of graduate jobs available this year from the countries top 100 employers is currently the highest since 2008 but is still 9% below the level seen before the crisis according to High Fliers Research. In terms of technical levels, supports are seen at the 10DMA line at 1.6053, 1.5988 and then at 1.5879. On the other hand, resistance levels are seen at the 76.4% Fibonacci retracement of the 1.6258 to 1.5854 move at 1.6163 and then at the 30-day upper Bollinger level at 1.6230.
USD/JPY
The pair finished the session little changed, in close proximity to an intraday option expiry level at 100.00 level. The move off overnight lows which itself was driven by touted month-end adjustments was helped by softer USTs and option unwind related flow. In terms of Japanese specific commentary, Japanese Economy Minister Amari said that he expects stimulus to be about JPY 5trln with tax measures of about JPY 1-2trln pushing the total up to about JPY 6trl, aimed to counter impact of tax hike. Amari said he expects stimulus can be compiled without new bond issues. Separately, Japanese Finance Minister Aso said he wants to compile extra budget without issuing new bonds and will watch the debate in the ruling coalition parties about whether to have reduced consumption tax for some items when the tax is raised to 10% in 2015.