RISK SENTIMENT BUOYED BY US-CHINA TRADE OPTIMISM; NIGERIA CPI IN FOCUS

A renewed sense of positivity is sweeping across financial markets this morning amid signs of easing trade tensions between the United States and China.

Encouraging reports of China placing its first major order of U.S. soybeans in more than six months is a symbolic move seen elevating global sentiment and boosting appetite for riskier assets. The trade optimism was clearly reflected in Asia this morning with stocks closing broadly higher, following the positive lead from Wall Street overnight. European markets are seen benefiting from the risk-on vibe, with the bullish momentum trickling down into Wall Street later this afternoon.

Although easing trade tensions are positive for stock markets, the upside is poised to face obstacles down the road. Global equity bulls remain threatened by concerns over plateauing global economic growth, Brexit turmoil and political risk in France among many other geopolitical risk factors.

Naira steady ahead of Nigeria’s inflation report

The Nigerian Naira held steady against the Dollar this morning as easing U.S.-China trade tensions stimulated investor appetite for riskier assets. With attraction towards the Dollar likely to diminish amid the risk-on sentiment, this will be beneficial for emerging market currencies, including the Naira.

Investors will direct their attention towards the pending inflation figures for November. Signs of rising inflationary pressures are seen prompting the Central Bank of Nigeria to re-assess its monetary stance for 2019.

Pound steadies after May survives confidence vote

The battered Pound breathed a sigh of relief after Theresa May survived a vote of no-confidence in her leadership. While this development removes an element of uncertainty amid the Brexit turmoil, it certainly is a major blow to her authority and power.

With May heading off to Brussels for the second time this week, investors will be closely watching to see if she is able to gain concessions from the EU on the Brexit deal. If May returns back to the United Kingdom empty-handed, a second referendum to stay in the European Union could be an option on the table. In regards to the technical picture, the GBPUSD is staging an impressive rebound with prices trading back towards 1.2700 as of writing. A solid breakout above this level will open a path towards 1.2760 in the near term.

Euro higher ahead of ECB meeting

All eyes will be on the European Central Bank meeting this afternoon where the bank is set to officially end its Quantitative Easing (QE) program.

With QE officially ending and no rate moves expected, investors should not be quick to label this meeting as a potential non-event. Given the disappointing economic figures from Europe lately, heightened political risk in France and Italy’s budget dramas, it will be interesting to hear European Central Bank President Mario Draghi’s thoughts. Much attention will also be directed towards the latest economic forecasts to see if the European Central Bank is concerned over the developments in Europe. The Euro is likely to depreciate if Draghi strikes a dovish tone and expresses concerns over the health of the Eurozone.

Currency spotlight – Dollar

Widening interest rate differential between the Federal Reserve and other major banks across the world empowered Dollar bulls for the most part of 2018. Investor optimism over the health of the U.S. economy boosted appetite for the Dollar in times of uncertainty. With expectations over higher U.S. rates and safe-haven demand supporting the Dollar, the currency was king of the hill in the FX arena.

However, there has been a change of attitude in recent weeks with dovish comments from Fed officials and disappointing economic data clouding the Dollar’s outlook for 2019. With expectations mounting over the Fed taking a pause on raising interest rates next year, the sentiment pendulum is seen swinging to the favour of the bears. Focusing on the technical picture, the Dollar Index has the potential to slip towards 96.60 if 97.00 acts as a firm resistance.    

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