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The US Dollar (via DXY Index) briefly touched fresh yearly lows today as market participants weigh weakening US economic data on one hand versus “high” rated event risk on the calendar through the rest of the week. Concurrently, as was the case several weeks ago, the lack of movement along the fiscal policy track by the Trump administration continues to be an albatross around the greenback’s neck. More weakness may be coming.
Thursday is a ‘super Thursday’ of sorts, with the ECB’s June policy meeting, the UK parliamentary elections, and the James Comey testimony to Congress. Two days removed, it appears these events will fall squarely against the US Dollar. The ECB is likely to ‘talk up’ the Euro-Zone economy at the coming meeting, issuing more optimistic economic projections and potentially a shift in language in the policy statement. UK election polls have narrowed in recent days, but it looks like the Tories will walk away with a majority in parliament. Former FBI Director Comey seems poised to speak of meddling in the investigation of potential Trump campaign staffers colluding with Russia.
For the US Dollar: a more optimistic ECB could translate into a stronger EUR/USD; a Tory majority in parliament could restore sentiment of a ‘soft Brexit,’ and help lift the British Pound; and the Comey testimony will likely breathe life into renewed allegations of interference, which will sap more of the Trump administration’s time away from crafting legislation. Thursday could be a rough day, depending on where you stand.
Chart 1: Gold Weekly Chart (July 2011 to June 2017)
Ahead of time, it appears the US Dollar has already started to fall out of favor in the safe haven space. US 10-year Treasury yields have slipped back towards their yearly lows, pushing up demand for both Gold and the Japanese Yen. Gold is at an increasingly important area, attempting to break through the trendline going back to the September 2011 high.
