Mourning In America?

Global capital markets have been roiled by Trump’s stunning victory, and the Republicans hold of both houses of Congress. The initial reaction was dramatic and severe. The dollar and equities were crushed and bonds rallied as the message from the electorate was clear. However, in late Asia, the markets reversed and early moves were retraced.  

Trump’s policy prescriptions were mostly defined by opposition to the status quo. Trumps advocates the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Dodd-Frank, the omnibus financial regulation. He wants to clamp down on immigration. These three positions appear to enjoy widespread support among Republicans in Congress. Traditionally, the Republican Party has been more associated with free-trade, but Trump wants to re-open trade agreements. The next focus will be on Trump’s cabinet picks. Speculation begins immediately.  

The implications of US monetary policy are not immediately clear. A December rate hike was the most likely scenario, and it still is, provided that the global capital markets are stable. Presently that seems like the most likely consideration to deter the Fed from hiking.   

The euro initially dipped below $1.10 in early and thin Asian activity. It rallied to $1.13 and then reversed. By early European activity is was back near $1.11, and then slipped to the upper end of yesterday’s ranges near $1.1050, where it found a bid. The intraday technicals suggest North American operators may push the euro higher.  

The greenback was bid to almost JPY105.50 in early Asia, and as the election results began to be clear, it was sold to JPY101.20. It rebounded to nearly JPY103.80 in early Europe. Here too the intraday technicals warn of dollar weakness in North America.  

The similar pattern is evident in sterling as well.  A rally as the results was becoming evident (~$1.2550) followed by a sell-off that brought it back toward yesterday’s lows (~$1.2350) by the time London was in full swing.  It then a recovered (~$1.2430)A move back toward $1.25 as today progresses would not be surprising from a technical perspective.