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In Switzerland, the KOF leading indicator index registered the highest reading in 5 ½ years hitting 1.30 up from 1.22 the month prior and slightly higher than the 1.25 predicted by economists. Swiss economy appears to be running on all cylinders as both exports and consumer spending have shown healthy gains in the past few weeks. The EUR/CHF cross initially traded down to 1.5585 as a result of the news, but quickly recovered to the 1.5600 level.
The pair continues to trade off interest rate differentials with the euro expected to open up a 150 basis point spread on the Swissie after the Mach 8th ECB meeting. While the Swiss economy may be experiencing better growth than its gigantic neighbor next door, Swiss monetary policy does not appear to be nearly as hawkish as that of the Eurozone. With SNB monetary authorities still coy about their interest rate intentions in the next 6 months the market is giving the benefit of the doubt to the euso.
Finally in Japan tonight the typical tap dance between fiscal and monetary officials, as Governor Fukui's yen bullish comments that QEP is nearing an end were partially offset by statements from Finance Minister Tanigaki who noted that Japan remains in a state of deflation and expressed concern over the latest volatility in the USD/JPY. As we noted yesterday this volatility will only exacerbate as the currency is pulled this way and that by the latest commentary from authorities.
FX Spot Overnight
- EUR trades back to 1.1900
- JPY hits a low of 116.42 but bounces back
- GBP tad below 7500
- CHF back above 3100 despite good KOF
Boris Schlossberg, Senior Currency Strategist, Daily FX
