Demand for The US Currency Resumed

During yesterday’s trading, the US currency strengthened against the basket of the major currencies. The US dollar index (#DX) closed in the positive zone (+0.71%). Yesterday, no important economic reports were published for the US, but today there will be data on housing sales in the secondary market and the minutes of the previous Fed meeting. Experts suggest that home sales in the secondary market should recover after the fall at the end of last year, and the minutes can report on the Federal Reserve’s further plans for raising the key interest rate.

Yesterday, the British pound was supported by the publication of the article on the Business Insider, according to which the European Parliament calls for flexibility in negotiations with Britain concerning Brexit and further relations between the European Union and the country. It is reported that the European Parliament has drawn up a detailed resolution on providing the UK with beneficial access to the EU market and membership in the union. Today, investors will focus on the report on the labor market in the UK, which will be published at 11:30 (GMT+2).

The “black gold” prices are consolidating. Futures for the WTI crude oil are being traded in the range of $61.10$61.20 per barrel.

Market Indicators

Yesterday, the major US stock indices showed mixed results: #SPY (0.63%), #DIA (1.04%), #QQQ (+0.20%).

The 10year US government bonds yield is at the level of 2.89%.

Statistics on business activity in Germany and the Eurozone at 10:30 (GMT+2:00) and 11:00 (GMT+2:00), respectively;Data on the UK labor market at 11:30 (GMT+2:00);Bank of England inflation report at 16:15 (GMT+2:00);Existing home sales in the US at 17:00 (GMT+2:00);Publication of the FOMC protocols at 21:00 (GMT+2:00).

China’s financial markets will be closed due to the holiday.

by JustMarkets, 2018.02.21