Brexit Bears:
The Pound continued to dive during Friday’s US session, with the Pound trading just shy of 0.89 pence per Euro. As leaders of both major political parties in the UK participated in televised debates, further light was elucidated upon the Brexit deal. Around midday, Sterling took a considerable dive through, momentarily dipping through 1.12 within GBPEUR and even breaking through 1.28 against the US Dollar. The dip coincided with news reports that Spain was dissatisfied with the incumbent Brexit deal, believing it to be against the domestic interests of Spain. Sterling traders have shaved value off of the Pound since the Brexit deal emerged alongside a flurry of cabinet resignations. Last week’s bearish Sterling tilt has been precipitated by concerns over May’s domestic political stability. However, with ratification of any deal within the European Council being drawn into question as well, the Pound continued to suffer. Within cable, the Pound fell by approximately 0.65% within a matter of minutes. The Rand weakened following a strong start this morning amidst a combination of Dollar strength and further fiscal concerns. Domestic fiscal pressures compiled as the IMF warned that South Africa’s next budget should include debt limit in order to shore up support for its underperforming domestic soft debt. Volatility throughout the global economy continues to remain elevated with the VIX holding onto a 20-handle.

Discussion and Analysis by Charles Porter

A short lived short squeeze? Sterling is undoubtedly benefitting from a short squeeze. Traders on net had increased positions that benefit from Sterling’s demise leading into the budget. Depending upon the participant’s persuasion, that could have meant gaining an outright short exposure to the currency or, in a more mild form, trimming any or all […]
No bumps in the road The first three weeks of December were characterised by a heavy data and central bank schedule. Last week saw multiple G10 central banks release their latest monetary policy decisions following the release of economic data in the sessions prior. The government shut down earlier this quarter did little to help […]
Sterling slides Sterling took a leg lower ahead of the European open yesterday. Despite some tentative signs of recovery, GBP was still unable to claw back losses incurred during yesterday’s session. Before we cover the cause and implications of yesterday’s stumble amongst GBP crosses, let’s look at why the Pound was set up for a […]