It was even more compelling watching than Glastonbury with multiple sound stages and even more multiple sound bites. The SGM-FX elves were hard at it trying to decipher whether Mutti Merkel was simply suffering from stress or something more serious, what that meant for Germany and Europe and whether PM May was woohooing President Putin or whether he was simply biding his time(guess). However the headline act was POTUS- everywhere and on most stages not only in Osaka but in North Korea, throughout the weekend. Key message as suggested by SGM-FX last week was that after downplaying China trade talk hopes, the plan was to declare new progress and fresh impetus. POTUS duly did just that and then said he would pause on the imposition of tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese exports to the USA. Let’s see the next and exact text once the weekend is past and the dust has settled.
On the back of better Trade news, USD, Yen, CHF all weakened-ie the haven currencies- and the CNY and other commodity and emerging market currencies all strengthened in early Asia trading this morning.
Well. While some of us were, it was apparent that Janet barely was-there on Saturday night: no voice, no entertainment and a tribe of baggy Goth like trolls to try and divert attention away from her. Great work if you can get it- a big hit in the 80s and 90s and reputedly worth $175M, JJ is well past her sell by date. Now 52 and married to Qatari businessman, Wissam Al Mana, it is a mystery as to what she was doing at Worthy Farm. It’s not only about individual taste, it’s just not entertainment and THAT was apparent from the sea of bemused motionless fans who despite her increasingly desperate cries of encouragement definitely could not and would not “Come On.” Best cheer of the night? When she(eventually) stopped! Key takeaway: More Stormzy and Janet………..”Shut up!”
Discussion and Analysis by Humphrey Percy, Chairman and Founder

Delayed fuse Last night’s Federal Reserve decision held all the potential requirements for a momentous occasion. Markets had been ascribing a high value to the event with options pricing suggesting the decision posed a significant risk towards exposed assets. Ultimately, the potential swan song publication of Chair Jay Powell passed without incident. Claims from some […]
Cancelled Travel Plans No, this time not because of the impending jet fuel crisis threatening continental travel as we discussed yesterday. Instead, I’m referring to the grounding of Vice President Vance whose trip to Islamabad, Pakistan was cancelled on Tuesday to avoid embarrassment. The Vice President was expected to travel on Tuesday to resume talks […]
Sterling defence Options markets are flashing warning signals for Sterling. It’s no secret that the forthcoming Bank of England monetary policy decision later this week poses a risk for the Pound. However, there are risks mounting further afield. The local elections on May 7th are a material risk for GBP, for example, with traders concerned the […]