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It was another day in an unusual week that is shortened by holidays. The US Dollar Index extended its loss and dropped below 101.00, reaching its lowest level since July. The 10-year Treasury yield fell to 3.78%, a five-month low, while the 2-year settled at 4.24%, the lowest since May.
US stocks held near recent highs, with the Dow Jones on its way to another all-time high. The combination of risk appetite and lower Treasury yields continued to weigh on the US Dollar.
Economic Data
Data released on Wednesday showed the Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index dropping to -11 in December, worse than the market consensus of -7. Shipments fell from -8 to -17, new orders decreased from -5 to -14, and employment edged down from 0 to -1. On Thursday, the weekly Jobless Claims report is due, along with trade figures and the November Pending Home Sales report.
Key Developments
GBP/USD peaked at 1.2802, the strongest level since August, and then retreated modestly. The trend is up, but the Pound needs to consolidate above 1.2800 to open the doors to more gains.
The Japanese Yen outperformed during the American session, boosted by the decline in Treasury yields. USD/JPY fell below 142.00, approaching December lows. Japanese data due on Thursday includes Industrial Production and Retail Sales figures for November.
EUR/USD reached levels above 1.1100 for the first time in five months, boosted by broad-based Dollar weakness. EUR/GBP hit monthly highs slightly below 0.8700 but then pulled back.
AUD/USD remains in an upward channel, facing resistance around 0.6850. NZD/USD continued to rise and reached the 0.6350 area. Both currency pairs are supported by risk appetite and lower yields.
The Canadian dollar lagged on Wednesday. USD/CAD bottomed at 1.3175, the lowest since August, but then climbed back above 1.3200 to end the day with modest gains.
Gold was headed toward a record close above $2,070, rising for the fourth consecutive trading day. The bias remains to the upside. Silver failed to follow Gold and closed flat around $24.25.
During the Asian session, Japanese data is due, including Industrial Production and Retail Trade. The key report of the day will be the weekly US Jobless Claims.
