Currencies

• The euro (EUR) fell to 1.3335 before rebounding back to 1.3364 against the US dollar (USD). The pair continues its bearish trend as the European ZEW Economic Sentiment data came out to be less than expected at 23.7, with expectations of 41.3. The single currency is under pressure as monthly US Core retail Sales will be announced today and are expected to come out at 0.4%.
• The US dollar (USD) rose against the Japanese yen (JPY) at 102.35 as the quarterly Japanese Preliminary GDP data came out to be as expected at -1.7%. The yen dropped as Bank of Japan disclosed that they will continue stimulus measures.

Equities

• Chinese equities fell earlier today, as Chinese economic data came out less than expected with new loans coming out at 385B. The China 50 (CNX) declined towards 7259.

Commodities

• WTI Crude (OIL) dropped to 97.15 USD per barrel as US Crude Oil inventories data come ahead later today and are expected to be at -0.8M.

Mover & Shaker with forex options

• The British Pound (GBP) climbed to 1.6814 against the USD dollar (USD) yesterday as the Governor of Bank of England (BoE) will speak today about the projections of the UK’s economy.
• Option traders may consider constructing a Back Spread Strategy with Calls on the GBPUSD and gain if the pair moves higher, while the risk is limited to the premium paid.
• A Back Spread Strategy with Calls can be constructed by selling an at the money Call while buying an out of the money Call at double amount.

Written by Demetris Constantinou
Currency Strategist at easy-forex®