The Sterling pound today fell against the much stronger US dollar amid fears that the global economy was sliding into a significant recession due to the coronavirus pandemic. The GBP/USD currency pair recouped some of its losses in the American session as the greenback gave up some of its gains, allowing riskier currencies to post gains.
The Mexican peso is weakening against several currencies on Thursday as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its growth projections for the country. This comes as the unemployment rate fell last month to its lowest level in nearly two years and inflation came higher than expected.
The Japanese yen is falling against some of its major currency rivals to kick off the trading week. Key economic indexes drove the yen’s slide, which comes days after disappointing factory activity data. Since the federal government is expected to unleash stimulus measures, can Tokyo turn the ship around and prevent slipping into a recession?
The Chinese yuan is weakening against most major currency rivals at the end of the trading week after Beijing reported that the world’s second-largest economy expanded at the slowest pace in 30 years. While the third-quarter report was dominated by the gross domestic product (GDP), there were a couple of positive indicators that still offered hope for investors, especially as US and China trade relations are stuck at a standstill.
The Chinese yuan is edging higher midweek after the federal government announced that it would be slapping anti-dumping duties on steel imports from major regional trading partners. This might be part of the nation’s strategy of “arduous efforts” to match this year’s industrial output growth target, particularly as protectionism and trade wars apply pressure on exports and affect the world’s second-largest economy.
The Japanese yen is softening to kick off the trading week after investors learned very little from a much-anticipated speech by the head of the Bank of Japan (BOJ). On Monday, central bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda disappointed investors when he said any monetary policy moves will depend on the performance of the national economy and global markets. Still, most economists believe the next move for the BOJ will be additional easing.
The US dollar is finishing the trading week higher against a handful of currencies as the market appears to be moving on from recent comments pertaining to the greenback’s valuation. With a Federal Reserve bank president discussing the need for action ahead of a crisis and some data to throw in the mix, it has been a fun ride for the dollar this week.
The Chinese yuan is struggling to find direction on Tuesday as the federal government released economic data that should trouble both officials and investors. Analysts do warn that the currency may get a lift on state stimulus amid the lingering trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
The Japanese yen gained intraday on risk aversion but has trimmed its gains by now. Currently, the yen trades above the opening level against the US dollar, flat versus the euro, and below the opening against the Great Britain pound.
The euro today declined significantly against the US dollar as the US 10-year Treasury yields hit a 7-year high and investors reacted to the prospect of lower global economic growth. The tensions between Italy and the European Union regarding the latter’s budget plans also dragged the pair lower.
