After another protracted all-night session, the EU managed to secure agreement for the EUR750bn recovery fund.

After another protracted all-night session, the EU managed to secure agreement for the EUR750bn recovery fund.

The Euro was subjected to a correction after a brief move higher, although underlying sentiment held firm. Risk appetite was boosted by hopes for coronavirus vaccine headway and very supportive monetary policies. Firm risk conditions limited underlying US dollar demand with the US currency dipping to 4-month lows before a marginal correction.

Sterling was supported by firm global risk appetite which offset domestic reservations and GBP/USD approached 1.2700. Commodity currencies made net gains as firm risk appetite boosted confidence with AUD/USD near 2-year highs.

French President Macron expected some optimism that a deal could be reached on the recovery fund, although the start of the meeting was delayed. EU Council President Michel submitted fresh proposals including qualified majority voting to approve national spending plans with disbursements also linked to the rule of law.

The Euro maintained a strong tone in early Europe with fresh 4-month EUR/USD highs near 1.1470, but the currency then stalled as markets waited for fresh developments.

The dollar secured a slight recovery, although underlying confidence remained fragile, especially with global equity markets holding firm. There were no major US developments during the day with markets continuing to monitor coronavirus developments.

There are strong expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a very accommodative monetary policy which limited underlying dollar yield support and EUR/USD consolidated around 1.1440 as EU negotiations resumed.

After another marathon session during the night, final agreement was reached just before the European open. The EUR750bn amount was confirmed with EUR390bn in grants and EUR360bn in cheap loans. The funds will be raised by the EU Commission using its AAA rating while there will be changes to EU rebates. The Euro briefly strengthened on the announcement before dipping lower with the outcome already priced in. There will, however, be notable relief that agreement has been reached which should underpin underlying confidence.

The single currency corrected lower, although underlying dollar sentiment remained fragile as global risk appetite remained firm with EUR/USD near 1.1450 as underlying US dollar sentiment remained weak with the dollar index close to 4-month lows.

Overall risk appetite held firm ahead of Monday’s New York open which limited yen support. US coronavirus developments remained important with mixed developments at state level. The US overall posted a further increase in cases of over 63,000 with some slowdown in California. There were further concerns over the economic impact, although risk appetite strengthened further in New York following positive reports on coronavirus vaccine developments. The US Nasdaq index posted further gains which continued to limit yen support with USD/JPY advancing to near 107.50 before stalling and settling around 107.30.

Markets will monitor US fiscal developments closely with pressure for a further fiscal package to replace measures which expire at the end of July.

Equity markets held firm in Asia on Tuesday with fresh record highs for the Nasdaq futures, although Chinese markets were unable to make significant headway. Overall yen demand remained subdued with USD/JPY consolidating around 107.30 and EUR/JPY held below the 123.00 level.

Sterling gained significant support from improved risk appetite during Monday, especially in view of positive developments surrounding a potential coronavirus vaccine which offset fundamental concerns.

Bank of England chief economist Haldane stated that the central bank was reviewing policies, although reviewing and actually doing negative rates are different things with the bank also examining the potential for further asset purchases and forward guidance. Haldane was broadly optimistic over the recovery profile with comments that the economy had made up around half of the output last in March and April while the economy at present was growing around 1.0% per week. He did express concerns over the labour market and external member Tenreyro was also less positive over the underlying outlook.

The UK currency gained further support in New York trading from positive news on the Oxford vaccine trial. Overall, GBP/USD strengthened to above 1.2650 while GBP/EUR rallied to near 1.1080. Markets will monitoring developments in UK-EU trade talks which are set to resume in London. The government borrowing requirement fell to £34.8bn for July, from £54.5bn the previous month with GBP/USD breaking higher to 5-week highs above 1.2680.

Economic Calendar

ExpectedPrevious
07:00GBP Public Sector Net Borrowing(JUN)34.30B44.47B
07:00CHF Trade Balance(JUN)-2.709B
13:30CAD Retail Sales (M/M)(MAY)-15.10%-26.40%
13:30CAD New Housing Price Index (M/M)(JUN)-0.10%
13:30CAD Retail Sales Ex Autos (M/M)(MAY)-13.50%-22.00%
13:30USD Chicago Fed National Activity Index(JUN)-2.61
14:30ECB Luis De Guindos Speaks--

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