commodities

Good Morning:

The JPY traded lower overnight as signs that the global economy is getting stronger-thus dampening the demand for the Japanese currency as a safe haven.  The JPY also declined due to the political changes going on in Japan. Prime Minister Hotoyama resigned and Finance Minister Kan is expected to fill his shoes, and Kan has already made comments that he wants the JPY to weaken-as a higher yen slows profits for exporters, who have lead Japan’s recovery. 

Good Morning:

Good Morning:

The USD lost ground overnight as speculation that the Fed will keep interest rates low reduced demand for USD dominated assets.  In other news, Janet Yellen will most probably be selected as vice chairman of the Fed.  Ms Yellen is currently President of the San Francisco Fed, and has been a staunch supporter of lower interest rates to combat the global recession.

Good Morning:

I am writing to you from the Traders Expo in NYC.  NYC also had a few inches of snow overnight-like we need anymore?

Good Morning:

The JPY fell overnight as speculation that Japan’s central bank will curb the JPY’s strength.  The Euro continues to be under pressure as Greece’s budget deficit problems persist.  Speculation in the marketplace is that Greece will not be able to reduce their budget deficit without outside assistance.

Asian equity markets were lower-and Europe is higher at this time.  US Futures are pointing to a higher opening this morning.

Good Morning;

Both the USD and JPY gained versus the higher-yielding currencies as world wide equity markets dropped. Alcoa missed estimates for their Q4 results.   It seems that the equity markets are what investors are following.  If the equity markets rally starts to slow-it will help the USD and JPY.

Trade Balance came in worse than expected  (see details below)

Good Morning:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Higher yielding currencies took center stage in the New Year , as investors appetite for riskier assets rises.

Oil rose for the 8Th day- trading above $80/barrel for the first time since November  2009.  Oil will be under pressure as colder temperatures hit the US.

Stock rose worldwide, and commodities also traded higher as data from China showed manufacturing expanded at the fastest pace in over 5 years. 

Oil: $80.90                                                  Gold:$1117.50

Good Morning:

The overnight markets were fairly quiet. USD continues to stay weak, and GBP marched higher.
The JPY fell after Japan’s Prime Minister Hotoyama stated that the JPY’s strength can not be left as is.
The consensus is that the BOJ will need to intervene if the JPY appreciates to much. The question is, how high is to much befor Japanese officials step in.

Asian equity markets were higher, Europe is mixed, and US Futures are looking at a higher opening this morning. The futures are only slightly higher today.

Gold set another record overnight, and the metal markets were higher in general.

Oil:$77.87 Gold:$1211.10

Good Morning:

We wake up to a very interesting Monday morning. 

The USD is weaker across the board.  Worldwide equity markets and commodities rallied.  Gold hit a record.

Good Morning:

Today is the last day of the Kuwait Traders Expo in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
We will be returning to the US tomorrow, and be back in the office next week.

As expected, both the BOE or ECB left interest rates unchanged.
The USD was lower overnight, as speculation that the global recovery will push demand for higher yielding assets grows.
Aussie rose to a 14 month high, as did Kiwi. Commodity producing country’s currencies are the most sought after at this time.