Asian Stocks At 5 Year High

Asian Stocks headed for their highest closing since before the financial crash of 2008, as the Bank of Japan confirmed that it will expand the supply of money in the Japanese economy – the world’s third largest – by 60 to 70 trillion Yen (JPY) a year, as per the pledge made in April. Japan’s Finance Ministry announced that the country’s trade deficit widened to a much larger than expected figure of 879.9 billion Yen for April. Whilst exports increased 3.8% to 5.78 trillion Yen, imports also increased, rising 9.4% to 6.66 trillion Yen. The April deficit now makes it the tenth consecutive monthly trade deficit as the weaker JPY increased the cost of imports more than it boosted exports.

As many investors await the comments by Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke later today, it was the BoJ driving markets forward in an otherwise low volume start to the Asian trading session with little movement seen in the currency markets. Shares yesterday, closed at an all time high in the US as Federal Reserve officials appeared to encourage investors to believe that the Fed will continue to support the world’s largest economy with its bond purchasing program, something many had feared the Fed would reign in.

Stocks

Yesterday saw The Dow Jones increase 0.34% to a record close, The S&P 500 index rose 0.17% to 1,669.16, also to a record close whilst the Nasdaq increased 0.16% to 3,502.12 , its highest finish since October 2000. Overnight, Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.79%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was 0.01% higher whilst the Shanghai Composite was 0.02% higher.

Currencies

The US Dollar was mixed to lower ahead of the Bernanke testimony later today – 0.07% lower against the EUR, but 0.07% higher against the JPY. The only real significant movement was seen in the AUD/USD – down 0.28% as shares in Australian mining companies and continued declines in the commodity markets hurt the Aussie.

Commodities

The mixed fortunes in the commodity markets continued with Crude Oil falling during the Asian trading session following the release of weekly inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute. Gold was 0.01% lower whilst Silver gained 0.09% amid investor uncertainty leading up to the latest Bernanke testimony.

Today’s Outlook

Key retail data from the UK will be released in the morning and will be closely followed. The GBP has been the worst performing currency of 2013 and further disappointing figures from the UK will continue to pressure the GBP. German 10 year debt auctions are followed by Canadian retail figures and the all important Ben Bernanke testimony in the US later in the day, making today a potentially strong day of trading ahead.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Yen Lower and Gold Rebounds as Bank Of Japan Meets

The Japanese Yen was lower in all of its 16 major currencies pairings as the Bank of Japan began a 2 day policy meeting. Asian stocks retreated from their 5 year high in a low volume trading session as many investors wait on the sidelines until the Fed Reserve statement tomorrow.

The Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari said overnight that the strong yen is in the process of being corrected and that he wants the exchange rate to settle at a level more in-tune with Japan’s economic fundamentals. The Bank of Japan has implemented large scale monetary easing measures aimed at steering Japan from deflationary decline whilst boosting growth. This has caused the JPY to plunge to new lows against the USD not seen since the financial crash of 2008.

Stocks

Asian stocks were generally mixed in overnight trading with Japan’s Nikkei 225 posting a 0.07% increase as the BoJ meets today. Chinese trade conditions came under the spotlight as ministers in the EU accused China – the world’s second largest economy – of having a ‘free ride’ in trading. Chinese stocks were mixed on the whole after it agreed with India to further cooperation regarding their shared border. A US and China summit has also been scheduled for next month in the US. The Chinese Shanghai Composite gained 0.03% whilst Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 0.26%.

Currencies

The USD enjoyed mixed fortunes in the currency markets as many investors await the outcome of various central bank meetings. The EUR/USD was up 0.07% whilst the USD/JPY gained 0.24%, as the Yen fell against all its major currency pairs on Yen correction talk. The Aussie gained 0.22% against the USD on intervention talk by the RBA and the Canadian Dollar fell 0.07% against its American cousin.

Commodities

The central bank intervention talk and investors snapping up nicely priced positions, helped Gold and Silver post a rebound in Asian markets. Following on from heavy falls yesterday, Gold gained 0.86% and Silver rose 0.92%. Crude Oil firmed on a strengthened USD and was up 0.05% whilst warmer temperatures being forecast saw Natural Gas decline 0.29%.

Today’s Outlook

A raft of key data from the UK dominates this morning’s economic calendar with better than expected U.K. economic data continuing to support the GBP which has traded higher against the EUR and USD of late. This afternoon, keen eyed investors will follow the words of FOMC Membar Bullard , SNB Chairman Jordan and BOC Governor Carney all very carefully, looking for signs of monetary policy action.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Asian Stocks Head Towards 5 Year High

The trading week kicked off in Asia with stocks in the region heading towards a 5 year high as the risk on sentiment inspired by better than expected consumer spending data from the US on Friday saw investors move into stocks and away from the precious metals markets.

Last night saw Japan’s Economy Minister Akira Amari announce that further declines in the JPY may begin having a negative effect on its citizens and the government’s ability to handle such declines. However, led by strong gains in its utilities companies, the Japanese stocks have become the best performing stocks in the world, passing the 15000 mark and hitting levels not seen since the financial crisis of 2008.

Stocks

Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.38% even though Economy Minister Akira Amari voiced his concerns over a falling Yen. Japan’s Topix index rose 1.4%, up 48% for the year and now the best performing index of 2013. the weakened South Korean Won, meant there was a rise of 0.20% for the South Korean Kospi index, this despite tensions heightening with North Korea testing missiles over the weekend. The Chinese Shanghai Composite hit a 7 month high last week, making it the third consecutive week of gains, and continued to gain in overnight trading as data released showed new home prices increased in 68 out of 70 Chinese cities for April.

Currencies

In an otherwise low volume trading session in the currency markets, the USD was mixed to lower even though Gold and Silver – both traded in US Dollars – plummeted.

Speculation continued from Friday that the US will end its bond buying program valued at $85 billion a month. The USD/JPY was down 0.45%, whilst the AUD/USD gained 0.33% after Goldman Sachs predicted at the end of last week that the commodity linked Aussie will decline further against the greenback.

Commodities

The bearish sentiment in the commodity markets continued as strong data points from the US weighed on gold and Silver from last week whilst sending US stocks to record highs.

Gold was down 1.64%, trading at 1342.15, whilst Silver plummeted 4.86% as it was revealed that George Soros, the billionaire financier, reduced his exposure to the precious metals. Natural Gas rose again, up 1.55% as cold weather continues in the US and parts of Europe. Crude Oil was down 0.26%, as general bearish sentiment in the commodity markets continue.

Today’s Outlook

National holidays in Canada, Norway and Switzerland should contribute to a lower volume trading session in both Europe and the US later today. The UK is set to release private sector data on house price inflation with positive figures forecast which should boost the GBP against the USD. Elsewhere, it is expected the bearish sentiment in commodities are expected to continue as investors move into equities.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Stocks and USD Close Week On A High

The trading week ended on Friday with strong upturns for global stocks and the USD as consumer sentiment came in better than expected and inflation in both the US and the Eurzone fell to its lowest levels in years.

In the US – whose economy – the largest in the world – is 70% consumer driven – it was reported that the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment index increased in May to 83.7 from the 76.4 recorded in April. This easily surpassed analyst expectations for an increase to 78.0 and helped send the US stock markets to a fourth consecutive weekly increase, reversing earlier losses that stemmed from comments made by Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President John Williams, who signaled that the that monetary authorities could start to unwind the stimulus programs introduced over the last 12 months by as early as this summer.

Currently, the Federal Reserve has a quantitative easing program in place buying $85 million of assets a month which is aimed at weakening the USD and making its exports cheaper, whilst flooding the market with liquidity. As a result Stocks rise and the US stock markets have risen to levels not seen since before the financial crash.

Stocks

The close of US trading on Friday saw US stocks join Euro stocks and finish higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.80% higher, the Nasdaq Composite index increased 0.97%, whilst the S&P 500 index ended Friday 0.95% higher. In Europe, France’s CAC 40 closed 0.56% higher, Germany’s DAX 30 finished 0.34% higher and the UK’s FTSE 100 finished 0.53% up.

Currencies

The US Dollar made strong gains on the Fed comments and the sentiment data. The EUR/USD hit a fresh 6 week low, down 0.37% whilst there were also heavy gains for the USD against the GBP – 0.65%, JPY – 0.90 to a 4 and a half year high, AUD – 0.73% and the CAD – up 0.83% to a 2 and a half month high.

Commodities

The star of the commodity markets was Natural gas which rose 3.23% as a cold weather snap hit both Europe and the US. It was a different story however in the precious metals market as Gold and Silver both fell on the consumer sentiment and hawkish Fed Reserve comments. Gold tends to trade inversely to the USD and a strengthened Greenback sent Gold plummeting 2.105 and Silver down 2.07%. Crude Oil gained on the consumer data, ending Friday 0.78% higher at 95.91 a barrel.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Asian Stocks Down Despite Japanese GDP

Asian stocks were lower in overnight trading as a decline in Japanese banks following on from lower earnings forecasts offset a report released showing that the Japanese economy expanded faster than had been expected by analysts for the first quarter.

Gross domestic product in the world’s third largest economy – Japan – grew at a rate of 0.9% for the three months of this year compared to the previous quarter – Q4 of 2012, showing a yearly rate of 3.5%. The Japanese economy grew at a rate of 1% at the end of 2012 as the economy started to venture out of the recession – part caused by the tsunami and earthquakes of 2011. The news appeared to vindicate Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s aggressive policy stimulus measures with the growth rate of 3.5% now meaning that Japan is outpacing the US, which expanded 2.5% in Q1, and the eurozone, which contracted 0.9% for the same period.

Stocks

Most Asian stocks were lower with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 1.19%, falling below the 15000 mark, but sill an amazing 45% higher since the start of the year. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 0.63% as shares in mining and materials companies fell on weakened commodity prices. South Korea’s Kospi increased nearly 1% as the USD/JPY declined and there was also gains for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite as the markets continue to show signs of undervaluing shares in these indices.

Currencies

In another subdued trading session in the currency markets in Asia, the Euro continued its declines as disappointing stats released in the eurozone yesterday indicated recession. The EUR/USD was down 0.11% as the greenback made tentative gains against its currency pairings. The GBP was stable after comments from the Bank Of England Governor yesterday, whilst the Aussie was down 0.21% against the US Dollar as gold prices fell again.

Commodities

Gold continued to slide after hitting a 4 week low on the soft US and eurozone data and was down 0.27% in overnight trading. Silver also declined – down 0.23%. Natural Gas reversed a portion of its recent declines – rising 0.45% as cold weather hits parts of Europe and the US. Crude Oil was down 0.45% after rising yesterday on supply data.

Today’s Outlook

CPI figures in the eurozone should prove bearish for the EUR, whilst a raft of data released in the US including key CPI data, as well as FOMC member Fisher speaking, should all be closely followed to drive markets.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Euro Down on Weak Data, Nikkei past 15,000

The Euro continued to decline in Asian markets overnight after the release of disappointing data from Europe and France and Germany in particular – highlighted the fragile economic growth in the eurozone.

Yesterday saw Germany’s gross domestic product increase by a less than expected rate in the first quarter of 2013, adding 0.1% after registering a 0.7% decline in the previous quarter. This disappointed the markets and sent the Euro lower after analysts had been expecting the German GDP to increase 0.3% in the first quarter of 2013. On a yearly basis, Germany’s GDP contracted by 1.7%, which was considerably lower than the 0.2% expected by analysts, after the 0.1% increase recorded in the fourth quarter.

Helping push the Euro down to a 5 week low against the USD was the release of France’s GDP which showed a decline 0.2% in the previous quarter after a 0.2% decline was recorded in the fourth quarter and after analysts had forecast a 0.3% increase. This puts France into recession, which was partly blamed on a ‘severe winter’ hampering growth

Stocks

Grabbing the headlines in the stock markets was Japan’s Nikkei 225 gaining more than 2% and passing the 15,000 mark for the first time since the beginning of 2008. Fueled by a weaker Yen, the Nikkei 225 closed 2.295 higher while most Asian indices closed higher also. Hoing Kong’s hang Seng Index closed 0.64% higher, whilst a decline in mining stocks hurt the Australian S & P – closing 0.81% down.

Currencies

After a subdued start to the week in the currency markets, volume levels have been picking up with the USD reversing earlier losses and weak data sending the Euro down. The EUR was 0.09% down against the USD and down 0.15% against the GBP. The greenback also made healthy gains against its commodity linked cousins of the CAD – up 0.27% and the AUD – up 0.29%.

Commodities

A strengthened USD and some strong profit taking ensured there were losses across the board in the commodity markets. Gold was down 0.8% and Silver dropped 1.55% as investors cashed in on recent gains. Cold weather forecasts failed to raise the Natural Gas price – but only 0.02%, this was the steadiest of the commodities with Crude Oil down 0.45%.

Today’s Outlook

A very busy day of trading ahead with a full economic calendar to drive markets in the Eurozone, UK and in the US later in the day. Plenty of key data released and with volume levels rising as the week progresses, makes today a potentially very strong day of profitable binary trading ahead.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

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Subdued Trading on Soft Data. USD Down

There was low volume trading in Asia overnight as the release of soft data from China saw gold rise for the first time in three days and the JPY move away from its lowest level in over 4 years.

China’s stocks dropped the highest for three weeks as concerns heightened that the Chinese government is introducing more property restrictions to restrict the rises in its housing market. This comes just a day after industrial production in China increased 9.3% for April, lower than the expected 9.5% increase and follows the 8.9% increase recorded in the previous month. Separate data also revealed that retail sales in China increased by 12.8% for April, which was very much in in line with expectations. Worrying investors looking at economic growth, was the the news that oil demand slowed April, which kept gains in check.

Yesterday saw the release of retail sales data in the US with retail sales rising 0.1% in April following a decline recorded in March. The increase was boosted by a 1% increase in auto sales and clothing sales rising 1.2%. The retail sales figure,excluding petrol station sales, means that retail spending increased by 0.7%, indicating that US consumers are increasing their spending, which is important to US growth as the US economy is 70% consumer spending driven.

Stocks

Asian stocks were mixed on the sluggish data released. Japan’s Nikkei 225 started with gains before reversing and was currently 0.04% down. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng also posted early gains before pulling back to be down 0.34%. The Chinese Shanghai Composite was down 0.67% on the soft data releases from China – the world’s second largest economy. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.11% on central bank intervention talk before July heating up.

Currencies

Following on from yesterday’s subdued trading in the currency markets, there was a bit more life and movement in overnight Asian trading with the US Dollar reversing some of the gains made over the last few days. The EUR/USD was up 0.20%, whilst the AUD/USD was up 0.49%. The USD also saw declines against the GBP – down 0.15% and against the JPY – down 0.46% as investors cashed in on recent gains and resumed some of the risk on sentiment seen at the back of last week.

Commodities

The weakened USD saw some investors snap up nicely priced positions in the commodity markets. Gold and Silver both made gains with Gold rising 0.45% and Silver inching 0.05% higher. Natural Gas bounced off a 5 week low to rise 0.13% as a cold spell is forecast in the Northwest of USA and over some parts of Northern Europe. Crude Oil gained 0.32% despite the soft data from China and was priced at 95.44 a barrel.

Today’s Outlook

Expect a busier trading session when European markets open with volume levels increased over what was seen in Asia overnight. A raft of important Euro data should see the EUR continue to rise, whilst the ZEW economic sentiment should be closely followed.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

The post Subdued Trading on Soft Data. USD Down appeared first on . binary options news | OptionsClick Blog.

USD & Nikkei Continue To Rise

The trading week kicked off with healthy gains for the USD in Asia and Japan’s Nikkei 225 as the Bank of Japan announced that the country’s M2 money supply increased 3.3% last month to 844.5 trillion JPY after analysts had been expecting an increase of 3.1%. Overall, Japan’s M3 money stock increased 2.6% to 1,142.0 trillion JPY, surpassing expectations for a 2.5% increase. L money stock rose 2% to 1,480.2 trillion JPY for the year.

Investors appear to be waiting for key industrial production, fixed asset investment and retail sales data to be released from China – the world’s second largest economy- this morning with some investors staying on the sidelines and other investors cashing in on gains made in the commodity markets, taken advantage of the strengthened USD. Meanwhile in Australia – the world’s 12th largest economy – the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that home loan approvals increased 5.2% for March, beating market expectations comfortably for a gain of 4%. Approvals for new homes in Australia jumped 21% whilst approvals to purchase pre-owned homes increased 4.2%.

Stocks

The money supply data released from Japan helped the Nikkei 225 soar to levels last seen before 2008 Lehmann Brothers crash, rising over 1.5% before pulling back a little to be 1.10% higher at time of writing. Both China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index both showed losses ahead of the release of key economic data from China. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was 0.79% lower and the Shanghai Composite was showing a decline of 0.31%. Also falling ahead of the Chinese data was the Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 which dropped 0.26%, despite the positive home sales data.

Currencies

In a low volume trading session in the currency markets, the USD continued to make gains, extending the record highs against most of its major currency pairings. The EUR/USD was down 0.13%, the USD/JPY was up 0.10%, whilst the GBP/USD was down 0.09%. The commodity linked Aussie suffered as the commodity prices fell, with the AUD/USD down 0.37%

Commodities

There were falls across the board in the commodity markets, as the strengthened USD saw many investors cash in on recent gains. Gold was down 0.275, Silver fell 0.15% whilst Crude Oil fell 0.77%. Natural Gas continued its supply and weather related declines, falling 0.325 in overnight Asian trading.

Today’s outlook

Despite a quiet day in the economic calendar, Chinese data overnight should drive European markets whilst US retail sales figures released later in the day should be closely followed as the US economy is 70% consumer spending driven.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

The post USD & Nikkei Continue To Rise appeared first on . binary options news | OptionsClick Blog.

USD/JPY Breaks 100 Mark

Friday’s trading was dominated by the markets reaction to a better than expected jobs report from the US and the USD/JPY breaking the 100 dollar mark for the first time since April 2009. The USD advanced after a speech made by Fed Chairman by Ben Bernanke on Thursday in which he failed to say anything that implied that the Federal Reserve will re enter the currency war by boosting stimulus or generally talking down the USD. Recently, we have seen the USD soar against all of the major currencies and close the week at a 4 year high against the JPY, a 1 month high against both the EUR and the NZD, a 10 month high against the AUD and an 8 month high against the CHF.

Thursday saw the US Department of Labor reporting that the number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. last week dropped 4,000 to 323,000, beating the expected increase of 8,000 to 335,000, and coming just days after the April jobs report in the US easily surpassed market expectations.

Stocks

Whilst the USD soared, Stocks in the US joined the indices of Europe and Asia and closed Friday with gains. The fact that the Fed confirmed they are in no rush to stop or change its monthly $85 billion bond purchasing program, which boosts stocks rising as a side result. Europe saw France’s CAC 40 close 0.64% higher, Germany’s DAX 30 close 0.19% higher and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 finish up 0.49% as talk of green shoots in the UK economy boosted the UK stocks. Close of trading in the US on Friday saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average finish 0.24% higher, the S&P 500 index advance 0.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite index close 0.80% higher.

Currencies

The USD enjoyed healthy gains against all its counterparts as softer than European data an better than expected US data sent the greenback to new highs. The EUR/USD was down 0.40%, the GBP/USD hit a 2 week low – down 0.55%, whilst the USD/JPY, having broken the 100 mark for the first time in 4 years, closed up 0.99% at 101.62. Against its Canadian and Australian cousins the USD gained 0.39% and 0.69% respectively.

Commodities

The strengthened USD and some strong profit taking meant prices fell in the commodity markets. Gold dropped 1.49% whilst Silver fell 0.34% as investors cashed in on recent gains made earlier in the week. Natural Gas continues its slide as supply data and warm weather forecasts saw its price fall 2.02%. Soft supply data, as well as the strong USD helped push Crude Oil down 0.47% to 95.84 a barrel. Chinese growth optimism backed by some healthy enough manufacturing data in the world’s second largest economy helped boost Copper prices, closing up 1.33% on Friday and bucking the declining commodities trend.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

The post USD/JPY Breaks 100 Mark appeared first on . binary options news | OptionsClick Blog.

Dollar Down As South Korea Cuts Rates

Asian stocks reversed some its gains made over the last few days as the US Dollar continued to slide in most of its pairs on the back of a strengthened Japanese Yen.

Last night it was the turn of South Korea to cut interest rates – following on from India, ECB and Australia, with the central bank lowering its benchmark rate from 2.5% down to 2.25%, making it the first rate cut there in 7 months. Japan’s recent aggressive monetary policies have made South Korean exports, which account for more than 50% of the South Korean economy, more difficult. Since November 2012, the Japanese Yen has fallen almost 20% against the USD, whilst the South Korean Won has gained nearly 9% against the USD and more than 20% against the JPY in the same period.

Stocks

After reaching record highs in yesterday’s trading, Japan’s Nikkei 225 made gains before pulling back to be 0.59% down as South Korea lowered its borrowing costs, creating export competition for Japan. South Korea’s Kospi Index gained 1.18% as it became the fourth central bank to lower its interest rates in a week. The Shanghai Composite of China dropped 0.86% after its National Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s consumer prices increased 2.4% for April whilst producer prices fell 2.6%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index was 0.03% lower despite the Australian Statistics Bureau reporting that the Australian economy added 50,100 new jobs last month, nearly five times more than analysts had been expecting.

Currencies

In more subdued trading in the currency markets, the USD again found itself under pressure with large declines against the Aussie – down 0.68% and the JPY – down 0.29%. Investors still appear to be waiting on the currency sidelines as central bank intervention talk heightens around the globe. Elsewhere, the EUR was up 0.03% against the USD, whilst the GBP/USD was up 0.04%.

Commodities

Warm weather forecasts, possibly heralding the start of summer, continued to weigh heavily upon the price of Natural Gas – down 1.13% in Asian trading. US supply data kept Crude Oil down in price – 0.24% lower in Asian trading, whilst bottom feeders and profit takers ensured there were mixed fortunes in the precious metals markets with Gold down 0.19% and Silver gaining 0.46%.

Today’s outlook

This morning’s focus could well be on the UK and the GBP with industrial and manufacturing figures released in the UK. No change is expected in the UK interest rate decision made today, but the afternoon brings US jobless claims which will be closely followed.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of OptionsClick, blog.optionsclick.com, OptionsClick.com or any of its staff. The contents of this article are in no way intended to be advice or any other form of counsel for any trader of binary options or any other investor. Please be advised: Investing of any kind always carries a relative risk. As with any market trading, it is always possible to lose your investment. Always be sure to do your own research, seek professional advice, and make your own, well-educated decisions when it comes to financial investments. For more about binary options trading, visit www.OptionsClick.com

The post Dollar Down As South Korea Cuts Rates appeared first on . binary options news | OptionsClick Blog.