LONDON, Nov 18 — The euro enjoyed a small respite today, jumping to an 11-day high versus the US dollar, on expectations that Washington and Beijing can soon sign off on a deal to end a trade war that has been a drag on global economic growth.
Faint optimism for a breakthrough was supported by a report on Sunday from Chinese state news wire Xinhua, which said the two sides had “constructive talks” over the weekend.
The export-oriented European economy has suffered from the 16 month long trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies. The tariff war has taken a toll on the world’s manufacturing.
Investors injected US$3 billion of inflows into European equities over the past two weeks, ending a record run of 85 weeks of persistent outflows, EPFR data showed last week.
“Market participants remain optimistic that a partial US-China trade deal will be signed soon and have welcomed tentative signs of economic improvement outside of the US, especially in the euro zone, both of which are eroding the relative appeal of the US dollar,” said Lee Hardman, currency analyst at MUFG.
The euro was last up 0.1 per cent at US$1.1068 (RM4.60), its highest since November 7, and the index which tracks the greenback against six major currencies was down 0.1 per cent at 97.90.
The offshore Chinese yuan, however, remained below 7 per dollar, last falling 0.1 per cent to 7.0142. The yuan is the most sensitive currency to the trade dispute.
“USD/CNY above 7.0 suggests that the market is not yet convinced a solution is near,” said Marshall Gittler Chief Strategist at FX analysis firm ACLS Global.
The liveliest mover, however, was the pound, creeping up 0.3 per cent against the dollar to US$1.2945 and against the euro to 85.41 pence. It has surged to a 17-day high versus the dollar and a six-month high versus the common currency.
Sterling was boosted by expectations that the Conservative Party could win a majority in the December 12 election, as well as by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that all Tory candidates in the election have pledged to back his Brexit deal. This could open the door to getting the Brexit deal agreement passed through parliament.
Johnson’s Conservatives have a 14-point lead over the opposition Labour Party, a poll published by Good Morning Britain showed today.
“Anyone firmly believing in a Tory victory can expect further potential in sterling,” said Commerzbank analysts in a note to clients, though they added that “the FX market is still quite sceptical” towards a Tory win. — Reuters
