Dollar Traders Wary of US-Sino Rift

In the UK, concerns over the Brexit continue to weigh on the currency. 

USDThe US Dollar fell out of favor with FX traders during London trading on Thursday. Market players are cautiously watching for more fallout from the escalating tensions between China and the U.S. On Wednesday, the Chinese consulate in Houston was ordered to wrap up operations and close by  Friday after it was alleged that officials had been spying. With Beijing vowing that it will respond in kind, that sent the Chinese Yuan to a 2-month low yesterday, with a slight reversal today. Currency strategists say that the retaliation will likely offer some guidance as to how Beijing intends to engage as we move closer to the November elections.

Any major fundamental issue in China tends to impact Antipodean currencies and this news is no different. As of 10:20 am in London, the AUD/USD was trading at $0.7146, up 0.1037%; the pair has ranged from a low of $0.71315 to a high of $0.71623. The NZD/USD was also higher at $0.6673, up 0.2373%, and off the session peak of $0.66912.

Sterling Pressured as Brexit Worries Weigh

In the UK, concerns over the Brexit continue to weigh on the currency. Today is the last day that the negotiations will take place, and analysts say that the tone of the statement afterward will drive sentiment. Some FX traders are worried that the UK government might be willing to close out the year without an agreement in place. The GBP/USD was lower, trading at $1.272, down 0.0864%; the pair earlier hit a trough of $1.26980. The EUR/GBP was higher at 0.9107 Pence, a gain of 0.2003%.

Barbara Zigah

After working on Wall Street, Barb began her second career as a freelance writer at Daily Forex, where the CEO recognized fresh, untapped potential and was willing to give her a try. She’s never looked back. Since then, she’s worked steadily as a freelance writer and editor in the financial services and Forex-related industry.