CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Open account
☰
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Open account
✖

ECB bazooka part 2 Rate cuts amp ABS

Article By: ,  Financial Analyst
September 4, 2014 7:25 PM

EURUSD plunged 1.6% today, its biggest percentage day decline since October 2011 as the ECB cut interest rates on the main refinancing operations, the marginal lending facility and the deposit facility by 10 basis points to 0.05%, 0.3% and -0.2%, respectively. The ECB also announced the purchase of a broad portfolio of asset-backed securities (ABSs) and a broad portfolio of euro-denominated covered bonds issued by Monetary financial institutions (MFIs) based in the eurozone under a new covered bond purchase program.

The ECB downgraded the forecasts that mattered, by reducing its 2014 and 2015 eurozone GDP projections to 0.9% from June’s 1.0%, and to 1.6% from June’s 1.7% respectively. The 2014 eurozone CPI forecast was lowered to 0.6% from June’s 0.7%, while the 1.1% forecast for 2015 remained unchanged.

Unlike the Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan, the ECB did not commit to the size of its ABS purchase. Yet, the decision to cut rates was principally aimed at boosting participation at the first TLTRO take-up on due on September 18: read more here

ECB back to 2012 dimensions

The ECB’s asset-backed purchase program could mean the central bank’s balance sheet will return “towards the dimensions it used to have at the beginning of 2012″. Currently, the ECB’s balance sheet totals €2.04 trillion in assets after having peaked at €3.1 trillion in June 2012.

FX Implications

We cited the dire implications and forecasts for EURUSD, EURJPY, EURCAD and EURAUD in recent pieces, here and here

EURUSD extends its 3rd monthly decline and appears en-route towards $1.2760, while EURCAD may break the 1.4020 WMA and call up the next preliminary goal of 1.3880, before 1.3710 appears at the 200-WMA. Most ominously for USD bears, USDCHF could witness additional gains following today’s 215 pip-jump to 0.9329 as EURCHF falls further towards the Swiss National Bank’s 1.2000 line-in-the-sand. As the SNB reiterates its commitment to defend the 1.20 line, further CHF selling will materialize against most currency pairs. Assuming a 1.2800 target in EURUSD and EURCHF to remain around 1.2100, this would imply USDCHF to extend gains towards 0.9450s. But if the EURCHF chart below implies further weakness towards 1.2000 from the current 1.2060, then 1.2800 on EURUSD would suggest 0.9370s, either way the implication is for buying USDCHF on the dips. The question then becomes, where and when will the SNB step in?

 

StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.

© City Index 2024