Market Brief No Fireworks from Fed Minutes Retails Rejoice

Matt Weller
By :  ,  Head of Market Research

Market Brief: No Fireworks from Fed Minutes, Retails Rejoice

  • FX: Today’s trade had a slight risk-on flavor, with the risk-sensitive loonie and aussie leading the way higher among the majors and the “safe haven” Swiss franc bringing up the rear. The Canadian dollar was boosted in part by hotter-than-expected CPI data 2.0% y/y vs. 1.7% eyed).
  • Traders ramped up preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit after an unnamed French official stated that the current baseline scenario is for a no-deal Brexit.
  • The FOMC minutes affirmed the Fed’s relatively optimistic domestic/cautious global outlook and raised the stakes for Friday’s Jackson Hole speech by Fed Chairman Powell.
  • Commodities: Both gold and oil fell by less than 1% on the day.

  • US indices closed a bit below 1% higher on the day. Even FX traders are keeping a close eye on stock indices, given USD/JPY’s close correlation with the S&P 500.
  • Consumer Discretionary (XLY) stocks led the way higher for the second straight day, with Consumer Staples (XLP) bringing up the rear. All eleven major sectors rose on the day.
  • Stocks on the Move:
    • Retailers rejoiced after strong earnings reports from Target (TGT, +19% to a record high) and Lowes (LOW, +10%).

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