USD moves up against Yen, eases against riskier currencies, pre-central bank meetings

26 Oct 2021

The Dollar edged higher on Tuesday against the yen and eased slightly against riskier currencies.

The greenback rose 0.2% at 113.93 Yen, and held steady against the Euro at 1.1599, as traders’ focus was on central bank meetings in Europe, Canada and Japan later this week, as well as data expected from the U.S. and Australia.

The Australian Dollar increased around 0.3% to hit $0.7513, whilst the Chinese Yuan held strong close to a four-month high at 6.3845 per Dollar and South Korea’s Won reached a seven-week top.

“The Dollar has been reversing lower because of a more risk- on market, and that’s due to earnings coming in better than expected,” said Bank of Singapore analyst Moh Siong Sim.

Furthermore, the Dollar index – measuring the currency against six rivals – held at 93.856, in between a 12-month high of 94.563 reached in early October and a one-month low of 93.483 on Monday.

“The Dollar looks to be finding its feet in the mid-93s,” according to Westpac analysts, as attentions switch to U.S. growth data on Wednesday followed by the European Central Bank’s (ECB) meeting on Thursday.

The analysts added that the ECB will likely underline its dovish guidance, whilst United States GDP will show the economy’s rebound is hesitating. That said, the Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce a bond purchase reduction next week.

“All told that should keep short-term yield spreads trending in the Dollar’s favour and leave the Dollar with a bid tone.”

With central bank meetings taking place in Canada and Japan this week, the Canadian Dollar currently stands at C$1.2383 per Dollar, following a four-month high last week.

In addition, the Bank of England is meeting next week, with markets pricing in around a 60% chance of a rate hike. The Pound has been firmer in anticipation of higher rates, standing at $1.3765 at the time of writing.