The pound is paring gains versus the dollar and the euro during early Friday trading following a statement issued by EU leaders last night warning that a post-Brexit deal will be very unlikely unless the UK adopts a more flexible stance. With the ball now in the British court a reaction is expected from Boris Johnson’s government. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, it seems that markets don’t expect a no deal scenario, with the pound remaining very close to $1.30. The brinkmanship adopted by both parts is seen as tactical manoeuvring rather than an unwillingness to negotiate. Still, a bumpy ride is expected for sterling, with each back and forth likely to increase volatility.
After yesterday’s sell off on European stock markets, gold is remaining steady just above $1,900. Rising figures of Covid-19 infections are increasing fears of more lockdowns with all the related consequences. In other words, the impending need for more monetary stimulus to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus-induced crisis is keeping investors’ gold appetite at its peak. That said, we should be cautious as at some point central banks will start to be more resistant in adding new stimulus, but this scenario is far from imminent.
From a technical point of view, gold still appears in a positive mode but for further rallies we would need to see a clear breakup of the $1,920-$1,930 level. A fall below $1,880 and later on below $1,860 would denote weakness.
Carlo Alberto De Casa – Chief analyst, ActivTrades
EUROPEAN SHARES
An optimistic wind blew over European assets shortly after the opening bell on Friday morning, with almost all benchmarks climbing higher. Today’s risk appetite for European stocks has been boosted after investors welcomed positive developments on the corporate front. Optimism is particularly prominent in the automotive and engineering sectors after both Volvo and Thyssenkrupp reassured investors with their past performances and short-term outlooks. However, traders are still likely to face a “not-so-easy” trading session today as many uncertain market drivers remain. Investors are still digesting the latest set of Covid-19 restrictions in France and the UK with lingering concerns they may severely impact an already fragile recovery. Furthermore, volatility is likely to be on the rise today for UK shares, not only because of the expiry of options, but also because of Boris Johnson’s potential decision to walk away from the Brexit negotiation table with the EU.
Pierre Veyret– Technical analyst, ActivTrades
Disclaimer: opinions are personal to the authors and do not reflect the opinions of LeapRate. This is not a trading advice.
Experienced writer and journalist, working in the global online trading sector, Steffy is the Editor of LeapRate. She has previous experience as a copywriter and has been with the company since January 2020. Steffy has a British and American Studies degree from St. Kliment Ochridski University in Sofia.
