US dollar under pressure

Key Movers

The Great British pound outperformed Tuesday buoyed by reports a UK/EU trade deal could be brokered as early as next week. Sterling touched 1.3270 following commentary from top UK negotiators that suggested they had briefed Boris Johnson on the success of recent talks and expect a trade deal will be reached. While fishing rights and red tape remain a stumbling block, we expect at least a partial trade agreement will be signed, prompting another GBP push higher.Having touched intraday and 12-week highs at 0.7340, the AUD retreated overnight forced lower as markets adopted a more cautious tone. Initially buoyed by positive sentiment and a risk on backdrop, the AUD tested resistance before investors absorbed profits and looked to correct positions as they balance short-term headwinds against medium and long-term optimism. These short-term headwinds are capping AUD upside, preventing an extension toward 0.74/0.75. Despite broad based US dollar weakness and a dire covid outlook, we expect the AUD to struggle to significantly extend the upturn ahead of a vaccine roll out. We anticipate the AUD will continue to enjoy the benefits of surges in risk demand as the pandemic narrative evolves.