The S&P 500 experienced its worst week since the middle of August as fears of the deadly coronavirus spread into financial markets and anti-fiat gold prices[1] rallied. Sentiment-linked WTI[2] crude oil dropped about 7.6% in the sharpest decline over the course of 5 trading days since May. The anti-risk Japanese Yen[3] and haven-linked US Dollar[4] aimed higher.
The virus has been emanating from central China, spreading across the world with a third case reported in the United States on Friday as well as one in France. That this is also occurring during the Lunar New Year holiday is raising concerns over lower attendance rates impacting revenues. The Euro[5] fell as the ECB further pushed back tightening prospects[6] as rosy UK data boosted GBP[7].
The VIX (fear gauge) rose, anticipating what could be a tense week ahead for equities depending on how updates on the coronavirus unfold. Further contagion fears may continue denting sentiment, offering a boost to the Japanese Yen while perhaps pressuring the sentiment-linked Australian and New Zealand Dollars. The haven-linked US Dollar may capitalize on this further.
Looking at the economic calendar, the Federal Reserve is expected to leave rates unchanged while there may a chance the Bank of England reduces them. Investors will also be anxiously awaiting on updates to the Fed’s repo operations. These have been injecting liquidity into financial markets, helping to fuel gains in equities on Wall Street[8]. Will this be the revival in volatility?
Fundamental Forecasts:
British Pound May Yet Fall on Brexit, BoE and Fed Are Risks[9]
The British Pound[10] may fall as Brexit commences, but will the Bank of England cut rates? The
