Chinese Yuan Stronger On Inflation Data

 | Feb 10, 2020 01:11PM ET

The headlines about China lately have been centered around the Coronavirus, and rightfully so. Depending on who you ask, the rate of increase may or may not be decreasing. However, the world is at a point where people are at least beginning to discuss whether a top is in. Prior to this weekend, all signs were pointing to an increasing rate of cases. As a result of the Coronavirus, and despite the U.S.-China Phase One trade deal that was signed on January 15, the inflation rate (YoY) for China increased to 5.4% vs. 4.9% expected and 4.5% in December. Most of the increase was due to higher food prices, as demand was increased due to the Lunar New Year and higher pork prices. In addition, travel restrictions due to the virus made supply of pork lower, causing prices to rise even further. As a result, USD/CNH is lower (Chinese yuan trading higher).

On January 20, USD/CNH put in a hammer bottom and over the next 2 weeks, broke out of a falling wedge and traded back near the pivotal 7.00 level. This level had acted as resistance and support heading back to early Q4 2019, and price has paused near here over the last week. The 200-day moving average also crosses near this level and is currently at 6.9912.