London Forex Report: Britain Votes Brexit Or Bremain

 | Jun 23, 2016 06:35AM ET

London Forex Report: Britain goes to the polls to decide whether the country should remain in the European Union. An estimated 46.5 million peoples may take part in the vote and recent surveys have shown a close call between the “Leave” and “Remain” vote, heightening financial markets volatility. Prevailing concerns were also raised by US Fed Chair Janet Yellen during her testimony to the Senate Banking Committee who said that Brexit will pose significant risk to the US economy and global financial market stability. Amid uncertainties on global development, Yellen added that “cautious approach remains appropriate”, offering little hint on timing of the next rate hike. On the data front, US existing home sales print showed that the economy was on solid footing in 2Q, supported by loose credit conditions. Home sales rose 1.8% MOM to an annualized pace of 5.53 million units in May, the highest level since Feb 2007. USD extended its decline on fading Fed policy outlook. USD Index slipped lower through European and US trades, settling 0.32% lower at 93.71.

FX Majors: EUR European Central Bank said Governing Council reinstates waiver of minimum credit rating requirements for marketable instruments issued or guaranteed by Greek government. GBP reached the strongest level this year hours before the landmark UK vote on membership of the European Union was set to begin. A gauge of sterling against a basket of currencies advanced for a second day before today’s referendum after a Comres poll showed 48% “Remain” and 42% “Leave”, while a YouGov survey indicated backing for a vote to stay was ahead 51% to 49% JPY hit an intraday high of 104.85 yesterday amid two polls came in post New York session close suggested that “Remain” camp leading. Most Japanese firms support the government’s decision to put off a hike in the national sales tax by more than two years due to weakness in the economy, according to a Reuters poll showed yesterday.

EUR/USD
Outlook: Short Term (1-3 Days): Neutral – Medium Term (1-3 Weeks): Bullish

Technical: Whipsaw price action within broader 1.11/ 1.14 range, 1.1230 near term support but range trade most likely ahead of the UK referendum results.
Retail Sentiment: Bearish
Trading Take-away: Sidelines