Market Movers: Yen worst performer, Nikkei hits fresh 15yr highs – TDS

FXStreet (Barcelona) - Prashant Newnaha, Strategist at TD Securities, summarizes the market performance during the Asian trading session.

Key Quotes

“The USD took a breather in Asia ahead of the Fed minutes out today and is close to flat, but this follows another 1% advance in overnight trade (via strong Apr housing starts and building permits) and ECB officials announcing a front loading of bond purchases (weakening the EUR).”

“In Asia, the NZD outperformed despite another weak diary auction overnight, +0.3%, the best G10 performer. The AUD and CAD have reclaimed some overnight losses, +0.15%, suggesting flow is short covering and not much else. The worst performer is the Yen, -0.15%.”

“Regional equities are on a firmer footing with nearly all indices up. Worthy mention goes to the Nikkei, hitting fresh 15yr highs today, on the stronger Q1 GDP headline & softer yen.”

“ACGB and NZGB yields are up 4bps, more or less in line with US moves.”

“Brent is +1%, after the -3% drilling overnight but iron ore futures are down 1%.”