The
US dollar lost a few points during the session, with AUD, NZD notable
gainers. EUR, GBP, CAD were all higher against the USD also but
trailed behind OZ and NZ.
Australian
trade surplus data today also showed strong imports of consumer goods
(and thus strong domestic demand), giving a tailwind to the AUD.
The
CHF also added on a few points against the dollar while USD/JPY is
very little net changed on the session.
Late
in the US day (after 4pm) Atlanta Fed President Bostic spoke. He
maintained the hawkish drum beat coming from Fed officials.
Thee
was news on oil, the Wall Street Journal reporting that the Biden
administration is looking at potentially easing sanctions on
Venezuela to allow Chevron to export more oil out of the country. The
main caveats to this are, one, the US administration wants to see
Maduro allowing opposition parties to be more active. This seems
unlikely. And two, even if this was achieved it would likely be years
before Chevron could pump meaningful volumes out of the country. Oil
is a touch weaker on the session here.
Regional
equities were mixed following the soft lead from Wall Street on
Wednesday.
NZD and AUD were leaders:
