Wow. Chinese GDP has reportedly come in with a 10.7% increase for last QUARTER. This is the highest percent gain in China since 2007, when they were operating in overdrive to prepare for the Beijing Olympics! To put this in perspective, there are still countries out there reporting negative GDP growth!
If this number is for real (some would argue that’s always a question when dealing with China), then its pretty clear that their growth will be leading the globe out of recession. As a result, we are seeing a bit of risk-taking in the market today, with both the Aussie (AUD) and the Kiwi (NZD) benefiting. After all, China does import a lot from those countries so when the goings good in China, its probably going well in Australia and New Zealand as well.
The yen (JPY) is also down the most, as it is resuming its status as the world’s funding currency for carry trades and risk-taking.
Coming out of Europe, the Euro (EUR) is down slightly against the US dollar (USD), having been down lower during the Euro session to its lowest levels in 6 months. However, it is still holding support at 1.40, an important psychological level for the Euro. Rumors are floating that the Euro Zone may offer an emergency loan to Greece, but this is being vehemently denied as that would set a bad precedent for the other PIIGS countries.
The British pound (GBP) is down as well, as the UK budget deficit widened the most in almost 15 years.
So the overall tone today is mild risk-taking, which could also just be a rebound from yesterday’s increased appetite for risk-aversion.
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