FX Market Update: Risk Aversion Rattles Markets, but Is a Turning Point Ahead?

Financial markets are in the middle of a tense recalibration. Global equities are under pressure, with the Nasdaq leading the sell-off after a sharp 4% drop this week, extending its losses from the December highs to nearly 14%. This sudden downturn has sent investors scrambling for safety, pushing bond yields lower and reigniting speculation around Federal Reserve rate cuts. But the FX market is reacting in a more nuanced way—while the US dollar remains supported, the real question is whether this is the beginning of a shift in market sentiment or just another wave of volatility.

NASDAQ H1 Chart 

USD: Risk-Off Flows Versus Fed Rate Cut Bets

The US dollar continues to be the focal point of global FX markets. On the one hand, risk aversion has fuelled demand for safe-haven assets, allowing the USD to hold its ground despite a steep equity market sell-off. The traditional risk-off moves played out in FX markets: the yen, Swiss franc, and euro found support, while high-beta currencies, including the Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian dollars, struggled.

DXY H1 Chart 

However, the backdrop for the dollar is far from straightforward. US rate market participants have quickly adjusted their expectations, now pricing in more aggressive Fed rate cuts amid mounting concerns over economic slowdown. The latest moves in the Treasury market reflect these concerns—2-year yields have dropped to fresh lows of 3.83%, while 10-year yields have broken below key technical support levels.

Today’s JOLTS job openings report will be critical in determining the near-term direction of the USD. The labour market has been the key pillar of US economic resilience, and any signs of softening—particularly in the quits rate, a leading indicator of wage growth—could lead to a fresh repricing of Fed policy expectations. If job openings disappoint, expect an increase in bets on a more dovish Fed, which could weigh on the dollar.

EUR: Political Uncertainty in Germany—Will It Matter?

Despite market jitters, the euro has held relatively firm. Political headlines out of Germany have created some short-term volatility, but the broader market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is pushing for a major fiscal expansion, including increased spending on defence and infrastructure. However, he faces opposition from the Green Party, whose support is necessary to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament. The initial rejection of Merz’s proposal rattled markets, but more recent reports suggest that negotiations are ongoing, and a deal could still be reached before the March 25 deadline when the new parliament is seated.

EURUSD H1 Chart 

This fiscal debate is more than just a political side story—it has real implications for the euro and broader European markets. If Germany moves forward with a €500 billion infrastructure fund, it could provide a much-needed boost to economic growth, particularly in the struggling industrial sector. The prospect of stronger growth is one reason why EUR/USD has remained resilient despite external pressures.

That said, the euro is still heavily influenced by US developments. While markets may be optimistic about Germany’s fiscal outlook, a worsening US economic backdrop or renewed equity market turmoil could push EUR/USD lower in the near term. For now, the pair remains in a consolidation phase, with 1.070 as a key downside target while a move above 1.090 remains possible if sentiment improves.

Equity Market Sell-Off: Limited FX Spillover So Far

The current equity market correction has been one of the most significant in months, yet the FX market has not responded with extreme volatility. Typically, a sharp sell-off in stocks would trigger stronger moves in FX, but so far, the spillover has been limited.

Part of this can be attributed to uncertainty about the USD’s role as a haven. While the dollar has benefited from risk-off flows, its rally has been restrained by expectations of a more dovish Fed. If risk appetite continues to deteriorate, it remains unclear whether the USD will strengthen further or start weakening alongside falling yields and equity prices.

Commodity-linked currencies such as the AUD, CAD, and NZD have seen some downside pressure, but the moves have been moderate. Meanwhile, the Norwegian krone, Swiss franc, and yen have outperformed slightly, though not in a dramatic fashion.

Emerging Markets: Pressure on Asian FX, Strength in Central Europe

Emerging market currencies have been navigating a mixed environment. In Asia, risk aversion combined with escalating US-China trade tensions has weighed on regional currencies. President Trump’s recent tariff increases on Chinese imports—now 20% higher than during his first term—have added another layer of uncertainty. While China has signalled more fiscal and monetary stimulus, investors remain cautious about the near-term outlook.

In contrast, Central European currencies have been relative outperformers. The Czech koruna and Hungarian forint have found support from improving sentiment around Germany’s fiscal expansion and stronger economic growth prospects in Europe. Markets are also pricing in a more cautious approach from regional central banks, which could keep rate differentials supportive for CEE FX.

In Latin America, currencies have come under pressure, with the Chilean peso (-1.7%), Colombian peso (-1.2%), and Brazilian real (-1.1%) posting notable declines. The combination of weaker risk appetite and concerns over commodity demand has weighed on the region’s outlook. However, strong local rate differentials continue to provide some cushion against deeper losses.

What’s Next? Key Themes to Watch

1. US Jobs Data & Fed Rate Expectations – The JOLTS report today, followed by CPI and retail sales later this week, will determine whether markets continue to price in aggressive Fed rate cuts. A softer labour market print could weaken the USD, while resilient data may give it renewed support.
2. German Fiscal Negotiations – Any breakthrough in negotiations between Merz and the Greens could strengthen the euro by reinforcing optimism about future growth. However, if talks break down, expect some short-term volatility.
3. Risk Sentiment & Equities – The relationship between stocks and FX will be key. If equity weakness persists and bonds rally, watch for whether the USD benefits as a haven or starts to decline alongside falling yields.
4. Trade Tensions & Emerging Markets – The impact of US tariff hikes on China and broader Asian FX will remain in focus. If tensions escalate further, expect continued pressure on EM currencies, particularly in Asia.

The FX market is at a pivotal juncture. The US dollar remains supported for now, but it’s safe-haven appeal is being challenged by shifting Fed expectations. The euro is holding up, but political developments in Germany could still influence its trajectory. Meanwhile, emerging markets are showing signs of divergence, with Asian currencies under pressure while Central European FX benefits from improved sentiment.

With so many moving parts, markets are likely to remain volatile in the near term. Staying ahead of key data releases and political developments will be crucial for navigating the current landscape. As we move forward, expect sharp swings as traders adjust their positions in response to fresh economic signals and shifting global risk sentiment.

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