USD, GBP, KRW and Beyond A Strategic Viewpoint

As the currency markets digest a myriad of macroeconomic signals, fiscal narratives, and central bank recalibrations, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture marked by policy divergence, re-pricing of inflation expectations, and latent geopolitical stress. In this piece, I reflect on recent institutional insights not to echo them, but to interpret them through a refined lens with practical implications for the trading floor and the strategy desk.

USD: The Dislocation Between Yields and Narrative

Despite the upward pressure in long-end U.S. yields post-auction, the dollar has failed to break convincingly in either direction, leaving traders caught between momentum and macro. The market appears uncomfortable with the absence of a clear catalyst the kind that historically jolts dollar flows into alignment with yield spreads. Instead, a "sell America" undertone lingers in the background, quietly reasserting itself in cross-asset rotation.

US10Y Bonds H1 Chart 

The DXY’s close below the 100 level hints at further downside, yet conviction remains elusive. This muted response speaks volumes: real money accounts are selectively de-risking, but without the urgency that typically accompanies a trend break. Until the U.S. fiscal trajectory sharpens or a liquidity event occurs, we remain defensively short the dollar, primarily against the euro and commodity-linked currencies.

DXY H1 Chart 

GBP: Fiscal Fragility Overshadowing Data Beats

Sterling is facing an identity crisis. While recent UK inflation data and auction dynamics have spurred brief rallies, fiscal slippage and structural imbalances are rapidly taking centre stage. Markets were underwhelmed by the CPI print's implications especially with service price measures failing to decelerate as quickly as anticipated.

The pound’s behaviour suggests investors are now increasingly pricing in a slower disinflation path, coupled with political uncertainty. With EUR/GBP holding key support at 0.8375, we maintain a constructive view on euro longs against sterling, especially as the UK’s deficit widens and real yields adjust down.

JPY: Treading Water Amid BoJ Inertia

The yen remains resilient, but not yet compelling. BoJ officials, including Noguchi, have reiterated a hands-off stance on the JGB market and no urgency for tightening, which creates an odd paradox. While JPY is firming on global risk sentiment and yield differentials, its inability to attract broad-based flows suggests a lack of conviction.

USDJPY 1H Chart 

The USDJPY pair continues to hover in limbo between 141.50 and 145.50 a range that reflects market indecision rather than directional bias. In this context, we have reduced exposure to CHFJPY shorts and are watching positioning data closely. We expect yen dynamics to remain event-driven and reactive unless the BoJ alters course on balance sheet policy a low probability in Q2.

CHF: Still a Safe Haven, But with Limits

Despite the broader USD softness, the franc’s appreciation has hit a ceiling, particularly against the dollar and euro. This aligns with rising interest in CHF-funded carry trades positioning that is now visibly extended in AUDCHF and CHFJPY pairs.

While geopolitical tensions (notably Israel-Iran risks) and fiscal concerns in the U.S. may fuel intermittent bids for the franc, the appetite for short CHF exposure remains strong. We are neutral for now, awaiting a reversion in volatility or a macro event that recalibrates rate differentials.

AUD & NZD: Divergence Under the Surface

Australia’s dollar remains rangebound, despite constructive positioning. The RBA’s reluctance to commit to further tightening paired with mixed Chinese data has capped upside potential. Still, relative macro stability supports long-term accumulation on dips, especially versus the yen and pound.

New Zealand, on the other hand, is contending with an underwhelming fiscal path and weaker performance. The Treasury’s projection for a return to budget surplus by 2029 offers little near-term support for NZD, especially considering reserve manager (RM) selling pressure and a passive stance from the RBNZ.

CAD: CPI Surprise Alters BoC Trajectory

A stronger-than-expected Canadian core inflation print has forced a sharp re-pricing of Bank of Canada expectations with rate cut odds for June collapsing from 70% to under 30%. The Loonie reacted sharply, with real money and systematic accounts driving USDCAD toward 1.3820. Our base case now aligns with a BoC hold in June, and we favour a neutral stance pending further inflation surprises.

When the Narrative Fades, Positioning Speaks

Markets are currently starved for a unifying narrative and that absence is breeding volatility without direction. In such an environment, positioning becomes the compass. Until fiscal clarity emerges in the U.S., inflation softens more convincingly in the UK, or Asian central banks shift decisively, we expect ranges to dominate and patience to outperform prediction.

This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplies by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.