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Monday started on a buoyant note as the weekend negotiations between the US and the Chinese officials on structural issues, including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture among others were productive which encouraged President Trump to extend the 1 st March deadline. Asian stocks and trade-sensitive currencies like the Antipodeans are flashing green. Given that the deadline has been extended, the chances of a trade deal between the two world largest economies also rises which is boding well with investors.

MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose by 0.5% as of writing. Asian stocks edged higher as investors are cheering up the latest signs of progress. Source: Bloomberg Terminal In the Australian share market, the real estate sector was the biggest dragger on the ASX today.

However, the broad optimism in the market helped the index to close in positive territory despite paring gains in the afternoon trade. USDCNH – The Yuan is climbing higher sending the USDCNH pair to its lowest level since July 2018. USDCNH (Weekly Chart) Source: GO MT4 The Antipodeans being trade-sensitive currencies are finding buyers on trade optimism.

However, we can see that AUDUSD and NZDUSD are finding resistance as domestic fundamentals are keeping a lid on the gains. After a strong Retail Sales figures, the NZD pairs gapped higher on the open. However, the pairs are unable to keep the bullish momentum due to the weak fundamentals.

On the technical side, the pairs are in the overbought conditions as per the RSI. NZDUSD and AUDUSD (Hourly Chart) Source: GO MT4 The move in the financial markets in the Asian session following the “delay” announcement has not been huge, but it lifted sentiment and brought relief to the markets!

Investors generally piled-up in the Gold and the US dollar as those assets are viewed as safe-haven during times of crisis or uncertainties- be it economical, political or policy uncertainties. 2020 has been a year of extreme uncertainty and volatility which saw the world battling an unprecedented and paralleled health and economic crisis in modern times. Gold With the passing months and fears of second waves of an outbreak, the predominant uncertainty for the markets is when will the world recover from both crises. In such an environment of doubt, investors are either hedging or seeking safety from volatile investments with haven assets like the gold.

The precious metal has been on a tremendous rally since the pandemic rattled the markets. Aside from the economic and health crisis, geopolitical tensions, massive stimulus packages and the uncertainty on the US election have fuelled the rally in gold. The XAUUSD pair has even traded around the elevated levels seen during the financial crisis and reached a high of $2,075 in the month of July.

Source: GO MT4 Since August, the XAUUSD pair has been trading within a range as investors digested some positive vaccines updates, improving economic data and easing lockdown restrictions. The indecisiveness of investors is reflected by the Doji candle on the monthly chart found at the top of the upside trend which suggested a sign of possible reversal of price direction. Source: GO MT4 Technical Bearish Signal Recently, the gold has plummeted and flashed a bearish signal after dropping below its 50-day moving average.

The move has flagged further potential downside risks for the precious metal. Generally, the gold is quoted in dollar terms and moves in the opposite direction with the US dollar. As the greenback gathers strength, the XAUUSD pair is struggling to firm to the upside despite the geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Most importantly, the pair broke the key psychological level of $1,900 to trade around the $1,865 level on Wednesday. Even though gold may be poised for further downside dragged by the strengthening dollar, the precious metal remains at elevated levels. Traders are to keep monitoring geopolitical headlines, central banks decisions, inflation levels, and leading economic data for fresh trading impetus.

The US Dollar At the start of the pandemic, investors rushed to the mighty dollar when they were confronted with the scale of the crisis. However, as the outbreak furiously spread across the globe, the US soon emerged as the country hit the hardest. The crippling effect of the pandemic on the US economy has caused the US dollar to lose its haven status and its preference over its peers.

Also, while the US was battling a political deadlock, the European Union has shown an unprecedented sense of unity which prompted investors to shift their focus away from the greenback to riskier currencies. Source: GO MT4 However, the US dollar made an impressive comeback this week. As Europe grappled with a second wave of an outbreak which may give rise to further lockdown restrictions, the US dollar is seen rising over the virus fears.

At the same time, a rout in the technology sector and a fragile risk sentiment in the stock market has helped the greenback to regain its safe-haven status. Major US equity benchmarks retreated sharply by more than 1.5% on four occasions since the end of August. Technical Bullish Signal On the technical side, the US dollar index broke out of its bearish downtrend to test the 50-day moving average on the back of its haven status amid the financial market volatility.

Recently, central banks have been more dovish which has also provided some support to the US dollar. We have seen more central banks looking at negative interest rates and other easing monetary policies as viable options. At such inflection point for the US dollar and the Gold, the guidance from central banks and governments will continue to drive the action in those haven assets while investors await news and updates on the vaccine front.

The Perfect Storm Brewing in the Oil Market The oil and gas industry has been undergoing significant challenges due to the structural shift within the industry. A pandemic-induced economic downturn and an oil price war have now added another layer of uncertainty to the oil markets. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Russia have disrupted the stability that the oil industry requires to be able to remain afloat during such difficult times.

Demand and Supply Shock The oil market is facing both a demand and supply shock, simultaneously. In other words, there is a flood of supply at a moment of diminishing demand. Demand: Different forms of lockdowns across the globe due to the pandemic means empty roads, grounded aircraft, plunging car sales and disrupted supply chains.

These industries are key consumers of oil. Supply: An oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia was the tip of the iceberg and triggered the flash crash in March. The oil kingdom raised output to full capacity to fight a price war with its rivals, destabilising the oil market at a critical time during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tensions among oil producers are not uncommon but crude oil prices experienced steep declines, due to weak fundamentals and geopolitical tensions. Multi-year Low The flash crash in March has nearly halved crude oil prices. During the month, trading was highly volatile - WTI and Brent Crude traded more than 45% lower to a multi-year low at $20.50 and $24.

Stimulus Packages Brought Some Stability The bold actions from central bankers and governments to implement new and massive monetary and fiscal packages to stem the downturn helped the oil market from a temporary bottom. As of writing, WTI and Brent Crude have stabilised and have consolidated around the $22 and $26 levels, respectively. USOUSD AND UKOUSD (Monthly Chart) Source: GO MT4 An Oil Storage Problem Global activities are slowing down on a massive scale, sapping demand while big producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia tugged in a price war are raising productions.

At this rate, giant oil producers are set to run out of storage capacities within a few weeks or months. The US and Saudi Arabia Negotiations The oil market had a breather this week. Risk sentiment has improved, and it was also reported that the US and Saudi Arabia are in discussions to end the price war and bring some stability to the oil markets.

Investors will rely on political intervention to halt the freefall. An oil storage problem, higher storage costs, faltering demand and a significant rise in production are creating a perfect storm for the oil market.

The G20 Summit The G20 Summit is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union to discuss global economic challenges. Non-member countries can also be invited to attend the summit. The Group of Twenty nations attending the summit represents more than 80% of the global GDP, which is why it is one of the most important events for the financial markets.

In the light of mounting geopolitical risks, and rising threats of protectionism, these face-to-face communications about pressing global economic and financial issues will be of utmost significance. Japan will take on the G20 chair and the main themes for the summit will be as per the following: Global Economy Trade and Investment Innovation Environment and Energy Employment Women’s Empowerment Development Health President Trump-Xi Meeting Aside from the main event, many leaders also hold side meetings. This time, the attention will be on President Trump and Xi meeting.

Investors had a breather on the news that the meeting between the leaders of the world’s largest economies will actually take place. Best Scenario Both parties are facing mounting pressures to reach a deal. In the US, farmers are being hit the hardest from retaliatory tariffs from China, which are causing some political backlash for President Trump.

China, on the other side, is trying to sustain growth. While it is “unlikely” that both leaders will agree on deep structural differences at the summit, it remains a faint possibility. Worst Scenario It is hard to foretell how the one-to-one meeting will go and how President Trump will handle the trade talks.

It may highly depend on the impulses of the US President. The Probable Scenario Investors are expecting a similar “show” that took place in Buenos Aires – some kind of cease-fire and promises to initiate more negotiations. Investors are aware of the long road ahead for a trade deal.

Any signs of de-escalation of trade tensions will bring some momentary relief because as long as there is some sort of dialogue without tariff threats, it will be positive for markets. Other Important Issues Populism The populist parties generally come with disruptive policies which result in a spike in economic and financial volatility. Bloomberg reported that around 70% of the world’s most important economies are under the control of populist governments or non-democratic regimes.

While this forum is supposed to be a powerhouse for global trade and investment and the associated global economic challenges, the increasing number of populist leaders may make it difficult for leaders to find unity. Iran Tensions The tensions between the US and Iran are set to loom large. Allies and rivals of the US criticized the last-minute pullback on Iran strikes.

We note that President Trump did not lose time in telling other countries why should the US protect the shipping routes for other countries when the US has become by far the largest producer of energy. President Emmanuel Macron plans to discuss the current flare-up with President Trump as the EU is increasingly concerned over the risk of conflict. We expect the discussions around the Iran risks to gather some attention as well.

Hong-Kong Protests It is unlikely that the Hong-Kong protests will be discussed at the summit. Beijing could not have been clearer when it says it won’t allow the protests to be brought up at the G20 as no foreign force has the right to interfere in its domestic affairs. Stock markets The stock market is in a similar stage as it was back in 2018 ahead of the summit.

The announcement of the meeting between China and the US at the summit had buoyed up the stock markets at a time when major central banks turned dovish as well. On Monday, we saw the hopes of trade progress waned, and stock markets struggled to find a firm direction. We expect the shadow of the G20 meeting to remain on the stock markets.

Would stocks rally after the G20 summit as it did after the last summit back in December 2018? As of writing, the US Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin comments raised hopes of trade progress: ‘We were about 90% of the way’ on China trade deal, and there’s a ‘path to complete this.’ However, President Trump’s comments were less optimistic, which temper the “90% complete” remarks. It is increasingly difficult to rely on the messages coming from the White House.

Earlier this week, we saw President Trump ramping pressure on Iran to later pullback the strikes on the country at the very last-minute which prompted remarks from both allies and rivals. The incoherence in the trade messages forced investors to navigate the markets cautiously. Stocks are finding “cautious” upside momentum while investors are also pouring money in metals.

Gold reached a high of $1,439 this week. Leading up to the G20 summit, it is hard to see how can a trade deal be negotiated in the next couple of days or at the summit, but investors expect a hold off on the next round of tariffs and a promise to return to the negotiable table. *Please click on the link for below for the list of the G20 members and the invited countries and international organizations that will be present in Japan. https://g20.org/en/summit/about/#participants

Wednesday was the bearer of bad news for Australia. Despite the buoyant employment report which briefly lifted its local currency, the Australian dollar plummeted on Westpac’s rate cut forecasts and the news of China’s Coal Ban. Simmering diplomatic tensions could be the trigger behind the ban.

The news that the Dalian port in China has blocked imports from Australia emerged on Wednesday. It was also reported: The port would cap the overall coal imports for 2019. Other major ports elsewhere in China have delayed clearing times.

The delayed cargoes would not be included in the 12 million tonnes under the 2019 quota. Dalian, Bayuquan, Panjin, Dandong and Beiliang are the five harbours overseen by Dalian customs which will not allow Australian coal to clear through customs. Imports from Russia and Indonesia will not be affected.

Beijing and Canberra’s clash back in 2017 over cybersecurity and China’s influence in Pacific Island nations were already showing signs of Australia’s deteriorating ties with China. However, tensions increased again last month when Australia withdrew the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Huawei from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network. At the moment, the comments from China are: The goals are to better safeguard the legal rights and interests of Chinese importers and to protect the environment.

Customs were inspecting and testing coal imports for safety and quality Beijing has been trying to restrict imports of coal more generally to support domestic prices. The coal ban put additional pressure on the Australian dollar which plummeted against major currencies. The AUDUSD pair lost its recent bullish momentum and dropped to 0.70 level.

AUDUSD (Hourly Chart) Source: GO MT4

The European Union Top Jobs The European Central Bank (“ECB”) President The European leaders nominated Christine Lagarde, a French lawyer and a politician serving as Managing Director and Chairwoman of the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") as the ECB President. The ECB is responsible for the monetary policy of the nineteen EU member countries. If elected, Christine Lagarde will be the first ECB president without any direct experience in setting central bank policy.

Being a lawyer and a politician rather than an economist, her nomination came as a surprise. However, her experience as the leader of the IMF and as a former French finance minister combined with her comments and opinions on central-banking issues over the years might have reassured governments of EU countries that her nomination will keep the euro-zone monetary policy steady. Christine Lagarde will probably face several challenges: Boosting Growth in the Eurozone Keep the eurozone together despite the rise of populist parties Display independence at a time where central banks’ independence is being threatened amid populist governments.

European Markets The European share market rose on the news of the nomination. Christine Lagarde reinforced the expectations that she will follow the footsteps of Mario Draghi, which is why the prospects of more stimulus package to support the ailing eurozone economy sent European shares higher. World Equity Indices (% Change) Source: Bloomberg Terminal The Shared Currency The Euro struggled to find the upside direction following the recent dovish ECB comments.

The nomination meant that at least in the short-to-mid-term, Christine Lagarde would continue with the easing policies which will oscillate sentiment for the shared currency. The EURUSD pair moved from a high of 1.1371 to a low of 1.1269 this week. EURUSD (1 Month Chart) Source: Bloomberg Terminal Other EU Top Jobs European Commission President: Ursula Von Der Leyen is a German politician servicing as Minister of Defence since 2013.

She will be the 13 th commission president if elected. She will also be the first woman in the post. European Council President: Charles Michel is a lawyer and the interim Belgium Prime Minister who was nominated to replace Donald Tusk.

He resigned over his support for the UN immigration pact but stayed in the caretaker role until the next elections. The convention is that the role is filled by former heads of state and government. European Parliament President: David Maria Sassoli is an Italian politician and a journalist and as President will act as the speaker of the house, chairing debates in the plenary and ensuring parliamentary procedures are followed.

High Representative of the Union for foreign affairs and security policy: Josep Borrell has been Spanish foreign minister under socialist Pedro Sanchez. He will be the chief coordinator and representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy within the European Union.