It’s a mixed bag out there this morning with the main theme being the continued weakness in the Japanese yen.

This morning’s Bank of Japan monthly report saw the USD/JPY advancing another 0.30% this morning.

The Australian dollar is the morning’s strongest currency after traders took heart from the morning’s inflation data.

The AUD/USD is up 0.33% with the AUD/JPY up another 0.69%, capping an incredibly strong run since the 17th.

Stock market futures have a positive bias, especially the Nasdaq 100 futures which are up nearly 1% in early trading, hitting their highest levels since 2001.

Last night tech giant Apple’s earnings came in higher than analysts estimates, pushing the share price to record levels on the back of iphone 4s sales. It cements what has been a solid January for the Nasdaq 100.

Trading Today

We’ve an extremely bust day today starting with German Ifo business climate at 09.00 which is expected to improve slightly.

At 09.30 we have the release of the minutes from the last MPC meeting with preliminary GDP released at the same time. A drop of -0.1% is expected.

UK CBI industrial order expectations follow at 11.00.

The ECB could causes some excitement with president Draghi speaking at 13.15.

At 15.00 we have US pending new home sales.

Today’s main item of note is the FOMC statement released at 17.30. No change is expected but the press conference at 19.15 could cause some volatility in spread betting markets.

All day we have the World Economic Forum in Davos attended by central bankers and heads of state. There is potential for volatility if a few choice words are dropped or picked up by reporters.

USD/JPY Trading Idea

This morning the USD/JPY is pushing up to the 80.00 level for the first time in 2012. The pair has often recently reversed following a big spike higher, especially in the vicinity of the 80.00 level.

A way to trade this might be a LOWER trade predicting that the USD/JPY closes below 77.75 in 3 days time for a potential return of 106%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

It was a rocky day of trading yesterday with better then expected European economic data (German PMI in particular) helping to buffer dour news from Japan and the IMF. The euro steadied after earlier falls and was up slightly against the dollar.

The IMF hit the newswire headlines with a stark warning about the world economy, calling for world (and in particular European) governments to make decisive policy action now before it is too late.

The yen suffered deeply with many pointing to Wall Street Journal’s gloomy prognosis on Japan’s economy which highlights a likely trade deficit for the first time since 1980.

This was probably good news for the Bank of Japan as it takes the pressure off the yen again.

As if a weight had been lifted, the USD/JPY shot up nearly 1% today as traders switched out of the yen.

The biggest was the GBP/JPY which was up 1.16%, as traders reward the UK’s lower than expected borrowing numbers.

The EUR/JPY wasn’t far behind though, up 0.98%, compounding a remarkable run over the last six sessions.

The EUR/GBP showed the pound’s relative strength though the pair was well off the lows of the day.

Stock markets were softer, with the Dow off by around 0.4%, as was gold.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

With the EUR/USD spread betting market closing last night above 1.3000 for the first time since the first proper trading day of 2012, today will represent a real test for the euro.

We have a heavy economic calendar, a European finance minister meeting and Spain selling bonds to contend with. If the EUR/USD can get through the day and still hold the 1.3000 at the close, it could be telling.

This morning there isn’t too much movement to speak of, but the euro is slipping back from the morning highs and the US dollar is gaining some traction.

Shares spread trading markets certainly have a ‘risk off’ feel to them with the S&P 500 futures down 0.51% and the FTSE 100 off by a similar margin so far this morning.

On currencies, this is impacting the AUD/USD which is down 0.38% so far.

Trading Today

We’ve an extremely busy day today with a series of European services and manufacturing data points released.

Already French flash manufacturing has come in below estimates, with German data coming in better than expected. European PMI data is released at 09.00.

Throughout the day we have the economic meeting of European finance ministers with the Spanish bond auction also taking place.

UK public sector net debt figures are released at 09.30 with 12.4bn the figure expected.
Canadian retail sales are released at 13.30.

Late in the evening at 20.00, BOE governor King is speaking.

Also keep a wary eye on the US company earnings which could hit the US and markets in general.

Before the open of US stock markets we have earnings from giants such as McDonald’s with Apple releasing their figures after the bell.

EUR/GBP Trading Idea

The EUR/GBP has seen some big moves of late, but quite often these big moves are reversed within a day or two, especially to the downside.

With Monday’s rally erasing most of Friday’s losses, now could be a time for a LOWER trade on the pair.

A way to trade this might be a LOWER trade predicting that the EUR/GBP closes below 0.8350 in 1 day’s time for a potential return of 140%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon there was more apparent bad news for Greece with the Eurozone finance ministers making it clear that the Hellenic nation can expect no further bailout funds even if the economy deteriorates further.

Either this news had already been priced in or the euro has developed Teflon coating as the EUR/USD surged 0.63% today with similar moves against other pairs.

The EUR/GBP showed particular strength, rallying 0.63% and testing last week’s highs.

The euro outpaced other dollar pairs including the NZD/USD which slipped some way from the day’s highs to trade at +0.36%.

It was not a uniformly bullish day though with US stock markets slipping back. The Dow Jones was off by 0.27%.

Gold enjoyed the dollar’s weakness, rallying 0.75% on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning the EUR/USD is flat and EUR/GBP up 0.30% despite a lack of progress in Greek debt negotiation over the weekend.

An agreement on the level of losses voluntarily incurred by debt holders was hoped for before today’s meeting of European finance ministers.

So far the euro does appear worse for it though, with traders taking the view that negotiators did ‘enough’.

It is generally a poor morning for the US dollar with commodity currencies leading the way. The NZD/USD is extending its rally, up 0.28% with the AUD/USD not far behind, up 0.21%.

The pound is the main exception with the GBP/USD down 0.26% and EUR/GBP up by a similar margin.

In gold spread betting, the precious metal is continuing its slow but fairly steady rally since the start of the year, holding the $1650 level and rallying 0.29% this morning.

Trading Today

It’s a quiet news day with any spread betting market movement expected to come from today’s meeting of European finance ministers or US company earnings.

USD/JPY Trading Idea

The Bank of Japan will be happy with the weakness seen in the yen last week, especially with the USD/JPY closing trading above 77.00 again this morning.

It’s not been an easy level for the USD/JPY to hold though, especially for the year to date.

A way to trade this might be a LOWER trade predicting that the USD/JPY closes below 76.85 in 3 days time for a potential return of 137%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning, risk appetite is on the wane with the US dollar gaining the upper hand so far this morning. Last night saw a strong rally into the US close with the S&P 500 closing nearly half a percent.

On currencies, the euro enjoyed a very strong day with the EUR/USD and EUR/JPY closing up over 1%. Both are slipping back in early trading today but these falls are only mild thus far.

The dollar’s overall strength is also pushing the high flying NZD/USD back for the second day in a row.

The Canadian dollar looks to be the weakest currency so far today with the USD/CAD up 0.25%, bouncing off support at 1.0100.

Trading Today

Already this morning, German PPI has come in below estimates, so traders will be hoping for better news with UK retail sales at 09.30.

Canadian inflation comes under focus at 12.00 with Core CPI at 12.00. Inflation is expected to turn negative according to analyst’s estimates.

USD/CAD Trading Idea

The 1.0100 level has been tricky for the USD/CAD in recent months and so its little surprise to see the pair bouncing off this level this morning.

Looking back through the price history, the pair has rebounded off this level many times and in the last five occasions the USD/CAD has risen to touch 1.0200 within the next trading day.

There is therefore good potential for a USD/CAD rally here.

A way to trade this might be a ONE TOUCH trade predicting that the USD/CAD will touch 1.0200 at some point before the close on Monday for a potential return of 148%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

It was a good day for spread betting markets yesterday with a healthy risk appetite across most areas.

The euro in particular enjoyed a strong day after the ECB effectively guaranteed low rates with its three year LTRO program.

Markets liked this despite lingering questions surrounding the Greek debt talks.

A default is expected by most market traders, but the devil is still in the detail with many seemingly small but significant points still to be cleared up such as whether Credit Default Swap protection will be triggered by such a default.

A Greek debt default should theoretically be priced into the market already, but as ThomsonReuter’s Michael Cartine pointed out – the same was supposed to be true of a Lehman brothers default.

Who knows what dominoes are waiting to fall.

Still, it was a good day for the euro with the EUR/USD up 0.50% and the EUR/GBP up 0.35%.

In FX spread trading, the biggest gains came against the yen with the USD/JPY experiencing its biggest day of 2012 so far. The USD/JPY was up 0.57% with the EUR/JPY up 1.07%, the day’s biggest gainer.

It was a mixed bag for the US dollar with the losses against the euro weighing up against gains versus the yen, Aussie and gold, with the precious metal down 0.41% on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning markets have a positive bias, lifting spread betting markets back up to challenge yesterday’s highs.

Asian markets were generally flat to negative but forex spread trading markets have offered some follow through strength after yesterday’s successful EFSF bond auction.

So it’s a positive start to the day, probably owing more to the lack of good news rather than any powerful bad news thus far.

There are still many dangers lurking though, not least the EU starting legal action against Hungary for breaching fiscal rules and the US company earning season which continues today.

The euro is testing yesterday’s highs with the EUR/USD up 0.48% on the day and the EUR/GBP up another 0.26%.

Commodity currencies are putting in a good showing once again with the NZD/USD up 0.48% and the AUD/USD up 0.21%. The NZD/USD closed just shy of 0.8000 last night but is breaking through it this morning.

Gold is slightly higher, up 0.19% and holding the $1650 level.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have UK unemployment claims change with an increase of 9k expected. The unemployment rate is expected to stay the same at 8.3%.

US PPI follows at 13.30 with a 0.1% increase expected. From 14.00 we have a raft of announcements with TIC long term purchases, and industrial production the main highlights.

The Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Report follows at 15.30 with the press conference to follow at 16.15.

USD/JPY Trading Idea

Over the last few days, the USD/JPY has been oscillating between 76.75 and 77.00. The pair is currently testing the lower end of that range which could present an opportunity for upside.

A way to trade this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the USD/JPY closes above 76.75 in 1 days time for a potential return of 166%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Markets enjoyed a positive day yesterday, but ongoing Eurozone fears continued to act as a drag weight for any sizeable recovery.

There was also speculation that the sparkling Chinese growth figures may not stand up to closer scrutiny.

Either way, stock markets still rallied by around 0.75% with the main risk-on currencies, AUD/USD and NZD/USD, holding the bulk of the morning gains.

The day was more impressive at one stage with the AUD/USD above 1.0400 before midday, but those gains slipped as traders book profits.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

Throughout the debt crisis, it has often been said that emerging markets would be the key to helping developed nations emerge from the gloom.

Today is a case in point with strong Chinese growth figures lifting markets this morning.

Chinese GDP came in at +8.9%, ahead of estimates with industrial production also coming in ahead of expectations.

Stock market futures have received an early boost with S&P 500 futures up 0.78%.

The biggest winners so far this morning are the commodity currencies, especially the Australian dollar who’s raw material exports are heavily reliant on Chinese growth.

The AUD/USD is up 1.05%, the highest level since November, with the NZD/USD touching 0.8000, above 0.80%.

The USD/CAD is following suit, extending the two day rally to approach the difficult support level at 1.0100.

The euro is lagging the Aussie, but is still showing solid gains so far with the EUR/USD up 0.70% and the EUR/GBP up 0.44% as the pound shows relative weakness compared to other pairs.

Gold is the biggest mover this morning though with the precious metal up over 1%.

Trading Today

After a dearth of data yesterday and indeed for much of last week, today we have a packed itinerary.

We start with UK inflation with CPI and RPI due at 09.30. Analysts expect inflation to finally drop to 4.2% and 4.7% respectively.

Bank of England governor King is speaking at 09.45.

German ZEW economic sentiment follows at 10.00 with European ZEW released at the same time. We also have Europe wide inflation data at 10.00.

At 14.00 we have the latest rate statement from the bank of Canada with no change expected.

AUD/USD Trading Idea

The AUD/USD received a much needed boost today with the stronger than expected Chinese data. The pair has certainly lost its shine that saw it rocket higher through 2009 to 2010, but it has been in an uptrend of sorts since Mid December.

The 1.0400 level has proven tricky in the past, but if it holds, there is clear sky until 1.0700.

A way to trade this might be a higher trade predicting that the AUD/USD closes above 1.045 in 7 days time for a potential return of 121%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

It was a day to forget on financial spread betting markets yesterday without the guiding hand of US markets or any notable headlines coming from the Eurozone.

The one exception was the USD/CAD which was down 0.54% as confidence in the Canadian economy improved.

US Stock markets were closed, but S&P 500 futures managed to put in a reasonable day rallying 0.20%.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

After a weekend of analysis following the downgrade of major European counties including France and Austria, the financial spread betting markets are predictably trading lower so far this morning.

Most currency pairs and stock market futures imply a ‘risk off’ mentality for the day. However, so far, the falls are mild. The EUR/USD is down just 0.10% as the dollar index pulls back from recent highs.

Other dollar pairs are seeing similar moves with the AUD/USD and NZD/USD bouncing off the lows to push back towards Friday’s close.

In forex spread betting, the main currency to highlight this morning is the Canadian dollar with USD/CAD down 0.38%, the top mover so far this morning.

After flirting with the ¥77.00 level in early trading, the USD/JPY is firmly back within its median trading range and down 0.17% on the day so far.

The yen’s strength pushing other pairs lower with the EUR/JPY hitting new lows ten year lows, down 0.24%.

Gold is pushing higher, testing the $1,650 level once again.

Trading Today

We have a light economic calendar today with lighter trading possible owing to the US bank holiday today.

The day’s main highlight is ECB president Draghi speaking at 18.00.

EUR/USD Trading Idea

The euro crisis has tended to follow a pattern of big headlines & falls followed by a brief period of respite when European leaders put out reassuringly headlines.

Markets then figure out that the reassurances are lacking substance and the whole cycle starts again.

After Friday’s big falls on the EUR/USD, there could be some short term respite as Europe’s leaders do their best to sooth markets. In addition, the EUR/USD has been a very good pull back currency over the last six months with big moves in either direction often followed by a retracement back in the opposite direction.

A way to play this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the EUR/USD is higher than 1.2750 in 7 days time for a potential return of 170%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

Also see spread betting on the EUR/USD.

The Markets on Friday Afternoon

After a week of tepid trading, volatility returned to financial markets in Friday afternoon as the eurozone crisis reared its ugly head once more.

France and Austria’s credit ratings were on the line as the Greek debt talks collapsed. Adding to the general negative tone, US trade balance numbers came in worse than expected.

The euro was being singled out on a generally negative day with the EUR/JPY hitting its lowest levels since 2000 and the EUR/USD dropping 1.20% on the day. The EUR/GBP was also trading lower despite UK PPI Input dropping 0.6%.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning markets continue to imply caution with a heavy economic calendar and important bond today.

Spain and Hungary face important tests with their debt sales, especially the latter which has been a focal point of concern for the last week.

The dollar index is generally stronger, with the GBP/USD the biggest moving pair so far this morning down 0.25% on the day, extending the weekly losses for the pair.

There will be another key test later this morning with UK manufacturing data due at 09.30.

The euro is showing some relative strength though, as seen in the EUR/GBP which is extending its rally off the lows.

Commodity currencies are slightly weaker, but so far these are the sort of moves that could be erased by a single economic number being released. The NZD/USD is down 0.23%.

The yen is also weaker, especially against the euro with the EUR/JPY actually up 0.20% this morning. It’s worth noting the small gains seen on this pair in the last ten days compared to the larger daily losses.

In gold spread betting, the precious metal continues to shake of its tight correlation with ‘risk on’ trading with the precious metal extending its rally, up another 0.28% this morning.

Trading Today

Today we have UK manufacturing data at 09.30 with no change expected. European industrial production follows this at 10.00 with a slight drop to -0.2% on the cards.

The Bank of England provides its latest rate statement at 12.00 with no change expected here or with the asset purchase facility.

It’s the same with the ECB which releases its rates at 12.45 with a press conference to follow at 13.30.

The ECB press conference probably has the greatest market moving potential today.

At 13.30 we have US retail sales with unemployment claims released at the same time. No real significant change is expected for either.

Finally at 15.00 we have the latest NIESR GDP estimate.

Gold Fixed Odds Trading Idea

Gold’s recent rally comes despite of a strong dollar rally which hints at hidden strength for the precious metal.

Gold has been on a good run in 2012, but so far there are no indications of the short sharp rally that has usually preceded a pullback.
There could therefore be some further upside with a HIGHER trade perhaps the best way to trade this. A HIGHER trade predicting that gold closes above $1675 in seven days time could return 229% if successful.

Editor’s note: If you lose a fixed odds trade, you will lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Europe was in focus once again with an overly optimistic Spanish budget plan spooking euro forex spread betting investors and worse than expected UK trade balance figures hurting the pound.

The pound was down around 1% against the dollar and yen with the euro not far behind.

The damage didn’t appear to be isolated to currencies though with stock markets flat on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

Volatility has dropped for much of the week and this morning is no exception, with most FX spread betting pairs trading well within the extremes of their recent trading ranges.

The main exception is gold which is putting together a nice rally so far in 2012 and is up another 0.80% this morning.

The gains are small, but the NZD/USD looks to be testing yesterday’s high, while the AUD/JPY is up 0.15% thanks to the weakness seen in the Japanese yen so far this morning.

The euro is showing some relative strength against the pound, but the EUR/GBP remains range bound.

Trading Today

We’ve another data light day today with the main highlights being UK trade balance at 09.30 followed by the US beige book this evening at 19.00.

EUR/USD Fixed Odds Trading Idea

Volatility has dropped considerably this week with a dearth of top tier economic data on the cards so far.

This could present an opportunity though as volatility often rebounds following a quiet period such as this.

A way to trade this situation might be an IN/OUT trade looking for a breakout. This could be especially useful with a busy economic calendar tomorrow.

An IN/OUT trade predicting that the EUR/USD goes outside of either 1.2450 or 1.0350 in the next 7 days could return 126%. The pair has to touch either of these levels just once for the trade to return a profit.

Editor’s note: If you lose a fixed odds trade, you will lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Stock markets were enjoying a positive day yesterday with the benchmark S&P 500 index hitting its highest level since August.

As the hourly chart of S&P futures showed, aside from the last hour, the rally had built nicely as the day progressed.

By contrast, forex markets told a different story, while it had been a ‘risk-on’ day overall, for most pairs, the bulk of the move was already made by the morning session.

The day’s top mover, the NZD/USD had retreated some way from the highs, but the Canadian dollar managed to improve on its morning position following better than expected Canadian housing starts.

By contrast, the EUR/USD was in an ugly trading range throughout the day as Italian bonds continued to flash red in the ‘danger zone’ above 7%, a level that no country has recovered from yet according to Thomson Reuter’s Michael Cartine.

Gold managed to put in a positive session though with the precious metal looking to attack the December high.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning commodity currencies, in particular the New Zealand dollar are leading markets higher following better than expected Australian Building Approvals in the small hours of the morning.

In FX spread betting, there is a general risk-on feel across most pairs with the NZD/USD up 0.75%, the AUD/USD up 0.63% and the AUD/JPY up 0.70%.

Stock markets are following suit with the FTSE 100 up 0.85% and S&P 500 futures up 0.55%.

Aside from the gap higher on the first trading day of the year, 2012 has been something of a grind so far, so traders will be hoping to see some decent follow through action today.

In gold spread betting, the precious metal is following markets higher, up 0.61% on the day.

The euro is still acting as a dead weight on markets though and it’s unlikely we’ll see a sustained rally without some solid movement from Europe.

Trading Today

We only have middle tier data today with Canadian housing starts the highlight at 13.15.

NZD/USD Fixed Odds Trading Idea

As one of the strongest trend following currencies of 2011, today’s follow through rally on the NZD/USD could be a good opportunity to speculator on further upside.

A way to trade this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the NZD/USD closes above 0.8000 in 7 days time for a potential return of 237%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a fixed odds trade, you will lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Markets were mixed yesterday with the FTSE 100 closing down, but US markets trading up slightly.

The euro held on to the morning’s gains, but only after the EUR/USD hit new multi month lows.

Greece was the main focus with the Hellenic nation appearing to return to its recent trick of ‘negotiation by headline’.

The NZD/USD continued to buck the trend though, rallying 0.68%.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.