Monthly Archives: February 2026
A stronger dollar lifts USD/JPY above 155 as Japan’s budget talks and tax-cut plan shape safe-haven demand for the yen
Written on February 20, 2026 at 1:10 pm, by davin
USD/JPY jumps above 155 on strong dollar and US wage growth, but rising US-Iran tensions boost yen safe-haven risk. Japan tax and BoJ policy debates add volatility—options hedges suggested. – vtmarketsmy.com
France’s February HCOB composite PMI reached 49.9, beating forecasts of 49.6, reports say
Written on February 20, 2026 at 1:10 pm, by davin
France’s PMI surprised at 49.9 versus 49.6, nearing stability but still contracting. Markets may cheer: CAC 40 options strategies, euro support, and shifting ECB rate-cut bets emerge. – vtmarketsmy.com
France’s HCOB February manufacturing PMI slipped to 49.9, below the 51.4 forecast
Written on February 20, 2026 at 12:11 pm, by davin
France’s Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly fell to 49.9, signaling contraction and spooking markets. Investors may hedge via CAC 40 puts, short EUR/USD, go long Bunds, and bet on rising volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
In February, France’s HCOB services PMI rose to 49.6, beating forecasts of 49.
Written on February 20, 2026 at 12:11 pm, by davin
France’s Services PMI rose to 49.6, beating forecasts but still contracting. The slowdown hints at resilience, supporting the CAC 40 and euro, complicating ECB cuts, and keeping option volatility elevated. – vtmarketsmy.com
Pesole at ING says oil price surges may weaken EUR/USD toward 1.160, despite risk-off support for the dollar
Written on February 20, 2026 at 12:11 pm, by davin
Oil spikes could hit the euro hard. ING estimates every $5 jump in Brent may cut EUR/USD about 1%. With Europe importing energy and tensions rising, downside risk grows. – vtmarketsmy.com
Gold stays above $5,000 as cautious buyers await US data amid mixed fundamentals
Written on February 20, 2026 at 12:11 pm, by davin
Gold hovers above $5,000 as investors watch GDP/PCE, Fed rates, and Middle East tensions. Fast-forward to 2026: inflation cools, cuts loom, and traders favor bullish calls or spreads. – vtmarketsmy.com
Danske analysts say softer Japanese inflation could delay Bank of Japan rate hikes, despite strong demand signaled by PMIs and fiscal policy
Written on February 20, 2026 at 11:11 am, by davin
Japan inflation cooled sharply: January CPI 1.5%, core 2.0% (two-year low), clouding BoJ rate-hike timing. Strong PMIs and wage talks clash, boosting USD/JPY volatility and option plays. – vtmarketsmy.com
After strong UK retail sales in January, sterling erased earlier losses, leaving GBP/USD near 1.3460 in Europe
Written on February 20, 2026 at 11:11 am, by davin
UK retail sales surged, lifting GBP/USD despite weak technicals. Now (2026) sales jump again as UK inflation stays high, supporting rates. Watch UK/US PMI and GDP; consider bullish GBP/USD call spread. – vtmarketsmy.com
UK public sector net borrowing in January was lower than forecast at £-30.366B, versus an expected £-23.1B
Written on February 20, 2026 at 11:10 am, by davin
UK borrowing beat forecasts with a £30.366bn January surplus—£7.266bn stronger than expected—boosting fiscal headroom. Expect lower gilt yields, potential sterling upside, and improved outlook for UK equities, with inflation risks. – vtmarketsmy.com
Sweden’s fourth-quarter capacity utilisation fell to -0.6%, down from -0.2% in the previous quarter
Written on February 20, 2026 at 11:10 am, by davin
Sweden’s factory use just slipped further: capacity utilisation fell to -0.6% in Q4 2025. Expect rising Riksbank cut bets, weaker SEK, choppier OMXS30, and stronger government bonds. – vtmarketsmy.com
