The risk-off sentiment that triggered the biggest US stock market selloff in months has spilled over into Asian markets, leading to broad declines across the region. The currency markets reflect this shift too, with traditional safe havens such as Japanese Yen and Swiss franc leading gains in Asia, while risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand Dollars face pressure. Unlike previous bouts of risk aversion, Dollar is not benefiting from the current flight to safety. This time, the core of the problem originates from the US economy itself, where recession worries are intensifying. Rather than flocking to the greenback, investors appear to be diversifying into other safe havens or moving to the sidelines until the dust settles. The uncertainty surrounding US trade policies has left businesses and consumers hesitant, potentially dragging economic growth lower. In response to the changing economic outlook, market participants are increasingly convinced that Fed will resume policy easing within the first half of the year. The only question is whether the next rate cut will arrive in May or June.... |