

Risk-off trading continued into the European close with markets seeking the safefy of CHF over USD.
Ahead of job data this morning and CPI numbers out tomorrow, GBP trading was mixed.
CAD movements were at a minimum despite year-on-year inflation numbers rising more than expected to 2.4%, with markets still pricing a 75% chance of seeing one rate hike this year.
*Daily move - against G10 rates as of 06:00 GMT, 20.01.26
** Indicative rates - interbank rates as of 06:00 GMT, 20.01.26
UK jobs data delivered mixed signals this morning. The unemployment rate held at 5.1% as expected. Wage growth came in slightly firmer than forecast, while payroll employment fell by more than anticipated in December. Markets largely shrugged it off, still pricing in 41bp worth of cuts this year. Next up for the UK is tomorrow's inflation numbers.
USD is extending its decline, falling alongside US equity futures and long-dated Treasuries. Despite heavy selling in Japanese government bonds (JGBs), JPY has recovered most of its earlier losses versus the USD, pointing to broader USD weakness rather than a JPY-specific move.
It remains unclear how much of the pressure on US assets is driven by renewed Trump tariff threats versus the sharp sell-off in JGBs. Rising Japanese yields may be prompting capital repatriation, adding to the strain on US assets and USD.
Our team of currency experts are here to help you get more from your money when making international payments. We will work with you to understand your payment needs and offer specialised guidance on the best options available to you. Over the last 19 years we’ve helped over a million customers and last year alone processed over £12bn. We’re tried and trusted, and we’re ready to help you.
Have a great day.