Concern rises over Fed bailout

Currencies Direct September 23rd 2008 - 2 minute read

Concern rises over Fed bailout

Friday’s dollar rally was replaced by yesterday’s sell-off as jitters about the US government’s $700bn bailout plan for the financial sector set in and investors mulled the inflationary implications of the government plan. The greenback felt the pressure as investors flocked to precious metals and oil. USD experienced the biggest one-day drop against the euro since the currency was formed nine years ago, whilst sterling hit a 3-week high against the dollar.

The flight to commodities forced investors who were betting on falling oil prices to cover their short positions due to the massive surge in crude oil. Failure to do so would have resulted in traders being obliged to take physical delivery of the oil. The largest one-day rise on record saw oil jump to an intraday high of $130 a barrel before falling right back to this morning’s opening price of $108.

Meanwhile, Alastair Darling took the opportunity at Labour’s Manchester Conference to speak about the “unprecedented economic challenges” facing the UK, saying that he was committed to restoring financial stability through more stringent legislation and regulation of the financial system.

The market will be watching closely as the terms of Hank Paulson’s financial relief programme are unveiled. Both he and Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke are due to testify before the Senate Banking Committee today. Market data will probably take more of a back seat once again, with the most likely market mover being the euro zone PMI survey for September.

The contents of this report are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation to trade or a solicitation for funds. Currencies Direct cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages arising from any action taken following consideration of this information.

The contents of this report are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation to trade or a solicitation for funds. Currencies Direct cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages arising from any action taken following consideration of this information.

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