Archived IMT (2010.01.18)

Stronger than expected RICS housing figures are boosting GBP (see Econ Calendar for forecast and actual figures), especially against the damaged EUR, which is the 3rd weakest currency today (among a group of 12 currencies) following talk of the ECB's backtracking from any assistance to Greece. GBPUSD makes it past $1.6350, but will have to break the Dec 16 high ($1.64) to convince the bulls of further gains ahead. EURGBP breaks below the 0.8830 support to 0.8796 and the 61.8% retracement (lowest since Sep) at risk of calling 0.8720. US 10-year yields falls below 3.75% to 3.67% dragging diwb USDJPY to 90.60s, eyeing the 100 and 55-day MA at 90.40 and 90.10 respectively. But more JPY gains are seen against commodity FX ahead.