AUD cratered on the back of comments made.....>

FOREX: AUD cratered on the back of comments made by RBA Gov Lowe, as he stated

that the interest-rate outlook is now more evenly balanced. Lowe noted that the

Bank is in a position whereby it can maintain its current MonPol settings and

assess the impact of changes in the global economy and domestic household

spending. Some of the AUD's weakness spilled over into NZD, but the Aussie

remained the clear loser amongst G10 FX. 

- JPY outperformed, with JPY edging higher around the Tokyo fix before the

AUD/JPY selloff lent additional support to the yen. 

- Sterling showed some modest strength, after a Telegraph report suggested that

cabinet ministers have held secret discussions on plans to delay Brexit by 8

weeks (an idea opposed by PM May), although the overall reaction was minimal. 

- Liquidity was limited as NZ was off for a national holiday, while several

Asian markets were closed, owing to the Lunar New Year period. 

- Focus today turns to German factory orders, U.S. trade balance, Canadian

building permits & an address from BoC's Lane, while Fed's Powell & Quarles will

speak in late NY/early Asian hours.