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Currency options volumes are roughly........>

OPTIONS
OPTIONS: Currency options volumes are roughly inline with recent averages
(consistent with FX futures activity) as slightly quieter EUR/USD and USD/CNY
markets are countered by busier AUD/USD, USD/KRW and USD/HKD trading. EMFX
implied vols are generally higher, with the most notable gains among the oil
importing currencies. As such, the 1m BRL, CLP and KRW contracts are elevated as
the uptick in the oil price raises concerns around outsized current account
deficits.
- AUD downside exposure has been in demand from the off with AUD put notional
close to twice that of calls so far Monday. $0.6955, $0.6925 and $0.6850 put
strikes were in focus during Asia-Pacific hours.
- KRW vols are gaining for a second session and are now through the mid-December
highs. Similar price action has been noted in USD/INR and USD/CAD vols and
markets will likely look for further vol gains should the oil price rise
further. Reflecting this, vol hedges were a popular trade in USD/KRW overnight.
This was typified by a 1129.90/1204.40 $140mln 3m strangle that traded in
Asia-Pac hours.
MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3809 | edward.hardy@marketnews.com
MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3809 | edward.hardy@marketnews.com

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