Scandis steal spotlight on (possibly) last....>

FOREX: Scandis steal spotlight on (possibly) last busy day of the year

-NOK/SEK edged to a new December high, narrowing the gap with the 50-dma at

1.0512, following both the Norges Bank and Riksbank rate decisions early

Thursday. Both came and went alongside expectations (Riksbank hike to 0%, Norges

Bank unchanged) and both banks have made it clear that rates are likely to stay

unchanged across the forecast horizon. Nonetheless, the Norges Bank's decision

to retain the optionality of a 2020 hike has helped the currency to the top of

the G10 leaderboard. EUR/NOK traded at new multi-month lows at 9.9577, the

lowest since early October.

-Elsewhere, the risk picture is more mixed, with equities largely

non-directional although the US yield curve sits slightly higher and steeper.

The USD index has inched off yesterday's highs, but recent ranges have been

largely respected with the 200-dma remaining the upside target at 97.681.

-The Bank of England rate decision is up next, followed by weekly US jobless

claims and existing home sales. The speakers slate is relatively quiet, with

just ECB's Lane on the docket.