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Topside USD/JPY takes focus post-BoJ, GBP hedging also highly active

OPTIONS
  • Stellar options volumes so far Tuesday, with the BoJ and RBA decisions helping stimulate demand for FX hedges. JPY, GBP and CAD hedging markets are most active relative to recent norms.
  • JPY options volumes are well ahead of average for this time of day, aided higher by solid demand for option strikes layered between Y153.00 – Y154.00. This provides further evidence of the continued focus on USD/JPY topside, evident in demand for ITM Y154.00 puts trading in size (over $1bln notional has crossed at that strike today alone).
  • Ahead of the UK CPI release and BoE decision on Wednesday/Thursday, GBP options markets are also highly active. Downside strikes of note include trades consistent with a 1.22/1.20 calendar put spread, potentially targeting a delayed start to the BoE easing cycle beyond Q3 of this year.
  • Vol hedges have also been in demand, with a 1.2390/1.2975 one-month strangle trading at the NY crossover, capturing both the March BoE decision as well as the next two CPI releases.

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