USD Moderately Firmer In Asia

The USD has firmed through the Asian session as US Treasury Yields have marginally risen and US Equity futures and Regional Equities retreat from best levels.

• AUD/USD sits ~0.2% softer today, last printing at $0.6720/25. There was little follow through after the stronger than expected Jan Retail Sales print this morning, AUD initially firmed however couldn't hold its gains and deals a touch off session lows. There is a large option expiry, ~$800mn, at $0.6735 today.
• Kiwi is also pressured. NZD/USD prints at $0.6150/55, ~0.3% softer today. Feb ANZ Business Confidence continued to tick away from all time lows seen in December rising to -43.3 from -52.0. ANZ Activity Outlook rose to -9.2 from the prior read of-15.8.
• USD/JPY is a touch firmer, last printing at ¥136.30/40. The appearance of BoJ Deputy Governor-Nominees (Uchida & Himino) failed to move the needle as they reiterated comments given to the lower house last week. On the wires early in the session Jan Retail Sales printed 1.9% MoM vs 0.4% exp, preliminary read of Jan Industrial Production fell 4.6% vs exp -2.9%.
• EUR and GBP are moderately pressured as the Greenback advances. Both have given up some of the gains seen yesterday in the wake of the Brexit deal announcement.
• Cross asset flows are showing a mild risk-off tone. BBDXY is ~0.1% firmer and 10 Year US Treasury Yields are ~2bps higher. E-minis are flat, as they tick away from session highs, as is the Hang Seng.
• CPI and PPI data from France, and several BOE speakers headline in Europe. Further out we have Wholesale Inventories, and MNI Chicago PMI. Fedspeak from Chicago Fed President Goolsbee will also cross