GBP/EUR: Pound Strengthens Ahead Of Parliammentary Brexit Vote
  • Euro (EUR) ticks marginally higher despite tighter lockdown restrictions
  • Upbeat EZ industrial production data is supportive
  • US Dollar (USD) trades quietly awaiting fresh catalyst
  • US Congress still discussing stimulus

The Euro US Dollar (EUR/USD) exchange rate is advancing on Tuesday, extending gains for a second day. The pair settled on Monday +0.3% at US$1.2143 after having eased back from a session high and fresh year to date high of US$1.2177. At 07:15 UTC, EUR/USD trades +0.1% at US$1.2161.

The mood is the market is mixed as investors battle vaccine optimism against surging covid cases and tighter lockdown restrictions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Germany is re-entering a national lockdown over Christmas and the Netherlands is also introducing its strictest rules yet in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.

Data is the previous session supported the common currency. Eurozone industrial production continued to strengthen in October despite a resurgence of covid. Output rise 2.1% in October compared to the previous month, ahead of the 2% forecast and a significant improvement on September’s upwardly revised 0.1%. The was the six straight month that industrial production expanded, highlighting the growing divergence with the service sector.

Looking ahead French and Italian inflation could attract some attention, although sentiment is expected to be the biggest driving force across the session.

The US Dollar remains near multi year lows in the early European session as there is little new newsflow.

Covid cases continue to soar in the US and lockdown restrictions are also tightening. However, hopes surrounding US additional fiscal stimulus is keeping the mood in the market buoyant. Congress continues to discuss a rescue package to help businesses and households struggling to make ends meet.

Congress is expected to divide the $908 billion rescue package into two in the hpe that it will be easier to pass through Congress. Investors are awaiting updates, particularly given that Congress breaks for Christmas at the end of the week.

US industrial production is the only data expected for release later.