2015 was a great year in the markets with lots of strong trends, big moves and (un)expected events. The most notable may be:
1. SNB removed EUR/CHF floor at 1.20. Swiss franc pairs lost up to a third of their value in the immediate aftermath of the event.
2. Fed hiked Federal Funds Rate after it had been at record low of 0 - 0.25% for seven years. This was a first rate hike after almost ten years.
3. ECB expanded its asset purchase program to include bonds issued by euro area central governments, agencies and European institutions.
4. China stocks nearly doubled their value then collapsed, giving back all gains (and some) at one point, but ended the year in the green.
5. PBOC devalued the renminbi to the lowest level in five years.
2016 promises to be a volatile one too with many interesting questions left open, including:
1. What will the pace of Fed tightening be? How will it impact global stock markets? How will it impact emerging markets?
2. Where will the dollar top out?
3. Where is the bottom in commodities (particularly oil)?
4. Will the BOJ expand its stimulus program again or are they done?
5. How will the U.K. vote in E.U. membership referendum (if held in 2016)?
I wish all Dukascopy community and staff a great, happy and successful New Year!
1. SNB removed EUR/CHF floor at 1.20. Swiss franc pairs lost up to a third of their value in the immediate aftermath of the event.
2. Fed hiked Federal Funds Rate after it had been at record low of 0 - 0.25% for seven years. This was a first rate hike after almost ten years.
3. ECB expanded its asset purchase program to include bonds issued by euro area central governments, agencies and European institutions.
4. China stocks nearly doubled their value then collapsed, giving back all gains (and some) at one point, but ended the year in the green.
5. PBOC devalued the renminbi to the lowest level in five years.
2016 promises to be a volatile one too with many interesting questions left open, including:
1. What will the pace of Fed tightening be? How will it impact global stock markets? How will it impact emerging markets?
2. Where will the dollar top out?
3. Where is the bottom in commodities (particularly oil)?
4. Will the BOJ expand its stimulus program again or are they done?
5. How will the U.K. vote in E.U. membership referendum (if held in 2016)?
I wish all Dukascopy community and staff a great, happy and successful New Year!
