Sep 3, 2008

Volatility in FX Markets is Increasing

John Taylor is head of the world's largest currency hedge fund, International Foreign Exchange Concepts. Accordingly, when he speaks about currencies, people tend to listen. In an extended interview with Bloomberg News, Taylor noted that volatility has surged in the forex markets. On average, the Dollar is fluctuating 46% more against so-called major currencies and 23% more than emerging currencies, compared to 2007. However, this volatility is largely random- perhaps as a result of increased liquidity- which means inefficiencies in the markets are becoming harder to exploit and profit from. One of the fund's largest bets is against the US Dollar, specifically against the Euro. Taylor's rationale for this bet is nuanced, and is more fundamental than technical, which is surprising given his fund's primary trading strategy. Bloomberg News reports:
The prediction is partly based on his charts of the U.S. real estate cycle, which he says has a major impact on the dollar and will continue to point south for the next couple of years, dragging down the currency with it. He also says the price of a barrel of crude oil might reach $250 in 2011, further eroding the strength of the U.S. economy and the dollar.
Read More: Taylor Rules Currencies, Not to Be Confused With the Other Guy

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