The dollar index fell 0.4 per cent to 96.33, while the euro inched up 0.2 per cent to just under $1.11.
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The term refers to a controversial policy of central banks to funnel funds directly into the economy – possibly including into people’s bank accounts – rather than through the financial system by means of more traditional bond-buying and asset purchases. While it’s been a busy week for corporate earnings, and individual stocks have moved a lot, the overall market has been relatively quiet.
More positively, there was a stronger than expected reading for industrial production with a 1.9% June increase after a 2.6% decline previously, which should offer some support to the industrial sector.
Brent and West Texas Intermediate each lost 0.3 percent and were headed towards the $40 mark, well down from the 2016 peaks above $50 at the start of June as the crucial U.S. holiday driving season comes to an end and temporary disruptions to output in Canada and Nigeria ease.
The yen advanced to a 3-week high of 73.16 against the kiwi, more than 2-week highs of 77.52 against the aussie and 78.12 against the loonie, reversing from early 8-day low of 75.01, 2-day lows of 79.45 and 80.25, respectively.
NetSuite jumped $16.84, or 18 percent, to $108.41 after computer software giant Oracle announced it was buying the company for $9.3 billion.
US crude futures fell to as low as $40.95 per barrel and last stood at $41.02, down 12 cents. The data released Friday, July 29, 2016, were in line with expectations the central bank may follow the government’s lead in opting for more stimulus at a policy meeting that ends Friday.
Barclays shares soared 8 percent, the biggest rise in over three years, and UBS shares were up 3 percent despite both banks reporting a fall in profits.
FED WATCH: Bond prices fell slightly, after jumping a day earlier following the decision by the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady.
Investors are waiting for further direction from the Bank of Japan meet.
“We think September has a good chance of a rate hike, and this week’s announcement confirmed that”, said Kristina Hooper, head of USA investment strategies at Allianz Global Investors.
Spending by households across the country fell in June while inflation dropped for a fourth straight month, while business confidence sits at its lowest levels since Abe swept to power in late 2012. The company warned that its full-year guidance might need to be cut.
The yen rose to as high as 103.30 to the dollar from 105.30 in late U.S. trade on Thursday, which market players largely attributed to the result of “fat finger” orders exacerbated by thin trading conditions as there was no apparent news to justify such a big move.
OIL: In the energy market, benchmark US crude lost 1 cent to $41.13 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, used to price global oils, fell 56 cents to $42.68 in London. In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline fell 2 cents to $1.31 a gallon, heating oil fell 2 cents to $1.27 a gallon and natural gas rose 4 cents to $2.67 per 1,000 cubic feet.
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In other precious metals, silver rose $0.032 to $20.175/20.20.
