1st US debate: Market pricing in Clinton's win as risk appetite recovers

The currency market has been factoring in a risk friendly outcome ever since the 1st US presidential debate got underway at 1GMT, with an initial 'risk-off' swing in favour of the Japanese Yen being completely reversed as markets digested the debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Lopsided win for Clinton

The consensus is that Clinton came out on top, meeting expectations (probably connected with undecisive voters) as she showed composure and took good care in matters of details. Clinton looked more presidential although the question mark remains whether or not that woul be a key factor to pick the next US president. Meanwhile, Trump started well organized but eventually resorted to the kind of bombardment of words that may backfire when trying to win a presidental race.

High yielding assets enjoy the Clinton rally

Trump's poor perormance was reflected in the risk appetite sentiment seen in the currency market, where the Australian Dollar and the Sterling traded strongly, as well as the US Dollar, while both the Euro and the Japanese Yen were sold with impetus. The S&P 500 also found strong buying interest and 30-year US Teasuries were dumped amid the appetite to seek higher-yielding assets. Overall, a Clinton-induced 'risk-on' rally was seen today.