All these factors taken into account, it should not be immediately concluded that the dollar’s bullish run is doomed for failure. Instead, it suggests that traders are simply more concerned with tangible fundamental catalysts rather than letting rampant speculation dictate activity levels. What is needed is a definitive shift in one (or more) of the more pervasive and influential trading themes. Effectively taking up the gauntlet of top fundamental driver from stimulus speculation, Risk Appetite Trends now hold the greatest potential for the dollar’s advancement or retracement. This is why we make the regular reference to the health of the US equity market benchmark. Should there big an underlying shift in the balance of risk/reward, the stocks and other relatively-risky assets will be unloaded and safe havens will be scooped up. And, though the greenback’s shelter appeal has diminished significantly; when capital flows turn into torrents, the market will likely defer to historical norms. What can push equities into that tempting bear trend and subsequently leverage the dollar’s appeal? European financial uncertainties are at the top of the list. A crisis situation in this economy has very clear implications for investment trends; but even a move to bailout Ireland would further the dollar’s case. Such a move would be clear step towards government-backed support. The US isn’t the only government providing support…

Speaking of stimulus, we note a growing wave of dissension against the Fed’s decision to implement the second round of quantitative easing. While much of the grumbling comes from the speculative market and emerging markets, Fed member Lacker stated that he opposed the move as being potentially ineffective and even dangerous. Don’t expect the central bank to fold to pressure anytime soon though. In other news, data seemed to offer a bullish balance. Advanced Retail Sales were better than expected with a 1.2 percent improvement – cut to 0.4 percent excluding gas and auto sales. For some contrast, the Empire manufacturing index dropped to a July 2009 low.

Euro Traders Look for Clarity on Ireland’s Future and the Future of the European Monetary Union
Irish officials responded to growing fear of a national financial crisis and subsequent speculation of an impending bailout by stating simply that they had not filed for aid and the government was fully funded through mid-2011. Clearly, this reiteration does not provide investors with a sense of confidence. In fact, it is adding to regional troubles according to the ECB’s Ordonez. Leaving the market in a state of uncertainty balances Ireland between the tarnished reputation of having to look for additional funds and potentially leaving its banking system open to collapse. With that in mind, Prime Minister Cowen is expected to bring the topic up at Tuesday’s meeting of European leaders. In the meantime, Portugal’s Finance Minister lamented that his country is at high risk similar troubles and the EU revised Greece’s deficit to GDP ratio up significantly.

British Pound Stifled by Disappointing Housing Data, Look for Clear Direction with CPI Data
Not to be ignored, the Rightmove released an indicator that showed a 3.2 percent drop in house prices in October – the biggest since December 2007 – and the longest turnover time on record. However, the market easily ignored the weak figure. That said, traders won’t as readily disregard Tuesday’s CPI data. Speculation of stimulus and rate hikes top’s the pound’s personal list of fundamental concerns.

Japanese Yen: Why Did a Strong 3Q GDP Reading not Promote a Yen Rally?
Expectations for Japan’s 3Q GDP numbers were tame heading into the release of the data. Yet, when the economy reportedly grew 0.9 percent in the three-month period and 3.9 percent on an annualized basis – both much better than expected – the yen showed little response. This can be partly attributed to timing; but with the Japanese Economic Minister suggesting 4Q will show the mirror performance, optimism will be muted.

Australian Dollar Steady on Minutes that Show Concern over Inflation, OECD that Warns the Same
All signs point to further gains for the Australian dollar – except for risk appetite trends. Early Monday, the OECD issued a statement warning the RBA to remain vigilant on inflation pressures and the bank’s own minutes on Tuesday supported a sustained hawkish lean. However, rate hikes later down the line will be overlooked if investors abandon carry trades to fund maintenance margin on losses in other trades.

New Zealand Dollar Sees Limited reaction to Strong Retail Sales Data thanks to Trading Conditions
The economic docket was stocked for the New Zealand dollar very early Friday morning; and yet the data has ultimately very little reaction on the currency. Data released during early in Auckland’s trading session hit at a time when few other markets are online; and doing so prior to Monday’s open exacerbates the issue. Therefore, a 1.6 percent jump in retail sales was able to rouse little activity before risk trends set in.