Huge FX option strike expiries and their related cash hedging flows can have more of an impact on FX price action this week, as many traders are side-lined before the U.S. jobs data.
Broader implied volatility appears heavy, which reinforces that scenario, although setbacks will remain minimal for options that include the jobs data. There are some huge FX option strikes expiring across the board on Thursday, as traders have been selling this date to help fund more expensive options that include the jobs data and impending central bank announcements amid their potential to increase FX realised volatility.
The USD has retreated from last week's longer-term lows and that's seen a reduction in the FX volatility premium for USD put over call strikes as measured by risk reversals.
Benchmark 1-month expiry 25 delta risk reversals in EUR/USD reached a 4-year high for topside over downside strikes at 0.4, but have since regained a downside strike premium, albeit small. GBP/USD 1-month expiry 25 delta risk reversals managed to adopt a topside strike premium and have since reverted to a small GBP put over call premium.
USD/JPY implied volatility remains above all of its G10 FX peers to highlight its strong correlation with risk and realised FX volatility. Despite easing from long-term highs, its downside over upside premium on risk reversals remains strong and when combined with outright demand for 140.00 strikes, shows a market still more wary of USD/JPY weakness.
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(Richard Pace is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)