Morning Juice – Europe Session Prep

Good Morning Traders
It is Friday, the 19th of September. Here is what to look out for today.

Sentiment
The BoJ left its benchmark interest rate unchanged as it sought more clarity over lingering economic and political uncertainty, and announced that it will begin offloading exchange- traded funds. The BoJ stuck with its policy rate of 0.5% at the end of a two-day gathering in Tokyo Friday, according to its statement. The outcome on rates was expected by all 50 economists surveyed. The vote on rates was 7 to 2.

Japan’s two-year government bonds fell, pushing yields to the highest level since 2008, tracking moves in the US ahead of the BoJ’s policy decision.

Overseas investors added to their holdings of US Treasuries in July, with the total value climbing to a record high – propelled by gains in the UK and French stockpiles that more than offset a drop in China’s.

The call Friday between Trump and China’s Xi promises to determine the fate of TikTok – and potentially ease trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.

Canada withdrew challenges against some import taxes the US levied against softwood lumber in what the government called a ‘strategic choice,’ as PM Carney seeks a trade deal with Trump.

Docket
02:00 ET
UK Retail Sales
YoY – Forecast: 0.6%, Prior: 0.6%, Range: 1.6% / -0.1%
MoM – Forecast: 0.4%, Prior: 0.6%, Range: 1.4% / -0.3%
Core MoM – Forecast: 0.7%, Prior: 0.5%, Range: 1.3% / -0.3%