The US Dollar would not let a lull in local data flow slow upward progress last week, finding a catalyst in deteriorating risk appetite across financial markets. While the benchmark unit’s unrivaled liquidity was expected boost its haven appeal, the simmering US/China trade war was thought to be the likely culprit souring investors’ mood. As it happened, a meltdown in emerging market assets driven by turmoil in Turkey and Russia was the trigger, pushing the greenback to a 14-month high. The week ahead offers an eclectic mix of would-be stimuli for continued volatility. Retail sales and consumer confidence data will ... (full story)