- Graphic: World FX rates in 2019 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
The Japanese yen and the Swiss franc gained on Thursday as the rising death toll from a virus spreading in China sent investors scurrying to the shelter of perceived safe-haven currencies while China's yuan tumbled to a one-month low.
The Chinese yuan in the offshore market CNH=D3 , widely considered as a barometer of risk sentiment towards Chinese assets as mainland and Hong Kong markets are shut, tumbled to a one-month low below the psychological 7 yuan per dollar level in early London trading, its lowest level since late December.
"A risk off theme continues due to the rising infection and death tolls from the coronavirus in China and that is also affecting the Chinese currency which is trading at new lows for the year," said John Marley at FX risk management specialist Smart Currency Business.
Risk aversion also knocked the Aussie AUD=D3 and the Kiwi NZD=D3 dollars lower while the Japanese yen JPY=EBS and the Swiss franc CHF=EBS strengthened.
As the new pneumonia-like disease spread quickly in China, the dollar is emerging as an ultimate safe-haven destination, with its high interest rates relative to the rest of its developed market peers also boosting its appeal.
The dollar is the best performing currency among G10 currencies in January, with the dollar index =USD rising 1.6% so far this month to hit a two-month high.
"The U.S. dollar and the yen have been the safe havens of choice as the virus spreads and we expect these safe havens will remain well supported in the next few weeks," Colin Asher, a senior economist at Mizuho Bank in London, said.
The dollar index last stood at 98.04, flat on the day but not far from Wednesday's two-month high of 98.19.
The yen firmed 0.1% to 108.90 yen per dollar JPY=, edging close to a three-week high of 108.73 touched last week.
The Japanese currency has fallen 0.3% against the dollar so far this month but risen against most others, adding 1.6% versus the euro EURJPY= and 3.9% on the Australian dollar AUDJPY= .
Among the biggest losers this month is the Aussie, which has lost 3.9% so far this month, the second worst performing currency in the G10, behind a 4.3% drop in the Norwegian crown NOK= , which has been hit by falls in oil prices.
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