The EU confirms what we already know from yesterday
Well, instead of the usual posturing, the situation is a bit delicate now so they are largely reiterating similar remarks from Gove yesterday . But we’ll see how things go in the coming days/weeks. It wouldn’t be surprising if we end up in a big loop again.

Further comments by BOE policymaker, Gertjan Vlieghe
The headline comment continues to make a case for negative rates to be introduced by the BOE in the future. A bit of a clarification to one of his earlier remarks :

Bloomberg reports, citing an EU official on the matter
Adding that Barnier and Frost are going to discuss next steps in Brexit talks, after following yesterday’s meeting. And so the dance continues…

Forex news from the European trading session – 19 October 2020
Headlines:
Markets:
– GBP leads, USD lags on the day
– European equities mixed; E-minis up 0.8%

Reuters reports, citing sources familiar with the matter
For some context, so the headline pertains to that. I wouldn’t doubt that they would leave the door open to extend cuts into next year, but any firm decision will only be made at next month’s meeting.

Trading has resumed as of 1015 GMT, according to Euronext
The exchange earlier , but it appears that has now been resolved and trading has now resumed for all instruments.

EU vice president of interinstitutional relations, Maroš Šefčovič, remarks
– We will focus on achieving a good agreement
– Ready to work until the last minute to get a good agreement for both sides
Some token remarks by Šefčovič, as the EU mainly wants to communicate that they are ready to head back to the negotiating table this week. But

Comments by ECB governing council member, Robert Holzmann
– But more easing may be necessary if crisis worsens
Holzmann is playing down any action ahead of the policy meeting on 29 October. This just mainly reaffirms their current wait-and-see approach, so carry on as you will.

Forex news for North American trade on October 16, 2020:
Markets:
– Gold down $9 to $1899
– US 10-year yields up 1.3 bps to 0.745%
– S&P 500 flat at 3483
There were some big headlines on Brexit and US retail sales today but the market was lackluster. The retail sales report led to a quick bid in USD/JPY

Moody’s cuts the United Kingdom
This isn’t entirely unexpected but you hate to see it. Fitch recently affirmed the UK at AA-, which is the equivalent of Aa3. S&P remains one notch higher at AA but it’s under review.