Safe-Haven Rush as Global Stocks Slide; Yen and Franc Outperform
Global markets turned decisively risk-off ahead of the Wall Street open, with investors seeking safety in the Japanese yen and Swiss franc as equities fell and Treasury yields slipped. The shift followed a choppy European session marked by steep equity losses, renewed UK fiscal jitters, and softer momentum across risk assets.
European stocks fell more than 1%, while S&P 500 futures dropped about 1% as tech names led the retreat, with Nvidia weaker in pre-market trading. The flight to quality pulled the US 10-year Treasury yield down toward 4.08%, extending an early session dip. In commodities, gold slid 1.3% to around $4,116 as risk aversion intensified, while WTI crude rose 1.5% to roughly $59.60. Bitcoin fell nearly 4% to about $94,907.
Safe-haven flows dominated currency markets. The Swiss franc and yen led gains, pushing USD/JPY back toward 154.00 and knocking USD/CHF about 0.5% lower to near 0.7890. EUR/CHF finally broke below 0.9200, hitting its weakest level since 2015. In the UK, gilt yields surged at the open on mounting fiscal concerns amid reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may abandon planned tax hikes. Sterling initially sold off toward 1.3110 before rebounding to the 1.3170 area as investors reassessed the fiscal outlook.
Macro updates were mixed. Eurozone data confirmed Q3 GDP growth of 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, while final October inflation prints showed France at 0.9% year-on-year (down from the 1.0% preliminary estimate) and Spain steady at 3.1%. From central banks, the ECB’s Martins Kazaks said current interest rates are consistent with the inflation outlook, and the BOJ noted Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida remains slated to attend the December policy meeting. In FX, AUD lagged as broader risk sentiment deteriorated, reinforcing the day’s defensive tone across markets.
Key Points – Global risk-off mood: European equities down over 1% and S&P 500 futures lower by ~1%. – Safe-haven bid strengthens yen and Swiss franc; EUR/CHF breaks below 0.9200, USD/JPY retreats toward 154.00. – US 10-year Treasury yields fall toward 4.08% on flight-to-safety demand. – UK gilts jump on fiscal concerns; sterling whipsaws, bouncing after an initial sell-off. – Gold slips 1.3% to around $4,116; WTI crude gains 1.5% to about $59.60; Bitcoin down nearly 4%. – Eurozone Q3 GDP confirmed at 0.2% q/q; France and Spain October CPI finalized at 0.9% and 3.1% y/y, respectively.
