As signs point towards social distancing measures around the world proving to be effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19, what will the lack of a cohesive strategy across the United States mean for the economic outlook globally?

While we’re still some way off from normality, there are reasons to be positive in the not-too-distant future, according to Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities.

In a special edition of the MUFG FX Weekly Podcast, Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities, gives an overview of the global markets as they tackle the economic sinkhole which is Covid-19.

He discusses whether there may be a turning point for certain European economies on the horizon, central bank responses and the outlook for Asia.

The Fed has acted decisively. Will it be enough?

Listen to the podcast to hear Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities, provide his insight on how the Central Banks are responding to the threat of Coronavirus and what might come next.

Fears over the economic disruption of coronavirus are intensifying, and central banks such as the Fed, BoC and RBA have all taken a proactive approach by lowering rates. The European Central Bank must decide this week if it will, or even can, match the Fed’s aggressive response?

Click to listen to Lee Hardman, currency analyst at MUFG, give his outlook for the week ahead.

There is only one topic on the table when it comes to markets. This week on the podcast, Lee Hardman, currency analyst at MUFG, gives his take as the spread of coronavirus brings an intensification of global growth fears, prompting market participants to price in a higher probability of a recession.

In the US, which candidate will take the lead in Super Tuesday, and what impact will this have on USD?

Covid-19 has got the FX markets concerned, but equity markets are remaining remarkably resilient, with bond markets rallying and yields falling. Despite this spike in JPY/USD, listen to the podcast to hear Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities, provide his insight on why he feels the yen won’t lose its safe haven status anytime soon and the future of equity market buoyancy.

Shockingly weak Industrial Production data, the worst plunge since the Global Financial Crisis, is painting a grim macro backdrop for Germany. On the podcast this week, Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities,  gives his thoughts on what this means for the EUR, and also looks at the future of oil-related FX since the breakout of Coronavirus caused a substantial drop in prices.

2019 saw the green loans and bonds market grow by over 50 per cent - and 2020 is set to be another momentous year.

In this special podcast episode, Head of Green Loans and Bonds Geraint Thomas gives his insights into what we should look out for in the year ahead.

With more than USD 250bn of issuance in 2019, will this figure continue to grow? Will the green bonds and loans market be driven by investors or issuers? Meanwhile, a sustainable linked bond structure has investors talking – could this potentially be a new area for the market?

This week on the podcast, Derek Halpenny, Head of Research for Global Markets EMEA and International Securities, looks at how communications will impact the markets, with subtle indicators from the Fed alluding to looser monetary policy and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Governor Lowe’s upcoming monetary policy statement and testimony.

Italy regional elections, Coronavirus, and central bank meetings will keep market participants on their toes this week, according to Lee Hardman, currency analyst at MUFG. Listen to the podcast to hear his predictions for the currencies in the spotlight, including CNY, CAD, GBP, USD, and EUR.