FX Correlations (June): How Do Currencies Move In Relation To Each Other?

The following is our monthly correlations update for June.  As we have mentioned again and again before, correlations between different currency pairs will inevitably shift over time, therefore it is of utmost importance to keep abreast of these changes.  Below are the one-, three-, six- and twelve-month correlations for seven major currency pairs.  Additionally, we have included the six-month trailing correlation versus the EURUSD as further confirmation of the correlation.

In order to be an effective trader, it is also important to understand how different currency pairs move in relation to each other.  There are a few reasons why this is significant, but most importantly, it allows traders to understand their exposure.  That is, having a portfolio that consists of the EURUSD and GBPUSD is different than having a portfolio comprised of EURUSD and USDCHF.   As indicated in the tables below, over the previous quarter, the EURUSD has had a strong positive correlation (+0.98) with the GBPUSD and a strongly negative correlation with USDCHF (-0.99).  Therefore having a long EURUSD and long USDCHF exposure would generally lead to negated or nearly zero profit or loss because when the EURUSD rallies, USDCHF will sell off the majority of the time.  Of course, these two currencies have different pip values, so the P/L may not be exactly zero. On the other hand, holding long EURUSD and long GBPUSD exposures would be similar to doubling up on the position since the correlation is so strong.  Furthermore, we can tell from our tables that correlations shift with time.  For example, the NZDUSD pair has held a fairly positive correlation with the USDCAD (+0.62) over the preceding year.  In the last month, however, this long-term relationship has come almost 180 degrees to a negative correlation (-0.68) in June alone. Having this knowledge will allow traders to effectively diversify and manage their portfolios. Shifts such as these can be partially explained by changes in the severity of monetary policy or changes in unique domestic conditions.

Regardless of your trading strategy and whether you are looking to diversify your positions or find alternate pairs to leverage your view, it is very important to keep in mind the correlation between various currency pairs and their shifting trends.

FX Correlations (data as of 07/01/06)