Traders Blame ‘Insane’ Tech Advancements for Quiet FX Markets

Core Viewpoint - Advancements in electronic trading and algorithmic trading are significantly reducing volatility in the currency market, leading to a calmer trading environment that may impact market makers' profitability [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Volatility - The foreign-exchange market, valued at $7.5 trillion a day, is experiencing near-record low volatility, marking a long-term decline despite occasional spikes due to events like US trade tariffs [2][4]. - The euro's intraday movements are currently less than half of the long-term average, contrasting with Treasury yields that are fluctuating in line with historical patterns [4]. Group 2: Impact of Electronic Trading - The ability for volatility to decrease rapidly has increased significantly, with market reactions to economic data now returning to normal within 30 seconds, compared to longer durations previously [3][5]. - The changing landscape of market participants, including the rise of pod shops and competing systematic strategies, is contributing to a more stable trading environment [6]. Group 3: Strategic Shifts - The rarity of significant volatility events is leading asset managers to adjust their strategies, moving away from using calm periods to acquire cheap hedges against potential market flare-ups [7].