March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) today is up +0.22 (+1.48%), and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) is up +4.30 (+1.01%). Sugar prices are moving sharply higher today, with NY sugar posting a 2-week high and London sugar posting a 1-week high.  Today's rally in the Brazilian real (^USDBRL) to a 1-week high against the dollar has sparked some short covering in sugar futures.  The stronger real discourages export sales by Brazil's sugar producers. More News from Barchart Sugar prices have retreated ...

Group 1 - Currencies from Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico outperformed other emerging-market currencies as trade concerns eased, with thin trading volumes due to the US bond market being closed for a holiday [1] - Investor appetite for riskier assets increased, with the Brazilian real and South African rand each climbing 1.3%, supported by higher commodity prices and indications of potential trade negotiations between the US and China [2][3] - The Chilean peso and Peruvian sol also performed well as copper prices rose, with China's imports of copper and iron ore reaching their highest levels this year in September [4] Group 2 - Despite a rebound in the Brazilian real after a nearly 3% selloff, it is expected to remain under pressure due to fiscal concerns related to government efforts to expand social benefits ahead of 2026 [5] - Currencies from Eastern Europe faced pressure, influenced by the common currency and political instability in France, while the Israeli shekel lagged due to expectations of a peace deal with Hamas [6]

Core Insights - The yen has weakened significantly, reaching 152.34 against the dollar and a record low against the euro, following Sanae Takaichi's unexpected victory as the new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party [2][4] - Market expectations for a Bank of Japan interest rate hike have diminished, with a 25% chance of a move at the BOJ's upcoming meeting, down from 57% prior to the leadership vote [5] Currency Performance - The yen's depreciation has sparked renewed interest in the carry trade strategy, where investors borrow low-yielding yen to invest in higher-yielding currencies [5] - Bank of America has revised its forecast for the yen to end the year at 155 per US dollar, up from a previous estimate of 153, citing increased political and fiscal risks [6] Market Reactions - Hedging costs against further yen depreciation have surged, with premiums for hedging now at their highest level in over three years [7] - Analysts from ING noted that the new government under Takaichi is expected to influence a stronger economy, leading to a steeper yield curve and an equity rally [5]