3 Recent Examples and their Impact on the Foreign Exchange Markets
In the world of finance, black swan events refer to rare and unexpected events that have a profound impact on financial markets. These events are often unpredictable, can occur suddenly and without warning, and can have far-reaching consequences. In this blog post, we will discuss three recent examples of black swan events that have affected the foreign exchange markets and provide insights into how people and businesses can protect their profits when trading on a global landscape.
Brexit Referendum, 2016
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum on whether to leave the European Union. The referendum result, in which 51.9% of voters chose to leave, came as a surprise to financial markets and led to a significant drop in the value of the British pound. The pound fell 11% against the US dollar, reaching its lowest level in over 30 years, and also fell against other major currencies, including the euro and the Japanese yen.
The impact of Brexit on the foreign exchange markets was due to uncertainty about the future of the UK economy, as well as concerns about the impact of Brexit on the broader global economy. Investors and traders moved their capital out of the pound and into other currencies, particularly the US dollar, which is considered a safe haven currency in times of uncertainty.
To avoid being exposed to such events, traders can use risk management tools such as stop-loss orders, which automatically close positions if the market moves against them, limiting potential losses.
COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, had a profound impact on the global economy and financial markets. The pandemic caused widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and supply chain disruptions, leading to a sharp drop in global economic activity. As a result, investors moved their capital out of risky assets, such as stocks and commodities, and into safe haven currencies, including the US dollar, Japanese yen, and Swiss franc.
The pandemic also had a significant impact on commodity currencies, such as the Australian dollar, which fell sharply due to reduced demand for commodities, particularly from China, Australia's largest trading partner. The Australian dollar fell around 20% against the US dollar in the first quarter of 2020, its largest quarterly decline since the global financial crisis in 2008.
To protect against such events, traders can diversify their portfolios, holding a range of currencies and assets to reduce their exposure to any single currency or asset class.
Turkish Lira Crisis, 2018
In August 2018, the Turkish lira fell sharply against the US dollar, losing over 40% of its value in a matter of weeks. The crisis was triggered by a combination of factors, including rising inflation, high levels of debt, and tensions with the US government. Investors and traders moved their capital out of the lira and into other currencies, particularly the US dollar and euro.
The Turkish lira crisis had a significant impact on businesses and individuals in Turkey, as well as on foreign investors with exposure to Turkish assets. To protect against such events, investors can use risk management tools such as hedging strategies, which involve taking positions in opposite directions to reduce exposure to market movements.
In conclusion, black swan events can have a significant impact on financial markets, including the foreign exchange markets. Traders and investors can protect their profits by using risk management tools, diversifying their portfolios, and using hedging strategies to reduce exposure to market movements. By being prepared for such events, individuals and businesses can minimize their risks and protect their assets in an increasingly globalized world.