Global markets react as FBI clears Clinton over emails, boosting chances of victory

The value of the Mexican peso has surged

Global financial markets have responded swiftly to the news that the FBI has cleared Hillary Clinton of any criminal wrongdoing in its latest review of her official emails, taking it as a clear boost to her chances of winning the US election.

The dollar rose in value against the Yen on Monday, as traders eased back on risk aversion measures in the event of a Trump victory.

The dollar was up 1.2 percent at 104.255 yen after surging to 104.530 in early trade. It had declined to 102.550 last week as polls showed a tightening US presidential race.

Meanwhile, the Mexican peso surged. The US currency was down 1.8 percent at 18.68 Mexican pesos to the dollar after touching 18.56, its weakest since October 26.

The Mexican peso has acted as something of a bellwether of sentiment as Mr Trump's proposed policies are considered to be deeply negative for the country.

And US stock futures rallied at the open on Sunday as bullish sentiment returned to Wall Street following the largest streak of losses on the S&P 500 since 1980.

If the upturn in S&P 500 futures carries through the day on Monday, it would put an end to the longest daily losing streak in the benchmark stock index .SPX in more than 35 years.

The run of losses had come as Clinton appeared to have lost momentum over Republican rival Donald Trump in some public opinion polls after FBI director James Comey said on Oct. 28 that additional emails had been found and would be reviewed.

And shares rose in early trading in Asia on Monday morning after Comey said that new review had not changed the FBI’s position on Clinton’s use of emails.

"Markets are likely to remove some of the risk premium taken as a precaution against a Trump victory now that Hilary Clinton will not be charged over her use of a private email server," Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said in a commentary.

"However, an element of uncertainty remains over this election. It seems unlikely that markets will make a full 'risk on' move until Clinton is declared the winner."

Markets have tended to favour Clinton as the status quo candidate, with appetites for risk boosted by any news likely to improve her chances of victory.

"The dollar is being bought back on lessened prospects of a Trump presidency. But so far it is not active buying, as Clinton is likely to maintain a policy that prevents a strong dollar if she is elected, and as economic prospects remain unclear," said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief forex strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo.

The final NBC-Wall Street Journal poll released on Sunday showed Mrs Clinton holding a four-point lead over Mr Trump. Mrs Clinton leads by a slender 1.8 points according to Real Clear Politics' polling average.