FOREX NEWS: US DOLLAR TESTS SUPPORT, BEARS BUILD UP STEAM FOR ANOTHER PUSH LOWER EUR/USD
Forex News: The Non-Farm Payrolls released Friday showed a better than expected reading but the previous value was revised lower and this generated a mixed reaction and a perfect bounce at support.
Technical Outlook
The target at 1.1735 was touched Friday and price reacted to it by bouncing higher but the medium term bias remains bearish as long as the pair is trading below the 50 period Exponential Moving Average. After the current bullish retracement is complete, we expect to see a break of 1.1735 and a consequent move into 1.1700 but today will most likely be a slow day, with price trading in a relatively tight range.
Fundamental Outlook
The JOLTS Job Openings will be today’s only release worth mentioning, although this indicator has a negligible impact most of the time. It shows the monthly number of job openings, excluding the farming sector and usually strengthens the US Dollar if the actual value surpasses estimates. The time of release is 3:00 pm GMT and the forecast is 6.03 Million.
GBP/USD
Even before the U.S. jobs data came out Friday, price started to drop and the Non-Farm Payrolls added more fuel to the US Dollar, taking the pair into support. A minor bullish move was seen late in the afternoon but the session was overall bearish.
Technical Outlook
The bulls failed to take the pair above the resistance at 1.3500 and this is another blow to the medium term uptrend. The picture is mixed but the bounce at 1.3360 will most likely trigger a climb above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and above 1.3410. However, if this resistance zone holds and rejects price, we will probably see a break of 1.3360.
Fundamental Outlook
The Pound has a lacklustre day ahead, without any notable release. This may translate into a slow and ranging trading session.
FOREX NEWS: POUND TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR THE BRITISH CPI RELEASE
EUR/USD
Forex News: Yesterday the economic scene was calm and without any major data releases; however, the pair continued higher at a relatively slow pace and touched the 50 period Exponential Moving Average.
Technical Outlook
The last few bullish candles are showing wicks in both their upper and lower parts, which may suggest that the retracement started at 1.1735 is coming to an end. If the 50 period EMA is surpassed, we expect to see a move into 1.1825 but at the moment it seems like the pair is lacking the strength to break that mark. A bounce lower at the 50 EMA will make 1.1735 the new target.
Fundamental Outlook
The German ZEW Economic Sentiment will be released today at 10:00 am GMT, showing the opinions of about 300 German analysts and investors regarding a 6-month outlook for the German economy. This is an indicator of economic health and optimism, thus higher numbers than the anticipated 17.9 can strengthen the Euro but the impact is usually medium.
Later in the day, at 1:30 pm GMT the US Producer Price Index will come out, showing changes in the price that producers charge for their goods and services. The forecast is a change of 0.4% and higher numbers strengthen the US Dollar because the indicator has inflationary implications.
GBP/USD
The pair had a choppy trading session yesterday, amid a lacklustre economic environment. Neither side was in clear control but an early climb was quickly reversed.
Technical Outlook
The bulls tried yesterday to move price above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and 1.3410 resistance but the attempt resulted in a long rejection candle and a drop into the support at 1.3360. The pair’s direction today will be heavily influenced by the British inflation data, so the technical aspect will be somewhat secondary but if the pair stays below the 50 EMA, we expect to see a drop into 1.3320.
Fundamental Outlook
At 9:30 am GMT the British Consumer Price Index will be released, showing changes in the price that consumers pay for the goods and services they purchase. This is the main gauge of inflation, so higher numbers usually strengthen the Pound. The expected reading is 3.0%, same as previous.
FOREX NEWS: BUCKLE UP FOR THE FINAL FED RATE ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2017
EUR/USD
Forex News: The U.S. Producer Price Index released yesterday matched analysts’ expectations of 0.4%, so the release didn’t generate strong movement. However, the session was controlled in most part by the bears and the pair touched support.
Technical Outlook
The support at 1.1735 rejected price several times in the past and acted as a strong barrier, so a break would mean a big victory for the bears and would take the pair into 1.1700 in the very near future. Our outlook is bearish, anticipating such a move but also, we expect a retracement if price hits 1.1700 mark. The US Dollar will be affected by the Fed rate announcement, so we may see choppy price action until the release.
Fundamental Outlook
The main event of the day will be the Fed rate announcement scheduled at 7:00 pm GMT and followed shortly after (7:30 pm GMT) by Fed Chair Yellen’s press conference. The Fed is expected to hike the rate from the current <1.25% to <1.50% and if this is the case, the US Dollar will likely see a boost of volatility, so caution is expected.
Earlier in the day, at 1:30 pm GMT the U.S. Consumer Price Index will be released and since this is one of the main gauges of inflation, higher numbers than the forecast 0.4% will likely strengthen the greenback.
GBP/USD
Yesterday the British CPI posted a value of 3.1%, above the expectations of 3.0% and this initially created Pound strength but immediately after, the US Dollar took over and erased all Pound gains, creating a choppy session.
Technical Outlook
After a spike that took price briefly above 1.3360, the pair descended and is now testing 1.3320 support on the back of mild US Dollar strength. It must be noted that the candles have long wicks in their upper part, which is a sign of rejection at resistance and increased bearish pressure, so we expect to see a break of the current support (1.3320) and a move into 1.3280 where a pullback may occur.
Fundamental Outlook
The British Average Earnings Index will be released today at 9:30 am GMT, showing changes in the price paid by employers for labour. The expected change is 2.5% (previous 2.2%) and higher numbers are beneficial for the Pound. The pair will also be affected by the Fed announcement later in the day.
FOREX NEWS: FED RATE ANNOUNCEMENT IS DONE. ECB AND BOE NEXT!
EUR/USD
Forex News: The Fed hiked the interest rate to <1.50% as it was widely anticipated but the Rate Statement didn’t show a hawkish stance and this allowed the pair to climb. Also, Fed Chair Yellen mentioned uncertainty about inflation in her press conference and this further weakened the US Dollar.
Technical Outlook
The pair bounced at 1.1735 support and broke the 50 period Exponential Moving Average with authority but stopped at 1.1825 at the time of writing. We expect this resistance level to be broken and price to head into 1.1875 in the near future. If the pair bounces lower from the current level but still remains above the 50 EMA, the outlook remains bullish, anticipating a move into the next resistance.
Fundamental Outlook
The ECB will announce today at 12:45 pm GMT the interest rate, which is not expected to change from the current 0.00% but the release will most likely create increased volatility. Later at 1:30 pm GMT, ECB President Mario Draghi will hold his usual press conference where he will read a prepared statement and then will answer journalists’ questions. This second part of the press conference is known to be a strong market mover, so caution is recommended because the impact cannot be anticipated.
At the same time (1:30 pm GMT) the U.S. Retail Sales are released, showing changes in the total value of sales made through retail outlets. The impact is usually high and numbers above the forecast 0.6% strengthen the US Dollar.
GBP/USD
Similar to the Euro, the Pound capitalized on the Fed rate announcement yesterday and the pair moved to the upside, surpassing the 50 period EMA and making the short-to-medium term outlook bullish.
Technical Outlook
Downside movement stalled around 1.3320 and price jumped into 1.3410 after the Fed rate announcement and press conference. The bullish momentum is likely to take the pair above the current resistance and closer to 1.3450 – 1.3500. A retracement will follow if the pair reaches these levels but as long as price is trading above the 50 EMA, our bias is bullish.
Fundamental Outlook
The first release of the day will be the British Retail Sales, scheduled at 9:30 am GMT and expected to show a change of 0.4%. The indicator usually boosts the Pound if it posts readings above forecast and the opposite is true for values below expectations.
At 12:00 pm GMT the Bank of England will announce the interest rate but since no change is anticipated for quite a long while, we expect the event to create only moderate volatility unless surprises happen.
FOREX NEWS: EURO SHOWS SIGNS OF WEAKNESS AFTER ECB PRESSER. BEARISH PRESSURE INCREASES
EUR/USD
Forex News: The ECB left the interest rate unchanged as expected and the Euro had a mixed reaction, first spiking higher and then retracing into the 50 period Exponential Moving Average. The US Dollar on the other hand, was boosted by better than expected Retail Sales and this contributed to the drop.
Technical Outlook
The pair is now showing a candle with a very long upper wick, which is a clear sign of rejection; however, the US Dollar is still lacking strong momentum and the pair is testing the 50 period EMA, so we are dealing with a ‘bounce or break’ scenario. If the Moving Average will be broken, the pair may try to break 1.1735 again and otherwise, we expect to see a move above 1.1825 and closer to 1.1875. Today we don’t have major announcements, so we may see a ranging trading session.
Fundamental Outlook
The U.S. Industrial Production will be the most notable release of the say, scheduled at 2:15 pm GMT and expected to show a value of 0.3%, lower than the previous 0.9%. The report tracks changes in the total value of goods produced by factories and has a positive impact on the greenback if it posts a higher than expected value.
GBP/USD
The Pound was boosted in the early part of yesterday’s trading session by upbeat British Retail Sales but it had a muted reaction to the BOE decision to maintain rates unchanged, as expected. Later in the session the US Dollar recovered some of the early losses and took the pair into support.
Technical Outlook
As long as the pair is trading above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average, the bounce at 1.3450 can be considered a simple retracement so the outlook remains bullish. Today’s price action will likely take place between the 50 EMA and 1.3450 and a break of one of these boundaries will probably trigger a stronger move in that direction. However, the economic calendar is light today and this could translate into a slow session.
Fundamental Outlook
The United Kingdom didn’t schedule major economic releases for today so the technical aspect will decide the pair’s direction.
FOREX NEWS: BEARISH PRESSURE MOUNTS, EUROZONE CPI EYED FOR NEXT MOVE
EUR/USD
Forex News: The pair came under pressure Friday after failing to break above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and finished the week in negative territory. The US Dollar has now erased all losses incurred after the FOMC Meeting.
Technical Outlook
Price is now very close to a bullish trend line and early in today’s session we expect to see a break or a bounce at the said trend line. A bounce higher will take price into the 50 EMA and a break will probably trigger a move into 1.1700 territory but given the lack of major economic releases.
Fundamental Outlook
The Eurozone Final Consumer Price Index will be released today at 10:00 am GMT and this will be the only notable event of the day. The CPI shows changes in the price that consumers pay for the goods and services they purchase and acts as the main gauge of inflation but the Final version has a low impact; nonetheless, numbers above the forecast 1.5% usually strengthen the Euro.
GBP/USD
Friday the pair dropped on the back of Brexit concerns and lost more than 100 pips, finishing the week in negative territory. However, price is still ranging from a longer term perspective and support is still holding.
Technical Outlook
The support zone around 1.3320 – 1.3300 rejected price twice in a relatively short period and now it is being tested again. After Friday’s strong drop, we will likely see a small pullback but as long as the pair remains below the 50 period Exponential Moving Average, our bias is bearish, anticipating a break of 1.3320 and a consequent move into 1.3280.
Fundamental Outlook
The Pound has a lacklustre day ahead, without any major economic releases. Brexit talks and negotiations can affect the currency, so caution is recommended.
FOREX NEWS: FRESH US DOLLAR SELLING PRESSURE SENDS THE PAIRS FLYING. RESISTANCE THREATENED
EUR/USD
Forex News: The German political scene was one of the catalysts behind the pair’s push above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average seen yesterday. The US Dollar weakened on concerns regarding the long awaited U.S. tax reform bill.
Technical Outlook
The pair has climbed above the 50 EMA with strong bullish momentum and is now testing the resistance at 1.1825. If this level will be broken, we expect price to climb into 1.1875 region where the Relative Strength Index will probably become overbought, signalling a retracement. If 1.1825 will reject price lower and the bulls cannot keep it above the 50 EMA, we will probably see a return into 1.1735 during the days to come.
Fundamental Outlook
The German IFO Business Climate survey will be today’s highlight for the Euro, showing the opinions of about 7,000 businesses about a 6-month outlook for economic and business conditions in Germany. The time of release is 9:00 am GMT and the expected reading is 117.6; higher numbers show optimism, strengthening the single currency but the impact is low-to-medium.
On the US Dollar side the most notable release will be the Building Permits, scheduled at 1:30 pm GMT. This is a good indicator of future activity in the construction sector and usually a reading above the forecast 1.28M (annualized number) strengthens the greenback.
GBP/USD
US Dollar weakness was the main driver of yesterday’s price action. The pair erased most of the losses incurred Friday and is now trading above the 50 period EMA once again.
Technical Outlook
As seen from yesterday’s price behaviour, the pair doesn’t have a clear bias and all moves are reversed even if they look strong at first. Two levels are key for medium term movement: the support around 1.3320 and the resistance at 1.3450. As long as price is trading above the 50 EMA we expect it to reach 1.3450 but until one of the key levels is broken, out bias is mostly neutral.
Fundamental Outlook
The Pound has a light economic day ahead, without any major releases scheduled. Price action can be affected by Brexit negotiations so the pair remains high risk.
FOREX NEWS: RESISTANCE HOLDS, BEARISH PRESSURE INCREASES. CAN THE US DOLLAR MAKE A COMEBACK?
EUR/USD
Forex News: US Dollar weakness persisted throughout yesterday’s trading session and the pair reversed an earlier drop that found support near the 50 EMA. The German IFO Business Climate survey came slightly below expectations but the impact wasn’t major.
Technical Outlook
Currently the pair is testing 1.1825 resistance for the second time in a short while but the latest candle is showing a long wick in its upper part, which is a sign of rejection. If the current resistance cannot be broken, we expect to see a drop through the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and a move closer to 1.1735 in the near future. The pair is in a range, so we expect choppy price action
until a clear breakout occurs.
Fundamental Outlook
At 3:00 pm GMT the US Existing Home Sales will be released, showing how many houses were sold during the previous month, apart from new buildings. The indicator usually has a low-to-medium impact but higher numbers than the forecast 5.53 Million (annualized number) can strengthen the US Dollar.
GBP/USD
The Pound bulls failed to keep the pair above the 50 EMA, so yesterday’s trading session was mostly controlled by the bears but price action remained choppy.
Technical Outlook
The failure to continue upward after the initial break of the 50 period EMA shows that bearish pressure is increasing and that we will most likely see a touch of 1.3320 support. The pair remains in a range from a longer term perspective and today’s direction will probably be influenced by the testimony of BOE Governor Carney.
Fundamental Outlook
At 1:15 pm GMT, Bank of England Governor Carney will testify before the Treasury Select Committee on the topic of the November Financial Stability Report. The event is likely to generate increased volatility, so caution is advised.
FOREX NEWS: EURO BREAKS OUT. FAKE MOVE OR THE START OF A BULL RUN?
EUR/USD
Forex News: The early part of yesterday’s trading session was choppy and without any major developments; however in the afternoon the Euro bulls managed to take the pair above resistance, despite a better than expected reading for the U.S. Existing Home Sales.
Technical Outlook
The pair is now trading above the resistance at 1.1875 but the bullish move was mostly triggered by the technical side rather than the fundamental because yesterday no major economic data came out. If the bulls can keep price above 1.1875, we will probably see an extended move north, with 1.1945 as target but this will be reached in more than a day probably. A quick return below 1.1875 will negate the bullish momentum and will make 1.1825 the first target.
Fundamental Outlook
The main event today will be the release of the Final version of the US Gross Domestic Product, scheduled at 1:30 pm GMT. The GDP measures the annualized change in the total value of services and goods generated by the economy and acts as the main gauge of economic performance but the Final version tends to have the lowest impact. The expected reading is 3.3%, same as previous and higher numbers strengthen the greenback.
GBP/USD
Price action remained choppy throughout yesterday’s session and the testimony of BOE Governor Carney went mostly unnoticed. However the pair climbed above the 50 period EMA and the bias was bullish.
Technical Outlook
Lately the pair’s movement is lacking a clear direction and the 50 period Exponential Moving Average is moving almost flat, further showing that the pair is in range mode. Upside momentum is almost non-existent so if the pair cannot break the previous top at 1.3420, we expect to see a drop through the 50 EMA, en route to 1.3320 area.
Fundamental Outlook
The only notable Pound affecting release will be the Public Sector Net Borrowing, scheduled at 9:30 am GMT. It shows the difference between spending and income for the Government and public corporations but has a medium-to-low impact on the currency; higher values than the forecast 8.3 Billion are beneficial for the Pound because a negative number means surplus and a positive one means deficit.
FOREX NEWS: CHOPPINESS CONTINUES AS THE PAIRS STRUGGLE TO FIND DIRECTION
EUR/USD
Forex News: Yesterday the pair remained in a choppy and tight range, without any major developments. The bulls failed to capitalize on the break of resistance and price returned below the level. The lack of major economic announcements contributed to this behaviour.
Technical Outlook
The break of 1.1875 didn’t generate a strong continuation climb and soon the pair retraced lower but the bearish move lacked strong momentum and the entire session was choppy. As long as the pair is still trading above the 50 Exponential Moving Average the bias remains bullish but this doesn’t exclude a drop into the 50 EMA and the support at 1.1825. Another break of 1.1875 resistance should be considered a true break only after a full bullish candle closes above the level.
Fundamental Outlook
Today we have two economic releases that can affect the US Dollar: the Durable Goods Orders scheduled at 1:30 pm GMT and the New Home Sales at 3:00 pm GMT. Higher numbers for these indicators usually strengthen the US Dollar but their impact is low-to-medium and are not known to be major market movers. The expected change for the Durable Goods Orders is 2.1% (much better than the previous -0.8%) and the forecast for the New Home Sales is 654K (previous 685K).
GBP/USD
The pair wasn’t affected much by the economic indicators released yesterday but drifted lower and continued to show choppy movement. Price is still in a range, without a clear bias.
Technical Outlook
Until the pair breaks 1.3320 or 1.3420, it can be considered in a range and we can expect to see reversals on the lower time frames. Yesterday price moved below the 50 EMA then tried to return above it but failed and this is a sign that bearish pressure is increasing; however, the last candle also has a long wick, which is a sign of indecision. Our bias is slightly bearish for the short term, anticipating a touch of 1.3320.
Fundamental Outlook
The British Current Account will be released today at 9:30 am GMT and expected to show a value of -21.5 Billion. It measures the difference between imported and exported goods and services and has a medium impact on the Pound. Numbers above expectations usually strengthen the currency.
At the same time the Final version of the British GDP is released but the impact is relatively low. However, higher numbers than the anticipated 0.4% have a positive effect on the Pound.
