2023 Market Forecast by SolidECN

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Analyzing GBPJPY Forex Pair: Key Levels and Market Trends

The GBPJPY pair presents a notable scenario as it approaches the S1 support point at 184.89. This particular level gains additional significance due to its association with the Ichimoku cloud, which serves to strengthen the support indication. Recently, the GBPJPY pair has slipped beneath the level of a previously surpassed bullish flag, hinting at a possible shift towards a bearish trend in the near term. For this bearish trend to gain traction and draw in more sellers, it's crucial for the pair's price to settle and remain consistently below the cloud.

Conversely, maintaining a position above 184.6 could signal a different turn for the GBPJPY pair, possibly indicating the start of a market correction phase. In this event, traders might expect the pair to reach the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, with a further possibility of advancing to the 50% Fibonacci level.​

 

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USDJPY

In our latest review of the USDJPY currency pair, we've noticed a continued downward movement, going past the 23.6% Fibonacci level. The ADX indicator shows low market volatility, but the Super trend indicator points to a further drop in USDJPY.

SolidECN analysts believe this downward trend could reach the 38.2% Fibonacci level, indicating a short-term bearish outlook for the pair.​

 

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USDCAD

The USDCAD currency pair is trading close to the lower line of the bullish flag. The market is ranging in this area, as indicated by the ADX indicator hovering below the 20 level on the daily chart. The bullish trend is supported by the super trend indicator and the flag, as depicted in the image below.

As long as the pair is ranging above 1.3678, the bullish trend is valid, and the pair may rise to test the 78.6% of the Fibonacci level again. Please note, if the ADX rises above the 20 level, this scenario will gain more credibility.

On the flip side, if the bears cross down the bullish flag, the ranging area may extend to the Fibonacci 0 level. If this level breaks down, the bullish trend can be considered over, and we would witness a trend reversal in the USDCAD pair.​

 

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USDCHF

The USDCHF pair shows a pronounced bearish trend, with the pair drawing close to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement mark. This particular level might serve as a pivotal support point, likely to decelerate the current downward trend. This slowdown is further hinted at by the RSI indicator approaching the oversold area.

If the pair successfully stays above the 61.8% threshold, we could see USDCHF entering a phase of correction, aiming for the 50% Fibonacci level, a known zone of resistance. At this juncture, the resistance could become a crucial point for bearish traders to consider new entries, especially in a market that's heavily leaning towards short positions.​

 

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EURUSD

EURUSD price is declining. This trend began to emerge when the pair's price hit the top of the bullish flag, marked at 1.0966. The decline is further confirmed by a divergence indicated by the awesome oscillator. If the critical support level of 1.0844 cannot hold back the downward momentum, we might see an extended drop. A sustained closure below this key level could point to a downward trajectory, potentially reaching 1.076 and possibly extending to 1.07.

At this juncture, the midpoint of the bullish flag plays a pivotal role. It acts as a significant line of defense against the bearish trend. A breach of this median line could signal a shift, potentially reviving the upward trend of the pair.​

 

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Eurozone Business Activity Shows Signs of Stabilization

In November 2023, the Eurozone's business sector displayed a marginal but notable improvement. This was reflected in the HCOB Eurozone Composite PMI, which climbed to 47.1, edging up from the near three-year trough of 46.5 recorded in the preceding month. This increase, albeit modest, surpassed the market forecasts of 46.9, as per the preliminary data. Although this marks the sixth month of a downturn in business activities, the decline has notably slowed, with both the services and manufacturing sectors experiencing less pronounced contractions. The decrease in new orders was the least pronounced in four months, despite backlogs of work diminishing for the eighth month in a row.

The labor market, however, faced challenges, with employment levels dipping for the first time in nearly three years. In terms of pricing, there was a notable uptick in input costs, the most significant since May, and a rise in output price inflation compared to October. Amid these fluctuations, business confidence held steady, with firms maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook for the year ahead.​

 

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FTSE MIB Index: A Snapshot of Italian Market Stability​

The Italian stock market, specifically the FTSE MIB index, showed minimal changes on a recent Thursday, hovering around the 20,200 level. This steady trend mirrored the overall cautious sentiment prevailing in European markets at the time. Investors and traders were in a phase of evaluating new information, particularly the latest PMI surveys. These surveys revealed that the rate of contraction in the Eurozone's business activities for November was slowing down, a detail that held significant interest for market participants.


Influence of Political Developments

Additionally, the financial world was closely monitoring political events, notably the victory of a right-wing populist party in the Dutch elections. Political events like these can have far-reaching impacts on the stock market, influencing investor confidence and future economic policies.


Leonardo's Strategic Moves

One of the standout performers in the Italian market was Leonardo, which saw its stocks increase by 1.2%. This rise came after Mariani, the co-director general of Leonardo, confirmed the company's active pursuit of partnerships in the land armaments sector. Such strategic alliances often indicate growth potential and can positively affect a company’s stock price.


Challenges for Diasorin and Prysmian

Conversely, companies like Diasorin and Prysmian experienced a downturn, each losing about 1% in their stock value. Fluctuations like these are common in the stock market and can result from various factors, including company performance, sectoral trends, or broader market sentiments.


Effect on the Economy

The stability of the Italian stock market, as seen in this instance, generally indicates a balanced economic environment. While modest movements in major indexes like the FTSE MIB don't signal significant growth, they also suggest that the market isn't facing immediate instability or decline. This kind of stability can be reassuring for investors and beneficial for long-term economic planning.


The Bigger Picture

The interaction of corporate performance and political events with stock market trends provides crucial insights into the health and direction of the economy. For instance, Leonardo's growth in stock value might signal a strengthening in the defense sector, whereas the losses for Diasorin and Prysmian could point to challenges in their respective industries.​

 

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South Africa Holds Repo Rate Steady Amid Inflation Concerns​

In a move that aligned with broad expectations, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided to keep its key repo rate steady at 8.25% on November 23rd, 2023. This decision marks the third consecutive time the rate has been held at this level, reflecting the bank's strategy to stabilize inflation expectations in the country.

Governor Kganyago noted that inflation risks are still perceived as high. Meanwhile, the balance of risks regarding the medium-term domestic growth outlook remains even. Notably, headline inflation in South Africa saw a significant rise to 5.9% in October, reaching a five-month peak. This rate is inching closer to the upper limit of the central bank's target range of 3% to 6% and moving away from the 4.5% midpoint, which is the bank's preferred level for anchoring inflation expectations.

The central bank has adjusted its inflation forecast slightly downward to 5.8% for this year, a small decrease from the previous estimate of 5.9%. Looking ahead to 2024, the forecast is set at 5%, a minor revision from the earlier prediction of 5.1%. The forecasts for 2025 and 2026 project a stabilization of the inflation rate at 4.5%.

In terms of economic activity, the SARB has also revised its GDP growth forecasts. For 2023, the growth forecast has been increased from 0.7% to 0.8%, and for 2024, it has been adjusted from 1% to 1.2%.
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Assessing the Impact on the Economy​

The decision to maintain the repo rate can be seen as a cautious yet optimistic approach towards managing inflation without hindering economic growth. By keeping the rate steady, the SARB aims to ensure that inflation doesn't spiral out of control while also supporting economic recovery and growth. This balance is crucial for maintaining economic stability and fostering a favorable environment for investment and development.​

 

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XAGUSD

In our Silver analysis, a bearish long-wick pattern was observed. The silver price has been fluctuating between the 78.6% and 61.8% Fibonacci levels.

The 4H chart shows a bearish engulfing pattern. The $23.4 support level is crucial. If breached, the target is the $23 threshold. The analysis is based on the price staying below $24.1. If this level is breached, the bearish scenario is invalidated.

 

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Analyzing the Shift in Colombian Business Confidence​

In Colombia, the business landscape has recently seen a notable shift. October 2023 marked a decline in the country's industrial confidence indicator, falling to -3.7. This figure represents a significant drop from the previous month's reading of 0.84 and is the most considerable decrease observed since May 2023. The industrial confidence indicator is a crucial measure, as it reflects the overall sentiment of manufacturers and their expectations for the future.

A key element of this change is the diminished optimism among manufacturers regarding their production forecasts for the next quarter. The expectation for output has worsened, with a decline to -16.5%, a steep fall from -10.3% in September. This downward trend suggests that manufacturers are anticipating a slowdown in production.

However, it's not all negative. There's a silver lining in the form of an increase in new orders, which rose to 4.6 from a previous -2.8. This improvement indicates that demand for products may be on the rise, which could potentially offset some of the pessimism about future output.

Additionally, there was an increase in finished goods inventory, moving up to 1.4 from -4.5. An increase in inventory levels could mean that manufacturers are preparing for anticipated demand or facing slower sales than expected.
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Economic Implications​

The decline in industrial confidence can have mixed implications for the Colombian economy. On one hand, reduced optimism about future output might lead to cautious investment and hiring decisions by manufacturers, potentially slowing economic growth. On the other hand, the rise in new orders suggests there is still robust demand, which could drive future economic activity.​

 

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Turkish Manufacturing Confidence Hits a Low​

In recent months, Turkey has witnessed a notable decline in business morale, reaching its lowest point in nearly a year as of November 2023. This downturn is primarily reflected in the manufacturing confidence index, which saw a decrease from 103.3 in October to 100.2 in November. This figure is significant as it represents the lowest level since December of the previous year, indicating a shift in the business climate.
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Analyzing the Key Factors​

Several factors contribute to this decline in confidence. Firstly, there's a noticeable drop in expectations for production, which decreased from 106.6 in October to 108.5. This decline suggests a reduction in anticipated manufacturing output, which can impact the overall economic productivity. Secondly, the outlook for export order books also showed a downturn, moving from 107.9 to a lower 100.3. This change hints at a possible decrease in foreign demand for Turkish products, which can affect the country's trade balance and revenue from exports.

However, it's not all negative. There's a silver lining as the anticipations for total employment over the next twelve months have risen slightly from 109.5 to 111. This increase could mean that businesses are still planning to expand their workforce, possibly indicating a belief in future growth or stability.

Another area of concern is the decrease in fixed investment expenditure, which fell from 118 to 115.6. This reduction may imply a hesitancy in committing to long-term investments, possibly due to uncertainty in the market or economic forecasts. Additionally, the general business situation also experienced a slight downturn, moving from 92.8 to 91.7.
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Economic Implications​

The decline in business confidence in Turkey can have both direct and indirect effects on the economy. Lower confidence can lead to reduced investment and production, which in turn can slow down economic growth. The decrease in export expectations suggests potential challenges in the international market, which could affect Turkey's trade balance and foreign exchange earnings. However, the increase in employment expectations might cushion some of these negative impacts by supporting consumer spending and economic activity.
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Assessment and Recommendations​

While the decrease in business morale poses certain challenges, it also opens opportunities for strategic planning and adaptation. Businesses might need to diversify their markets, improve efficiency, or innovate to maintain competitiveness. Policymakers could also consider measures to boost business confidence, such as providing financial incentives, improving trade relations, or investing in infrastructure.​

 

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Madrid Stocks Cautiously Higher​

Madrid's stock market exhibited a cautious uptrend, with the IBEX 35 index slightly surpassing the 9,900 mark on Friday. This movement marked a continuation of the rising trend for the third consecutive session, touching the highs of 2020. Market participants are keenly observing the influx of economic data and any indications of forthcoming decisions by major central banks. There is a heightened focus on the scheduled public appearances of European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde and Vice President Luis de Guindos. Despite this, there remains an underlying concern about a possible economic deceleration. This apprehension is fueled by Germany's shrinking GDP and the persistently contracting Eurozone PMI indices, which remain below the critical 50-point mark.​

 

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NZD Gains Strength as RBNZ Focuses on Inflation

The New Zealand dollar experienced a notable increase this Friday, maintaining a value around $0.605. This marks the second week of significant growth, fueled by expectations that the nation's central bank will maintain its aggressive stance against persistent inflation in their upcoming end-of-year monetary policy meeting.

In October, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) kept the cash rate steady at 5.5% for the third time in a row. However, they warned that consumer price inflation was still too high. To manage this, they suggested that interest rates might need to remain high for an extended period to bring inflation within the target range of 1 to 3%.

Meanwhile, the recent changes in government in Wellington have led to a shift in policy direction. The new coalition government has revised the central bank's dual mandate, which previously included both inflation and employment concerns, to now solely focus on price stability.

Over in China, government advisors are preparing for an important annual meeting in December. They're expected to set the GDP growth targets for the upcoming year, with projections ranging between 4.5% and 5.5%. This move is part of Beijing's broader strategy to stabilize demand and address the challenges in the real estate sector.​

 

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USDJPY

The Japanese yen remained stable, hovering around 149.5 against the dollar, following a lukewarm market response to new economic data. This data revealed that Japan's headline inflation rate rose to 3.3% in October, up from 3% in September, marking the highest rate since July. Additionally, initial reports indicated that business activity in Japan experienced a slowdown in November, reaching an 11-month low, particularly due to ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.

The Bank of Japan, during its October policy meeting, confirmed its dedication to maintaining supportive monetary policies. It made subtle changes to its approach to yield curve control. Specifically, the Bank redefined the 1% level on 10-year Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs) as a flexible "upper bound" rather than a strict limit, and decided to discontinue its commitment to purchase an unlimited number of bonds to maintain this level.

On an international scale, investors are also closely monitoring the United States Federal Reserve's monetary policy. This focus comes in the wake of varied economic indicators emerging from the US, which continue to influence global financial decisions and trends.​

 

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CAD Strengthens as Inflation and Growth Slow

As November drew to a close, the Canadian dollar found itself trading at approximately 1.37 against the US dollar, marking a notable recovery from its near one-year low point of 1.386, recorded on October 31st.

This resurgence can be largely attributed to the weakening of the US dollar, following indications that the Federal Reserve's period of monetary tightening might be drawing to a close.

In Canada, the inflation rate took a surprising dip to 3.1% in October, a figure notably lower than the Bank of Canada's projected rate of about 3.5% for the upcoming year. This decrease in inflation, when viewed alongside the slowing pace of the Canadian economy, is fueling speculation that the Bank of Canada might put a pause on any further increases in interest rates.​

 

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Turkish Lira Hits Record Low Despite Aggressive Rate Hikes​

The Turkish lira remains stagnant at an all-time low, sitting at 28.9 against the US dollar. This comes even after Turkey's central bank made an unexpected move, raising interest rates significantly by 500 basis points in its latest November meeting. This decision surpassed investors' expectations, who had predicted a rise of only 250 basis points.
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Trend of Depreciation​

In the last three months, the Turkish lira has been on a steady decline, setting new daily lows. The average daily loss has been slightly over 0.1%. This pattern suggests a controlled devaluation, likely orchestrated by the central bank. To manage this situation, the bank has implemented stricter reserve requirements for the lira. This step is aimed at pulling liquidity from the interbank market, thereby increasing local interest rates and aligning them more closely with the costs of borrowing lira internationally.
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A Steep Drop in Value​

Since the beginning of 2023, the Turkish lira has seen a dramatic depreciation, losing over 50% of its value when compared to the US dollar. This significant drop highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by Turkey.​

 

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AUDUSD Bullish Trend: A Closer Look at the Rising Tide​

The current trading session has witnessed a significant rise in the AUDUSD's value. Notably, the Australian dollar (AUD) has broken above the crucial 50% Fibonacci retracement level, a move that aligns with the top edge of the bullish flag pattern on the daily chart.

As the Relative Strength Index (RSI) edges closer to overbought conditions, the AUDUSD pair might be gearing up for a phase of range-bound trading, especially above the 65.8% resistance level. Given the heightened demand driving up the AUDUSD price, now may not be the best time for investors to take on long positions.

A Word of Caution for Retail Investors
Retail traders should approach with caution. A prudent strategy would be to wait for the AUDUSD pair to dip back to the midpoint of the bullish flag pattern. This area, coinciding with the 38.2% Fibonacci level, presents a potentially favorable entry point for those looking to buy.​

 

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GBPJPY: A Strong Bullish Momentum

During the most recent trading session, the GBPJPY pair maintained its upward trajectory, achieving a significant milestone by surpassing the median line of its bullish flag pattern. This development strongly highlights a continued positive trend for GBPJPY, signaling a robust bullish momentum.

With this upward movement, the focus for traders is now set on the GBPJPY pair reaching the upper boundary of the bullish flag. This target is the next critical point for the ongoing bullish trend.

The prevailing trend for GBPJPY can be described as distinctly bullish, especially as the pair remains actively trading within the boundaries of the bullish flag. This trend is expected to persist as long as the pair continues its movements within this pattern.​

 

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GBPUSD Soars: Overbought Signals Emerge

Today's trading session saw the GBPUSD climb sharply. The pair broke through the top boundary of its bullish trend, indicating strong buying interest. At the same time, the RSI indicator moved into an area typically considered overbought, while the Awesome Oscillator pointed towards a possible divergence. These signals hint at a potential downward adjustment in the GBPUSD's price in the next trading session. It's expected that the pair might give back a portion of its recent gains, possibly retesting the 23.6% Fibonacci level and then maybe the 38.2% level.

Moreover, these levels could act as appealing entry points for buyers looking to capitalize on the uptrend, suggesting the bullish momentum may persist.​

 

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GBPJPY Update: Bullish Flag Dynamics and Key Resistance Levels

The GBPJPY currency pair recently reached the R2 resistance level but then dropped back to the middle of its bullish flag pattern. This pattern indicates a generally upward trend, with R1 serving as a key support level. If the currency pair breaks above the R2 level, its next goal might be reaching R3, which is in line with the top edge of the flag.

As long as the R1 level remains unbroken, it supports the upward trend. However, if this support level is breached, there's a chance that the GBPJPY pair could fall towards the lower boundary of the flag, a movement further backed by the monthly pivot point.​