2023 Market Forecast by SolidECN

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USDCAD Tests Key Support Levels

Solid ECN - The USDCAD currency pair crossed above the Ichimoku cloud on November 12. Currently, it's testing the cloud for support, a level that coincides with the broken bearish channel.

Technical indicators are hinting at a potential bearish trend. Yet, as long as the USDCAD pair trades above the bullish trendline (depicted in red), we can anticipate a price increase. If this trend continues, the next bullish goal might be the 50% level of the Fibonacci retracement tool.

On the flip side, should the USDCAD pair close and stabilize below the cloud, it would invalidate the bullish analysis. In such a case, the bears' initial target could be the November low, marked at 1.34781.​

 

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USDCHF Tests Ichimoku Cloud: Bulls and Bears in Balance

Solid ECN – The USDCHF currency pair recently tested the Ichimoku cloud after it successfully crossed above it on December 8. This breakout was marked by a long-bodied bullish candle, signaling the bulls' determination to reverse the trend. However, the bullish momentum has since weakened, and the pair is now hovering close to the cloud. Despite this slowdown, the USDCHF buyers still have a chance to push the price towards the 38.2% resistance level. For this to happen, the price needs to remain above the cloud or not fall below the low of November 12.

Conversely, if the USDCHF bears, who appear to be more active than the bulls, manage to push the price below the cloud, the downtrend is likely to resume. In this scenario, the initial target would be the 0.86657 mark.​

 

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EURUSD's Recent Surge: A Technical Analysis

Solid ECN – Recently, the EURUSD currency pair has shown a significant increase in activity, managing to close above the Ichimoku cloud. It formed an inverted hammer candlestick pattern, which occurred right at the 61.8% resistance level. At the same time, the RSI indicator signaled that the pair was overbought. If the price remains under the 61.8% support level, there's a chance it could fall to the 50% level, and maybe even down to 38.2%.

On the other hand, if the currency breaks past the 61.8% resistance level, this upward trend might push it towards the 78.6% resistance level.​

 

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AUDUSD’s Bullish Journey: A Technical Analysis​

Solid ECN – In our last analysis, we highlighted the potential for a positive shift in the AUDUSD pair. Following the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates, the AUDUSD price has indeed risen above the Ichimoku cloud.

Currently, the AUDUSD price is grappling with a previously broken resistance. This resistance area is defined by the range of 0.6678 to 0.669. Interestingly, the RSI indicator is lingering in the overbought zone, suggesting a possible consolidation phase. As a result, the price may stabilize above 0.6678.

When we take a broader look at the daily chart, we can see the AUDUSD pair moving within a bullish channel. The bulls in the AUDUSD market appear to be aiming for the 78.6 Fibonacci resistance next.

As long as the pair continues to trade within this channel, the primary trend remains optimistic.

 

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NZDUSD Surpasses November High​

Solid ECN – The NZDUSD pair recently surpassed its November peak. It's now approaching a significant resistance zone, ranging from 0.6207 to 0.6204, which coincides with the 23.6% Fibonacci support level.

Currently, the NZDUSD shows a bullish pattern. Yet, the RSI indicator is approaching overbought levels, hinting that sellers might soon exert downward pressure. As a result, the pair may approach the 50% Fibonacci support level, an attractive entry point for bullish market participants. Alternatively, if the NZDUSD remains steady in upcoming sessions, the 38% Fibonacci level becomes relevant. In this scenario, entering the bullish market is advisable, especially if prices stay above 38.2%.

 

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NZDUSD Surpasses November High​

Solid ECN – The NZDUSD pair recently surpassed its November peak. It's now approaching a significant resistance zone, ranging from 0.6207 to 0.6204, which coincides with the 23.6% Fibonacci support level.

Currently, the NZDUSD shows a bullish pattern. Yet, the RSI indicator is approaching overbought levels, hinting that sellers might soon exert downward pressure. As a result, the pair may approach the 50% Fibonacci support level, an attractive entry point for bullish market participants. Alternatively, if the NZDUSD remains steady in upcoming sessions, the 38% Fibonacci level becomes relevant. In this scenario, entering the bullish market is advisable, especially if prices stay above 38.2%.

Predicting NZDUSD's Next Moves​

Recently, the NZDUSD currency pair reached the important 38.2% Fibonacci support level. This was something we had anticipated earlier, suggesting that the pair might regain and stabilize some of its recent increases. Looking ahead, if buyers, or 'bulls', can keep the currency above this crucial 38.2% mark, we could see the NZDUSD's value start to climb.

However, if sellers, known as 'bears', manage to push the value below this 38.2% Fibonacci level, the pair might enter a longer phase of stabilization, possibly reaching the area known as the Ichimoku cloud.

 

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Euro and the Impact of Global Monetary Policies and PMI Data

Recently, the euro has been lingering just under the $1.1 level. This comes as investors are taking in a series of decisions made by central banks last week, as well as the latest PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) data. Last Thursday, the European Central Bank (ECB) chose to keep interest rates stable, going against some expectations of a rate cut. ECB President Lagarde emphasized that the idea of reducing borrowing costs wasn't discussed, and any future decisions will be based on upcoming data.

In contrast, the US Federal Reserve indicated on Wednesday that its period of significant monetary policy tightening might be over, suggesting that we could see up to three rate reductions in 2024. Additionally, there’s a focus on the recent PMI numbers from Europe, which were lower than expected, showing a greater decline in the Eurozone's private sector activities for December.​

 

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Brazilian Real Stabilizes Amid Monetary Changes​

On Wednesday, the Brazilian real hovered around 4.92 per USD. This comes after it hit a low not seen in over a month the day before. The fluctuation follows key monetary policy decisions from both the Brazilian Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve. Brazil's Central Bank recently decided to reduce interest rates by 50 basis points (bps).

This decision, marking the fourth time the bank has committed to gradual monetary easing, was influenced by slowing local inflation and a somewhat struggling economy. In November, Brazil recorded an annual inflation rate of 4.68%, meeting forecasts and showing a continued decrease since September. Brazil's Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, pointed out that despite a minor GDP growth in the third quarter, the overall economy is still weakening. In contrast, the US Federal Reserve kept its borrowing costs unchanged, while projecting rate cuts totaling 75 basis points through 2024.​

 

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EURUSD Bullish Wave: Eyes on Fibonacci Levels​

In mid-December, the EURUSD pair soared, reaching a peak of 1.1016, mirroring the November high. This notable resistance was bolstered by signals from the Awesome Oscillator, indicating divergence. Consequently, the EURUSD's value dipped beneath the critical 38.2% Fibonacci support level, a move further backed by a previously breached bullish flag.

Technical analysis suggests a potential continuation of the upward trend. The ADX indicator's green bar ascended past the 20 mark, while the RSI remains steadfast above 50. However, the Awesome Oscillator stands alone in signaling bearish possibilities.

Should the bulls successfully maintain the EURUSD above the 38.2% threshold, a fresh surge in bullish momentum is likely, targeting the recent highs. Conversely, a decline below this pivotal level could signal a prolonged consolidation phase, potentially stretching down to the 61.8% and 78.6% Fibonacci support levels.​

 

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GBPUSD's Resistance Impact and Market Analysis​

Solid ECN – After reaching the 1.2797 resistance point, the GBPUSD currency pair experienced a downturn. The significance of this resistance level is underscored by the fact that it has been a consistent point of contention throughout the trading year of 2023.

In the daily chart, the RSI indicator is maintaining a position above the 50 line, while the Awesome Oscillator displays green bars. These indicators collectively point to a robust bullish market. However, for a more detailed understanding, it's beneficial to examine the 4-hour chart.

In this shorter timeframe, the technical indicators present a more varied outlook. With the 1.2797 resistance level as a backdrop, there's an anticipation that the GBPUSD pair might see further declines. This suggests that the current consolidation phase could extend, possibly reaching the Ichimoku cloud and then the lower band of the bullish flag.​

 

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AUDUSD Stays Bullish Above Key Support​

In the realm of technical analysis, the AUDUSD currency pair has impressively established itself above a key support zone, which spans a tight range from 1.6678 to 1.6690.

Turning to the indicators, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is inching closer to the overbought threshold, indicating a strong buying interest. Simultaneously, the Awesome Oscillator and the Average Directional Index (ADX) both point towards a sustained bullish momentum. While the rising RSI does hint at a possible consolidation phase, the bullish trajectory appears likely to aim for the upper boundary of the bullish channel. This bullish sentiment is further reinforced by the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. As the AUDUSD pair continues trading above this level, the bullish forces are expected to maintain their dominance.

 

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NZDUSD Rises, Bullish Trend Foreseen​

The NZDUSD pair recently achieved a notable uptick, reaching the highs of the previous week, closely aligned with the proximity of the Ichimoku cloud. A glance at the 4-hour chart reveals that the ADX lines linger below the 20 mark. This positioning indicates that the NZDUSD has been experiencing a range-bound movement in today's trading, marked by a discernible lack of momentum.

Looking at the RSI indicator, it maintains a position above 50, and the Awesome Oscillator bars present in green, signaling a positive trend. Taking these technical indicators into account, along with the overall market trajectory, it seems probable that the NZDUSD's value might escalate, potentially targeting the upper limit of the bullish flag.

Supporting this bullish stance are the Ichimoku cloud and the lower band of the bullish flag. The bullish forecast for the NZDUSD remains valid as long as it continues to trade above these levels.​

 

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USDJPY Forecast: A Turnaround Imminent?​

Since mid-November, the USDJPY currency pair has demonstrated a bearish trend, effectively establishing its position beneath the Ichimoku Cloud. Presently, it's encountering the 38.2% Fibonacci resistance, while simultaneously, the RSI indicator is exiting the oversold zone. Adding to this analysis, the Awesome Oscillator is signaling a divergence, hinting at either a consolidation phase or an imminent trend reversal for the pair.

Given these technical indicators and the current market movements, a consolidation phase seems likely for USDJPY. This could lead to a rise in its value, potentially surpassing the 38.2% Fibonacci level. Bolstering this analysis is the 50% Fibonacci support level. However, should the price fall below the critical support at 140.76, this bullish scenario would be effectively invalidated.​

 

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Shanghai Index Stabilizes Amid New Financial Rules​

Tuesday witnessed minimal movement in China's stock market, with the Shanghai Composite index closing almost flat at 2,932.39. This came as a contrast to the previous four days of falling figures. Market players were busy analyzing new rules for non-banking financial companies in China, set to be implemented from May 1, 2024. However, the calm of the day didn't lift the index much, as it hovered near its lowest point in 13 months, indicating investors' cautious approach. This cautiousness stems from the upcoming decision on loan prime rates by China's central bank, the PBoC, due on Wednesday, and mixed reports of economic activities in China for November, driven by low demand and ongoing policy challenges.

Over in the US, the stock market futures remained mostly unchanged. Investors were holding their breath for the upcoming US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index release, a critical measure of inflation monitored by the Federal Reserve, expected to impact future monetary policy.

In the realm of corporate developments, Shenzhen L&A Design witnessed a remarkable 20% jump, reaching a two-year peak. This followed news of its subsidiary, Altron Engine Data Services, planning to invest CNY 435 million in new computing servers. Other significant market shifts included CSSC Science & Tech rising by 5.6% and Kangxin New Materials gaining 3.3%. In contrast, Jiangsu Boxin Investing and Citychamp Dartong Co experienced drops of 7.2% and 2.3%, respectively.​

 

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Swiss Franc Climbs High, Supported by SNB​

The Swiss franc has risen past 0.87 against the USD, reaching its highest level since the end of July. This surge is partly due to a temporary dip in the dollar's strength and ongoing support from the Swiss National Bank. Recent dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials hinting at potential rate cuts next year have put pressure on the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the Swiss National Bank has been actively supporting the franc by selling off its foreign currency reserves. This strategy helps to mitigate the impact of fluctuating commodity prices and keeps import inflation in check, a crucial tool in combating high price growth in Europe. Latest reports show that the Swiss National Bank's foreign exchange reserves have decreased for the sixth consecutive month, hitting a seven-year low in November. On the policy side, the central bank maintained its key interest rate last week and indicated that, despite a slowdown in the country's Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation risks are still present.​

 

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Rand Dips as Dollar Stabilizes​

The South African rand is currently trading at about 18.6 against the US dollar, a slight decline from its recent one-month peak of 18.3. This change comes as the dollar finds stability, influenced by several Federal Reserve policymakers who expressed hawkish views. These officials are challenging the extent of the interest rate cuts that the markets were expecting for next year.

In South Africa, the Reserve Bank decided to maintain its main lending rate at 8.25% for the third consecutive meeting on November 23rd, a rate that hasn't been this high in 14 years. The bank continues to highlight ongoing inflationary risks. Notably, the annual inflation rate in South Africa decreased to 5.5% in November 2023. This is a drop from the five-month peak of 5.9% seen in October and brings it nearer to the central bank's target range of 3% to 6%.​

 

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BoJ's Steady Policy Boosts Tokyo Stocks

On Tuesday, the Nikkei 225 index rose by 1.4%, reaching 33,219, its highest point in two weeks. The broader TOPIX index also saw an increase, finishing 0.7% higher at 2,334. These gains followed the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its ultra-easy monetary policy, with a commitment to keeping interest rates low. The bank, however, did not provide any clues about potential changes to this policy in the next year.

Most sectors ended the day lower, except for basic materials, which remained relatively unchanged. Real estate emerged as the standout sector, leading the gains, followed by technology and non-cyclical industries. Among individual companies, Tokyo Electron saw a significant increase of 3.7%, with Fast Retailing and Recruit Holdings both gaining 2.2%.​

 

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Gold's Rise and Resistance: Fibonacci Analysis

Solid ECN – In the daily XAUUSD chart, gold recently rebounded from the 50% Fibonacci support level. Now, the metal is trading over the 38.2% Fibonacci support, approaching the resistance zone between $2,047 and $2,057.

Delving deeper with the 4-hour chart, we get a clearer picture of gold's market movements. Here, buyers are striving to keep the price over the 38.2% Fibonacci mark. This bullish trend is backed by various technical indicators. For instance, the RSI indicator is consistently above 50, a good sign for buyers. Moreover, the Awesome Oscillator shows green bars, signaling upward momentum. If this trend continues and the current level holds, we anticipate gold might reach the 61.8% Fibonacci resistance.

Conversely, if gold's price falls beneath its current support, this would challenge the current bullish perspective, potentially leading to a decline in its value.​

 

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Rising Aussie Dollar: A Five-Month High​

The Australian dollar has maintained a strong position, staying around $0.675, which is its highest level in nearly five months. This strength is largely due to the dovish (less aggressive) monetary policies of the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. These policies have put pressure on the US dollar and the yen, in turn boosting other major currencies, including the Australian dollar, commonly referred to as the Aussie.

Furthermore, the Aussie has been positively influenced by an increase in commodity prices. This rise in prices can be attributed to supply disruptions caused by attacks in the Red Sea. Additionally, the possibility of lower interest rates has also played a role in enhancing the overall demand outlook, thus supporting the Australian dollar's value.

Domestically, the situation is also noteworthy. The latest meeting minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed that the central bank had contemplated raising interest rates for a second consecutive month in December. However, the RBA opted to wait for more data before making such a decision, as there were promising signs regarding inflation.

The RBA has also observed that aggregate demand within Australia has slowed more rapidly than they had anticipated. This slowing of demand is coupled with an observation of an accelerating pace of disinflation (a slowing down in the rate of inflation) in other parts of the world. These factors together contribute to the complex economic landscape that the RBA and the Australian dollar are currently navigating.​

 

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Nikkei 225 and Topix Index Surge on BOJ's Policy​

Solid ECN – On Wednesday, Japan's Nikkei 225 Index saw a significant rise of 1.37%, closing at 33,676, while the broader Topix Index increased by 0.67% to 2,349. This growth continued from the previous session, spurred by the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy. The central bank also avoided any hints of potential changes in the coming year. Governor Kazuo Ueda, in his press conference, emphasized a dovish stance, stating the bank's readiness to implement further easing measures if needed.

Additionally, Japanese stocks were buoyed by positive developments on Wall Street, where optimism grew around the expectation that the US Federal Reserve might begin reducing interest rates next year. This optimism was reflected across almost all sectors in the Japanese market, with notable increases in shares of major companies. Kawasaki Kisen saw a rise of 5.6%, Nippon Yusen surged by 32%, Fast Retailing increased by 3.9%, Shin-Etsu Chemical went up by 4.1%, and Nippon Steel grew by 1.6%.