US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is increasingly confident that the US can tame inflation without harming the labor market, citing the stabilization of inflation indicators and the absence of widespread layoffs.
Positive US economic data supports the idea of persistently higher interest rates. Markets currently anticipate a 93% likelihood of no rate change in September and a 43.5% chance of a rate hike in November, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. This could strengthen the US Dollar (USD) and constrain EUR/USD gains.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggests that there is room to raise interest rates but emphasizes that data will guide decisions. Fed Boston President Susan Collins highlights the risks of an overly restrictive monetary policy, advocating for a cautious yet deliberate approach. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee outlines the central bank's aim to manage inflation without triggering a recession.
Regarding the euro, analysts anticipate the European Central Bank (ECB) will maintain interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting. Recent data reveals stable German Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HICP) figures and modest Eurozone GDP growth in Q2.
This week, the focus shifts to the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August and the ECB's policy decision, both influencing the EUR/USD pair's direction.
EURUSD corrected after touching the support level around 1.0680. The level of 1.0750 is now acting as resistance, hindering further advancement towards 1.0780, followed by 1.0850. However, the long, strong bearish trend remains intact.
Resistance 3 | Resistance 2 | Resistance 1 | Support 1 | Support 2 | Support 3 |
1.1090 | 1.1050 | 1.1000 | 1.0700 | 1.0650 | 1.0600 |
GBPUSD
The Pound Sterling (GBP) has made a strong recovery, with bearish market sentiment easing, although there is still a lingering sense of vulnerability. The GBP/USD pair has swiftly bounced back in anticipation of the United Kingdom's July Employment report, which will provide insights into the current labor market conditions. Investors will closely monitor wage growth momentum, as it continues to be a significant factor contributing to stubborn inflationary pressure.
The release of the UK's labor data will also assess the effectiveness of the Bank of England's (BoE) monetary policy tools in a high-inflation environment. Additionally, investors will be keenly interested in comments from BoE policymakers to gauge how close current interest rates are to their peak. Sluggish wage growth and limited recruitment levels are expected to alleviate some of the pressure on BoE policymakers.
GBP/USD is persisting in its bearish trend, heading towards the 1.2400 support level, where the 200-day moving average (200MA) and the descending channel's lower boundary are converging, creating a point of confluence. A temporary correction is happening but the big picture is still bearish for the pair.
Resistance 3 | Resistance 2 | Resistance 1 | Support 1 | Support 2 | Support 3 |
1.3150 | 1.3000 | 1.2825 | 1.2450 | 1.2400 | 1.2300 |
JPYUSD
Comments made by Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda suggesting that the BOJ might gather sufficient data by the end of the year to determine the possibility of ending negative interest rates have strengthened the yen. Given that the currency is currently nearing a historic low on a trade-weighted basis, there is certainly room for further appreciation.
However, it's important to recognize that the yen's weakness stems not only from extremely low-interest rates but also from yield curve control measures and the substantial bond purchases necessary to maintain that control, which have exerted downward pressure on the yen.
While higher interest rates could support the yen, it's likely that interest rates in Japan will remain significantly lower than those in other major economies. To merely match Taiwan's interest rates, for instance, Japanese rates would need to increase by approximately 2%, and it's highly improbable that Japanese interest rates will rise to a level that alters the yen's status as the preferred funding currency.
If interest rates alone were to change, it might not be long before the yen resumes its long-term decline. Conversely, discontinuing bond purchases could trigger substantial shifts in portfolios, particularly in Japan, where investors wield considerable influence in global markets. Such changes could potentially establish a long-term low in the yen's value.
USDJPY coming back toward the 146.00 support level whereas the down parallel of the bullish trend helps support the price. The bullish long trend is still strong and the next level at 150 is the next target.
Resistance 3 | Resistance 2 | Resistance 1 | Support 1 | Support 2 | Support 3 |
151.50 | 149.00 | 148.00 | 147.30 | 146.50 | 146.00 |
XAUUSD
The price of gold is currently trading at approximately $1,930 per troy ounce, showing a rebound from the losses seen in the previous week. This recovery is attributed to a weakening US Dollar (USD), which reduces the likelihood of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) maintaining unchanged interest rates in the upcoming September meeting.
However, 10-year US Treasury bond yields have risen to 4.30%, an increase of 0.84% at the time of writing. Despite this, the US Dollar Index (DXY) is losing ground during the Asian session on Monday. The spot price for gold is around 104.60.
The Greenback is expected to remain resilient due to consistent positive economic data from the United States (US). Investors will closely watch the release of the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the US on Wednesday, which could offer insights into the country's inflation situation.
Investors are also anticipating a 25 basis point (bps) interest rate hike by the Fed in either November or December, with expectations of sustained elevated interest rates. This hawkish stance could further support gold.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed confidence in the US's ability to control inflation without harming employment, while Chicago Fed Bank President Austan Goolsbee discussed the Fed's goal of achieving stable economic growth with decreasing inflation.
Additionally, gold may have been impacted by China's weaker-than-expected August Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the ongoing challenges faced by Chinese authorities in achieving their 5% GDP growth target for the year.
Gold found support at the 100MA on the 4-hour chart as the Dollar retraced back yesterday, but the general view is still bearish for gold. The next support level is at 1910, and a breakout of this support level will take the price toward 1900, followed by 1885.
Resistance 3 | Resistance 2 | Resistance 1 | Support 1 | Support 2 | Support 3 |
1920 | 1942 | 1931 | 1910 | 1900 | 1885 |
DAX40
European stocks reached a one-week high on Monday, driven by data suggesting a stabilization in the Chinese economy. Traders are preparing for a busy week, focusing on the crucial US inflation report and the European Central Bank (ECB) policy meeting.
Italian stocks (FTSEMIB) led the gains among European markets, climbing 0.8%, while the UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.4%.
In the sector-specific focus, the mining index (.SXPP) surged by 2.4% as metal prices increased on the expectation of improved demand from China, a major consumer.
Positive inflation data and additional stimulus measures from Beijing contributed to the perception that China, the world's second-largest economy, was stabilizing.
Investors are eagerly anticipating Wednesday's US inflation data, which will influence global interest rates. Additionally, market participants foresee a 60% chance that the ECB will maintain its interest rates on Thursday, according to LSEG data.
Deutsche Bank strategists noted, "Our economists have nervously maintained their 3.75% terminal deposit rate forecast for many months, and therefore, they believe the ECB will stay on hold." However, they added that even if there's no hike this week, it shouldn't be interpreted as a signal of confidence that this is the last hike. European inflation remains uncertain, and GDP growth has been stagnant since last autumn.
Investors will closely follow commentary from ECB officials throughout the week to solidify their expectations regarding the central bank's interest rate path.
Regarding individual stocks, Covestro (1COV) rose 3.2% after the German chemicals firm engaged in discussions with suitor Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) regarding a takeover approach.
Vistry Group (VTY) was the top gainer among individual stocks, surging by 13.3%, following its announcement of merging its affordable-housing business 'Partnerships' with its Housebuilding operations.
Conversely, Alfa Laval (ALFA) declined by 2.6% after Citi downgraded the Swedish engineering group's rating to "Neutral" from "Buy," citing an expected slowdown in order growth affecting earnings.
Lastly, ratings agency Fitch will review Germany's long-term credit rating on Friday. Currently, Germany holds an 'AAA' rating with a stable outlook, making it Europe's largest economy.
DAX received support and experienced a rebound at the 15,500 level. The current price range encompasses support at 15,500 and resistance at 16,400. In the short term, DAX went back toward the 15600 level after finding resistance at the 16000.
Resi Level 3 | Resi Level 2 | Resi Level 1 | Suppo level 1 | Suppo level 2 | Suppo level 3 |
16600 | 16400 | 16200 | 15650 | 15400 | 15200 |