Daily Market Analysis from ForexMart (Fundamentals)

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 20, 2016


The GBP/USD pair exhibited consolidation and range trading during the past trading session, with the currency pair now trading over 1.2400 points with more consolidation plus a bearish bias for today’s sessions. The currency pair initially exhibited positive movement during the earlier sessions but dropped in value as yesterday’s trading sessions progressed. There were economic releases from the UK during yesterday’s session, but the Scottish Prime Minister has released a statement which inadvertently threatens the UK’s Brexit process after Scotland decided to remain in the European Union, whereas the whole of UK has already decided to relieve themselves from the eurozone. This has already increased the risk of the already very muddled Brexit process since Parliament members are now in the middle of debating the validity of Article 50 which is a vital part of the said process.


For today’s trading session, there are no major economic releases expected from the UK but the recent strength of the USD could dominate the whole market, and the continuing confusion with regards to the Brexit process could increase the downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair for the coming weeks. Any bounce found in the currency pair should be immediately seen as a short opportunity for this particular currency pair.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 21, 2016


The GBP/USD pair is now struggling to cope with the effects of the markedly low liquidity during this holiday season, much like other currency pairs. However, the GBP/USD managed to fare relatively better in terms of market volatility as compared to other currencies since it had a 100-pip range for the previous trading sessions. In spite of the USD’s current strength becoming the dominant feature of the financial market, the lack of market volatility has managed to offset the USD’s strength and has become advantageous to other currencies such as the sterling pound. The USD is expected to regain market control eventually, but until that happens, then the GBP could still range and consolidate at the lower region of 1.2500 points.


As the Brexit process resumes, the GBP/USD is expected to trade with a bearish bias for the short term and medium term, especially since Scotland is apparently disagreeing with UK’s plans to leave the European Union and the UK will have to exert more effort in order to negotiate with all involved parties and make way for an easier Brexit process. Theresa May will also be needing additional support as the Brexit process begins, which is expected to become a long and arduous process.


For today’s session, there are no major news releases from Britain, and with the holiday season fast approaching, liquidity is expected to drop further which could lead to more ranging and consolidation on most currency pairs.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 21, 2016


The EUR/USD pair experienced consolidation and ranging during Tuesday’s trading session, with the currency pair becoming limited to a 60-pip range in spite of the dollar’s increasing strength. This particular range for the EUR/USD is expected to become more limited and tighter as the holiday season approaches, mostly due to lowered liquidity during this period, with market players most likely taking advantage of this period to drive certain currency pairs in directions more favorable for their trades. Traders are advised against trading during this time, but if they do so, stop losses should be tight enough to avoid possible mishaps in the short term.


For today’s trading session, there are no major economic events scheduled to be released from either the US or the European Union, and the EUR/USD is expected to exhibit more ranging, albeit with a more pronounced bearish bias. If the pair would be able to reach the 1.0460 region, then this could be seen as an opportunity to trade in the short-term with a more secure stop loss. The recent strength of the value of the US dollar is expected to dominate the overall direction of the market both in the short run and the long run.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/JPY Technical Analysis: December 21, 2016


The JPY experienced a drop in value following the latest economic news release from Japan, where the Bank of Japan decided to maintain its current monetary policies until such time that inflation rates go beyond 2%. The Japanese economy is also reportedly continuing its recent recovery. The USD/JPY pair rallied during Tuesday’s trading session following this move from the BoJ, and buyers were able to take control of the pair and sent the USD/JPY soaring well beyond its daily highs. The USD went up from 117.00 to 118.00 in the London trading session, and was able to test the 118.00 region prior to the opening of the North American session. The value of the USD/JPY reverted from the 100 EMA in the pair’s hourly chart. Meanwhile, the USD went beyond the 50 EMA while on its way towards the upper region of the chart and veered away from its moving averages. Resistance levels for the currency pair is expected to come in at 118.00 points, while support levels are expected to be at 117.00 points.


The MACD levels for the currency pair stayed within its previous level, indicating the increase in buyer strength. The RSI indicators for the currency pair went upwards as well. If buyers are able to maintain its control over the USD/JPY pair, then the price of the value could possibly move up further to 119.00 points.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

NZD/USD Technical Analysis: December 21, 2016


The remarks of Yellen about the strengthening of the U.S job market plus the 2017 plan for Fed tightening subsidize the greenbacks, however, weighed heavily on higher-yielding New Zealand dollar. The NZD continued to be bearish and slid down through 0.6900 during the mid-Europe session held yesterday.


Upon successfully breaking the level, sellers had expanded its gain through the 0.6850 region. As indicated in the 4-hour chart, the price traded under the moving averages as the 50-EMA pass over the 100 and 200-EMAs in a lower point. Moreover, the entire moving averages sustained its bearish pattern. Current resistance touched the 0.6900 area, support settled around the 0.6850 level.


MACD grew less which confirmed stronger stance for the sellers. The RSI approached the oversold zone in which supports a renewed downward movement. The NZD/USD will reach the 0.6850 after it broke the 0.6900 region. Should the price advance towards the 0.6800 upon beating its initial target.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

AUD/USD Technical Analysis: December 23, 2016


The consecutive events regarding the economic growth of US together with the fiscal policy issued by Trump and hawkish outlook of the Fed for 2017 set the minds of the investors to avert from higher-yielding currencies including the Aussie dollar.


The market carried a bearish sentiment on Thursday. The AUD/USD pair further decline after the 2-day narrow consolidation. The sellers pushed the AUD towards 0.7200 from the previous 0.7250 region in the EU hours. Moreover, sellers failed to surpass the 0.7200 mark which caused them to take a pause. After the price touched the aforesaid levels, it made a roll back.


As shown in the 1-hour chart, the Australian dollar bounce back through the 50-EMA and resumed a downward trend. The moving averages maintained a bearish pattern as indicated in the same timeframe. Resistance is at 0.7250, the support holds the 0.7200 handle.


MACD grew less which means further strengthening for the sellers. RSI still was seen in the oversold territory and supported another downtrend.


Technical indicators exhibit a bearish tone. It is highly expected for a downward movement within the 0.7100 and 0.7150 levels.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 28, 2016


The GBP/USD pair traded within a tight range of 50 pips during yesterday’s trading session, and is expected to continue this particular trend along with ranging and consolidation for today’s session unless interrupted by a currency flow just before the month ends. The UK market was characterized by a remarkably low level of liquidity yesterday due to a UK holiday. However, some market players are banking on an increase in volatility just before this month draws to a close, as well as currency flows which could possibly occur towards the end of the week. However, the recent market trends are not expected to become completely altered even if the month-end currency flows appear and induce market volatility. This is because the recent dollar weakness is expected to continue up until the end of this week, and since the USD is expected to bounce back immediately after the holiday season, the recent trends might still be sustained even after the holidays.


For today’s trading session, there are no major economic news releases expected from UK, and this means that the GBP/USD would most likely engage in more ranging and consolidation up until the end of today’s series of sessions.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 28, 2016


The EUR/USD is still experiencing a tight-lipped trading range after trading within 30 pips. The market liquidity is not expected to increase until next year since there are no signs of currency flows as of late. However, the new year is expected to bring back market liquidity since this signals the end of the holiday season. The EUR/USD had high trading ranges during the North American session yesterday, where it attempted to go beyond 1.0470 points in order to reach 1.0530 points. Meanwhile, the USD exhibited a marked weakness during these past few sessions, particularly against the EUR. This trend is expected to remain for the rest of the week as the market attempts to remove some of the bearishness of other currencies against the USD. The USD’s strength is expected to bounce back next week, and it is therefore vital that the euro bulls would be able to take hold of this opportunity and accomplish all moves in order to avoid the adverse effects of the USD regaining its strength.


There are no major economic data releases expected from the international community for today’s sessions, and this means that added consolidation and ranging could possibly be felt as there are no currency flows which could be a catalyst for added market volatility. As such, traders are advised to tread lightly and remain within the sidelines for this particular period.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/CAD Fundamental Analysis: December 28, 2016


The USD/CAD pair is still trading with a bullish stance after spending almost the whole of the previous session trading above 1.3500 points, and this trend is expected to continue for today’s session. The USD traded on a somewhat much weaker tone in relation to other currencies, but in the loonie’s case the weakness of the US dollar seemed to have little if not completely no effect on this particular currency, with the CAD easily trading over 1.3500 points and could possibly become more positive when the USD regains some of its recent losses next week. Market speculators have long since been saying that the CAD might soon be subject to a very strong uptrend, and traders should be loading up on longs in order to make way for bigger future gains.


The USD/CAD pair seems to be already unaffected by the movement of oil prices unlike a few weeks back, wherein the CAD had significant reactions to the wild careening of oil prices. Now, in spite of the recent increase in oil prices, the CAD continues to trade strongly. However, the next few weeks are expected to hit an adverse effect on the Canadian economy since the recent economic data from the region has done little to appease investor sentiment, and oil prices are expected to continue increasing, and Trump will be assuming office in January. The somewhat weakening of the CAD is evidence of this foreboding string of events next year.


Today’s trading session will most likely be characterized by more consolidation and ranging with a bullish undertone since there are no major news releases from the Canadian economy.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 29, 2016


The EUR/USD pair became somewhat active during the previous trading session after a lackluster performance during the past few days, and this is especially good news for traders who are waiting for any sign of market activity since the holiday season has caused the market liquidity to diminish. The currency pair was able to go beyond its daily price range of 30-40 pips, and the USD’s recent price surge has caused the EUR/USD pair to plummet below 1.0400 points and even reached 1.0360 points. However, the negative pending home sales data from the US has caused the currency pair to go back above 1.0400 points.


As the new year starts and the holiday season comes to an end, the market’s volatility and liquidity is expected to return, and liquidity levels could possibly go higher. However, the strength of the US dollar is not expected to be stalled anytime soon, and government leaders from both the UK and the European Union are now preparing for the onslaught of the Brexit process next year, which is expected to be very tedious for both regions. On the other hand, Germany will also be holding its elections next year, and the market will be closely monitoring Merkel’s performance before and during the elections. However, until such time that these things happen, market players should first monitor just how long will the USD be able to maintain its recent strong stance. For the EUR/USD pair, the currency pair is expected to consolidate with a bullish undertone as the market adjusts to the very disappointing pending home sales data from the US.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 29, 2016


The USD was able to regain some of its lost strength during the earlier parts of yesterday’s trading session, which was felt all throughout the market, and has also affected the sentiment of the sterling pound. The GBP then plummeted and the GBP/USD pair went way below 1.2200 points after almost two months as a result of a very disappointing home sales data. However, as the North American session commenced, the GBP/USD pair was able to surface over 1.2200 points and has hovered over this level for the rest of the trading session. But it still remains to be seen whether the currency pair would be able to deflect the effects of the USD’s ever-growing strength.


The effects of the long and winding Brexit process is expected to be seen during the next several months since various government leaders from the UK and the EU is set to debate on how to go through with the process in general. These are expected to create a constant pressure for the sterling pound, and all reversions on the part of the GBP/USD could immediately be sold by bears, therefore making it hard for this currency pair to make any significant advancements in the coming months.


For today’s trading session, since there are no major economic data which is set to be released from the UK region, the GBP/USD pair is more likely to encounter more consolidation with a bullish undertone, especially since the market is currently experiencing low volatility and liquidity due to the holiday season.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/CAD Fundamental Analysis: December 29, 2016


The USD/CAD pair continued to trade in an upward direction due to substantial support coming from the USD, which was basically the market’s theme during yesterday’s trading session. The currency pair was able to maintain its buoyancy in spite of the recent surge in oil prices. Market speculators are now stating that oil prices could be well on its way towards reaching its optimum price and once oil prices stop going in an upward direction, then this could put more pressure on the Canadian dollar, thereby inducing a strong uptrend on the USD/CAD pair.


The USD experienced a short correction during yesterday’s session after the US home sales data came in at a disappointing reading of -2.5% which fell short of initial market expectations of 0.5%. Luckily, the market is now shifting its focus on the Fed’s rate hikes this 2017, particularly the pricing of these rate hikes. The strength of the USD is very evident as of late, since the lack of trading and relatively low market liquidity was unable to mask the dollar’s strong stance, as well as the CAD’s pointed weakness.


For today’s trading session, there are no major economic data scheduled to be released from Canada, while the US is expected to release its weekly oil inventory data. Since the market is relatively thin due to the holiday season, expect an added consolidation for the USD/CAD with a bullish undertone.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 3, 2017


The pair GBP/USD has been moving softly and remains resilient despite the appreciation of U.S. dollar since yesterday. This was brought by closing of London market same with the New York market that causing the low liquidity and weak volatility of the pair. Since today is the opening again, it is expected for the pair to gain volatility and waiting for hints on what will happen to the short term trend.


The U.S. dollar surged in the early weeks of December since the announcement of the Fed rate hike but a few correction were seen as the days advanced near the holidays. This pushed the pair to go lower towards the 1.2400 level predominant in thin market but it is expected that this will only occur for a short period of time. Since it is after holidays, then there will be high liquidity that guarantees the next moves compared to how it was 2 weeks ago.


The Manufacturing PMI data from U.K. will be announced today that starts this week rich in data while the market awaits if the trend will continued to be supported by U.K. keep posting positive results in the midst of Brexit preparation. However, the surge of dollar may continue for some time while pound weakens. Hence, any form of rebound for the pair signals an opportunity for short-term position.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/CAD Fundamental Analysis: January 4, 2017


The USD/CAD was one of the few currency pairs which benefited from the dollar index surge, as well as the recent drop in crude oil prices during yesterday’s trading session, which was the result of the carrying out of the recent agreements between oil production firms. The USD/CAD pair continued to exhibit a somewhat circumspect trading in spite of the dollar strength and has also limited itself to a tight trading range yesterday. The USD/CAD pair made a short-term drop at just below 1.3400 points but eventually reverted back to due an onslaught in demand and is now currently hovering at just below the 1.3450 trading range. The currency pair is expected to increase its strength as the day progresses, especially since majority of traders are now finishing off the holiday season and are now coming back to their trading desks. Even if the increase in the dollar index is not expected to drop anytime soon, its effect on the currency pair is expected to be somewhat subdued since the effect of the dollar surge could be offset by the recent increase in oil prices.


For today’s trading session, there are no major economic news releases from both Canada and US, and if the USD’s strength continues to go across the board, then the USD/CAD could possibly re-test the 1.3500 levels soon.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 4, 2017


As the market’s overall volatility and liquidity returned yesterday following the holiday season, the USD once again exhibited its strength across the board. The strength of the currency was further augmented by the strong economic data which was released from the US. The US Manufacturing PMI data came in yesterday and showed a positive reading of 54.7, which just evident of the US economy’s recently positive economic data. If the nation continues to clock in positive economic sentiments, then this could further cement the chances of more frequent rate hikes from the Federal Reserve this year, and could also lead to faster hike pricing as well.


As a result, the EUR/USD pair plummeted through 1.0400 points and even surpassed its monthly lows last December for a short duration but eventually recovered during the opening of the European trading session and is currently hovering within the 1.0400 trading range. Market players are expecting the USD’s strength to be felt across the market for today, and if the EUR/USD could manage to break through 1.0400 points, then this could lead to the pair going lower further and possibly reaching 1.0300 points.


For today’s session, there are no major economic data coming from both the European Union and US and the market is most likely to be dominated by the onslaught of the returning of traders into the market, and any reversion in the EUR/USD should be seen by trades as a short-term opportunity.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 5, 2017


The GBP/USD significantly increased in value during the previous trading session after the USD dropped following the release of the latest FOMC meeting minutes. The market was somewhat docile during the rest of yesterday’s session but immediately picked up after the release of the minutes during the North American session yesterday, and has caused the USD to undergo corrections across the board.


However, the reaction of the GBP/USD pair to this phenomenon is somewhat docile compared to other USD-related currency pairs, and this is expected to keep the bulls on their toes. Initially, the GBP/USD pair was expected to rise exponentially since the UK construction PMI data clocked in a highly positive reading and exceeded its market expectations of 54.2, and the FOMC minutes lacked the expected hawkishness from the market. But the reason why this currency pair’s growth was significantly limited is that the various risks and uncertainties surrounding the Brexit process continues to dog a lot of traders due to the general confusion within this issue. This is why a number of speculators are saying that the GBP/USD would be receiving the shorter end of the stick once the USD regains its strength.


Although the UK is not expected to release any economic data for today, the US will be releasing a number of important economic data along with the highly essential NFP report, which is expected to determine the overall market sentiment for the rest of the month. If these set of data comes out as positive, then the USD could possibly rebound and could be sustained until the end of January.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/CAD Fundamental Analysis: January 5, 2017


The USD/CAD pair exhibited a significantly large correction during yesterday’s trading session after the USD lost some of its value due to the absence of a hawkish undertone on the minutes of the FOMC meeting which was released yesterday. The USD/CAD only weakened further since it had already failed to reach the higher trading regions. The USD/CAD pair is now sitting just over the 1.3300 trading region.


Since oil prices have been generally positive during the past few days, the market expects that its effect would be felt in the current value of the CAD as well, and true enough, the currency pair dropped yesterday while the market went into a lull. The Canadian dollar then extended its losses after the release of the FOMC minutes, which triggered the weakening of the USD and therefore increased the downward pressure on the USD/CAD pair.


There are no major economic news releases from the Canadian economy for today’s session. However, the US is expecting to release a number of major data, including the Unemployment Claims data, and the ADP employment report. These data are determinant of whether the market would experience added volatility or otherwise, depending on the readings. The US will also be releasing the NFP report tomorrow, which is considered as a critical determinant of market volatility. Traders are encouraged to evaluate the effects of these news releases on the currency pair before trading in on the USD/CAD.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 5, 2017


The USD has been exhibiting corrections across the market during the start of today’s trading session, causing the EUR/USD pair to break through 1.0500 before eventually settling at 1.0525 points, with the outlook for the currency pair looking generally positive for today’s session. The market is expected to go through a lot of market volatility during the next few days since there are a number of major economic news releases set to be released in the coming days. However, it is still unclear whether the USD would be able to sustain its corrections in the next few days.


Since there were no economic data released during the first few hours of the previous trading session, the market has shifted its focus on the minutes of the FOMC meeting. Once the minutes were released, however, the USD sustained damages since the minutes did not have any clear hawkish stances. This has caused the EUR/USD to hit 1.0500 and then went even lower as the USD quickly recovered. The currency pair has since then been regaining its footing after the USD lost some of its strength.


For today’s trading session, the major economic news releases include the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change data, a precursor to the NFP data which is set to be released during tomorrow’s trading session. The Unemployment Claims data as well as the Non-Manufacturing PMI data will be closely monitored by the majority of market players, since these are expected to continue the generally positive economic trend seen in the US lately. A positive reading from this particular set of data could also become determinants of whether the next interest rate hike from Fed would come earlier, therefore increasing the frequency of hikes. However, if the data comes out as negative, then the USD could be subject to more corrections prior to the release of the NFP economic data.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

USD/CAD Fundamental Analysis: January 9, 2017


The USD/CAD has recently been in a reticent mood during the past few trading sessions, and analysts are speculating that the USD/CAD pair could possibly be in for a good trading session since oil prices have now become buoyant and is expected to remain buoyant since the cutbacks in the production of oil are expected to be implemented anytime soon, thereby spelling good news for the Canadian dollar. The Canadian trade balance data as well as the employment change data also came out exceeding initial investor expectations, and this means that the CAD would be receiving substantial support both in the long term and short term, and the Canadian dollar’s value could be well on its way to increasing.


In a much more normal market setting, a scenario such as this would automatically lead to a correction in the USD/CAD. However, the USD is also gaining strength alongside the CAD, and this is expected to offset if not completely counter the effects of the recent rise in the value of the Canadian dollar. This situation is then expected to keep the pair within a tight trading range in the short term period. Friday’s session was a testament to this scenario, as the currency pair made a short drop at 1.3200 points but immediately went up above 1.3200 after the release of the economic data from the regions before finally settling just below 1.3250 points. There are no expected economic data to be released from both the Canadian and US economy for today, and this could help the USD/CAD to extend its gains towards 1.3300 points.

 

[Andrea ForexMart]

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 9, 2017


A lot of analysts have been initially saying that the GBP/USD pair will be the currency most likely to experience the majority of the adverse effects of the recent surge in the USD’s value, especially since there is a lot of confusion and discussion going on with regards to the provisions of the Brexit process, particularly with its stakeholders, who all have to step up their game in the next two years. This is why the GBP/USD pair has recently become more susceptible than ever, and traders are advised against selling any bounces in the GBP/USD pair. The downward trend in this particular currency pair is very evident, since its bounces have been very few and far in between, with deep corrections dogging the pair’s direction.


Friday’s session proved this particular downtrend in the pair, since the market has seen the currency pair stop its consolidation and plummeted through 1.2400 points and eventually through 1.2300 points. The NFP report as well as the average wages data from the US also came in last Friday, with the data showing an increase in average wages, thereby increasing chances that the Federal Reserve would be soon stating its next interest rate hike. The Scottish Prime Minister has also released some comments over the weekend, saying that Scotland would most likely undergo yet another vote with regards to “Scexit”, or Scottish independence from the UK. During the controversial Brexit vote, it can be recalled that Scotland initially voted to remain in the European Union but eventually had to concede after majority of the UK states voted to “exit” from the EU. This is only one the many issues surrounding the Brexit process, and will be incessantly putting the sterling pound in great risk.


There are no major economic data expected today from both the UK and the US, and the market is expected to be continuously dominated by the existing market trends for today’s trading session,and the USD strength is expected to be the driving force behind the market for today.