Daily Market Analysis from Hotforex Broker

[HFM]

Date : 11th February 2015

EURNZD APPROACHING THE LOWER END OF THE CHANNEL AGAIN.​

The pair has been in a wide ranging downward channel since August 2013. There was recently an overshoot below the channel line which caused a sizeable contra trend move that was then rejected at a pivot low from November last year. The reversal was strong creating a shooting star like candle. The high of the candle coincided with the 1.5815 Fibonacci level, while the pivot low from November is at the approx. region of the 50% Fibonacci level. Price is approaching the lower end of the recent range as well as the lower end of the bearish channel.

EURNZD, Daily

EURNZD has broken out of the recent downtrend and has now retraced back to the trendline. This level also coincides with 61.8% Fibonacci level and a candle high of a recent pivot at 1.5171. Stochastics are oversold and there has been a tick higher in the indicator suggesting momentum might be reversing here. The resistance level at 1.5346 is the weekly pivot candle low and could therefore be a significant resistance. The pair has also created a higher low and a higher high, suggesting bullishness inside the long term down trend.

EURNZD, 240 min

The short term trend is down but the Stochastics indicator is signalling bullish divergence here (price makes a lower low but the indicator a higher low). The nearest support level is 1.5172 which also coincides with the 61.8% Fibonacci Retracement level. Price is testing the short term trendline at the time of writing and should the breakout happen here, the first test for the bulls is the 1.5319 resistance level while the next resistance level is at 1.5507.

Conclusion:

The long term picture is bearish as the price has been trending lower for quite some time and still is inside the downward channel. However, the channel width is huge and the contra trend moves can and have been sizeable. This leaves room for swing trades in both directions. The current price action is taking place at a combination of technical factors: trendline support (former daily downtrend), pivot candle high and 61.8% Fibonacci level. In addition we have oversold Stochastics in the daily time frame and the bullish divergence in the 4h hour chart. All this points out to a possibility of price turning higher from the proximity of current price levels, but we should remember that this level is mid-rage in the daily time frame and trade accordingly (smaller time frame trade ideas in accordance with how the price reacts to trendlines and S&R levels). These smaller resolution based trade ideas can then be turned into swing positions should the price action validate the bullish indications the daily chart. We now have a daily higher low and higher high, which suggests bullishness. If however the 1.5171 support level is decisively broken, then the next level that I find interesting for short exits and long entries is close to the 1.4940, an area where the daily Bollinger bands currently reside.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
Hotforex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 12th February 2015

EURJPY CLOSE TO WEEKLY RESISTANCE LEVELS.​

The pair has moved significantly lower since the November highs last year and then reversed from a 2013 consolidation area. The weekly pivot candle had a narrow range between open and closing price and since then price has moved close to 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 137.64. The level coincides with a weekly high and is therefore a likely resistance level. Stochastics and Relative Strength Index (RSI) are crossing over from oversold levels giving bullish indication. However, the sideways market from July to October last year is a likely resistance area and I am expecting it to bring to price closer to latest weekly lows again.

EURJPY, Daily

EURJPY has broken out of the down trend after an overshoot to the downside. The 26th January candle was a rejection candle and formed the pivot low for this potential bottoming formation. Stochastics has moved into overbought territory for the first time since November last year and price is edging closer to a resistance level at 137.26 and the 38.2% Fibonacci level at 137.72. There is a support level (former resistance) that roughly coincides with the 23.6% Fibonacci level and was supporting price at the time of writing. The next level of support is in the 133.68 region, while the daily Bollinger Bands are also worth keeping an eye on especially when they are in the proximity of the previous downward channel high.

EURNZD, 240 min

Price has reacted from the upper end of a short term bull channel and reached the recent sideways range that is now supporting price. Should this support fail, the next significant support area is at 133.42 to 133.67 where the 50% Fibonacci level, the lower Bollinger bands and the channel low coincide.

Conclusion:

The pivot candle from two weeks ago had a narrow range between open and closing price, which implies that the big time frame supply and demand were in balance at those levels. Stochastics and Relative Strength Index (RSI) are crossing over from oversold levels which together with the weekly pivot candle (being relatively close to the current price) gives a longer term bullish indication. However, the fact that this is taking place just below a sideways range from the latter half of 2014 means that there is resistance above. In the daily picture the Stochastics have moved into overbought territory for the first time since November last year and the pair is now getting closer to a resistance level at 137.26 and the 38.2% Fibonacci level at 137.72. This is a long term bullish but short term bearish indication as the price is likely to correct lower from overbought levels but in the longer term picture this is a sign of the down move is likely now over. As usual, I am interested in shorts against the resistance levels and longs at supports providing the multi time frame analysis and momentum reversal signals confirm the validity of the levels.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
Hotforex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 13th February 2015

CRUDE OIL HAS BEEN ATTRACTING BUYERS.​

Crude Oil is now trading at levels near to the 2009 lows. As the world economy is sluggish but nowhere near to the paralysis caused by the 2008 credit crunch it is safe to assume that the levels are oversold both in fundamental and technical sense. The supply of oil has increased as the US shale oil has entered the market and the Saudis have decided to defend the market share rather than price but the ever growing world population means that the limited oil resources have to be shared by an increasing number of consumers. As the population and its wealth grow the consumption of oil can only go up. The passenger trends in air travel are a good example of this. According to the International Air Transport Association the global airline industry is expected see a 7% growth in passenger traffic in 2015 with the average annual growth rate being at 5.5%. This energy intensive industry will therefore be carrying almost 30% more customers in 2020 and is likely to hedge aviation fuel costs at the current price levels. As the global GDP is still expected grow by 3.2% in 2015, it is likely that other likely hedgers include the businesses in other forms of transport and cargo business as well as mutual funds, hedge funds and other institutional investors.

US Dollar index (inverted) and Crude Oil, Daily

As the above chart very clearly shows the price of oil has been inversely correlated with the DXY, US Dollar Index. The blue line is the inverted DXY while the black line is the price of Crude Oil. Now that the trend in DXY is getting showing signs of indecision the Crude Oil price has become more volatile.

Crude Oil, Weekly

The price is fluctuating relatively close to 2009 low and is showing strength by closing last week above the last four weekly highs. This has not happened since last summer. Also, we now have a weekly pivot candle with two higher lows on each side for the first time since the August 2014. This and last week the price has established a new support level at the proximity of the high (48.35) of this pivot candle. The nearest resistance is still at the 53.60 area. Price has traded inside the lower 1.5 stdv Bollinger band for almost three weeks, yet another long term bullish sign. On the bearish side we have a potential long legged Doji candle (looks like a cross) with open and close currently fairly close to each other. While the previous candle showed strength with open way below the closing price the current candle cannot give the same indication unless we will see a strong move higher from current levels. This would in the current context have short term bearish indications.

Crude Oil, Daily

After breaking out of the descending regression channel the price of oil is now moving sideways between the resistance at weekly low at 53.60 and the high of weekly pivot candle at 48.35. We now have a higher high, and two higher lows at 48.35 support which suggests that the buyers are willing support price at higher levels after each retracement from the 53.60 resistance level. If this reoccurs without price creating a lower high it will create pressure against the sellers at the 53.60 resistance area.

Crude Oil, 240 min

The price is now at sideways range in 4h chart and has found support twice from the level just above the 61.8% Fibonacci level. I suggested in my previous analysis that we could look for intraday buy signals at approx. at this level. Now the price is at the upper Bollinger bands and Stochastics (and RSI) is indicating that it is becoming overbought.



Conclusion:

The levels close to previous market low are always interesting and a potential support area. Now that the price is close to 2009 lows it is likely that several hedgers are interested in stepping in. This is very likely already happening as we are seeing many bullish signs in the weekly picture: 1) a close above the last four weekly highs for the first time since the last summer, 2) a weekly pivot candle with two higher lows on each side (the first time since the August 2014), 3) the price has traded inside the lower 1.5 stdv Bollinger band for almost three weeks (again the first occurrence since the last summer). Buyers are taking the upper hand. On the bearish side the weekly chart might create a long legged Doji candle (looks like a cross) with open and close currently fairly close to each other. While the previous candle showed strength with open way below the closing price the current candle cannot give the same indication unless we will see a strong move higher from current levels. This would have short term bearish indications and mean that probabilities for move closer to the bottom end of the range would increase.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
Hotforex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 16th February 2015

SEVERAL TECHNICAL FACTORS SUPPORTING GOLD.​

Price corrected lower from the levels around 1280 to 1284 as per my previous analysis and has now reached a key support area (1203 – 1220). The long term weekly trend is still down but the medium term bullish channel is more relevant for the current price action. The last week’s candle has a relatively small range and the close was not that far below from the open. This is a sign of momentum slowing down. Price is at an area that resisted price moves higher in December last year (now support) and the rising trendline is getting close. In addition, the 50% Fibonacci level is right at the last week’s low. Nearest support and resistance levels are at 1222 and 1251, while the next levels are at 1203 and 1284. Fibonacci retracement levels of 50% and 61.8% coincide with the 1222 and 1203 support levels.

Gold, Daily:

The regression channel tool provides us a slightly different picture of the rising medium term trend. The move above 1284 level was an overshoot and now the price has reached the lower end of the channel. As the lower Bollinger Bands also reside at the current levels it is safe to assume that this is an important price region in technical sense. In addition the Stochastics oscillator is giving a signal that momentum is reversing while the indicator is below the oversold threshold. The nearest important support and resistance levels are the same in the daily time frame: 1222 and 1251.

Gold, 240 min:

Price followed roughly the bear trend channel I drew in my previous analysis and provided many shorting opportunities for our traders. Now that the price has reached an important support level it has reacted higher. The Stochastics is getting close to overbought area and the price is approaching both the upper Bollinger bands and a sideways move between 1233 and 1245. This should slow the price down and cause it to test the support area again.

Conclusion:

There is a very good chance that Gold has bottomed and will now create a higher low somewhere close to the current levels. There are several technical factors supporting price and the price movements since the Swiss election (rejecting the increase in country’s Gold reserves) have been pretty much what I anticipated at the time (a move higher to the upper end of the long term channel). Now price is at key support levels and at the upper end of the potential bottoming formation (between 1131 and 1222). It is likely that this will act as a zone from which the price of Gold can launch higher. This view is confirmed if we’ll now see a higher weekly low (last week’s candle hints that we might get one) close to the current levels. In fact, the whole range As I said before these are the levels where I would be interested in adding to longer term Gold positions. A lower high would be a negative and increase a risk of price moving lower.

In the short term picture, the price is at the time of writing close to a minor resistance level at which the price action should be monitored for momentum reversal signals. As the price usually never turns on a dime, it is reasonable to expect that there will be volatility or sideways move before the price of Gold can turn higher in the weekly time frame. Short term traders should take advantage of this and look for intraday momentum reversal signals (as per my teaching in the webinars) and some of those intraday positions could be turned in to swing trades as the price is at key higher timeframe support levels.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
Hotforex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 17th February 2015

SILVER FOLLOWS GOLD AS IT MOVES CLOSE TO KEY LEVELS.​

The price of silver has been trending lower and has now after reaching the low of 14.15 reacted strongly higher over the last three months. This rally was stopped by a resistance at 18.62 and price has since moved lower to 16.55 where it created a weekly pivot. All in all the price is trending lower in a wide trend channel and is now close to a midrange between the latest weekly pivot high of 18.50 and 14.15 low. However, if the Gold finds support from the potential bottoming area (see my previous analysis on Gold), then it is safe to assume that highly correlated Silver is also a long term buy. Silver is now close to a similar region as Gold, where price is trading just above levels that used to resist price moves higher. This suggests that the downside relative to weekly price swings is getting limited.

Silver, Daily:

Silver has now broken a recent uptrend and created a lower high at the trend line. It is now moving sideways between the trendline and a support at 16.55. The daily pivot high from February 3rd limited the upside and has turned price lower today. The price of Silver is currently close to the daily range low and at a level that coincides with the 38.2% Fibonacci level. The 50% level is in the region of the lower Bollinger bands. Should the current levels break, the next potential support levels are in the region of 15.50 to 15.80 (support level and the 61.8% Fibonacci level).

Silver, 240 min:

In the 4h time frame the price is in a sideways range and has moved close to the lower end of it. The Stochastics are oversold and price is getting close to the Bollinger bands.

Conclusion:

As we have a strong weekly resistance area above and a weekly pivot below it is likely that the price will remain range bound between 15.50 and 18.60 over the coming weeks. These levels are approximations as support and resistance levels are never exact but rather areas around the resistance levels. The lower high and low in the daily chart suggest that price might correct lower from here. Should this happen the 61.8% Fibonacci level at 15.83 and the daily support at 15.53 would be potential downside targets. The latter coincides with the weekly 1.5 standard deviation Bollinger band and is therefore likely to be a level with added significance. The price of Silver has a high correlation with the price of Gold and should my long term Gold analysis prove correct (expecting Gold to find support from the potential bottoming formation) then Silver should also be a long term buy at levels relative close to the current prices. It is worth keeping an eye on both and see how they react in weekly, daily and 4h time frames. You can access my latest Gold analysis here.

If you would like to learn more or enhance your understanding of market basics, please join us on FREE Market Basics II webinar on today 17th February at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [URL deleted] and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
Hotforex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 19th February 2015

FED BEING PATIENT RALLIED GOLD YESTERDAY.​

Long term weekly trend is down but the medium term weekly trend has turned higher. I said in my Gold analysis on January 30th: Those looking to add Gold to longer term positions might consider doing so at levels closer to 1200. Yesterday’s low was at 1197 and price rallied strongly thus supporting the analysis. This rally took place at the 61.8% Fibonacci level and very close to the rising trend line. We obviously need to see further buying to prove my case but this far trading in Gold is very much going “to the plan”. The plan being that we should see higher weekly low not far from current levels. Here’s a quote from my recent analysis: Now price is at key support levels and at the upper end of the potential bottoming formation (between 1131 and 1222). It is likely that this will act as a zone from which the price of Gold can launch higher. This view is confirmed if we’ll see a higher weekly low (last week’s candle hints that we might get one) close to the current levels.

Stochastics indicator is still in neutral territory and the nearest support and resistance levels are at 1197.2 and 1216.50 with the 50% Fibonacci level just above at 1219.7. In terms of price formations, we have additional support from the weekly pivot candle from December last year. I would like to see price creating a higher low at levels higher than the low of this pivot candle.

Gold, 240 min

In the intraday resolution the price of Gold is trending lower and is at the time of writing just below resistance level. Stochastics is overbought and price is moving sideways at 1216.50 resistance. However, there is no downside momentum at the moment which could well indicate that the market participants see downside being limited. Instead the smaller time frame charts indicate that the buyers are trying to push price higher. The latest low at 1197.20 coincides with the rising weekly trendline and therefore limits the potential in the downside. The next resistance level at approx. 1234 is fairly close to the upper Bollinger Bands and therefore a potential resistance level. We also have a bullish wedge forming in the 4h chart indicating that the sellers are losing ground while buyers are becoming stronger.

Conclusion:
Long term: Price action at the levels (that I’ve been looking at as potential turn around area) is giving early indications the idea that the price of Gold has reached an important support area. The Money Flow Index, (an indicator integrating volume into the equation) is suggesting that the turnaround is taking place and the gap opening higher in the daily chart supports the view.

Short term: In the intraday picture the price of Gold is still in a downtrend and has moved close to a resistance level. At the time of writing there is not much downside momentum, which indicates that the market participants perhaps see downside being limited. Traders should follow the 15 min and 60 min charts to see how price react to the current resistance area and trade accordingly.

Join me on Live Analysis Webinar on Tuesday 24th February at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [URL deleted] and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!


Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 25th February 2015

S&P 500 IN NEW ALL TIME HIGHS.​

I pointed out in my previous S&P 500 analysis that the support at 1961 to 1974 area has been holding well which will add pressure to the resistance level at 2063 area. In an uptrend it is more likely that a resistance level will give in and the support levels hold. I also said that the key sectors such as energy (XLE), industrials (XLI) and basic materials (XLB) look technically sound in the weekly picture while utilities sector (XLU) lost 4,12% on Friday suggesting that the run for the safety is now over as the long only funds move money from safety oriented investments to higher beta (more riskier) stocks. There were some indications of short term weakness as well but they did not materialize. Instead the market broke above the 2062.50 resistance and has since then moved into new all-time highs.

Over the last month the riskier sectors such as Materials, Energy, Technology and Industrials have been outperforming S&P 500 and attracting money more than Utilities, Consumer Staples and Health Care that are viewed as safe havens for long only funds. The Financials have been neutral when compared to the S&P 500. The Financials sector performance could have been stronger but it has been slowed down by technical resistance at the weekly pivot candle. Other sectors at or near resistance are technology (close to a long term channel top), energy (at a historical resistance) and consumer staples (at the recent highs).

Further sector analysis reveals that over the last six trading days the money flows have once again favoured the Utilities and Health Care sectors over all the others with Energy and Financials lagging the most. All this put together indicates that we could see the S&P 500 slowing down over the next few trading days. However, in the longer term picture the trend and the risk appetite among the professional investors looks healthy.

S&P 500, Weekly

The weekly trend is healthy as the market has once again been able to push into new highs after making higher lows in this time frame. However, at the same time the index has been now trading close to upper Bollinger Bands with the Stochastics being in overbought territory. If this week’s close will happen at the current levels then we have a candle that signals demand drying up (upward momentum slowing down). This would not be surprise after market moving higher for over three weeks in a row. The previous resistance levels at 2062.50 and 2088.75 are now support levels. While almost everything else looks rather bullish Money Flow Index is diverging strongly (bearish divergence) suggesting that the current move into new highs was not as strong as the previous one in December.

S&P 500, Daily

The daily trend is contained in a relatively narrow channel while the Stochastics, RSI and MFI all are moving almost sideways in the overbought area. The market has not corrected lower for 10 trading days which suggests that an increase in volatility and a correction cannot be that far in the future. The potential support levels are the previous resistance levels: 2088.75 and 2062.50. The upper level coincides with the proximity of 23.6% Fibonacci level and the lower one with 38.2% level.

S&P 500, 240 min

The 4h trend is showing some signs of weakness. The moves from the supporting uptrend line are getting weaker as evidenced by the red line. In other words the market is wedging which indicates the potential for a correction has increased. The divergence in the Stochastics is in line with this view. The nearest 4h support levels are at 2099.50 and 2082.25.

Conclusion:

The long term trend is healthy but in the medium term the volatility has been so low that we might see some increase and a correction to support levels. As evidenced by the sectors the market participants are not concerned about the safety aspect anymore and have been willing to take bets even in the riskier sectors. However, when turning attention to a shorter term picture it is worth mentioning that the sector analysis also reveals how over the last six trading days the money flows have been once again favouring the Utilities and Health Care sectors over all the other sectors, while Energy and Financials have lagged the most. All this put together indicates that we could see the S&P 500 slowing down and possibly correcting lower in the course of the next few trading days.

In the longer term picture the trend and the risk appetite among the professional investors looks healthy. Short term fluctuations aside this is a sign of a healthy market and moves to support levels should be used as buying opportunities. Index being close to the weekly Bollinger Bands and the 4h chart giving first indications of momentum slowing a correction to these levels should not be that far in the future. However, as usual we want to see the intraday price action confirming the validity of my analysis and suggested support levels.

Join me on Live Analysis Webinar on Tuesday 3rd of March at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [URL deleted] and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 27th February 2015

TRADERS BUY THE USD AS THE US CORE CPI CAME IN AT +0.2%.​

After a couple weeks of low volatility the EURUSD moved lower yesterday driven by the US inflation figures. The core CPI (change in the price of consumer goods and services excluding food and energy) rose by 0.2% instead of 0.1% expected by the economists. The CPI that includes the more volatile items (food and energy) fell by 0.7%, most since 1998. This is explained by the substantial fall in Crude Oil prices. The Fed policy makers focus on the Core CPI and therefore markets reacted to the higher than expected figure and bought the dollar as they concluded this will encourage the Fed to raise interest rates this year. However, economists believe that the effects of lower energy prices and a strong dollar will work their way to the Core CPI and cause low reading in the near future.

EURUSD has been really tame since the last time I wrote analysis on it. The weekly picture has not changed much as the downtrend still prevails and there is a shooting star candle indicating that the price will stay in the downtrend. The combination of resistance level at 1.1460 and the 23.6% retracement level held the pair down. The current support and resistance levels nearest to the current price are 1.1098 and 1.1460.

EURUSD, 240 min

Now that the EURUSD has been moving sideways the daily and 4h charts are so similar that I will only comment on the latter. Price is currently resting at a pivot candle high at 1.1203 and the Stochastics are well into the oversold territory while price has moved inside the Bollinger Bands. This suggests that there should be an intraday rebound higher probably to the nearest resistance level at 1.1287. This level coincides with the 50% retracement level drawn from the Wednesday’s high to the latest low yesterday.

Conclusion:

This market is still in a downtrend which means that the support levels are more likely broken and resistance levels honoured. However, the price is now relatively close to the weekly low and sitting at a 4h pivot candle. In addition the price is outside the daily lower Bollinger Bands and the 4h Stochastics are oversold. Therefore a move higher should be in the cards. This should however, be only an intraday rebound as we resistance levels and a sideways range above. Should this move take place I would be looking to benefit from the weekly trend by selling short at the resistance levels, providing the lower time frame charts confirm the idea.

Join me on Live Analysis Webinar on Tuesday 3rd of March at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [url deleted] and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 2nd March 2015

GBP A SAFEHAVEN CURRENCY IN EUROPE.​

Now that EUR is weak due to both economic, geopolitical and Greece related risks Sterling starts to look like a safe haven currency with its economy rebounding. The UK job market is recovering, Industrial activity expanding and GDP at healthy 2.7% level (almost back to its 2007 pre-crisis levels). This creates a stark contrast to the ailing Euro Area but at the same time the risk is one of contagion: Euro Area being so important trading partner to the UK its can impact the growth in the UK negatively. However, the EURGBP pair is in a downtrend and reflects both the stark differences in the economic front and the interest rate hike expectations. The Bank of England is expected to raise rates either in the third or fourth quarter while the ECB is obviously committed to the QE program announced in January.

Price is now bouncing from general region of a 0.7255 support level, a historical pivot high. Stochastics in both weekly and daily timeframes are oversold and there is no divergence in these time frames. Out of major EUR crosses, it is the EURGBP that is the weakest and therefore makes it an ideal market to sell the rallies. The nearest resistance (a weekly low) is at 0.7340.

EURGBP, Daily

Since my previous analysis price moved lower and is moving sideways in the region of 0.7255 support area. Stochastics is edging closer to its moving average indicating lack of downside momentum at this support. This could of course change later in today’s trading but it shows how relevant this level was for the market participants. The pair is now moving at the lower end of the regression channel but potential resistance levels are not that far from the current levels. The nearest daily resistance levels are: 0.7300, 0.7317 and 0.7348.

EURGBP, 240 min

I expected price find support at 0.7255 and it did almost to a pip, rallied and then was sold again from 0.7300 level. This led to a move that touched the channel line. The current move higher is taking place after a touch at the lower end of a short term bear channel and after there was a higher low in the Stochastics (bullish divergence). There is a resistance area from 0.7300 to 0.7314 that coincides with a midline in the channel. In addition the upper Bollinger Bans are not that far above the zone either.

Conclusion:

With price being at a historical pivot high and close to the short term channel bottom it makes sense to wait for better levels to enter into short trades. The zone from 0.7300 to 0.7314 is an area we should be looking for momentum reversal signals as the channel midline and the upper Bollinger Bands coincide with the zone. For UK and Euro Area economic releases, see our economic calendar here [url deleted]

Join me on Live Analysis Webinar on Tuesday 3rd of March at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [url deleted] for FREE and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 4th March 2015

GOLD TRADES SIDEWAYS AT KEY SUPPORT LEVEL.​

Lately many market participants have been focusing on this week’s jobs report from the US. This Friday the US Bureau of Labour Statistics releases the Non-Farm Payroll report, the most important piece of macro data before the next Fed meeting. This report is seen as an important indicator on when the Fed might start hiking the interest rates. Some participants expect the rate hike happen in June while most are looking to September as potential starting point for the Fed’s rate hike cycle. However, some prominent analysts believe that the Fed will be patient and start the rate hikes next year. Higher interest rates support the dollar and historically Gold has not done that well during the periods of rising dollar. At the same time demand for physical Gold is solid in Asia. India alone is consuming 800 to 1000 tons of Gold annually and imports to the country are increasing. In addition, China’s interest rate cuts in November 2014 and last Saturday are an indication that the Peoples Bank of China has moved into an easing cycle. This is a factor supporting demand for Gold in China.

The price of Gold reached the medium term ascending trendline a bit more than a week ago and has since been trading between the support at 1200 and a weekly low from the beginning of February. This level also coincides with the 50% Fibonacci retracement level. Gold is getting oversold in terms of Stochastics and I am looking for a move higher over this week or latest the next week.

Gold, Daily

The resistance level at 1220 coinciding with the 50% Fibonacci level has held the price down while the 1200 area has supported price. Price is ranging sideways which is quite common after downtrend is broken and the market participants fight over the future direction of the gold price. At the moment we have a higher low in place (from yesterday) which indicates that buyers are ready bid for Gold between 1190 and 1200. There is further support from a daily pivot candle from January 2nd this year and the lower Bollinger bands (currently at 1179 and 1188).

Gold, 240 min

Levels outside the lower Bollinger bands and a pivot candle from 24th February have been attracting buyers lately. There was an attempt to take the price higher last week and price was making higher lows and higher highs until the resistance at 1223 proved too much for the buyers. There was rejection candle yesterday (a candle with a long shadow below). This confirms the idea of 1190 to 1200 being an important range for buyers.

Conclusion:

Price is now at key levels and I am looking for a move higher from this support. In the recent past it has taken two to three weeks for the price Gold to turn from support levels. Therefore should there be a rally in not so distant future. But as the market participants are looking at this Friday’s jobs release from the US as a potential indication on when Fed might be raising rates the price of Gold might be moving sideways until Friday. Should Friday’s NFP figures be a disappointment, the likelihood of Fed raising rates early would be smaller and this should support the price of Gold. Levels close to or inside the 1190 – 1200 support range should be monitored for price action based buy signals. If you want to learn about price action based trading signals, just join me to educational and live analysis webinars.


Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 5th March 2015

EURUSD BROKE SUPPORT AHEAD OF ECB MEETING.​

I said in my previous analysis that the shooting star candle indicated that the price will stay in the downtrend and concluded that the support levels are more likely broken and resistance levels honoured. The intraday move I hoped to see did not materialize and EURUSD kept on creeping gradually lower until the support was broken. This was another one of those situations where the market did not give us the high probability entry level I was hoping to have. At the same time I should emphasize that trading against the trend (buying against a support in a downtrend) is not a high probability trade. That is why the emphasis in my analysis was on finding short entries against resistance levels after a possible rally. Now that the support is broken the game has obviously not changed at all. Selling rallies still is the high probability trade in this market.

Now that the price has moved below the 1.1098 support level it has changed its role and become a resistance. The next potential support level in the weekly chart is at 1.0765 and could work as a target for short trades for those looking to trade the weekly downtrend. Stochastics stays in the oversold zone even though there is some divergence in the indicator due the recent sideways move. The ECB comes out today with the latest rate decision but no change is expected. There might be some details revealed on the 1.1 tr EUR QE plan though.

EURUSD, Daily

Since my last analysis EURUSD moved sideways for three days before dropping below the 1.1098 support. This is a good example of when a time based exit should be applied by those trading against a support level. I said earlier that trading against the trend is not a high probability game but there are always aggressive traders that hope that there will be an exception to the rule and market shoots higher against the trend. These traders should be even more cautious if there is no positive reaction and the price keeps on creating lower daily highs. This is obviously a sign of market being weak and any long ideas should be scrapped. We don’t have to fight against the market. Rather we seek opportunities to agree with it.

Currently price is reacting higher from the 61.8% Fibonacci extension level while the 261.8% Fibonacci extension level coincides with the 1.0765 support level and therefore adds to its significance. The resistance levels above are the 1.1098 (previous weekly support) and the proximity of 1.12 level with the 100% extension level. Price is oversold in terms of Stochastics oscillator which suggests that we might get an opportunity to sell the resistance levels.

EURUSD, 60 min

Price is trending lower in a relatively narrow regression channel and is at the time of writing reacting lower from a minor resistance level at 1.1060, which is also a pivot low in 240 min chart. The other resistance levels are 1.1152 and the zone from 1.1096 to 1.1112 that coincides with the upper Bollinger Bands.

Conclusion:

Market is still trending lower with resistance levels above. I am therefore still short oriented and look for lower time frame timing signals at resistance levels with a target at 1.0765. ECB rates decision is not expected to move the markets but commentary on the QE program could cause additional volatility. This emphasizes the need to follow the market action at the resistance levels and trade only the high probability setups.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 6th March 2015

S&P MOVING SIDEWAYS ABOVE THE DEC 2014 HIGH.​

I suggested in my previous S&P 500 analysis that the market could be correcting lower. This was based on both technical and sector analysis. On February 25th I wrote: over the last six trading days the money flows have been once again favouring the Utilities and Health Care sectors over all the other sectors, while Energy and Financials have lagged the most. All this put together indicates that we could see the S&P 500 slowing down and possibly correcting lower in the course of the next few trading days. Index was trading at 2011.25 points at the time of my analysis and is trading at the time of writing at 2098.75 (-87 points).

Today’s an NFP Friday and the markets are likely to be in a waiting mode as the unemployment readings are important indicators for the Fed in deciding the timing of the first rate hike. Consensus expectation is 240K new jobs and should the number deviate strongly to the downside it’d be likely that the Fed would be more patient and delay the start of the rate hikes. Another important data point is the Average Hourly Earnings which will give an indication on the ability of consumers to consume. The Nonfarm Payrolls, Average Hourly Earnings, Labour Force Participation Rate and Unemployment Rate for the month of February are published today at 13:30 GMT.

The last two weekly bars have been narrow bodied Dojis. This indicates lack of demand and increases probabilities that this market will correct lower. As there has been no upside momentum over the last two weeks, Stochastics is overbought and turning lower. In addition, the upper Bollinger Bands are near and have been limiting upside. Support and resistance levels in weekly picture are: 2062.50, 2088.75 and 2117.75.

S&P 500, Daily

After wedging a bit at the time of my previous analysis S&P 500 e-mini future (ES) moved out of the rising regression channel. Price has been supported by the pivot high at 2088.75 and 23.6% Fibonacci level with a new resistance at the latest high (2117.75). Support at 2062.50 coincides with the lower Bollinger Bands and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement. Should ES correct further the next important support level is 2020.50. The fact that price has been reacting higher from the proximity of 2088.75 level in suggests that this level is seen as an important support.

S&P 500, 240 min

Index futures have attracted buyers at 2085 area but the resistance from both the descending trendline and the previous support at 2101 level have this far blocked the moves higher. At the time of writing there isn’t much momentum to either direction as market waits for the NFP release but the moves from 2085 have been strong (hammer candles). This suggest there will be buyers at this level today. Should this level be broken the next support level at 2062.50 coincides roughly with the 1.618 Fibonacci extension level. It is also a former resistance which adds to the significance of this level.

Conclusion:

In the longer term picture US stock market is now fairly overbought and the last two weeks’ weekly narrow body candles indicate that there is not much willingness to pay higher prices for equities but no strong need to sell off either. At the same time technology, the heaviest sector in the S&P 500 index is close to channel top and Apple the heaviest weighted stock in this sector looks like it could correct lower after a bearish weekly candle last week. Even if this correction takes place I still believe this market can move higher and therefore look for buying opportunities at support levels.

Technicals and macro view are giving a slightly mixed message: if the employment numbers are weak the Fed is likely to start rate hikes later which would be good for the stock market. However, at the same time strong employment numbers would indicate an improving economy, which again is a reason to stay long in Stocks. Market reactions to today’s NFP release are therefore an important indicator of things to come in the near future. If market finds support either at 2085 or 2062.50 and reacts higher with good momentum (that takes ES into new highs) the technical picture stays positive and supports the long term bullish view.

In regards to short term trading ideas I am looking for minor time frame reversal signals at the above mentioned support and resistance levels once the employment numbers are released and the market is likely to have some volatility again. Market is not likely to move strongly before the employment release later on today. Should there be no strong deviation from the consensus expectation the nearest technical levels will be honoured but higher deviation from expectations will be translated into stronger whipsaws in price. If the latter is the case, then momentum reversal traders should be looking to trade levels further away from the current price.


Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 9th March 2015

GBPUSD HIT THE TARGET AND RETURNED TO RECENT LOWS.​

In my previous analysis in GBPUSD from February 6th I took a view that with such a show of strength as we had seen in the market the only logical conclusion was to look for buying opportunities until there was price action based evidence to the contrary. Retracements to support levels should be monitored for momentum reversal signals. I pointed to 1.5487 to 1.5541 as a target area for successful swing entries. The pair overshoot the area by 11 pips before it turned lower again and formed a weekly shooting star candle providing the price action based evidence to switch the bias from long to short. It has now reached levels that are a potential buy level.

After Friday’s upsurge in the US Dollar index (caused by a surprisingly positive NFP reading) GBPUSD price has moved down to levels where it started its up move in the beginning of February. This area coincides with the lower weekly Bollinger Bands and higher end of the downward regression channel. RSI (7) is diverging suggesting bullishness at current levels. This combination of technical factors has caused a move higher today confirming that buyers are still interested to bet for Sterling at these levels. This price action looks very much like a bottoming process and the fact it takes place in weekly time frame adds to its significance. With relatively strong economic output and well developing job market the UK is at the moment one of the strongest economies globally and we could see a rate hike in the latter half of this year. This is reflected in the GBPUSD. We will have more comments on the UK economy tomorrow as Bank of England’s Governor Mark Carney will speak at 14:35 GMT.

GBPUSD, Daily

In the daily chart GBPUSD moved deep below the lower Bollinger Bands suggesting the price was very much oversold on Friday evening. The Stochastics and RSI confirmed the idea and are now beginning to point higher. In the daily time frame this market is now ranging sideways and we should therefore look for trading opportunities at the edges of the range. The lower end of the range obviously is where we look for buy opportunities while the upper end of the range at or close to the February high can work as an area for short term long trade exits or short entries (should the price action so indicate). The 1.5036 is a high for a pivot candle at the bottom of the range and therefore points to the region of potential support. This level has already supported price in the beginning of February and seems to attract buyers now as well. The previous support at 1.5220 is now likely a resistance area.

GBPUSD, 240 min

Four hour chart shows how Friday’s move lower was an overshoot as price extended from the trend defined by the regression channel. Now price has reacted higher from 1.5036 support and retraced back to the channel bottom where it is showing signs of weakness. The 0.382 Fibonacci level coincides with the 1.5220 resistance while the 0.618 level is at same levels with a former minor support (now potentially a resistance) and the upper Bollinger Bands.

Conclusion:

Even though the DXY is moving into new highs GBPUSD is still above the January lows after it moved above more than 12% from the January lows to February highs. Weekly chart is telling to longer term position traders that this market is possibly in a bottoming process as the price has moved out of the downward sloping trend channel, moved past four weekly highs and is now finding support just above the recent support area. Such an increase in volatility is usually a sign of a trend change. Shorter term traders could benefit from the longer term price action by trading the swings between the range edges using the support and resistance levels provided above.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 11th March 2015

EURGBP SETUPS HAVE MADE HUNDREDS OF PIPS.​

We got it right again in EURGBP. The pair rallied to a resistance level I gave in my last analysis and has then sold off heavily. My view on March 2nd EURGBP analysis was that out of major EUR crosses, it is the EURGBP that is the weakest and therefore makes it an ideal market to sell the rallies. I wrote then that the zone from 0.7300 to 0.7314 is an area we should be looking for momentum reversal signals as the channel midline and the upper Bollinger Bands coincide with the zone. EURGBP rose to 0.7301 on that day and has since dropped over 200 pips. We have now had two very good sell signals in EURGBP lately. The first sell signal as per my analysis came at just below 0.7596 and now the other in proximity of 0.7301. My analysis and the signals that I teach in my webinars have made several hundred pips in EURGBP for our traders. If you would like to learn how to catch moves like this you are welcome to join me to free webinars here.

As the EURGBP is basically collapsing at the time of writing the weekly picture does not provide us with a lot to analyse. With trend lower indicators are oversold and price is hugging the lower Bollinger Bands. The nearest weekly support and resistance levels are 0.7022 a former resistance level from 2006 and 2007 and the last week’s low at 0.7183.

EURGBP, Daily

Price has extended below the regression channel and has for the first time since January 26th closed outside the lower Bollinger Bands. This suggests that the trend has moved too far too quickly. This increases probabilities for a corrective move against the prevailing trend over the coming few days.

EURGBP, 240 min

EURGBP trend is extended in 4h chart as well. In case there will be a move against the trend over the coming few days potential resistance levels that could turn price lower again are 0.7130 and 0.7180. The lower level is clearly a minor resistance level as it is a spot where price tried to hold the channel bottom. This caused a sideways move visible in the 60 min chart and could act as a resistance should the market be weak.

Conclusion:

As long as the market keeps on moving lower and there is no price based evidence to the contrary there is no hurry to close the short trades. Exception to this would be price hitting the 0.7022 support level which could well bounce the price higher and therefore is a logical target level. Price is in a downtrend and we should be looking to sell rallies as long as the approach works. However, once the 0.7022 target is hit the pair is at a major consolidation level and selling rallies might get trickier. Currently I am looking at 0.7130 and 0.7180 as potential shorting levels in case there is a rally higher and 0.7022 area as a target for short trades.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 13th March 2015

CADJPY TRADING IN A RANGE AFTER A SHOOTING STAR CANDLE.​

CADJPY has weakened substantially since November last year and has over the last weeks bounced higher from a support at 91.78. The support is loosely defined by the lower Bollinger Bands and a pivot candle from March 2014. Last week price reacted lower from a weekly low creating a shooting star candle and confirming a resistance level at 96.74. A couple of weeks ago the pair bounced from 94.17 forming a support level.

CADJPY, Daily

There was a shooting star last week in the daily chart as well. CADJPY has since then moved sideways between resistance at 96.74 and a rising trendline. The resistance coincides roughly with 38.2% Fibonacci level (drawn from December 2014 high to the January 2015 low) and upper Bollinger Bands. Bollinger Bands are narrowing which indicates that the pair is nearing a breakout but to which direction? The last two days indecision is clearly visible in the chart. Stochastic Oscillator is close to being oversold and is about to cross over its signal line. This together with the rising trendline encourages the bulls but the above shooting stars and resistance that are relatively close dampens the enthusiasm.

CADJPY, 240 min

The pair has been making lower highs and breaking support levels since the move to 96.74 was rejected. Fluctuations created a triangle that was resolved to the downside and provided one shorting opportunity on a rebound as the pair tested the lower end of the triangle and failed to penetrate it. Since then we have had a new lower low and lower high as the pair has been moving towards the lower end of the range. Projection from triangle points to 50% Fibonacci level (near 94.17 support). Should that support fail the next interesting support level is at 93.03 as it coincides with a 261.8% Fibonacci extension. I have left the extension levels off from the chart to improve readability.

Conclusion:

Trading in the middle of the range is always tricky while the easiest money is made at the edges and the pair is currently trading pretty much in the middle of the range. However, the weekly and daily shooting stars at 96.74 resistance level indicate willingness to sell the CADJPY at those levels while the lower highs and lower lows in 4h chart suggest that the pair should be testing the 94.17 level in not so distant future. This far the 38.2% Fibonacci level and the rising trendline have prevented the price moving lower. In addition there was bullish divergence in the Stochastic Oscillator at the time the pair bounced higher from the trendline. The intraday picture therefore has both bullish and bearish elements while the weekly shooting star points to lower prices from current levels.

The wide range candle from the beginning of February indicates that demand between 91.78 and 94.17 was strong. Quick moves into this area should be therefore met by willingness to bid the pair higher. Should such a quick move happen I would be interested in long signals at or near to the 93.03 support. I will be monitoring the levels close to the upper daily Bollinger Bands (at around 96.20) and the shooting star high.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 16th March 2015

COPPER’S RELATIVE STRENGHT DUE TO CHINA.​

Copper is in a long term bear channel and moved in February to a level that has supported price in the past. This was also the first time since year 2008 that Money Flow Index moved into overbought zone in Monthly timeframe. In February 2007 price touched 2.40 level and moved higher over the next two years. Now there was another bounce from the same level and the price of Copper is on the rise for the second month in a row. The nearest resistance level is approx. at 2.72 while the next major resistance is at 2.88.

Copper, Weekly

Copper (an industrial metal) has been stronger performer than precious metals since the latest US Jobs report came in with a surprisingly high number and strenhgtened the US dollar. While Gold and Silver have declined by almost 3% since March 5th Copper has at the time of writing gained 1.1%. However, the US rate hike expectations mean the US dollar strengthens and buying power amongst non-USD based investors decreases for dollar based assets such as Copper. This combined with slowing economic growth in China slows down the Copper bulls and has caused the price to fluctuate below resistance levels. On the other the hand price has held up and even edged higher as market participants believe that easier lending conditions should improve demand in China, the biggest consumer of Copper globally. The price of copper has made two weekly lower highs since touching the 2.72 resistance level (a former support from June 2010) while the MFI (7) is overbought and Stochastics are close to the same levels and hinting that the momentum is waning. This could lead to further fluctuation between the 2.59 support and a high of 2.73 from couple of weeks ago. Other support levels are 2.55 and 2.40, a high and low of the January pivot candle high and low.

Copper, Daily

The price of copper is near to the upper Bollinger Bands and Stochastics is getting overbought. Price has just recently bounced from a support at 2.59 forming yet another higher low. This was technically a good sign as it confirmed the level that used to resist price moves higher is now a support. The fact that this level now coincides with the lower daily Bollinger Bands makes it more significant support area.

Conclusion:

Fundamental factors that both support the price of Copper and resist its move higher translate into a ranging market, price action that honours the technical levels at both ends of the range. Levels near to 2.59 support level used to resist moves higher and are now providing support while the move to 2.72 resistance was rejected. This suggests that short term traders should look for trade opportunities at or close to these levels while longer term position traders might want to consider longs closer to the 2.40 support and shorts closer to the 2.88 resistance levels. This is the likely range copper futures over the coming weeks and months as major news stories or surprises on either the US Federal Reserve’s rate policy or Chinese consumption of Copper they might provide the trigger to move the price of Copper to these levels. Chinese premier Li Keqiang commented that the government will be ready to support the Chinese economy should the slowdown in growth affect employment and incomes. He wasn’t specific on the measures the government might use but a hope of economic stimulus in China should support the price of Copper. Against this backdrop traders might want to be buyers near support levels rather than trying to find shorts. This view would be negated if the US Fed indicated that it would hike rates more than expected. However, it is likely that the Fed will be cautious in raising rates.

Join me on Live Analysis Webinar on Tuesday 17th of March at 12:30 pm GMT. Register [url deleted] HERE for FREE and as usual it is better to log in early to get your seat!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 19th March 2015

US FED DOVISHNESS CAUSED EURUSD TO SPIKE.

EURUSD is now trading at 1.0640 support. Yesterday the pair moved all the way back to 1.1040 after the US Fed Chair Yellen took a more dovish stance on the economy. She removed patience from the vocabulary but indicated that strong dollar and slowing export growth are risks for the economy. According to Janet Yellen the change in forward guidance did not alter the timing of the first tightening and that a hike in April remained unlikely.

The tone of the statement also suggested a June hike is not likely to happen, especially since the FOMC downgraded its assessment of the economy in the opening paragraph. According to them “economic growth has moderated somewhat” thanks in part to slowing export growth. The Fed also seemed less confident that inflation pressures are transitory, which will continue to be “monitored closely.” The policy paragraph now states that rates will rise when the Fed sees “further improvement in the labor market and is ‘reasonably confident’ that inflation will move back to its 2 percent objective.”

It is interesting how no one paid attention to the headline inflation while oil prices were high. The focus was on CPI as it allowed the central banks to maintain the easy money policies. Now, suddenly it is the headline figure that seems to be in central banks’ focus. In the light of this the current wording in the Fed’s policy paragraph gives them more freedom in terms of continuing with the zero rates policy.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 25th March 2015

EURUSD: A DAILY SHOOTING STAR POINTING TO DOWNSIDE.​

EURUSD has risen over the last two weeks after the Fed Chair Yellen said in her statement that there are worries over the export growth in the US economy due to the strong dollar. Yesterday’s new home sales and CPI figures could didn’t help the pair to push through the resistance at 1.1040.

The dollar rallied in the aftermath of the warmer U.S. inflation report, quickly sold off from there, then dragged itself up through the remainder of the morning session. EURUSD fell to 1.0936 from 1.0995 after the CPI data, before climbing to session highs of 1.1029, and then falling to session lows of 1.0890. U.S. new home sales rebounded 7.8% to 539k in February, much better than expected and the strongest since April 2008. Back months were revised with January boosted to 500k from 481k previously, while December’s 482k was nudged down to 479k. The February overall-CPI was 0.2% (median 0.2%), while the core index was 0.2% (median 0.1%). Year over year growth accelerated to unchanged from -0.1% and the core y/y growth held at 1.7%. January’s was the slowest pace of y/y growth since -0.2% in October ’09. Energy prices grew 1.0%, with a 2.4% gasoline price increase. Food prices were 0.2% after after remaining unchanged last month.

The monthly chart reveals an important trendline support in the region of the recent bounce from 1.0459. This could be a supporting element that keeps the pair from plummeting to parity for some time, especially so if the Fed continues using dovish language in their statements. Important weekly support level in the weekly chart is at 1.0459 while the resistance levels are at 1.1098 and 1.1460.

EURUSD, Daily

A daily shooting star candle suggests the pair will move lower today. High Stochastics value supports the view. If the market rallies today levels closer to yesterday’s high would be attractive shorting levels.Support area from 1.0460 to 1.0620 is a reasonable target but it would make sense to close the short trades as price approaches the level at some 20 pips higher.

EURUSD, 240 min

The pair has moved sideways above the 1.0883 support and over the last two candles below the ascending trendline. The 4h Bollinger Bands (currently at 1.0988 and 1.0240) would be preferable shorting levels but should the support break before price rallies, then smaller timeframe price action should be used to enter the short trades as per my teaching in the webinars.

EURUSD, 60 min

The resistance (red line) at 1.0938 has been resisting moves higher this morning while EURUSD has made higher lows above the lower Bollinger Bands. This suggests that pressure is building against the 1.0938 minor resistance level and price might well rally towards the potential sell area at 4h Bollinger Bands.

Conclusion:

Price reacting lower from a resistance and creating a Shooting Star candle indicates weakness. However, price trading at support and creating higher lows suggests that price might well move higher today and provide an opportunity to look for short signals at 4h Bollinger Bands.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 25th March 2015

GERMAN MARCH IFO JUMPED TO 107.9.

German March Ifo jumped to 107.9 (median 107.3) from 106.8 in the previous month. The higher than expected reading was boosted by a sharp rise in the expectations index, which came in at 103.9, after 102.5 in February. The current conditions indicator improved to 112.0 from 111.3. The diffusion index, which gives the balance of positive and negative answers shows improvements in all sectors, with the exception of the construction industry, where sentiment turned even more negative, despite the sharp rise in house prices. The March reading meant the Ifo improved to 107.1 in Q1 from 104.5 in Q4 last year. German growth this year is set to come in much stronger than anticipated, and the fact that economic momentum was already strong ahead of the ECB’s QE start means there is some risk of overheating in the German economy. Wages growth is set to pick up and in the long run this will cut German competitiveness and weigh on the medium term outlook and the Bundesbank will need to keep a close eye on the property market.

EURUSD reaction was subdued and the pair stayed between two intraday support and resistance levels (1.0937 and 1.0968) with a high at 1.0974. This level coincides with rising trendline and the upper Bollinger Bands in 60 min timeframe.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

 

[HFM]

Date : 26th March 2015

S&P 500 AT SUPPORT AFTER 4.67% DROP IN SMH.

The US stock market declined for a third day in a row yesterday. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.62% while Nasdaq and S&P 500 declined by 2.37% and -1.46% respectively. This has impacted the Asian and European markets today with Nikkei 225 futures in the red by 1.54% Dax futures down by 2.01% at the time of writing. US equity volatility index VIX shot higher yesterday. VIX moved up to 15.44 as NASDAQ -1.6% was sucking the S&P 500 into negative territory. VIX is well up from the previous session lows 12.59. In proximity of the mid-March range index will be hitting the daily Bollinger Bands.

S&P 500 e-mini futures, daily

RSI is indicating that the weekly S&P trend is getting weaker. Momentum has slowed down since December last year and this has led to RSI creating lower highs while the S&P e-mini futures (ES) made and all-time high in February. ES has now created a lower weekly high and retraced back to the 50% Fibonacci level at 2040.

S&P 500 e-mini futures, daily

ES created a lower high just below the weekly pivot candle and is currently trading at the daily Bollinger Bands and 50% Fibonacci level. This level also coincides with a daily pivot candle from March 13th. Stochastics is getting oversold but a lower high at 2100 is a sign of weakness and could mean that this market moves lower before finding support.

S&P 500 e-mini futures, daily

Here’s another look at the daily chart with a perspective a bit further away. With ES not being able to move above the February high price has created a bearish wedge is currently moving outside the wedge formation. If current support at 2032 breaks it could mean that the trajectory has changed and we will have a new less steep trend channel that defines the moves over the coming weeks. This would bring the grey trendline into play. Also, should the price stay below the black trendline technical picture would deteriorate substantially.

Semiconductor Sector ETF (SMH), Daily

Analysis on US sectors reveals that over the last 10 trading days professional money has been moving away from Financials and Industrials and into Utilities and Health Care stocks. This of course is a bearish fact suggesting that the long only fund managers see the market being weak and feel the need to do what they can to minimize the market impact as they cannot hedge their positions with derivatives. The massive drop in the Semiconductor stocks after a lower high in the index ETF supports this view. However, the support area is getting also relatively close suggesting that the market is not likely to continue in a free fall but will find support over the coming few days. As futures have declined today it is possible that these stocks will open fairly close to the support levels. Picture in the technology and industrials sector ETFs is somewhat similar indicating that they have a bit further to fall before they meet potential support levels.

S&P 500 e-mini futures, 240 min

The down move paused at the rising trendline but the selling pressure prevailed. ES is now approaching the 2032 low with oscillators deeply in the overbought territory and has reacted higher from the support level.

Conclusion:

At the time of writing ES is trading at a support level and it remains to be seen if the traders are willing to seriously bid for the market here. Support levels usually lead to at least some sort of rallies but there needs to be follow-through after the initial reaction. In that sense nearby resistance levels can be problematic as they tend to invite selling. There is a resistance level at 2052 while the violated trendline is at 2050. In addition, the 4.67% drop in the Semiconductor stocks could make the market participants careful today. The wedge formation is pretty much violated after today’s move lower. Only if we see a strong rally higher and a close inside the formation is the technical picture salvaged.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.