Daily Market Analysis from Hotforex Broker

[HFM]

Date : 25th May 2015.

USDJPY TRADING NEAR MARCH HIGH.

USDJPY Weekly

USDJPY has been moving side ways since the beginning of December 2014. The deepest correction has the retracement to 38.2% Fibonacci level in mid-December and was followed by another in January that attracted buyers just above the previous low. Since then price has challenged the previous high once and after failing to penetrate the resistance it created a higher low. Now the pair has yet again moved to the upper weekly Bollinger Bands. At the same time we have the US Dollar Index at a level that resisted moves higher in March this year.

USD has been relatively strong against the JPY throughout period it has been correcting against the other currencies and as the weekly lows have been higher with the latest CPI number from States surprising to the upside it could well be that the upper end of this range will eventually give in. At the end of the day it is more likely that the US Fed will hike the rates before the Japanese central bank which could even come up with yet another round of stimulus.

USDJPY Daily

Last week’s rally lifted USDJPY to the upper end of the range that has limited the pair’s movements since the end of the last year. Stochastics is overbought and price is reacting lower after moving above the upper daily Bollinger Band and also very close to the March high. If today’s daily candle closes to current levels or lower price has created a bearish shooting star candle. Stochastics is about to move below its three day moving average and could give a bearish signal should the weakness continue. Nearest support and resistance levels are 120.84 to 120.50 and 122.02.

USDJPY 240 min

The pair fell lower after hitting a historical resistance at 121.68 and has since found support at a minor support level that coincides with a high from Wednesday last week. This lack of upside momentum and a correction lower has eased the overbought condition in this timeframe and brought the oscillators lower. The nearest more significant support area (120.83 – 120.61) is currently near the lower Bollinger Bands and 38.2% Fibonacci level while the next major resistance is at 122.02.

Conclusion

Price is trading close to a longer term resistance and we could see market creating an exhaustion candle (shooting star). Today’s price action however might not be that important as many significant markets have been on holiday. Whenever a market is trading close to a resistance one should be looking for shorting opportunities. This market is trading near its resistance levels and therefore I would only initiate long positions after a correction to a significant support. Due to divergent inflation expectations and relatively strong US economy the dollar yen pair should eventually move higher but as usual a low risk entry would be preferable.Taking advantage of corrections to significant support levels such as the range created by Friday’s low at 120.61 and 1.5 stdv Bollinger Bands at 120.83 would be a preferable strategy to buying close to a resistance. Look for confirming price action at the key levels. If aforementioned support level fails to attract buyers assumptions in this analysis need to be re-evaluated.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 26th May 2015.

TODAY’S CURRENCY MOVERS.

EURUSD, Daily

Yesterday the Fed Vice Chairman Fisher commented to the Reuters that he sees rates gradually rising to reach 3.25-4.00% by 2018. He said that the start of the tightening cycle would be determined by data, not a date. And that it is misleading to give so much importance to the Fed’s first rate hike. As the VC Fisher pointed out the rate hikes depend on the data, which gives the Fed a lot of leeway in determining the future interest rates policy.

Last Friday’s CPI surprise from US lifted the dollar index higher and sent the EURUSD lower. My view has been that with Fed being dovish EURUSD having a major correction without an external event would be unlikely. Now such an event has occurred and the market psychology has once again changed to favour the dollar. But this could change. As we have seen the mood swings in this market are constant and can change very quickly. The real test of this newly found readiness to bid for the USD comes when EURUSD hits the vicinity of March and April lows.

After the better than expected CPI figure on Friday pushed EURUSD through the support levels the pair has been drifting lower and crossed below the 50 day MA and lower Bollinger Bands. EURUSD has declined for six days without a decent rally higher and Stochastics is deeply oversold. That should mean that this downtrend is getting closer to a point where it is vulnerable to corrective rallies. Should there be a rally to the previous support area (1.1084 to 1.1131) it would make sense to look for shorting signals in that range. The 1.1131 resistance is a weekly low from two weeks ago and 1.1084 is a 38.2% Fibonacci level. The next support level is a 61.8% Fibonacci retracement at 1.0845 coinciding with daily highs from April. This could be a reasonable target for intraday short trades.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

USD strength with EUR and JPY Weakness are the clear themes this morning. GBPUSD has created a lower high in daily and is now breaking below a support at 1.5447. Next major support area: 1.5046 to 1.5193. USDJPY pushed higher through the resistances and is now trading above the March high of 1.2202. GBPJPY is trading close to a resistance created by December 2014 high but has found support from a daily sideways range and reacted higher.

Main Macro Events Today

US Durable Goods Orders (Apr) is expected down to -0.5% with shipments growing by 0.5% and inventories by 0.2%, an indication that more and more inventory is held out of the market.

US New Home Sales (MoM) (Apr) is seen rising by 2.9% to 495K compared to previous month’s results which was at 481K. Although the result is higher from March’s results, it is lower by 8.83% in relation to February’s result.

US Consumer Confidence (May) is expected to fall to 93.0 from 95.2 in April, a decrease of 2.36%. Other confidence indicators have declined in May, and Consumer Confidence is more likely to follow them.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 26th May 2015. (Second Analysis)

GOLD AT 50 DAY SMA.

Gold, Weekly

As USD has rallied higher over the last few days the price of Gold (in dollar terms) has moved lower. The high of the last week was above a resistance level at 1224.50 at a 50 week moving average. Now price is approaching a 50% Fibonacci retracement level at 1187. The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement at 1176.40 is relatively close to a weekly pivot low from April and coincides with daily Bollinger bands thus highlighting a level that has in the past turned price higher. However, before price can get that far there are support levels for bears to deal with. These support levels are visible at daily and 4h charts. In terms of higher time analysis Gold is in a sideways range with an upside bias as it has been able to make higher lows and (on a closing basis) a higher high. However, it seems to me that the resistance at 1224.50 to 1232 or so will need some work and real commitment from the bulls before it can be penetrated.

Gold Daily,

Price has broken below a support (now resistance) at 1200.80 and has fallen to (and slightly under) the 50 day SMA. This level is the closing high (highest close) of sideways move from the beginning of May. Stochastics are getting oversold and price is trading at a level that used to be a resistance. Nearest support and resistance levels are 1193.3 and 1200.80. The next important S&R levels after these are at 1177.90 and 1214.60.

Gold, 240 min

Trendline analysis in four chart reveals how Gold is trading at descending channel bottom that coincides with a range created by a 4h bar high (also a daily high) from May 12th and daily low from May 13th. Stochastics is overbought and the four hour bar could be creating a small pin bar indicating that price could reverse and move higher from here. Also, this price action takes place outside the lower Bollinger Bands adding to the oversold indication. Fibonacci levels coincide with potential resistance levels at 1202, 1207.8 and 1212.50. The region of 1207.80 coincides with the descending price channel and could act as a limit to potential upside moves.

Conclusion

Gold is in a sideways range with an upside bias as it has been able to make higher weekly lows and (on a closing basis) a higher high. However, it seems to me that the resistance at 1224.50 to 1232 or so will need some work and real commitment from the bulls before it can be penetrated. For short term traders Gold is at levels it could stage a small rally from. After correcting lower earlier today Gold has reached a level that has support in both daily and 4h time frames. With Stochastics oversold in both timeframes and market showing signs of downside momentum waning this level could cause the price of Gold to rally. Should there be appropriate long entry signals to justify buying at these levels, the Fibonacci levels in 4h chart could provide us with targets: T1 at 1202, T2 at 1207 and T3 at 1212. The region of 1207.80 coincides with the descending price channel and could act as an upper limit to potential upside moves. Follow the intraday charts to decide whether price action confirms the idea.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 27th May 2015.

TODAY’S CURRENCY MOVERS.

EURUSD, Daily

Yesterday’s US reports revealed small upside surprises. The durable goods figures for equipment beat estimates modestly despite a 0.5% April headline orders drop, while new home sales rose 6.8% in April to partly reverse a March plunge. The GDP growth outlook remains unchanged at 2.5% in Q2. We saw a May consumer confidence rise to 95.4 that defied declines in all other confidence surveys for the month, and the Richmond Fed index bounced as expected to 1 from -3. Only the Dallas Fed index disappointed, with a drop to a -20.8 six-year low from -16.0 in April. Additionally we had Richmond Fed’s Lacker speaking yesterday. He likes June as a “good time to begin considering raising rates,” suggesting that weak Q1 data is transitory and inflation is firming again after oil rebounds from its slide. Lacker is a known hawk in the FOMC.

EURUSD has recouped the 1.0900 level during Asian trade after leaving a one-month low at 1.0863 yesterday. The pair has fallen some 4% in seven of the last eight trading days after making a three-month peak. I suggested yesterday that the support at 1.0845 could work as a target for intraday trades as 61.8% Fibonacci level coincides with daily highs in April. Market turning higher slightly above this level suggests that others are eyeing the same level. Yesterday’s close was outside the lower 2 stdv Bollinger Band and should today’s close be inside the band probabilities of price rallying higher increase. The next significant resistance area is at 1.1084 to 1.1131.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

Apart from movements in CHF the price action in other currencies has been relatively small. Money has been moving into CHF from other major currencies and it is up by 40 to 50 basis points or more against all the other currencies except EUR. CHF has been especially strong against the JPY, up by over 0.75% at the time of writing. Euro’s relative strength against CHF adds to the EUR strength we are seeing against the USD and other majors. There is consistent JPY weakness even though the movements have most of the morning been subdued. An exception to this is CHFJPY. USD performance is a bit mixed after hitting a historical resistance level in DXY. From this point of view it’s interesting that EURUSD is close to a support, USDCAD is trading at resistance and NZDUSD close to a weekly support. Also USDCHF is reacting lower from a combination of historical resistance and upper Bollinger bands together with a 50 day SMA.

Main Macro Events Today

German Gfk Consumer Confidence Survey (Jun) rose to 10.2 from 10.1. Economic confidence is improving, as is the willingness to buy, despite the fact that income expectations eased slightly. This is a confirmation that the German recovery remains on track.

Japan Retail Trade (YoY) is expected to increase by 5.4% in April. Previous result dropped 9.7% y/y in March from a revised -1.7% y/y in February (was -1.8% y/y previously). Large retailers saw a 13.0% y/y plunge after a 1.3% February gain. However, we have to take into account that sales surged in March 2014 ahead of the April tax hike.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 27th May 2015. (Second Analysis)

EURAUD UP AFTER A HAMMER CANDLE YESTERDAY.

EURAUD, Weekly

EURAUD is moving sideways in wide range with support area between weekly lows at 1.3680 and 1.3912 while upper end is limited by the 50 week SMA and 38.2% Fibonacci retracement roughly coinciding. The nearest weekly high at 1.4277 is almost at level with the 38.2% Fib level at 1.4317 while the previous weekly pivotal highs coincide with the 50 week SMA. As 50 week SMA is pointing down this sideways market has some long term downward tendency. The lower weekly highs contribute to this picture but the fact that the weekly lows have been somewhat equal in March and April points to weakness in downside momentum. The latest weekly pivot low (at 1.3912) being so much higher than the previous lows is a positive indication.

EURAUD, Daily

In the daily picture EURAUD is moving higher from the proximity of a support level created by a sideways move in April this year. Yesterday’s candle was a hammer that is a bullish signal (points to higher prices) and now Stochastics is giving a positive signal by crossing above the signal line. Hammer candle also created a higher low which supports the bullish daily picture. There are no major daily resistance levels nearby while the first daily candle high that could cause the price to stall is at 1.4197. Above this are the upper Bollinger Bands and then the weekly highs. Nearest support levels are at 1.3950 and 1.3912.

EURAUD, 240 min

In 4h timeframe the recent price move took EURAUD to upper Bollinger Bands and close to a 4h pivot candle low at 1.4117. Not so far from the level is also a 50% Fibonacci level (at 1.4112 measured from the May 22nd high to the recent low of 1.3950). Over the last two four hour candles price has retraced back to a recent pivot and found buyers between 38.2% and 50% Fibonacci levels (measured from yesterday’s low to today’s high). The reaction we have seen from this level is healthy and supports the positive picture in the daily time frame. The pair is close to its recent 4h range highs as also reflected in Stochastics being at overbought threshold. At the time of writing the reaction from support has been strong and has coincided with the upsurge in EURUSD from the region of support I suggested in my Currency Movers Report. If the EURUSD strength continues EURAUD is likely to move higher as well.

Conclusion

The long term picture (weekly) is range bound which gives opportunities for swing traders at the range edges. Now that the daily picture has indications that buyers could be taking price higher (higher low and a hammer candle with Stochastics pointing higher) we look for price action based buy signals when there are retracements to intraday support levels. The daily highs are natural target levels with first one being at 1.4197 and the next at 1.4277. A break into new highs (above 1.4115) and a daily close above yesterday’s high at 1.4092 would be further confirmations of the bullish tendency seen in the daily chart. A failure to move above these levels accompanied with downward intraday trends would negate the positive picture.

Janne Muta

Chief Market Analyst

HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 28th May 2015.

TODAY’S CURRENCY MOVERS.

EURUSD, Daily

EU says that further progress is needed in Greece talks. Yet again Greek officials are suggesting a quick deal with creditors, although today, it admittedly sounded more like this was just what Greek wants rather than a done deal. By contrast, creditors remain pessimistic and an EU spokeswoman said there are still issues that need to be resolved, with further progress needed in talks that will continue in coming days. Varoufakis calls for Greek debt restructuring, while saying that the IMF has a very dark history over the past 20-25 years. A Greek government spokesman meanwhile said the country is not planning to bundle its IMF repayments and aims to have a deal by Sunday. She also said that she is working on a common document with creditors. Creditors meanwhile continue to highlight that there are still considerable differences and Varoufakis’ comments on the IMF highlight that his tone hasn’t softened. This obviously is not helping. Neither are the conflicting messages coming out of Greece and it should be clear by now that only when creditor officials announce that a deal is imminent we can actually believe it. Greek officials seem to equate their hope for a quick deal, with actual progress. At the same time ECB’s Nowotny has commented the wider Eurozone economy by saying that there is no “currency war” in a historical range, but he admitted that the ECBs quantitative easing program has helped the Eurozone economy by weakening the EUR. However, he also warned that widespread negative yields can’t be normal.

We have seen some short term bullish momentum since yesterday in EURUSD and need to now have some follow-through (or more consolidation) to avoid further decline. At the time of writing EURUSD is trading inside yesterday’s pin bar range after it fell back from 1.0950 where it was close to the 50% Fibonacci level and Monday’s low. After yesterday’s reaction higher from support level and a close inside the lower Bollinger band the likelihood of price turning higher has increased. However, I would now like to see price creating a higher low and close above yesterday’s high to further support the reversal indication. This would suggest that price could move through the moving average resistance and to next resistance where previous support and 38.2% Fibonacci levels coincide. EURUSD is now approaching the levels that attracted buyers yesterday. Intraday price action at these levels is of high importance as we are looking for indications on markets’ collective opinion of this potential momentum reversal. Should the current support fail, the next significant daily support level is at 1.0660.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

Today’s clear trend is the AUD and NZD weakness. When compared to the USD currencies more or less have had the same percentage change (± 40 basis points) except AUD and NZD that have fallen 122 and 155 basis points respectively against the USD. Apart from the slight USD strength today the Euro and CHF have had some strength against the other currencies while GBP and JPY have had a mixed performance. Again, it’s the AUD and NZD weakness that have moved EURAUD and EURNZD more than other EUR pairs.

Main Macro Events Today

UK Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) Preliminary Q1 GDP came in sub-expectations at +0.3% q/q, half the median forecast and down from the 0.6% growth of Q4. Second estimation was expected at 0.4%, but the actual result was equal to previous 0.3%.

US Initial Jobless Claims came in higher than expected. The 7k initial claims rise to 282k in the fourth week of May extends the 11k bounce to 275k (was 274k) in the BLS survey, as claims continue to reverse the tightness in the prior three readings that started with a 262k cycle-low at the end of April. Claims are still tight versus pre-May levels however, and are displaying a cyclical downtrend that became obscured in early-April by a temporary spike around the Easter holiday period.

US Pending Home Sales (MoM) is expected to increase by 0.9% in April compared to previous result 1.1% in March. This is a leading indicator of the housing market in the US and the economy as a whole.

Japan National CPI Ex-Fresh Food (YoY) is expected to increase by 0.2% in April. An increase is expected after Core CPI improved to a 2.2% y/y pace in March from 2.0% y/y pace in February and 2.2% y/y in January. But the trend deceleration should be worrying policymakers.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 29th May 2015.

TODAY’S CURRENCY MOVERS.

EURUSD, Daily

According to yesterday’s release US Initial jobless claims rose 7k to 282k (median 271k) for the week-ended May 23 from 275k (was 274k). Continuing claims rose to 2,222 from 2,211k for the week-ended May 16. This is near levels last seen in 2006. This weeks spike and the recent volatility is likely due to seasonal factors surrounding the Easter holiday.

The Preliminary annualized Gross Domestic Product data out today is expected to be revised to -0.9% from 0.2% in the release, following 2.2% growth in Q4. This report will give us more give more insights regarding US economy and its improvement. Greece continues to hang over the Eurozone, with wider market sentiment and hopes for a deal by the end of the month quickly fading. Yesterday’s deal-no deal comments by Greece and its creditors were more extreme than usual. It seems Tsipras was forced to express reassuring and optimistic comments to prevent panic and further deposit outflows ahead of the upcoming pension and wage payments. However, these statements are in conflict with creditor officials, highlighting that Greece is increasingly desperate for a quick deal since the extra time is over.

Yesterday the pair moved up to 1.0965 resistance level where the 50-day SMA coincides with the 50% Fibonacci retracement and closed above previous day’s high. Declining tops and bottoms form a downtrend and as we have now seen the expected upside reaction from 1.0848 support (coinciding with 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level drawn from the March 13th low to the May high) the chances have improved that the recent downward trend has reversed. Today’s price action and upside momentum have been subdued. The 1.1093 support at pivot candle high was enough to reverse an intraday down move today but there has not been a decisive move above yesterday’s high. If there is no strong decline today the weekly candle is will create a bullish pin bar. In this context the 50 day SMA is a minor resistance and we should see price moving higher next week. The intraday price action after the US GDP figures today (12:30 GMT) should give us more indications on for things to come.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

Today’s intra-day performance shows clearly the NZD weakness against all major currencies with moves extending up to approximately 70 basis points. AUDNZD has moved higher after a hammer candle indicated further upward momentum but has now hit a resistance at early may range low. NZDUSD has dropped below an important weekly support level. JPY is showing some varying strength against all major currencies, with CHFJPY being an exception and NZDJPY moving strongly, down by 75 basis points and at lower Bollinger Bands at the time of writing. GBP has been weak while USD has had a mixed performance.

Main Macro Events Today

US Gross Domestic Product (Q1) is expected to be revised to -0.9% from 0.2% in the release, following 2.2% growth in Q4, expecting to give more insights regarding US economy and its improvement. Forecast risk: downward, given outsized revisions in source data for trade and inventories. Market risk: downward, as a weaker report could impact the already-fragile Fed rate hike timing.

Canada Gross Domestic Product is expected to increase by 0.2% in April at a moderate pace from the previous result that kept the percentage unchanged. The Q1 GDP report may be anti-climactic as anything between +0.5% to -0.5% will roughly match the BoC’s flat estimate. The key to the policy outlook remains, of course, what happens following the oil shock.

US Chicago purchasing managers’ Index is expected to come in at 53. Chicago PMI rose 6.0 points to 52.3 in April, better than expected, after increasing 0.5 points to 46.3 in March as the index continues to correct from the 13.6 point plunge in February to 45.8 (which was the weakest reading since July 2009). Both employment and new orders increased, and inventories declined. Prices paid also fell. The data are consistent with the Fed’s view that some of the weakness in Q1 was due to temporary factors.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 29th May 2015. (Second Analysis)

US Q1 GDP GROWTH REVISED LOWER TO -0.7%.

The United States’ Q1 GDP growth was revised lower to -0.7% pace versus a 0.2% pace in the Advance report. It compares to a 2.2% clip from Q4. For the latest report, consumption was nudged lower to 1.8% versus 1.9% previously, and is down from a 4.4% Q4 rate. Fixed investment was bumped up to -1.3% versus -2.5% previously. This was due to a 2.8% drop in nonresidential activity, versus -3.4% previously, as structures fall 20.8% compared to -23.1% (in large part due to shrinking rig counts in the oil industry).

Residential construction was boosted to a 5.0% pace from the prior 1.3%. Government consumption was revised lower to -1.1% from -0.8%. Inventories added $15.0 bln, have of the original $30.3 bln contribution. Net exports subtracted $77.0 bln versus -$50.7 bln. The chain price index was steady at -0.1% previously, and is down from Q4's 0.1% and Q3's 1.4% rate. The core rate posted a 0.8% rate from 0.9% previously, and versus 1.1% in Q4 and 1.4% in Q3.

The US GDP figure was slightly better than expected and almost in line with analyst expectations. It therefore didn’t have a significant immediate impact on USD. The only dollar pair moving more strongly after the announcement is the USDCAD as the Canadian GDP number came out at the same time and was a disappointment. USDCAD is up by 0.66% at the time of writing and approaching yesterday’s shooting star high at 1.2538. Today’s high at the time of writing: 1.2518. Fibonacci levels in the above chart point to potential support levels with 38.2% coinciding with 50 day SMA and 50% with a sideways move from mid-may. The US Dollar Index (DXY) is still trading at intraday support created by lower Bollinger Bands that have supported the index since yesterday.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 1st June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 1st June 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

The Q1 GDP growth figure from last Friday wasn’t quite as weak as the median suggested, falling “only” 0.7%. But, the composition of that report, along with recent data, doesn’t indicate Q2 is likely to bounce sharply. Also, it’s still not clear how much of this sluggishness can be blamed on “transitory” factors. Nevertheless, a Fed rate hike in September is still in the cards, as indicated by the Median forecast. Fedspeak of late, even from the doves, has suggested policymakers want to start the normalization process. But will that be possible as soon as next quarter? The FOMC will need to see stronger data over the next couple of months to make lift-off credible.

According to reports, the Greek Prime Minister Tsipras is in talks with Merkel and Hollande. With the end of May deadline gone Mr Tsipras once again hopes to bypass the negotiations with the Brussels group and puts his hopes on talks with Merkel and Hollande. The three had a reportedly “constructive” telephone conversation yesterday and Merkel and Hollande are set to meet today. Tsipras meanwhile blamed the lack of progress on the “absurd” proposals by certain institutions, which ignore recent democratic decisions in Greece. In an article for France’s Le Monde, he said that the plans for the pension system are not suitable for a civilized country while warning that it would be a bit mistake to think that finding a solution was just a Greek issue and that it is important for the whole of Europe. Not comments that signal a softening of the Greek stance.

EURUSD moved below Friday’s low this morning and is currently trading inside the daily pivot candle from May 27th and inside the Bollinger Bands with Stochastics pointing higher. Last week’s doji candle suggests that buyers are prepared to buy not so far from the current levels. At the time of writing the pair is trading higher intraday support level 1.0904 and lower 4h Bollinger bands. This could lead to a rally but now that the pair has moved below Friday’s low there are resistance levels ahead. Therefore such rallies could be short lived and price is likely to be range bound today between Friday’s high of 1.1006 and last week’s low of 1.0820. The nearest daily time frame support and resistance levels are at 1.0820 and 1.0965. The 50% Fibonacci level and 50 day SMA coincide at the latter level.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

Today’s movers in terms of currency pairs are EURUSD, EURJPY, GBPJPY, AUDCHF that have all moved considerably from Friday’s close. EURJPY is correcting lower from a resistance and is at the time of writing trading slightly below Friday’s low. GBPJPY has corrected to a support created by a sideways range from mid-May while AUDCHF is moving higher after the pair closed down over the last four trading days. The main themes today have been weakness in JPY against everything else but the last week’s weakling NZD, EUR weakness across the board while GBP has been weak against everything else but CHF and EUR. USD is currently strong against EUR, GBP and CHF.

Main Macro Events Today

China’s PMI (Q1) figures improved modestly from April, but don’t suggest much pick up. The official manufacturing index edged up to 50.2, from 50.1 in both March and April, after the gauge had dipped below the 50 threshold in January and February. The PBoC has been fairly active in easing policy in recent months to try to help boost growth.

Eurozone May manufacturing PMI wasrevised down to 52.3 from 52.3 reported initially. The country breakdown was mixed, with Italian and Spanish readings coming in much higher than anticipated, and the French reading revised up, although the latter remained in contraction territory. The German PMI was the big disappointment, with a downward revision to 51.1, from 51.4 reported initially, which means the drop from the 52.1 April reading was even more pronounced than expected.

UK Manufacturing PMI came in at 52, slightly under the consensus expectation of 52.5. The PMI report showed that strong domestic demand is being offset by weak export performance, which has largely been a consequence of sterling’s strength against the euro. In April Markit PMI unexpectedly dove to 51.9 from 54.0 in March, itself revised from 54.4. This marked the slowest rate of expansion since November.

US Manufacturing ISM is expected to rise to 52.0 from 51.5 in April and March. Forecast risk: downward, given new order weakness in early month releases. Market risk: downward, as weakening in data could impact rate hike timelines.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 2nd June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 2nd JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD managed to lift back above 1.0900 after skirting to a 1.0891 low on Monday following above-forecast US data. EURJPY is also trading just off three-week highs, and most other euro crosses are holding firm. A step-up in top-level political pressure at key Eurozone leaders to come up with a bailout deal that would be acceptable to the Greek government has given the euro an underpinning. On the dollar side, the rekindled Fed tightening theme got a minor boost yesterday with above-forecast May PMI and construction spending data. The US ISM May rose to 52.8 and lifted the measure above the 51.5 two-year low in April and May, following a slightly higher 52.9 in February and a lofty 57.9 recent-high in October. The ISM rise included component gains in all but shipments, which implies some abatement of headwinds from the oil-price hit to mining and the inventory overhang, the winter port strike and weather factors that have all impacted the various sentiment surveys since November.

EURUSD moved pretty much as expected yesterday. Market rallied higher from an intraday support level but then turned lower from levels fairly close to 4h 1.5 stdv Bollinger Band. The same intraday support in the region of 1.0904 held again yesterday and the pair is at the time of writing reacting lower after challenging a resistance just above yesterday’s high. If EURUSD can’t push above Friday’s high we are likely to see further consolidation and corrections before price is ready to move higher. The nearest daily support levels are at 1.0887 and 1.0820 while resistance levels are at 1.1006 and 1.1062. Should we get corrections closer that low it’d make sense to look for buy signs of stabilization and signals close to yesterday’s low at 1.0887.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

While USDJPY moved momentarily above 125 for the first time since 2002 it is the AUD that is roaring ahead strongest at the time of writing. Following the RBA’s decision to hold the rates at 2% AUD has been up strongly against everything else with AUDUSD and GBPAUD leading the pack (AUDUSD up and GBPAUD down). AUDUSD has moved above previous two daily highs and has just hit a resistance at 0.7690, while GBPAUD has rolled over and broken a daily uptrend. EUR has attracted money with the exception of EURAUD that is moving lower from a resistance that caused some weakness in the pair already yesterday. GBP has been weak across the board.

Main Macro Events Today

Reserve Bank of Australia held rates steady at 2.00%, matching widespread expectations. Governor Stevens’ statement says the economy continues to grow, but at a below average rate. Hence, the economy is seen operating with a degree of spare capacity for some time yet, keeping the Bank’s dovish tone intact. The proverbial door remains, not surprisingly, open to further rate cuts following last month’s reduction.

German Unemployment Change in at -6k. Unemployment rate in Germany is already very low. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was left unchanged at a very low 6.4% (median same). This is helping to boost domestic demand, but also increases the risk of overshooting inflation going ahead and the ECB may be forced to lift its inflation projections this week.

Eurozone Consumer Price Index (Core) is expected to pick up slightly to 0.7%.In April Eurozone Core inflation remained at 0.6% y/y. Developments confirmed that negative headline inflation rates were mainly due to energy prices and that there always was only ever a very small risk of a deflationary spiral, but the ECB nevertheless credits its QE program with the pick up in inflation expectations.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 2nd June 2015. (Second Analysis)

EUROZONE CORE CPI JUMPED TO 0.9%.

Eurozone headline CPI rose to 0.3 % from 0.0% y/y, in line with the median forecast. More interestingly core inflation (excluding food and energy) jumped to 0.9% y/y from 0.6% y/y while analyst consensus expected only a 0.1% rise to 0.7%. This is the first time in six months that the headline rate is in positive territory and the move back above zero should finally silence any deflation concerns. These were exaggerated in the first place, as the decline in headline numbers was mainly due to base effects from lower energy prices. They are now falling out of the equation and together with the weaker EUR are driving up inflation again. The ECB’s very accommodative policy stance is adding to price pressures in countries such as Germany and the quicker than anticipated rebound could see the ECB lifting its inflation projections at this week’s council meeting.

This supported the EURUSD and it moved above the pivotal high from Friday. With today’s high being at 1.1056 EURUSD is now trading close to my target area of 1.1062 to 1.1083. Now that last week’s candle was a reversal candle and price has been makinig higher lows the likelyhood of price collapsing from this resistance is smaller. However, the pair is getting close to overbought levels when measured with 4h Stochastics and together with the resistance levels being near the risk of correction increases. The nearest 4h support level is at 1.0994 while 23.6% Fibonacci level (measured from last week’s low to today’s high) is very close at 1.1000 suggesting the region has some importance. However, the 50% Fibonacci level at 1.0937 is much more interesting in terms of potential entry level for long trades. For more intraday levels see the above 4h chart. The 50 day SMA is at 1.0968 and almost coincides with 50 period SMA in 4h chart and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level at 1.0965. If price retraces to these levels, look for price action based confirmation before considering long trades.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 3rd June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 3rd JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

The dollar got clobbered in New York session yesterday. The move was led by EURUSD’s fast rise to highs over 1.1190, after opening near 1.1000. Stop loss buying was a key driver of the euro’s rally, with buyers surging in on the break of 1.1010, and again at 1.1100. The move started yesterday as the core CPI figure showed the European inflation jumped to almost 1% and exceeded expectations. I had been looking for EURUSD to turn higher from the support but the strength of the move was surprising. This helped the pair hitting my target level and moving beyond it yesterday.

Yesterday’s US reports revealed a modest underperformance for the factory goods figures for April, but a firm round of vehicle sales figures thus far for May. For the factory report, the equipment and orders data were modestly disappointing. In yesterday’s speech Fed’s Brainard underlined Fed’s approach to be data dependent and was slightly dovish. She said a range of labour market indicators will be watched closely, including wage growth and part-time employment in judging whether the economy is fully healed. This is consistent with her earlier dovish slant and appears to echo the view embraced by Yellen and others that the absolute level of the unemployment rate is not the Fed’s sole consideration in terms of the employment mandate.

Greece will not make IMF repayment if there is no prospect of deal. According to reports on Twitter the parliamentary spokesman of Tsipras’ Syriza coalition said Greece will not make the June IMF payment if there is no prospect of a deal with lenders. Both sides yesterday laid down their own proposals for an agreement, but reports suggest German PM Merkel is not optimistic of a deal before the start of the G7 meeting on Sunday and the first of Greece’s four IMF payments is due on June 5, although the IMF apparently may accept a bundling of repayments and a joint settlement later in the month.

Last Friday (May 29th) I wrote that if there is no strong decline today the weekly candle is will create a bullish pin bar. In this context the 50 day SMA is a minor resistance and we should see price moving higher next week. This move took place after some consolidation and was then powered by stronger than expected inflation numbers from Eurozone. Now EURUSD has moved above the previous week’s high but also to a level that used to act as a support in May. The higher timeframe picture usually dominates the smaller one and with weekly being so bullish I still expect market will work its way higher over the next two weeks and head towards the upper weekly 20 period Bollinger Bands (currently at 1.1440 and 1.1570). On daily and intraday level it is usual that there is some consolidation after such a strong move higher. We’ve seen this since the pair made the high of 1.1194 yesterday evening. If the pair attracts buyers above 1.1120 (trading now at 1.1131) it is likely that the recent highs will be challenged today. The nearest resistance levels are at 1.1208 and 1.1324 while the nearest daily support level is at 1.1006.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

AUD has been performing well against all the major currencies after the GDP improved so much from the Q4 2014 and yesterday’s rate decision. AUDUSD has now hit a historical resistance level at 0.7800 which has slowed it down and the pair corrected lower. NZD is still weak across the board while especially AUD has moved over 50 basis points against it. We are seeing some GBP weakness across the board with exception of GBP rising slightly against NZD and EUR strength this morning has turned into a mixed performance. The USD is down and JPY’s performance is mixed. At the time of writing AUDNZD is about to challenge the May 12th high at 1.0895 while AUDJPY is nearing May 14th high at 97.30. GBPUSD closed yesterday above previous day’s high and created therefore a short terms bullish signal while EURCAD closed above 1.3754 resistance level yesterday.

Main Macro Events Today

Australian GDP grew at a 0.9% pace in Q1 (q/q, sa), much better than expected after the 0.5% gain in Q4. GDP slowed slightly to a 2.3% y/y pace in Q1 from a revised 2.4% clip in Q4 (was +2.5%). The near doubling of the quarterly comparable growth rate is encouraging news given the global cross currents (notably the energy price drop) in Q1, consistent with the expected positive lift to the economy from the RBA’s easing efforts this year. The firm Q1 GDP print trims the chances for further easing this year, consistent with our view that the Bank will maintain rates at the current record low 2.0% policy setting well into next year. AUD-USD jumped to 0.7800 in the wake of the data from 0.7700.

ECB Interest Rate Decision and Monetary Policy Statement: The ECB is expected to keep policy unchanged at the June council meeting, with the announcement today, rather than on the usual Thursday slot. The focus in the press conference will be on comments on Greece and whether the ECB is willing to maintain Greek bank’s lifeline in the form of extended ELA assistance. Draghi may also be quizzed again on demands to lift the ceiling for Greek T-bills and on the possibility of raising the haircut on Greece colletaral, as well as the central bank’s stance in the case Greece defaults on one of its IMF repayments. The forecast revisions may contain an upward move to inflation projections amid signs that the combined impact of stabilising oil prices and a weaker EUR is pushing up annual rates quicker than initially thought. At the same time money supply growth has accelerated sharply. This will likely prompt another re-affirmation to markets that the ECB remains fully committed to the implementation of the QE program to prevent market expectations of policy tapering this year.

US ADP Employment Change for May is forecasted to come in at 200 000. This would mean a healthy correction from April’s figure of 169 000.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 3rd June 2015. (Second Analysis)

GBPUSD TRADING LOWER AFTER YESTERDAY’S BUY SIGNAL.

GBPUSD, Weekly

After breaking out of the descending regression channel GBPUSD made a brief move outside the upper Bollinger bands before falling back to current levels. The pair has found some support from the 50% Fibonacci level and has moved sideways since Monday. This is however a mid-range level that could get broken due to the fact that this market is not extended to the downside. Weekly pivot low resistance is at 1.5390 (relatively close to current price). Current levels are therefore more risky and I would be interested in long trades at lower levels, between 1.4962 and 1.5054. With support and resistances so close to each other it’s likely though that this market will be range bound for the rest of the week.

GBPUSD, Daily

The March 18th high created a support level that was strong enough turn GBPUSD higher in the beginning of May. Now this same pivotal candle support coincides with lower daily Bollinger Bands and the 50 day SMA. At the same time Stochastics oscillator is pointing higher after it was oversold. After last two weeks’ downside movement the pair closed yesterday above previous day’s high. When this takes place at support level it is a Bullish signal and should be taken as an alert to look for smaller time frame charts in order identify right levels for buy signal monitoring. However, this has to be taken as a very short term indication as the resistance level at 1.5447 is not very far. This is likely to test the commitment among the buyers should the short term indications prove to be correct. The 50% Fibonacci level is slightly above the aforementioned resistance at 1.5498 while the nearest daily support levels are at 1.5164 and 1.5089.

GBPUSD, 240 min

After hitting the upper Bollinger bands and 50 period SMA, price has fallen back to the level it broke out from the 4h descending regression channel. This level is highlighted by the 50% and 61.8% Fibonacci retracements and at the time of writing price is trading just above the 61.8% Fib level. Hourly chart created a pin bar pointing to a potential reversal and there was an attempt to take the market higher. However over the last two hourly bars the upside momentum has been non-existent and price has corrected lower. The resistance level at 1.5326 (coinciding with 23.6% Fib level) is relatively close and could well be the reason for sluggish performance. Apart from Fibonacci levels the nearest support level is at 1.5210 and coincides with 4h lower Bollinger Bands.

GBPUSD, 240 min

Conclusion

In the weekly context GBPUSD is still relatively close to the upper Bollinger Bands. Also, price trading at 50% Fibonacci retracement points to the fact that this level is mid-range and therefore not the ideal area for a weekly turn around to take place. Also the weekly pivot bar low at 1.5394 is relatively close to the current price and suggests further weakness could be ahead over the coming weeks. However, before that is likely to happen we might see a rally to the 1.5447 resistance as daily time frame has some supporting elements for the pair (lower Bollinger bands, 50 day SMA and historical support at 1.5164 ) and there was a daily buy signal yesterday (a close above previous day high). Support and resistance being relatively close to each other could lead to a range bound market. As per usual, look for lower time frame price action to confirm any trading ideas at support and resistance levels.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 4th June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 4th JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

ADP reported that private payrolls in the US rose 201k in May versus a revised 165k April increase (was 169k). The goods producing sector added 9k, while the service sector jobs rose 192. Construction jobs were up 27k, but manufacturing fell 5k. Financial sector payrolls increased 12k. Professional and business services payrolls were up 28k. Trade and transports added 56k. Headline data are a little better than expected and support forecasts for about a 220k nonfarm payroll gain as our Survey Median projects. Payrolls face upside risk from tight claims and heightened consumer confidence in the face of lower gasoline prices, though downside risk from factory sentiment weakness. U.S. ISM non-manufacturing index fell to 55.7 in May, weaker than expected, from April’s 57.8. And it is the lowest since April 2014. Declines were broad-based, although index levels still remain relatively high. Fed’s Beige Book reiterated the economy continued to expand, with most Districts characterizing the pace as moderate to modest pace. Maybe not surprisingly given its exposure to the energy sector recession, the Dallas Fed reported slightly slower growth. Most Districts also noted an uptick in consumer spending with outlooks on the future rather positive. Manufacturing activity held steady or increased in most districts while oil and gas activity continued to decline in most areas. Employment was up slightly, as were wages. Prices were stable or ticked up, though some manufacturers reported lower input prices. There isn’t robust support in the report for policymakers to be on the verge of hiking rates.

The ECB left interest rates unchanged at and re-affirmed its commitment to the full implementation of QE despite the fact that inflation projections for this year were revised up. Any tapering of the ECB’s bond purchase schedule still is a way off and any help from the ECB for Greece is tied to a deal with its creditors. The ECB president Mario Draghi said that with low levels of interest rates we should get used to periods of higher market volatility. Draghi also agreed that a long period of low interest rates can cause problems, but added that that shouldn’t necessarily prompt the ECB to change policy. He said the central bank is unanimous in its view to see through short term market trends and keep policy steady and added that recovery is on track, but there has been some loss of momentum. According to Draghi the recovery is developing in line with the ECB’s projections, but the slight loss of momentum is mainly due to countries outside of the Eurozone and trade developments.

The Greek PM Tsipras rejected creditor offer after talks with Juncker and Dijsselbloem. He said “the realistic proposals on the table are the proposals of the Greek government”, adding that “ideas like cutting benefits for low-income pensioners, or raising the VAT rate for electricity by 10% points, can’t be a basis for discussion”. At the same time, he suggested the Commission was more favourable to Greece’s proposals than other creditors. The Commission meanwhile said in a statement that “intense work” will continue and that “progress was made in the understanding of each other’s positions on the basis of various proposals”. So we are not really any closer to an agreement, although Tsipras told reporters not to worry when asked about IMF repayment tomorrow.

EURUSD strength continued yesterday after a pullback to 38.2% Fibonacci level. The 1.1120 intraday support was penetrated so momentarily that it held on closing basis even in 15 min chart. The stops below that support were taken out but then price closed above the support before shooting higher. At the time of writing the pair is trading above 1.1238 intraday support but the upside is getting limited and the risk of downside volatility has grown significantly. As the pair is trading close to a major resistance level market participants are likely to take money off the table and decrease the bids. This makes EURUSD vulnerable. Stochastics is signalling the pair is overbought and the nearest significant daily resistance is at 1.1324 while the next important daily support is as far as 1.1006.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

What goes up, must come down. This certainly applies to AUDUSD this morning. After surge higher and hitting a resistance yesterday AUDUSD created a shooting star candle and is now moving lower. AUD is weak against all the major currencies with AUDJPY being the weakest. At the same time JPY, following BoJ governor Kuroda’s speech, has seen some strength. USD and GBP show some strength while EUR performance is mixed. GBPAUD created a daily hammer candle yesterday and has moved above the yesterday’s high 1.9765. AUDJPY is bearish after breaking below yesterday’s low at 96.25.

Main Macro Events Today

Bank of Japan Governor’s Speech: GovernorKuroda said in a speech that some emerging economies worry that the Fed’s proposed rate hikes, which are seen kicking off later this year, may complicate the their policy management by triggering a massive outflow of capital from their markets back to the United States. The BOJ expanded its massive stimulus last October to prevent the oil rout, and a subsequent slowdown in inflation, from delaying a sustained halt on deflation. Inflation expectations are “obviously” one of the most important channels in which unconventional monetary policy, such as quantitative easing, reflates growth.

Band of England’s Interest Rate Decision is due to today but analyst consensus expects the rate will stay at 0.5%. According to the BoE minutes to the April MPC meeting showed unanimous votes to maintain the repo rate at 0.5% and the QE total at GBP 375 bln, as expected.

US initial jobless claims are expected to be 285k (median 280k) in the week-ended May 30. Continuing claims are expected to fall to 2,200k for the week-ended May 23. Forecast risk: downward, as there is risk of rebound after recent large declines. Market risk: downward, as weaker than expected data could further delay rate hike expectations.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 4th June 2015. (Second Analysis)

GBPAUD Trading At Resistance.

GBPAUD, Weekly

Sterling has been trending higher against Australian dollar since August last year. In February GBPAUD hit a historical resistance at 1.9697 and it has taken the pair close to four months to move back above this resistance level. AUDGBP is now trading at Bollinger bands while Stochastics are overbought. There is a small cluster of Fibonacci extension levels just above the Bollinger bands between 2.0160 and 2.0313 and a historical resistance at 2.0991. Momentum has slowed down but the trend is still up.

GBPAUD, Daily

A week ago GBPAUD hit a resistance at February high at 2.0029. This caused the price to break out from a bearish wedge. Since then the pair has found support at 23.6% Fibonacci level at 1.9656 and rallied back to levels it dropped from. This looks like a classic return move that should be followed by a move lower. The nearest potential support level is in the region of 1.9408 to 1.94823 where 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, lower Bollinger bands and 50 SMA coincide. The next support area is between 61.8% and 50% Fibonacci levels while the nearest daily resistance is at 2.0057.

GBPAUD, 240 min

GBPAUD has moved inside the sideways range it formed last week. The pair is approaching the upper Bollinger bands but apart from Stochastics being overbought and slightly tilting to the right there are no signs of momentum slowdown yet in this timeframe as the latest bar closed near its high and the current bar is pushing into 1.5 stdv Bollinger Band. Even though price is close to very potential resistance levels I would like to see some price based evidence that the buyers have exhausted their resources before committing to the short side. The nearest 4h support is at a Fibonacci cluster above 1.9600. Nearest 4h resistance levels above 1.9907 are at 1.9998 and 2.0042.

Conclusion

Even though there has been some momentum slowdown the weekly trend is still higher. The historical resistance at 2.0991 is a logical target price in the weekly time frame. The daily timeframe has some weakness (price has broken out of a bearish wedge) and this suggests that the above resistance could still prove to be a problem for the bulls. If market corrects from this resistance it could however be a short term move as support is not that far and the weekly trend is pretty firmly to the upside. Look for support between 1.9600 and 1.9700 with a long term target at 2.0870 and medium term target at 2.0270. Short term and intraday traders could consider 2.0000 as a target.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 5th June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 5th JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD closed at session lows in relatively thin trade yesterday and is after some recovery currently trading at 1.1268. Greece’s request to defer IMF payments to the end of the month will apparently be approved, and will give Greece some breathing room, as a euro 300 mln payment was originally due on Friday. How Greece will make the payments at the end of the month is anyone’s guess. The FX market surely must be thinking there will be no end to the crisis, and perhaps some smart money is reducing exposure to the single currency.

Eurozone Retail PMI surged higher yesterday. The overall retail PMI for the Eurozone passed the 50 point no change mark in May and rose to 51.4 from 49.5 in the previous month. This was driven mainly by a jump in the German reading to a whopping 55.8 from 52.6 in April. The French reading also improved, but remained below the 50 point mark, as did the Italian reading, which actually dropped slightly. The strong German number confirms that the recovery remains driven largely by consumption and domestic demand, unlike previous recoveries and the question is whether this is sustainable, or like the pre-crisis booms in Spain, Italy and elsewhere mainly fuelled by cheap money.

The US initial jobless claims fell 8k to 276k in the week ended May 30, from a revised 284k in the prior week (was 282k). The 4-week moving average edged up to 274.75k from 272.0k (revised from 271.5k). Continuing claims dropped 30k to 2,196k in the May 23 week, from 2,226k previously (revised from 2,222k). Also, US Q1 productivity was revised down to a -3.1% pace from the -1.9% preliminary print, and versus -2.1% in Q4. The back-to-back declines are the largest since 1993.

I wrote yesterday that EURUSD was trading close to a major resistance and that the upside was getting limited which increases the downside risk. This resulted in EURUSD failing to hold the highs after rallying from the intraday support I mentioned. It also resulted in a daily shooting star candle that confirmed the bearish view in the daily timeframe. At the time of writing the pair is approaching an intraday resistance area around 1.1285. Based on the intraday technical picture it seems that EURUSD is not likely to rise much higher but will react lower and remain weak and eventually it should move to the daily support at 1.1006. This being a Nonfarm Friday markets are prone to avoid strong directional movements before the employment number is out. Also the region of May 22 daily high provides some support EURUSD which is why I don’t expect the pair to move to 1.1006 support today. However, the daily shooting star indicates that this is likely to happen before EURUSD can move higher. A medium term regression channel bottom coincides with the 1.1006 support which suggests that the pair will retain its medium term upward tendency. Daily support and resistance levels are: 1.1208, 1.1006, 1.0887 and 1.1324, 1.1380 and 1.1467.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

GBP is weak across the board this morning. GBPAUD turned lower from the resistance yesterday as was expected (see my analysis from yesterday) and GBPUSD rallied yesterday almost to 1.5447 level I identified in my earlier analysis. EUR has wide strength against the other major currencies this morning with EUR moving most against GBP and JPY. EURJPY is moving outside both weekly and daily Bollinger Bands and yesterday’s shooting star raises concerns of the level of commitment by the bulls on this market. The pair is trading near yesterday’s daily highs but as there is no major weekly resistance nearby I would not be interested in selling against the highs. I suggested in my earlier analysis that EURGBP is in a process of creating a market bottom. The recent volatility and the fact that this market has found attracted buyers at major support levels indicates that my view was correct. This has brought the EURGBP near a daily resistance level and it is trading in the Bollinger Bands.

Main Macro Events Today

Eurozone Gross Domestic Product second release for Q1 GDP is due out today but no change in number is expected. In May Q1 data was in line with expectations, with the quarterly growth rate accelerating slightly to 0.4% q/q from 0.3% q/q, in line with our forecast and a tad below our median of 0.5%. There is no breakdown with the preliminary number, but domestic demand was likely the main driver and the national data suggests that growth is broadening and stabilising, despite the deceleration in German growth at the start of the year.

US Nonfarm Payrolls and Unemployment rate: Nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by 215k, with a 223k private payroll gain. Forecast risk: upward, as depressed claims readings should provide some tail wind. Market risk: downward, as substantial weakness could impact the timing of rate hikes. The unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 5.4% from April.

Canadian Unemployment Rate: Employment is expected to rebound 20.0k in May after the 19.7k drop in April. Forecast Risk: The dismal 19.7k drop in total jobs during April contrasted with mostly solid details, which we expect to give way to an improvement in overall employment during May. But business confidence remains subdued, suggesting a risk for a May job gain that undershoots our estimates. Market Risk: An as-expected rise in May would not argue against the expected timing and magnitude the Bank sees for the gyrations in Q1 and Q2 GDP, in turn supportive of expectations that the 0.75% policy rate is the floor.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 8th June 2015.

GOLD EDGING CLOSER TO A SUPPORT.

Gold, Weekly

Ever since the US dollar started move strongly higher last year most analysts have predicted Gold would considerably lower in USD terms. This however has not taken place and the price of Gold has been moving sideways since November last year. This has been a clear sign of relative strength and suggests that there have been underlying demand factors supporting this market. However, price action in Gold since the US Dollar index (DXY) started topping has not supported the Relative Strength idea. A market that has true relative strength bounces sharply higher when factors constraining its move higher are removed. As soon DXY started to move lower the price of Gold should have rallied strongly and moved beyond the resistances at 1250 and 1300. Instead Gold rallied only 7.3% from March low to May high and is currently trading only 2.17% above the March low. The more dovish stance taken by the Fed Chief Yellen has not been to move the price of Gold higher and suggests that market participants still believe the Fed is not too far from starting tightening on its interest rate policy. Historically the price of Gold not performed brilliantly during the seasons of DXY strength. Another important reason for investors being careful with this market is that the huge rally between 2001 and 2011 that multiplied the value of yellow metal by a factor of 7.5 and sent it to extreme levels that weren’t sustainable. It is common that a market that experiences an extreme rally will correct strongly and be out of favour for a period of time. This has for instance happened with tech stocks (Nasdaq) and Hong Kong listed Chinese stocks (Hang Seng ).

The last time there was a similar rally in the price of Gold was in the 1970s. In August 1976 Gold made a low of 101.50 and in a space of four years rallied approximately almost nine times higher. The recent rally was almost as extreme in terms of price multiples but it happened over a longer period of time. The rally started in 2001 and lasted till 2011. After peaking in 1980 the price of Gold lost almost 75% over the next 18 months. Therefore the 38% correction over the 18 months following the 2011 peak suggests that market participants can better stomach volatility that takes place over a longer time period and that this time around there has been more safe haven buying.

Over the last three weeks Gold has corrected to 1168 support after being rejected from 1224.50 resistance level and 50 week moving average. The lower Bollinger Bands are not too far and the Stochastics Oscillator is getting oversold. The price of Gold has now reached an area where reversals have happened in the past. This suggests that the downside is getting limited. The nearest support and resistance levels are at 1168 and 1224.50.

Gold, Daily

Gold is now trading between a daily resistance at 1179.90 and 1168.40 after penetrating the support on intraday basis on Friday. The 23.6% Fibonacci level coincides with the 1179.90 resistance. This suggests further weakness before price can turn around and is in line with the current down trend that has been in force since the May high. I look Gold to consolidate and turn between Friday’s low of 1162.60 and March low of 1141.70.

Conclusion

Despite weakness of the US dollar the price of Gold has failed to rally above 1224 resistance level. The lack of conclusive rallies from over the last two months is not a sign of strength for the long term. This increases the risk of Gold violating the major support at 1131.50. Price is still in a longer term downtrend while the recent sideways move has been an attempt to build a base from which to bounce higher. The recent failure to rally above 1224.50 is a red light that longer term investors need to pay attention to. I am still expecting Gold to turn higher from or near the 1141.60. If price starts to stall after a small rally and cannot close above 1168 it is an indication to decrease long term Gold positions significantly.

The short term picture (daily and 4h) is suggesting that price not far from levels it could stage a rally from. However, there are resistance levels above current price which should lead to a down move that would take the price of Gold to levels below Friday’s low. I am expecting it to attract buyers above 1141.70 and attempt a turn around.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 9th June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 9th JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD moved to a five day high (on a closing basis) at 1.1345 this morning bringing last Thursday’s peak at 1.1379 back into scope, with the May-15 peak at 1.1466 just behind. A run of encouraging data, and perky May inflation data, out of the Eurozone has enabled to the euro to hold ground against the dollar, despite the rekindled Fed tightening narrative following the strong May US payrolls report. The forex market is also taking a sanguine view of Greece’s continuing standoff with its creditors at bailout negotiations. There were fresh reports that the European Commission is trying to look into ways to get Greece some alternative funding that doesn’t require a positive bailout review, but even Juncker is increasingly exasperated with Greece’s hostility towards creditors and their offers. As Greece will have to negotiate further funding beyond the remaining monies from the current bailout, the hard line stance taken by Tsipras and Co is a gamble with Greece obviously banking on the fact that foreign ministers and heads of state, as well as the G7 will eventually value Greece’s strategic position in the south-east of Europe and its importance as a Nato partner more than the fact that continuing Eurozone membership will cost taxpayers elsewhere in the Eurozone dearly, and that without solving the country’s underlying problems.

According to ECB’s Liikanen QE could be extended, beyond September 2016 if needed. We have heard this before, but in the current climate it may go some way to dampen the rise in yields although the official commitment to bond buying it counterbalanced somewhat by the central bank’s very relaxed attitude to the rise in long term yields. Bund futures, which fell into negative territory, are slightly up again on the day, but off opening highs.

EURUSD moved on Friday pretty well according to my script. I said in Friday’s report that the pair was approaching an intraday resistance at 1.1285 and that EURUSD is not likely to rise much higher but will react lower and remain weak. I also said that I don’t expect the pair to move to 1.1006 support today. The pair turned lower from 1.1280, remained weak and moved to the south after NFP figures came out with a big surprise. And price never moved to 1.1006 that day.

Now we’ve seen a rally back into the same resistance area that turned the pair lower Thursday last week. The picture is less clear than on Friday as price has reacted lower from the resistance but has since found buyers at the same region that resisted moves higher on Friday. If prices keeps on making lower timeframe higher lows over the next two to three hours it is likely that buyers try to challenges the daily resistance levels again. Should this fail and price move lower from here the next intraday support would be at 1.1178 after which there are no clear support levels before intraday support before 1.1133. The pivotal daily low from Friday is at 1.1050. This range could be target for intraday shorts. However, if price create a lower daily high at current levels it is more likely that serious buyers are looking to buy EURUSD long between 1.0887 and 1.1006. Daily support and resistance levels are 1.1049, 1.1006 and 1.1324, 1.1380.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

USD, JPY and EUR strength has been the overall theme for this morning but now we are seeing some change with EUR performance getting a bit more mixed and GBP weakening. AUD has been weak while NZDJPY, AUDJPY and GBPJPY have been among the weakest performers in individual pairs while EURAUD and EURNZD have been strong. NZDJPY is still trading sideways at a daily support and lower Bollinger Bands (20) while AUDJPY is edging closer to pivotal daily candles and the lower end of consolidation range. EURAUD is continuing the uptrend that got boosted when Eurozone core CPI was reported well above expectations at 0.9%.

Main Macro Events Today

Chinese CPI and PPI were released today. CPI fell 0.2% in May from April, below the forecast median of 0.0%, rising 1.2% vs a year-ago May compared to a 1.3% median and 1.5% in April. Food CPI rose 1.6% in May vs a year-ago, while non-food CPI grew 1.0%. PPI sank 4.6% vs year-ago levels, below -4.5% median forecasts, but same as April levels. Overall, this still points to price declines, especially on the producer side, amid ongoing signs of overcapacity and economic slowing.

Eurozone GDP: there was no variation in the actual figures from expectations. Eurozone GDP was expected the second reading of Eurozone Q1 GDP to confirm growth rates of 0.4% q/q and 1.0% y/y respectively. This left the focus on the breakdown but without a major revision, however, the numbers are too backward looking to change the overall outlook for growth and monetary policy.

Swiss CPI for May dipped to a new cycle low of -1.2% y/y, meeting the median forecast and down from April’s -1.1%. The sharp drop into deflation in recent months is largely a consequence of the franc’s 15%-plus appreciation in January when the SNB abandoned its cap. This is troubling to Swiss policymakers, though they will be consoled by last week’s appreciation in EUR-CHF to 10-weeks above 1.0500.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 11th June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 11th JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

Germany may be considering a staggered deal on Greek aid. Greece will apparently be required to commit to at least one economic reform to win partial access to bailout funds. German Chancellor Merkel was reportedly quoted as saying “where there is a will there is a way. The goal is to keep Greece in the euro area”. The ECB has agreed to increase the Emergency Lending Assistance to Greek banks by 2.3 billion euros. According to Bloomberg the ECB is trying to strike a balance between keeping Greek lenders afloat and safeguarding the country’s central bank, which provides the aid, as the government veers toward a debt default. This is the biggest weekly increase since February 18th.

Standard & Poor’s downgraded Greek bonds deeper into junk status, questioning whether Athens can pay its debts. Reuters reported that Tsipras emerged early on Thursday from talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande to express confidence. “We decided to intensify the efforts to bridge the remaining differences and proceed, I believe, to a solution in the coming period.”

EURUSD traded most of the day yesterday below the 1.1380 resistance identified in my previous report with the result that yesterday’s candle formed a shooting star. There was a brief rally above the 1.1380 level yesterday with the pair creating a high print of 1.1386 but it wasn’t sustainable and rally failed. Most of the morning EURUSD was trading in a small range between intraday support and resistance levels. Market was truggling with an intraday resistance and created a shooting star in 60 min resolution after which it headed towards yesterday’s low at 1.1260 and at the time of writing is trading below it at 1.1244. In daily context the pair is trading close to a daily and weekly resistance which suggests that in the daily resolution the line of least resistance is down. The nearest significant daily support and resistance levels are at 1.1049 and 1.1380.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

This morning AUD and USD have been strong while almost all currencies are up against JPY and NZD. The NZD rate cut keeps the currency weak while USD strength might be just down to the technical picture of euro, the heaviest weighted currency in US Dollar Index. AUDNZD is the best performer this far today with a performance of approx. 0.80% as it continues a daily trend after breaking out of a sideways range yesterday. Other strong movers are USDPJY (found support yesterday) and AUDJPY that is moving higher after the pair reacted higher intraday from a support.

Main Macro Events Today

RBNZ eased rates 25 bps to 3.25%, surprising expectations for a steady stance at 3.50%. This is the first cut since the 50 bp move in March 2011. The most recent policy shift was a 25 bp hike last July. Governor Wheeler said the action was taken to address low inflationary expectations and the weaker demand. And further easing may be necessary, according to the policy statement. The NZD dropped on the news.

U.S. Retail Sales for May are out today and should reveal a 1.4% (median 1.2%) headline with the ex-autos figure up 1.0%. The big auto sales jump to 17.7 mln from 16.5 mln in April will be a major contributor as will the rebound in gasoline prices that we witnessed over the course of the month.

U.S. Business Inventories for April are due today. The headline should have inventories up 0.2% (median 0.2%) with sales up 0.5% for the month. Data in line with this forecast would leave the Inventory to Sales ratio steady at 1.36 from last month. Retail inventories are expected to be up 0.1% in April.

U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Preview: Claims data for the first week of June will be released on Thursday and should reveal a 280k (median 277k) headline, up from 276k last week. We expect claims to set a 279k average in June, down from a 274k average in May.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

 

[HFM]

Date : 12th June 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 12th JUNE 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD remained week yesterday and the pair closed below the shooting star candle from day before amidst positive US data. Yesterday US retail sales was reported to have surged 1.2% in May, with the ex-auto figure up 1.0%, close to expectations. April’s headline unchanged figure was revised up to 0.2%, and the ex-auto number was left at 0.1%. Sales excluding autos, gasoline, and building materials increased 0.6% versus 0.3% previously (revised from 0.1%). Atlanta Fed boosted its Q2 GDP forecast to 1.9%up from 1.1% previously in the wake of the firm May retail sales report, which was propped up by auto sales and gasoline prices. That closed the gap somewhat with Blue Chip economists, who have a median forecast of around 2.65%. US household net worth rose to $84.9 tln in Q1 from a revised $83.3 tln in Q4 (raised from $82.9 bln), according to the Fed, thanks to rising home values and investment gains. Household debt increased at a 2.2% annual pace, down from a revised 2.8% previously (was 2.7%). Increased returns and lower borrowing is a relatively healthy development for the outlook on consumer spending and dovetails with some of the better contemporary readings on the economy.

U.S. business inventories rose 0.4% in April, with sales up 0.6%, both higher than expected. March’s 0.1% rise in inventories was not revised, but the February gain is now 0.3% from 0.2%. The 0.4% sales increase in March was bumped up to 0.6%, with the 0.2% February drop revised to -0.3%. The inventory-sales ratio was steady at 1.36 and is just a shade below the expansionary high of 1.37 in February. The data are good news for Q2 GDP. US initial jobless claims rose 2k to 279k in the week ended June 6, from a revised 277k in the prior week (was 276k). That brought the 4-week moving average to 278.75k from 275k (revised from 274.75k). Continuing claims were up 61k to 2,265k in the week ended May 30, from a revised 2,204k (was 2,196k). US consumer comfort index sank to 40.1 for the period ended June 7, down from 40.5 the week prior and the lowest reading since November, according to Bloomberg. That’s down about 8-points from an 8-year high in mid-April. Rising gasoline prices contributed to the decline, though wage gains and firmer equities supported household sentiment.

IMF doesn’t see progress on Greece. IMF’s Rice said the IMF has major differences with Greece in key areas and doesn’t see a progress on the way to an agreement with obstacles still including pensions, taxes, financing. Markets have been buying into hopes of a deal with Greece today, but that always seemed premature, considering that comments from most officials continue to stress that talks continue, but also that Greece needs to make more commitments and that there are still differences. Even if there is a bailout extension, it would not solve the problem as any payout of funds still hinges on the implementation of reform commitments that Tsipras is unwilling to subscribe to.

Germany prepares for Grexit, according to a German newspaper Handelsblatt. Tabloid paper Bild meanwhile reported that the government is preparing for default with considerations of capital controls and a haircut on Greek debt. So far it was mainly Tsipras who threatened that a Grexit would mean the beginning of the end for the Eurozone, but after the IMF finally lost patience with the lack of progress in the talks with Greece, the reports suggest that Germany is also not willing to keep Greece in at all costs. A Bloomberg story meanwhile said creditors will give Greece less than 24 hours to come up with a serious counter-proposal to its own reform list. There may not be any real progress, but it seems the beginning of the end to the Greek crisis is finally here, even if it could still go one way or the other.

Today’s data calendar being quite thin EURUSD might not move that much today. Over the next couple of days I think that bias is still to the downside due to the shooting star candle from two days ago. Today’s price action has taken place below Wednesday’s low and yesterday’s low was also below Wednesday’s shooting star low, which is inline with the expectation that EURUSD is likely to remain weak and retest the support 1.1006 to 1.1049 region. The nearest significant daily support and resistance levels are at 1.1049 and 1.1380 while the low from Wednesday has clearly been a resistance today.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)

Today’s currency mover is AUD which is down by roughly 30 to 40 basis points against everything else but NZD that is weak after the RBNZ cut the rates yesterday in a surprise move. AUDCHF is reacting lower after rallying to a pivotal resistance. The pair is making lower lows and lower highs in a daily chart. GBPAUD has been moving sideways and still trying to push higher through the resistance. EURAUD moved lower yesterday after creating two no-demand candles. AUD weakness is the only clear theme this morning as other currencies’ performance has remained mixed.

Main Macro Events Today

German Wholesale Price Index numbers improved both on m/m and y/y basis. Monthly change in May came in at 0.5% compared to 0.4% in April while the yearly change improved from -0.9% to -0.4%.

US Producer Price Index data for May is out today and should reveal a 0.8% (median 0.4%) headline with the core up 0.1%. After a long run of drops driven by falling oil prices we have now begun to see rebounds which should help lift the PPI headline. The trade price data for May began to reveal this effect with a 1.3% import price increase following a steady string of declines through the winter.

US Michigan Consumer Sentiment: The first release on June Michigan Sentiment is due today and should reveal a decline to 90.0 (median 91.5) from 90.7 in May. The IBD/TIPP poll for the month eased to 48.1 from 49.7 in May. Confidence measures have eased over the Spring as gasoline prices begin to rebound off lows and consumers become accustomed to their new level.

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. 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 buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.