Video | Market Technical | Solid ECN

[Solid ECN]

The European currency is relatively stable against the US dollar during trading in the Asian session and is consolidating near local highs from May 5. The day before, the instrument showed active growth, which allowed leveling the results of Wednesday's "bearish" trend and brought the euro to a high at around 1.0600. EUR/USD was supported yesterday by expectations of the imminent end of quarantine due to the coronavirus in Shanghai, which will allow many enterprises to resume normal operation and have a positive effect on the dynamics of foreign trade.

In turn, yesterday's macroeconomic data from the US put moderate pressure on the positions of the US currency. Initial Jobless Claims for the week ended May 13 increased from 197 thousand to 218 thousand, which was higher than market expectations by 18 thousand. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index declined sharply in May from 17.6 to 2.6 points, while analysts expected the decline to only 16 points.

The Minutes of the European Central Bank (ECB)'s meeting released the day before also contributed to the moderate growth of the single currency. In the report, the regulator pointed to the increasing risks associated with a sharp growth in inflation in the region, but at the same time maintained optimistic forecasts for both Q3 and Q4 of 2022. Also, many members of the ECB board are gradually speaking out in favor of tightening monetary policy. Analysts consider the rate hike at the end of summer or early autumn as most likely.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate flat dynamics. The price range is slightly expanded from above, remaining spacious enough for the current activity level in the market. MACD grows, preserving a stable buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic approached the level of "80" and reversed into a horizontal plane, reflecting the mixed nature of trading at the end of the current trading week.

Resistance levels: 1.06, 1.064, 1.069, 1.0726 | Support levels: 1.05, 1.0459, 1.04, 1.035

 

[Solid ECN]

The pound shows the uptrend in trading with the US currency during the morning session, testing the level of 1.2550 for a breakout and updating local highs from May 5. The strengthening of the British currency at the beginning of the week is facilitated by the growth of corrective sentiment for the US dollar against the backdrop of a noticeable decrease in the yield of US Treasury bonds.

Also, traders are still taking a lead from relatively optimistic macroeconomic statistics from the UK on Friday, which turned out to be significantly better than negative forecasts. In April, Retail Sales added 1.4% after falling by 1.2% a month earlier, although analysts had expected a decline of 0.2%. In annual terms, the indicator showed a sharp drop of 4.9% after increasing by 1.3% in March, while preliminary market estimates suggested a more active decline of 7.2%. Retail Sales excluding Fuel increased by 1.4% MoM, but decreased by 6.1% YoY, while the forecast was for a contraction of 0.2% MoM and 8.4% YoY.

Today, statistics on housing prices in the UK were released. Rightmove House Price Index increased by 2.1% in monthly terms and by 10.2% in annual terms, which turned out to be slightly higher than the previous values at the levels of 1.6% MoM and 9.9% YoY.

In the D1 chart, Bollinger Bands are reversing horizontally. The price range is narrowing, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous dynamics of trading in the short term. MACD indicator is growing keeping a buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic shows an unsteady uptrend, but is located in close proximity to its highs, which points to the risk of overbought GBP in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.26, 1.2674, 1.28, 1.29 | Support levels: 1.2500, 1.24, 1.2250, 1.2163

 

[Solid ECN]

During the Asian session, the USD/CHF pair is weakening moderately, approaching the local lows of May 2, renewed on Friday. At the end of the weekly session, the US currency showed the strongest decline against the franc over the past few months, rapidly retreating from record highs and strong psychological resistance around 1.

Among other things, the US dollar was significantly pressured by a sharp decline in the yield of US 10-year Treasuries, which reached the three-week low at 2.77% last Thursday, while earlier during the month, it was at 3.2%. The macroeconomic statistics from the USA also was disappointing. There is no significant growth in retail sales, and the pace of industrial production rose by only 0.7% instead of the expected 1%.

The franc is supported by the positive dynamics of industrial production in Switzerland. In the first quarter, this indicator increased by 7.9% after a 7.3% increase in the previous period. Last week, the head of the Swiss National Bank, Thomas Jordan, said that the regulator's "dovish" policy, based on maintaining a negative interest rate, will continue. Still, officials are ready to act if inflation rises above 2.0%, focusing on global trends in determining monetary policy.

On the daily chart, Bollinger bands reverse into a horizontal plane: the price range is expanding from below, remaining spacious enough for the current level of activity in the market. The MACD indicator is falling, keeping a strong sell signal (the histogram is below the signal line). Having reached its lows, Stochastic reversed into a horizontal plane, indicating that the US dollar may become oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.9762, 0.9847, 0.9900, 1 | Support levels: 0.9700, 0.9637, 0.9600, 0.9535

 

[Solid ECN]

After setting a 19-year high, USDJPY is correcting and testing a strong support level at 127.1 against the backdrop of a depreciation of the dollar. Due to the radically different approach in the conduct of monetary policy by the regulators of Japan and the United States, the instrument is likely to continue to strengthen in the long term; however, at the moment, waiting for the decision of the US Federal Reserve on the interest rate, scheduled for June 15, quotes are declining with the target at 124.5. It is expected that the indicator will be increased by 50 basis points to 1.50%.

The decision of the US Fed will largely be influenced by the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the publication of which is expected on Wednesday at 20:00 (GMT+2). If the document indicates that the US labor market will continue to recover as a result of an increase in rates, then the dollar is likely to resume growth after the correction; otherwise, the US currency will continue to decline until mid-June. The rate of USD/JPY will largely be determined by the monetary policy of the US Federal Reserve, since the wait-and-see position of the Bank of Japan, which is not ready to move to a rate increase, is already known to investors.

The long-term trend is upward. At the moment, a correction is developing, within which market participants are trying to break through the level of 127.1, in case of consolidating below which the correction will continue with the target at 124.50, after which a new growth cycle can be expected.

The medium-term trend remains upward, but the first signs of its change are appearing. Last week, market participants tested the key trend support at 127.98–127.65, which was held, leading to the growth of USD/JPY. By the end of the week, the entire growth was offset by sales. Now the price is trying to consolidate below the key support, and if the sellers succeed, the trend will change to a downtrend, and the target zone 2 (124.78–124.47) will become the target for the decline.

Resistance levels: 131.1, 133.36, 135.07 | Support levels: 127.1, 124.5, 121.5

 

[SOLIDECN]

The shares of Bank of America Corp., one of the largest banks and analytical agencies in the US, are trading within a corrective trend around the level of 36.

On the daily chart of the asset, the price moves within the global downwards channel with dynamic boundaries 29 – 38, declining towards the support line, which coincides with the Fibonacci 61.8% retracement level at 30.

On a four-hour chart, it is clear that to continue the global decline, the instrument needs to consolidate below an intermediate correction of 50.0% Fibonacci around 34. The readings of technical indicators confirm the probability of this scenario: the range of fluctuations of the EMA on the Alligator indicator expands downwards, and the histogram of the AO oscillator forms downward bars in the sell zone.

 

[SOLIDECN]

The US dollar shows a slight decline against the Japanese yen in Asian trading, holding close to the local lows of April 27 and testing the level of 127.5 for a breakdown. The US currency is under pressure again, reacting to optimistic macroeconomic publications from Europe and Japan.

Friday's statistics, reflecting the growth of Japan's National Consumer Price Index from 1.2% to 2.5% and the National CPI excluding Fresh Food from 0.8% to 2.1%, increases the skepticism of market participants regarding the actions of the Bank of Japan to maintain ultra-soft monetary policy, especially given the pressure on households amid rising spending without a significant increase in wages. However, regulator representatives believe that the indicator is unlikely to consolidate above the target level of 2% and, according to forecasts, core inflation will correct to 1% by 2024. In turn, Minister of State for Financial Services Shunichi Suzuki called the rapid weakening of the national currency an extremely undesirable phenomenon. According to him, consultations are being held with the financial authorities of the G7 member countries to take measures to curb excessive volatility and erratic actions of the regulator, which could have a negative impact on the economy.

The pressure on the dollar quotes intensified at the beginning of the week after the "hawkish" speech of the head of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde, who actually announced the start of measures to tighten monetary policy in July. As previously expected, the regulator will first complete the quantitative easing program, after which it will start raising interest rates, the pace of which is likely to coincide with the US Federal Reserve, that is, the correction will go in increments of 50 basis points.

Support for the yen today is provided by a relatively optimistic macroeconomic statistics on business activity. Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI in May fell from 53.5 to 53.2 points, which, however, turned out to be better than negative forecasts of a decline to 52 points. Jibun Bank Services PMI over the same period strengthened from 50.7 to 51.7 points, while experts expected the figure to correct down to 50.6 points.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate a moderate decrease. The price range expands from below, making way for new local lows for the "bears". MACD is going down, keeping a fairly stable sell signal (located below the signal line). Stochastic, having approached the level of "20", reversed into a horizontal plane. At the same time, the current readings of the indicator still indicate the growing risks of the US dollar being oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 128, 128.62, 129.39, 130 | Support levels: 127.5, 127, 126.3, 125.6

 

[SOLIDECN]

The NZDUSD pair has stopped its upward trend and is correcting downwards around 0.6432 due to today's poor macroeconomic data.

Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) reported that total Q1 retail sales corrected by 0.5% after rising by 8.8% in the last quarter of 2021 amid a 4.0% decline in car sales and a decline in the construction sector by 5.5%, while the segment of electrical goods added 2.7%. It brings the total value of goods purchased to 28.4B New Zealand dollars, up 8.0% from March 2021, but the sharp decline quarter-on-quarter sent a negative signal to investors.

The USD Index declines to 102.2 amid US President Joe Biden's recent announcement that a possible waiver of customs duties on goods of 25% from China is under consideration, and the final decision will be made after consultations with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. According to some experts, the current Asian tour of the head of the White House may be a sign of an imminent change in policy towards the two countries, which will be a serious step towards establishing trade ties between the US and China.

The instrument moves within the global downward channel, forming a new wave of corrective growth. Technical indicators keep a weakening sell signal: fast EMAs on the Alligator indicator approach the signal line, and the AO oscillator histogram forms upward bars.

Resistance levels: 0.6535, 0.6858 | Support levels: 0.6348, 0.6208​

 

[SOLIDECN]

The European currency shows a slight decrease against the US dollar during the Asian session, correcting after the "bullish" start of the week, which led to the renewal of local highs for the instrument from April 25. Quotes are still supported by the moderate weakness of the dollar, which reacts negatively to the publication of mixed macroeconomic statistics. In addition, investors positively assessed the rhetoric of the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde, who actually announced the imminent completion of the quantitative easing program and a possible increase in interest rates by 50 basis points in July.

Traders also assess the statement of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who announced a number of steps to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian energy resources. The authorities intend to accelerate the transition to "green" energy, increasing the current target values from 9% to 13% by 2030. In particular, the construction of solar roofs in new buildings is proposed. About 300 billion euros will be needed for energy reforms, of which about 72 billion euros will be grants and 225 billion can be obtained in the form of loans. Up to 2 billion euros will be needed for oil infrastructure, taking into account the cessation of shipments of Russian oil.

Meanwhile, macroeconomic statistics from the euro area, released the day before, turned out to be negative. Markit Services PMI fell from 57.7 to 56.3 points, which turned out to be worse than market expectations for a reduction to 57.5 points. Composite PMI fell from 55.8 to 54.9 points, which also turned out to be weaker than market forecasts at the level of 55.3 points.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart show moderate growth. The price range is expanding but it fails to conform to the surge of "bullish" activity at the moment. MACD grows, preserving a stable buy signal (located above the signal line). The indicator is trying to consolidate above the zero level. Stochastic, having reached its highs, reversed into a horizontal plane, indicating overbought EUR in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.0747, 1.08, 1.085, 1.09 | Support levels: 1.07, 1.064, 1.06, 1.05​

 

[SOLIDECN]

The USDJPY continues to decline for the third week in a row and is now in the 127 area.

The American currency was under pressure from market participants' fears of a possible recession, however, US Fed officials and, in particular, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Mary Daly, tried to reassure investors, stating that there would not be a serious decline in indicators as a result of a sharp increase in interest rates. Nevertheless, most experts are pessimistic and confident that a slowdown in economic growth cannot be avoided, but how strong it will be is still unclear. Against this background, further steps of the regulator become especially important. Today, the minutes of the last meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will be published, in which investors will look for information regarding further rate hikes.

The position of the Japanese yen also does not look stable, primarily due to rising inflation, which puts pressure on household demand and business activity. Thus, according to the May data published earlier, the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector of Japan, instead of growing from 53.5 to 53.8 points, fell to 53.2 points, but the index for the service sector rose from 50.7 to 51.7 points, which due to temporary support from the reduction of quarantine measures. The government said in a report released today that the economy is showing signs of recovery, but downside risks due to the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic in China and the Ukrainian crisis are intensifying. In general, they are taken less seriously by investors than the risks of a recession in the US economy.

The price of the USDJPY pair is near 127 (Fibo retracement of 23.6%), consolidation below which will give the prospect of further decline to the levels of 125 (Murray [4/8], Fibo retracement of 38.2%) and 122.75 (Fibo retracement of 50). .0%). The key for the "bulls" seems to be 129.20 (the middle line of the Bollinger Bands), the breakout of which will allow quotes to continue moving towards 131.25 (Murray [6/8]).

Technical indicators signal the possibility of further decline: the Stochastic is directed downwards, and the MACD histogram is decreasing in the positive zone.​

 

[SOLIDECN]

After reaching the level of 1.004, USDCHF corrected to 0.958 and continues to trade near it amid the depreciation of the US dollar, which is losing value against all major competitors. The sale is caused by the desire of investors to get better prices for entering long positions of the asset before the US Federal Reserve raises the interest rate at a meeting on June 15. It is expected that the regulator will adjust the value by 50 basis points to 1.50%. If the forecast is justified, the US currency will continue its strengthening, which began a year ago.

In turn, the Swiss National Bank will decide on the interest rate a day later, on June 16. Over the past few years, the regulator has kept the indicator at a record low level of –0.75%, and if the rhetoric of officials changes this time, the franc may react with an increase in the exchange rate against the dollar, but Swiss monetary tightening is unlikely to be as aggressive as in the USA. In this regard, one can assume a further increase in USD/CHF in the long term.

The long-term trend remains upward. At the moment, a correction is developing in the asset, within which market participants tested the support level of 0.958. If this level is kept, the growth will continue with the nearest target around 0.9757. If 0.958 is broken down, the correction will continue with the target at 0.945.

The mid-term trend is downward. This week the traders reached the target zone 4 (0.9615–0.9605), in case of a breakdown of which the decline will continue with the target in the area of the target zone 5 (0.9509–0.9499). Otherwise, a correction will start with the target at the trend line 0.9691–0.9681.

Resistance levels: 0.9757, 1.004 | Support levels: 0.958, 0.9450, 0.9363​

 

[SOLIDECN]

The pound is trading with multidirectional dynamics during the morning session, keeping close to the local highs of May 5. The growth of the instrument is still supported by some weakness of the US currency, as the demand for it is gradually decreasing as there are signals about further tightening of monetary policy in Europe and the UK. Earlier, the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde, announced the readiness of the regulator to curtail the quantitative easing program in June, and then launch a cycle of raising the interest rate, which would help curb a sharp rise in inflation.

Significant pressure on the dollar position was exerted by weak macroeconomic statistics from the US, published the day before. Durable Goods Orders slowed from 0.6% to 0.4% in April, worse than analysts' neutral forecasts, while Nondefense Capital Goods Orders excluding Aircraft, rose only 0.3% over the same period after an increase of 1.1% in March. Average market forecasts assumed a slowdown to 0.5%.

According to a study by Loughborough University, the rapid inflation in the UK, which reached 9% in April, had the most negative impact on the living standards of families with children. Prices for consumer goods and services have risen by an average of 400 pounds MoM, or 13% YoY, with food prices up 9.3% over the past year and childcare costs up 6.7%. Meanwhile, chief executive of Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain, Jonathan Brearley, has predicted a further 42% increase in electricity tariffs by October, adding more than 800 pounds to the average annual bill. Thus, already next winter, about 9.6 million British families will face a fuel shortage, since about a tenth of the family budget will be directed to pay for electricity.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart show moderate growth. The price range expands, freeing a path to new local highs for the "bulls". MACD indicator is growing, while preserving a rather stable buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic, being at its highs, is again trying to reverse downwards, indicating risks of overbought GBP in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.2600, 1.2674, 1.2800, 1.2900 | Support levels: 1.2500, 1.2400, 1.2250, 1.2163

 

[SOLIDECN]

During the Asian session, the USDCHF pair is slightly corrected, renewing local lows from April 26. The asset is preparing to end trading with a fairly confident decline and continue the development of a strong "bearish" momentum formed last week.

The pressure on quotes is again exerted by uncertain US macroeconomic statistics, which increases the risk that the US Federal Reserve will break the interest rate hike cycle after its planned increase in June and July. Traders fear that the actions of financial regulators, which are due to the fight against high inflation, will lead to a noticeable slowdown in global economic growth. According to the revised data, the contraction of the US economy for the first quarter of this year amounted to 1.5%, which was 0.1% worse than the previous estimate.

On Friday, traders expect the publication in the US of April data on the dynamics of income and expenses of American citizens. Current forecasts suggest that revenue growth will remain flat at 0.5%, while spending could slow from 1.1% to 0.7%.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining: the price range expands, letting the "bears" renew local lows. The MACD indicator falls, keeping a strong sell signal (the histogram is below the signal line). Stochastic is close to its lows, signaling that USD may become oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.96, 0.9637, 0.97, 0.9762 | Support levels: 0.9535, 0.9459, 0.94, 0.93

 

[SOLIDECN]

The New Zealand dollar shows moderate growth during the morning session, updating local highs from May 5. NZDUSD is testing 0.655 for a breakout.

The US dollar is still under pressure from macroeconomic statistics, which indicates a gradual slowdown in the national economy. At the same time, the US Federal Reserve signaled earlier that after raising the rate in June and July, a pause will be taken in the monetary policy tightening cycle to assess the balance of inflationary risks and pressure on the economy due to high rates. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) raised its rate last week, which, in general, coincided with most forecasts of market experts. The next meeting of the regulator will take place on July 13. The macroeconomic statistics released on Friday in New Zealand put moderate pressure on the positions of the instrument. ANZ Consumer Confidence in May fell from 84.4 to 82.3 points, which turned out to be worse than the average analysts' forecasts.

New Zealand authorities will open their borders to foreigners on July 31, lifting travel restrictions two months ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the country will only accept vaccinated tourists, who will still need to be tested. Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, tourism was one of the most highly developed industries in New Zealand, providing at least 10% of the country's total income.

Bollinger Bands on the daily chart show a steady increase. The price range expands, freeing a path to new local highs for the "bulls". MACD grows, preserving a stable buy signal (located above the signal line). The indicator is about to test the zero level for a breakout. Stochastic, having approached its highs, shows mixed dynamics, indicating the risks of a strongly overbought New Zealand dollar in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.6567, 0.66, 0.665, 0.67 | Support levels: 0.65, 0.645, 0.64, 0.63

 

[SOLIDECN]

USDCAD, H4
On the four-hour chart, below the resistance level of 1.2875, there is the formation of successive Shooting Star candlestick analysis patterns, after which the asset showed a significant decrease. In the process of downward dynamics, the Three Black Crows pattern was formed, which is a model for the continuation of the "bearish" trend. Further decline of USDCAD to the nearest support level of 1.2654 is expected, fixing below which will allow the quotes to continue moving towards the area of 1.2558–1.247. An alternative scenario may be relevant in case the price breaks through the resistance level of 1.2771.

USDCAD, D1
The daily chart shows the formation of a Head and Shoulders price pattern, the Neck line of which has been overcome. The quotes tested the broken level, forming an Evening Star candlestick analysis model at 1.2875. A confirming signal of price fixing is the formed Three Black Crows pattern of continuation of the downtrend. At the moment, under the level of 1.2733, it is possible to build a Bearish Belt Hold figure. In case of successful overcoming of the support level of 1.2654, the quotes will most likely continue their decline to the zone of 1.2558–1.247.

Support levels: 1.2654, 1.2558, 1.2470 | Resistance levels: 1.2771, 1.2875, 1.2973

 

[SOLIDECN]

During the Asian session, the USDJPY pair shows ambiguous dynamics, consolidating near 127. Last week, the US dollar showed predominantly downwards trading dynamics, resulting in which the asset has renewed its local lows of April 18.

The demand for the yen is gradually increasing since the Japan Bank previously announced the first possible steps on the path to tightening monetary policy. The regulator is not going to increase the rate yet. Officials have only stated the possibility of reducing the quantitative softening program, but inflation in the country is approaching target levels, which will probably require decisive measures from financial authorities. Nevertheless, the tendency of investors to risk and news from China, signaling the further decrease in activity due to quarantine restrictions, help the yen to keep traders’ interest as a shelter asset.

The data from Japan published on Friday indicated the acceleration of the Tokyo consumer price index without taking into account food prices and energy for May from 0.8%to 0.9%, while analysts counted on a sharp deceleration of up to 0.4%. The indicator increased by 1.9% YoY, repeating the dynamics of the previous month. Tomorrow, investors expect an extensive block of macroeconomic statistics from Japan. In particular, information about unemployment will appear (it is predicted that the indicator will remain around 2.6%), the dynamics of retail sales and industrial production for April. According to preliminary estimates, sales will decrease again, from 0.7% to 2.6, which can support the national currency.

On the daily chart, the Bollinger bands are moderately reduced: the price range narrows, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous trading dynamics in the super-short term. The MACD indicator decreases, maintaining a relatively strong sell signal (the histogram is below the signal line), and tries to consolidate below the zero line. Stochastic, having attempted corrective growth last week, reverses horizontally. It is better to wait until the signals from the technical indicators are clear.

Resistance levels: 127.5, 128, 128.62, 129.39 | Support levels: 127, 126.34, 125.60, 125.09

 

[SOLIDECN]

The Australian dollar shows an uncertain decline, correcting after two sessions of fairly active growth, as a result of which AUDUSD updated local highs from May 5. The US dollar is trying to recover its positions, but so far the further decline of the instrument is limited by restrained optimism from China.

Tomorrow restrictions on the work of enterprises will be lifted in Shanghai, which will mean the end of the quarantine caused by another wave of coronavirus, which had an extremely negative impact on the supply of a number of high-tech products to world markets. The Beijing authorities are also partially easing the restrictions and gradually allowing the operation of some public transport and retail facilities. Optimism about the Chinese economy was also confirmed by macroeconomic publications from China. Non-Manufacturing PMI in May rose from 41.9 to 47.8 points, which, however, turned out to be worse than optimistic forecasts of an increase to 50.7 points. NBS Manufacturing PMI strengthened in May from 47.4 to 49.6 points, which coincided with the average market forecasts. In addition, investors reacted positively to the growth in Private Sector Credit in Australia in April from 0.4% to 0.8%, as well as the increase in Company Gross Operating Profits from 2% to 10.2% in Q1 2022.

Bollinger Bands on the daily chart show a steady increase. The price range is narrowed, being spacious enough for the current activity level in the market. MACD is growing, maintaining a strong buy signal (the histogram is above the signal line and is consolidating above the zero level). Stochastic reached its highs, which points to the risks of overbought Australian dollar in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.7202, 0.725, 0.73, 0.7341 | Support levels: 0.715, 0.71, 0.705, 0.7

 

[SOLIDECN]

The USDCAD pair is actively declining, reaching 1.2660 due to the upward dynamics of oil quotes.

The EU authorities have agreed to impose an embargo on importing two-thirds of crude oil and petroleum products supplied from Russia to the EU with a temporary exception of transportation through the Druzhba pipeline in response to the escalation of the military conflict in Ukraine. Thus, the EU will reduce the import of "black gold" to 90% by the end of the year. Also, officials will step up work to reduce dependence on gas and coal from the Russian Federation. The sanctions policy will not affect Hungary, which remains highly dependent on Russian energy resources. Against this backdrop, Brent Crude Oil prices rose to 122 dollars per barrel, while the USD/CAD pair fell to 1.2660.

Traders are waiting for the results of the June meeting of the US Federal Reserve, which can act as a catalyst for the upward movement of the US currency. Analysts predict a continuation of the "hawkish" policy and increased interest rate by another 50 basis points, to 1.50%. If the forecast is correct, the adjustment cycle will be the fastest in the last 20 years.

Today, US President Joe Biden will hold a meeting in the Oval Office with US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, during which they will consider measures by the financial authorities to contain inflationary pressure, which has already become the cause of mass dissatisfaction among Americans with the policies of the head of the White House. The meeting results may be positively perceived by investors, which will support the US dollar, and against this background, the USD/CAD pair may continue the uptrend with the first target at 1.2885.

The long-term trend is upwards. At the moment, a correction is developing, within which the price has tested the support level of 1.2660. If it is kept, the upward dynamics will continue to 1.2885, 1.2950. An alternative scenario suggests a fall to 1.2460.

The medium-term trend changed to a downtrend last week, and the asset broke through the zone of 1.2854–1.2833. Now the target for quotes is zone 2 (1.2640–1.2619). New short positions should be considered from the correction around the key trend resistance 1.2886–1.2865.

Resistance levels: 1.2885, 1.2950, 1.3065 | Support levels: 1.2660, 1.2460, 1.2430

 

[SOLIDECN]

The pound is trading with mixed dynamics during the morning session, consolidating near 1.2600. The day before, the British currency showed a moderate decline, retreating from its local highs of April 26, which was the market's reaction to the resumption of growth in the US dollar against the backdrop of fairly strong American macroeconomic statistics. In particular, investors drew attention to the increase in the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices in March from 20.3% to 21.2%, while the Chicago PMI rose from 56.4 to 60.3 points in May, with the analysts' forecast at the level of 55.0 points.

In turn, the macroeconomic background from the UK turned out to be mixed: the volume of Consumer Credit in April increased from 1.303 billion pounds to 1.399 billion pounds, with preliminary market estimates of a decline to 1.2 billion pounds. At the same time, the Mortgage Approvals over the same period decreased from 69.531 thousand to 65.974 thousand, which turned out to be noticeably worse than expected correction to 69.000 thousand.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart show moderate growth. The price range is narrowing, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous dynamics of trading in the ultra-short term. MACD is gradually reversing into a downward plane, being located near the zero level and keeping the previous buy signal (the histogram is above the signal line). Stochastic shows similar dynamics, rapidly retreating from its highs, which signal that the pound is overbought in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.2600, 1.2674, 1.2800, 1.2900 | Support levels: 1.2500, 1.2400, 1.2250, 1.2163

 

[SOLIDECN]

During the Asian session, the USDCAD pair is growing moderately, retreating from the local lows of April 22, renewed yesterday, and is testing 1.2670 for a breakout, supported by positive US macroeconomic statistics and renewed growth in US Treasury yields.

Markets are still worried about the prospects for tighter monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve. Earlier, the regulator spoke in favor of raising the rate by 50 basis points in June and July, after which some pause will be taken to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken and develop a new vector of movement. Currently, inflation has slightly decreased relative to the April peak, but prices remain close to record levels, and the near-term forecasts are rather vague.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining: the price range is narrowing, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous trading dynamics in the ultra-short-term. The MACD indicator is going down, keeping a fairly strong sell signal (the histogram is below the signal line). Stochastic, still near its lows, is trying to reverse upwards, indicating that the USD is oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.2700, 1.2750, 1.2800, 1.2850 | Support levels: 1.2650, 1.2600, 1.2538, 1.2500

 

[SOLIDECN]

Yesterday, the Japanese currency received significant support from investors after the publication of an extensive block of macroeconomic statistics. If not for the rapid strengthening of the US dollar, macroeconomic data could have put significant pressure on the instrument. Thus, the unemployment rate in Japan fell in April to 2.5% from 2.6% in March, which exceeded the forecast of analysts who had expected the indicator to remain at 2.6%. Industrial production fell 1.3% as expected due to disruption in supply chains and rising fuel prices, but the forecast for a month ahead is for recovery to 4.8% and two months ahead to 8.9%, which will return production levels to pre-crisis levels. Experts also pay attention to the unexpected 2.9% increase in April retail sales, after a 0.7% increase in the previous month.

In the meantime, the USD Index made a spurt up and again broke the 102 level, below which it had been trading last week. In the current situation, when the dollar was under serious fundamental pressure, investors expected the slightest hint of positive, which was received after the publication of the consumer confidence index from the Conference Board. Although the May indicator was worse than in April and amounted to 106.4 points against 108.6 points, the value still exceeded analysts' preliminary estimates of 103.9 points.

The asset is moving within the global uptrend, working out the signal from the Head and shoulders pattern. Technical indicators maintain a sell signal, working out a local correction: indicator Alligator's EMA oscillation range remains narrow, and the AO oscillator histogram forms new bars in the sell zone.

Resistance levels: 130.8, 134 | Support levels: 128.25, 125.1​