Losing Ground
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
The euro continued to lose ground and it was mostly a one way affair in Asian trade today after reaching 1.3206 on Friday due to positive US NFP and employment data. On London open the tune was the same but the rhythm and beat came from Greece. The world is now waiting for Greece to respond to demands by the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary fund on economic measures, including wage cuts. For the moment 1.3024 looks solid but very vulnerable. One decisive piece of bad news might snap this support level like a toothpick sending it to 1.2826 in double time – a “default” should do it. On the top side, while 1.3200 sounds like a galaxy far, far away now we think 1.3076 to 1.3123 will be a hard nut to crack.
Topics: Chart of the Day, Top Stories | Comments Off
Losing Ground
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
The euro continued to lose ground and it was mostly a one way affair in Asian trade today after reaching 1.3206 on Friday due to positive US NFP and employment data. On London open the tune was the same but the rhythm and beat came from Greece. The world is now waiting for Greece to respond to demands by the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary fund on economic measures, including wage cuts. For the moment 1.3024 looks solid but very vulnerable. One decisive piece of bad news might snap this support level like a toothpick sending it to 1.2826 in double time – a “default” should do it. On the top side, while 1.3200 sounds like a galaxy far, far away now we think 1.3076 to 1.3123 will be a hard nut to crack.
Topics: Chart of the Day, Top Stories | Comments Off
Losing Ground
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
The euro continued to lose ground and it was mostly a one way affair in Asian trade today after reaching 1.3206 on Friday due to positive US NFP and employment data. On London open the tune was the same but the rhythm and beat came from Greece. The world is now waiting for Greece to respond to demands by the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary fund on economic measures, including wage cuts. For the moment 1.3024 looks solid but very vulnerable. One decisive piece of bad news might snap this support level like a toothpick sending it to 1.2826 in double time – a “default” should do it. On the top side, while 1.3200 sounds like a galaxy far, far away now we think 1.3076 to 1.3123 will be a hard nut to crack.
Topics: Chart of the Day, Top Stories | Comments Off
Market Outlook for February 6, 2012
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
Recap of the Latest Global News
By Cory Vi & Andrew Su on Feb 6, 2012
Markets rallied on Friday after the release of much better than expected US employment data. The non-farm payrolls data showed an increase of 243,000 in January which was well over the median economist’s forecast of 140,000. Furthermore, the unemployment rate dropped to a three year low at 8.3%. Market analysts, who were extremely bearish at the beginning of the year are now making grand announcements such as ‘the stars are aligning’ to push markets higher. The contrarian in us is now extremely cautious and we expect the USD to make a comeback after losing ground last week as the better than expected data has seen the likelihood of further quantitative easing fall. The EURO has retraced lower during the European trading session to as low as 1.3030 after opening in Asia above 1.3115.
In more sobering news, the situation is coming to a head in Greece with the government there expected to respond to the troika and demands by its international creditors for increasingly severe austerity measures within the next couple of days. It has become apparent that Greece is finding it difficult to come to an agreement with its creditors. The IMF has said that a worsening debt crisis in Europe could cut China’s growth in half. In China, Chinese Lunar New Year sales grew at the slowest pace since the 2009 financial crisis and a full 3% lower than last year at 16%. There are increasing signs of slowing consumer spending in China which does not bode well for the increasing numbers of foreign retailers rushing into the Chinese market. The Australian dollar has eased off highs at 1.0796 on Friday to fall more than a cent to as low as 1.0685 today.
US equity markets rose to their fifth weekly gain last week after the release of the much better than expected US employment data. The Dow Jones is now trading at its highest levels since May 2008 as financial and technology companies gained more than 3%. The S&P 500 closed 1.45% higher at 1,344. Stocks in Asia were largely higher while the continuing Greek tragedy has seen European bourses trading down about 0.5%.
GOLD fell despite the US losing ground on Friday after the non-farm payrolls data release. After failing to hold above $1,750 we now turn neutral gold in the short time as we expect prices to consolidate to range trade this week. The failure of gold to break higher on Friday despite a number of factors favouring such a move has us approach trading in the metal with caution this week. The move from $1,630 critical sup-port to $1,750 has given investors an opportunity to reduce long positions for now to re-evaluate market developments. Gold’s trading range on Friday was $1,723 to $1,763. The better than expected employment data may have had the effect of lowering the market’s expectations of further quantitative easing which is in turn seeing gold lose some of the gains we saw after the last FOMC statement where expectations of QE3 rose. Support at $1,720 held on Friday but if we see this level breached today we will turn bearish in the short term.
Compass Global Markets
Compass Global Markets Pty Ltd (“Compass Global Markets”) ACN 144 657 885, Authorised Representative No. 377377, is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Calibre Investments Pty Ltd (Australian Financial Services License No. 337927). Please refer to the Financial Services Guide which is available through our website www.compassmarkets.com for more information regarding the financial services that we offer.
All references to prices, amounts and currency are in Australian dollars unless otherwise noted.
This report is provided for Australian residents only and is not intended for use by residents of any other country.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: The advice provided in this report has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to these matters and, if appropriate, seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any financial investment decision.
This report has been prepared for the general use of Compass Global Markets clients and must not be copied, either in whole or in part, or distributed to any other person. This report and its contents are not intended to be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security, product or asset, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction.
Compass Global Markets does not guarantee the performance of any investment discussed or recommended in this report. This report and the information used within may include estimates and projections which constitute a forward looking statement that express an expectation or belief as to future events, results or returns. No guarantee of future events, results or returns is given or implied by Compass Global Markets. Such statements are made in good faith and based on reasonable assumptions at the time of publication. However, such statements are also subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ substantially from the estimates and projections contained in this report or otherwise provided by Compass Global Markets.
Any information referencing past performance is not indicative of future performance. All information in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate. Compass Global Markets does not give any representation or warranty as to reliability, accuracy or completeness of information contained in this report and therefore all responsibility is expressly disclaimed, whether due to negligence or otherwise. The information presented and opinions expressed in this report are given as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. We hereby disclaim any obligation to inform you of any changes after the date hereof in any matter set forth in this report.
Global Compass Markets, its affiliate and their employees may hold positions in the financial products, or securities or derivatives of, in the companies referred to in this report from time to time.
Analyst Certification: The views or opinions expressed in this report accurately reflect the personal views of the analyst(s) and no part of the remuneration of the analyst(s) was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the inclusion of specific recommendations or views in this report. Any views or opinions expressed are the author’s own and may not reflect the views or opinions of Compass Global Markets unless specified otherwise.
Topics: Forex News, Market Outlook, Top Stories | Comments Off
Market Outlook for February 6, 2012
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
Recap of the Latest Global News
By Cory Vi & Andrew Su on Feb 6, 2012
Markets rallied on Friday after the release of much better than expected US employment data. The non-farm payrolls data showed an increase of 243,000 in January which was well over the median economist’s forecast of 140,000. Furthermore, the unemployment rate dropped to a three year low at 8.3%. Market analysts, who were extremely bearish at the beginning of the year are now making grand announcements such as ‘the stars are aligning’ to push markets higher. The contrarian in us is now extremely cautious and we expect the USD to make a comeback after losing ground last week as the better than expected data has seen the likelihood of further quantitative easing fall. The EURO has retraced lower during the European trading session to as low as 1.3030 after opening in Asia above 1.3115.
In more sobering news, the situation is coming to a head in Greece with the government there expected to respond to the troika and demands by its international creditors for increasingly severe austerity measures within the next couple of days. It has become apparent that Greece is finding it difficult to come to an agreement with its creditors. The IMF has said that a worsening debt crisis in Europe could cut China’s growth in half. In China, Chinese Lunar New Year sales grew at the slowest pace since the 2009 financial crisis and a full 3% lower than last year at 16%. There are increasing signs of slowing consumer spending in China which does not bode well for the increasing numbers of foreign retailers rushing into the Chinese market. The Australian dollar has eased off highs at 1.0796 on Friday to fall more than a cent to as low as 1.0685 today.
US equity markets rose to their fifth weekly gain last week after the release of the much better than expected US employment data. The Dow Jones is now trading at its highest levels since May 2008 as financial and technology companies gained more than 3%. The S&P 500 closed 1.45% higher at 1,344. Stocks in Asia were largely higher while the continuing Greek tragedy has seen European bourses trading down about 0.5%.
GOLD fell despite the US losing ground on Friday after the non-farm payrolls data release. After failing to hold above $1,750 we now turn neutral gold in the short time as we expect prices to consolidate to range trade this week. The failure of gold to break higher on Friday despite a number of factors favouring such a move has us approach trading in the metal with caution this week. The move from $1,630 critical sup-port to $1,750 has given investors an opportunity to reduce long positions for now to re-evaluate market developments. Gold’s trading range on Friday was $1,723 to $1,763. The better than expected employment data may have had the effect of lowering the market’s expectations of further quantitative easing which is in turn seeing gold lose some of the gains we saw after the last FOMC statement where expectations of QE3 rose. Support at $1,720 held on Friday but if we see this level breached today we will turn bearish in the short term.
Compass Global Markets
Compass Global Markets Pty Ltd (“Compass Global Markets”) ACN 144 657 885, Authorised Representative No. 377377, is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Calibre Investments Pty Ltd (Australian Financial Services License No. 337927). Please refer to the Financial Services Guide which is available through our website www.compassmarkets.com for more information regarding the financial services that we offer.
All references to prices, amounts and currency are in Australian dollars unless otherwise noted.
This report is provided for Australian residents only and is not intended for use by residents of any other country.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: The advice provided in this report has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to these matters and, if appropriate, seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any financial investment decision.
This report has been prepared for the general use of Compass Global Markets clients and must not be copied, either in whole or in part, or distributed to any other person. This report and its contents are not intended to be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security, product or asset, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction.
Compass Global Markets does not guarantee the performance of any investment discussed or recommended in this report. This report and the information used within may include estimates and projections which constitute a forward looking statement that express an expectation or belief as to future events, results or returns. No guarantee of future events, results or returns is given or implied by Compass Global Markets. Such statements are made in good faith and based on reasonable assumptions at the time of publication. However, such statements are also subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ substantially from the estimates and projections contained in this report or otherwise provided by Compass Global Markets.
Any information referencing past performance is not indicative of future performance. All information in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate. Compass Global Markets does not give any representation or warranty as to reliability, accuracy or completeness of information contained in this report and therefore all responsibility is expressly disclaimed, whether due to negligence or otherwise. The information presented and opinions expressed in this report are given as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. We hereby disclaim any obligation to inform you of any changes after the date hereof in any matter set forth in this report.
Global Compass Markets, its affiliate and their employees may hold positions in the financial products, or securities or derivatives of, in the companies referred to in this report from time to time.
Analyst Certification: The views or opinions expressed in this report accurately reflect the personal views of the analyst(s) and no part of the remuneration of the analyst(s) was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the inclusion of specific recommendations or views in this report. Any views or opinions expressed are the author’s own and may not reflect the views or opinions of Compass Global Markets unless specified otherwise.
Topics: Forex News, Market Outlook, Top Stories | Comments Off
Market Outlook for February 6, 2012
By Compass Global Markets | February 6, 2012
Recap of the Latest Global News
By Cory Vi & Andrew Su on Feb 6, 2012
Markets rallied on Friday after the release of much better than expected US employment data. The non-farm payrolls data showed an increase of 243,000 in January which was well over the median economist’s forecast of 140,000. Furthermore, the unemployment rate dropped to a three year low at 8.3%. Market analysts, who were extremely bearish at the beginning of the year are now making grand announcements such as ‘the stars are aligning’ to push markets higher. The contrarian in us is now extremely cautious and we expect the USD to make a comeback after losing ground last week as the better than expected data has seen the likelihood of further quantitative easing fall. The EURO has retraced lower during the European trading session to as low as 1.3030 after opening in Asia above 1.3115.
In more sobering news, the situation is coming to a head in Greece with the government there expected to respond to the troika and demands by its international creditors for increasingly severe austerity measures within the next couple of days. It has become apparent that Greece is finding it difficult to come to an agreement with its creditors. The IMF has said that a worsening debt crisis in Europe could cut China’s growth in half. In China, Chinese Lunar New Year sales grew at the slowest pace since the 2009 financial crisis and a full 3% lower than last year at 16%. There are increasing signs of slowing consumer spending in China which does not bode well for the increasing numbers of foreign retailers rushing into the Chinese market. The Australian dollar has eased off highs at 1.0796 on Friday to fall more than a cent to as low as 1.0685 today.
US equity markets rose to their fifth weekly gain last week after the release of the much better than expected US employment data. The Dow Jones is now trading at its highest levels since May 2008 as financial and technology companies gained more than 3%. The S&P 500 closed 1.45% higher at 1,344. Stocks in Asia were largely higher while the continuing Greek tragedy has seen European bourses trading down about 0.5%.
GOLD fell despite the US losing ground on Friday after the non-farm payrolls data release. After failing to hold above $1,750 we now turn neutral gold in the short time as we expect prices to consolidate to range trade this week. The failure of gold to break higher on Friday despite a number of factors favouring such a move has us approach trading in the metal with caution this week. The move from $1,630 critical sup-port to $1,750 has given investors an opportunity to reduce long positions for now to re-evaluate market developments. Gold’s trading range on Friday was $1,723 to $1,763. The better than expected employment data may have had the effect of lowering the market’s expectations of further quantitative easing which is in turn seeing gold lose some of the gains we saw after the last FOMC statement where expectations of QE3 rose. Support at $1,720 held on Friday but if we see this level breached today we will turn bearish in the short term.
Compass Global Markets
Compass Global Markets Pty Ltd (“Compass Global Markets”) ACN 144 657 885, Authorised Representative No. 377377, is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Calibre Investments Pty Ltd (Australian Financial Services License No. 337927). Please refer to the Financial Services Guide which is available through our website www.compassmarkets.com for more information regarding the financial services that we offer.
All references to prices, amounts and currency are in Australian dollars unless otherwise noted.
This report is provided for Australian residents only and is not intended for use by residents of any other country.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: The advice provided in this report has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to these matters and, if appropriate, seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any financial investment decision.
This report has been prepared for the general use of Compass Global Markets clients and must not be copied, either in whole or in part, or distributed to any other person. This report and its contents are not intended to be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security, product or asset, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction.
Compass Global Markets does not guarantee the performance of any investment discussed or recommended in this report. This report and the information used within may include estimates and projections which constitute a forward looking statement that express an expectation or belief as to future events, results or returns. No guarantee of future events, results or returns is given or implied by Compass Global Markets. Such statements are made in good faith and based on reasonable assumptions at the time of publication. However, such statements are also subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ substantially from the estimates and projections contained in this report or otherwise provided by Compass Global Markets.
Any information referencing past performance is not indicative of future performance. All information in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate. Compass Global Markets does not give any representation or warranty as to reliability, accuracy or completeness of information contained in this report and therefore all responsibility is expressly disclaimed, whether due to negligence or otherwise. The information presented and opinions expressed in this report are given as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. We hereby disclaim any obligation to inform you of any changes after the date hereof in any matter set forth in this report.
Global Compass Markets, its affiliate and their employees may hold positions in the financial products, or securities or derivatives of, in the companies referred to in this report from time to time.
Analyst Certification: The views or opinions expressed in this report accurately reflect the personal views of the analyst(s) and no part of the remuneration of the analyst(s) was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the inclusion of specific recommendations or views in this report. Any views or opinions expressed are the author’s own and may not reflect the views or opinions of Compass Global Markets unless specified otherwise.
Topics: Forex News, Market Outlook, Top Stories | Comments Off
U.S. Dollar Reversal Underway, Euro Eyes 23.6% Fib
By DailyFX | February 3, 2012
Talking Points
- U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
- Euro: Carves Out Lower Top, Greece Seeks Another EUR 15B
- British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
The greenback extended the advance from the previous day, with the Dow Jones-FXCM U.S. Dollar Index (Ticker: USDOLLAR) advancing to a high of 9,751, and the short-term reversal should gather pace in the coming days as the index threatens the downward trending channel carried over from the previous month. Indeed, employment in the world’s largest economy increased another 243K in January, and the rise in hiring may lead the Fed to soften its dovish tone for monetary policy as the recovery gradually gathers pace.
However, we saw the jobless rate fall back to 8.3% from 8.5% as discouraged workers continued to leave the labor force, and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may keep the door open to expand the balance sheet further in an effort to encourage a stronger recovery. In turn, we expect the FOMC to maintain a wait-and-see approach throughout the first-half of the year, but there’s little in the way of seeing another round of quantitative easing as the risk of a double-dip recession subsides. As the USDOLLAR appears to be finding near-term support around the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 9,710, this could be a key reversal for the greenback, and the bullish momentum underlining the dollar looks poised to gather pace in the week ahead as the relative strength index bounces back from a low of 30.
Euro: Maintains Narrow Range, All Eyes On ECB Rate Decision
The Euro pared the advance to 1.3205 to maintain the range from earlier this week, and the single currency is likely to face additional headwinds in the following week as the fundamental outlook turns increasingly bleak. Although the European Central Bank is widely expected to keep the benchmark interest rate at 1.00%, we are likely to see President Mario Draghi maintain a dovish tone at the press conference following the rate decision, and the central bank head may take additional steps beyond the three-year loan facility scheduled for the end of the month as the heightening risk for contagion continues to pose a threat to the world financial system. In turn, we are looking for a close below the 10-Day SMA (1.3115) to provide conviction for a short EUR/USD trade, and the exchange rate looks poised to fall back towards the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement from the 2009 high to the 2010 low around 1.2630-50 as the pair appears to be carving a lower top in February.
British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
The British Pound broke out of the upward trending channel from the previous month, with the GBP/USD slipping to a low of 1.5749, and we expect the sterling to face additional headwinds in the following week as market participants see the Bank of England expanding its asset purchase program by another GBP 50B next week. As the GBP/USD fails to make another run at the 200-Day SMA (1.5956), with the RSI falling back from a high of 66, the technical outlook point to a short-term reversal in the exchange rate, but we may see the pound-dollar hold steady ahead of the BoE rate decision as the pair continues to find support around the 38.2% Fib from the 2009 low to high around 1.5730-50.
— Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
To contact David, e-mail dsong@dailyfx.com. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong
To be added to David’s e-mail distribution list, send an e-mail with subject line “Distribution List” to dsong@dailyfx.com.
Topics: Contributors, Top Stories | Comments Off
U.S. Dollar Reversal Underway, Euro Eyes 23.6% Fib
By DailyFX | February 3, 2012
Talking Points
- U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
- Euro: Carves Out Lower Top, Greece Seeks Another EUR 15B
- British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
The greenback extended the advance from the previous day, with the Dow Jones-FXCM U.S. Dollar Index (Ticker: USDOLLAR) advancing to a high of 9,751, and the short-term reversal should gather pace in the coming days as the index threatens the downward trending channel carried over from the previous month. Indeed, employment in the world’s largest economy increased another 243K in January, and the rise in hiring may lead the Fed to soften its dovish tone for monetary policy as the recovery gradually gathers pace.
However, we saw the jobless rate fall back to 8.3% from 8.5% as discouraged workers continued to leave the labor force, and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may keep the door open to expand the balance sheet further in an effort to encourage a stronger recovery. In turn, we expect the FOMC to maintain a wait-and-see approach throughout the first-half of the year, but there’s little in the way of seeing another round of quantitative easing as the risk of a double-dip recession subsides. As the USDOLLAR appears to be finding near-term support around the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 9,710, this could be a key reversal for the greenback, and the bullish momentum underlining the dollar looks poised to gather pace in the week ahead as the relative strength index bounces back from a low of 30.
Euro: Maintains Narrow Range, All Eyes On ECB Rate Decision
The Euro pared the advance to 1.3205 to maintain the range from earlier this week, and the single currency is likely to face additional headwinds in the following week as the fundamental outlook turns increasingly bleak. Although the European Central Bank is widely expected to keep the benchmark interest rate at 1.00%, we are likely to see President Mario Draghi maintain a dovish tone at the press conference following the rate decision, and the central bank head may take additional steps beyond the three-year loan facility scheduled for the end of the month as the heightening risk for contagion continues to pose a threat to the world financial system. In turn, we are looking for a close below the 10-Day SMA (1.3115) to provide conviction for a short EUR/USD trade, and the exchange rate looks poised to fall back towards the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement from the 2009 high to the 2010 low around 1.2630-50 as the pair appears to be carving a lower top in February.
British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
The British Pound broke out of the upward trending channel from the previous month, with the GBP/USD slipping to a low of 1.5749, and we expect the sterling to face additional headwinds in the following week as market participants see the Bank of England expanding its asset purchase program by another GBP 50B next week. As the GBP/USD fails to make another run at the 200-Day SMA (1.5956), with the RSI falling back from a high of 66, the technical outlook point to a short-term reversal in the exchange rate, but we may see the pound-dollar hold steady ahead of the BoE rate decision as the pair continues to find support around the 38.2% Fib from the 2009 low to high around 1.5730-50.
— Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
To contact David, e-mail dsong@dailyfx.com. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong
To be added to David’s e-mail distribution list, send an e-mail with subject line “Distribution List” to dsong@dailyfx.com.
Topics: Contributors, Top Stories | Comments Off
U.S. Dollar Reversal Underway, Euro Eyes 23.6% Fib
By DailyFX | February 3, 2012
Talking Points
- U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
- Euro: Carves Out Lower Top, Greece Seeks Another EUR 15B
- British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
The greenback extended the advance from the previous day, with the Dow Jones-FXCM U.S. Dollar Index (Ticker: USDOLLAR) advancing to a high of 9,751, and the short-term reversal should gather pace in the coming days as the index threatens the downward trending channel carried over from the previous month. Indeed, employment in the world’s largest economy increased another 243K in January, and the rise in hiring may lead the Fed to soften its dovish tone for monetary policy as the recovery gradually gathers pace.
However, we saw the jobless rate fall back to 8.3% from 8.5% as discouraged workers continued to leave the labor force, and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may keep the door open to expand the balance sheet further in an effort to encourage a stronger recovery. In turn, we expect the FOMC to maintain a wait-and-see approach throughout the first-half of the year, but there’s little in the way of seeing another round of quantitative easing as the risk of a double-dip recession subsides. As the USDOLLAR appears to be finding near-term support around the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 9,710, this could be a key reversal for the greenback, and the bullish momentum underlining the dollar looks poised to gather pace in the week ahead as the relative strength index bounces back from a low of 30.
Euro: Maintains Narrow Range, All Eyes On ECB Rate Decision
The Euro pared the advance to 1.3205 to maintain the range from earlier this week, and the single currency is likely to face additional headwinds in the following week as the fundamental outlook turns increasingly bleak. Although the European Central Bank is widely expected to keep the benchmark interest rate at 1.00%, we are likely to see President Mario Draghi maintain a dovish tone at the press conference following the rate decision, and the central bank head may take additional steps beyond the three-year loan facility scheduled for the end of the month as the heightening risk for contagion continues to pose a threat to the world financial system. In turn, we are looking for a close below the 10-Day SMA (1.3115) to provide conviction for a short EUR/USD trade, and the exchange rate looks poised to fall back towards the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement from the 2009 high to the 2010 low around 1.2630-50 as the pair appears to be carving a lower top in February.
British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
The British Pound broke out of the upward trending channel from the previous month, with the GBP/USD slipping to a low of 1.5749, and we expect the sterling to face additional headwinds in the following week as market participants see the Bank of England expanding its asset purchase program by another GBP 50B next week. As the GBP/USD fails to make another run at the 200-Day SMA (1.5956), with the RSI falling back from a high of 66, the technical outlook point to a short-term reversal in the exchange rate, but we may see the pound-dollar hold steady ahead of the BoE rate decision as the pair continues to find support around the 38.2% Fib from the 2009 low to high around 1.5730-50.
— Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
To contact David, e-mail dsong@dailyfx.com. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong
To be added to David’s e-mail distribution list, send an e-mail with subject line “Distribution List” to dsong@dailyfx.com.
Topics: Contributors, Top Stories | Comments Off
U.S. Dollar Reversal Underway, Euro Eyes 23.6% Fib
By DailyFX | February 3, 2012
Talking Points
- U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
- Euro: Carves Out Lower Top, Greece Seeks Another EUR 15B
- British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
U.S. Dollar: Index Threatens Downward Trending Channel, Labor Force Continues To Shrink
The greenback extended the advance from the previous day, with the Dow Jones-FXCM U.S. Dollar Index (Ticker: USDOLLAR) advancing to a high of 9,751, and the short-term reversal should gather pace in the coming days as the index threatens the downward trending channel carried over from the previous month. Indeed, employment in the world’s largest economy increased another 243K in January, and the rise in hiring may lead the Fed to soften its dovish tone for monetary policy as the recovery gradually gathers pace.
However, we saw the jobless rate fall back to 8.3% from 8.5% as discouraged workers continued to leave the labor force, and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may keep the door open to expand the balance sheet further in an effort to encourage a stronger recovery. In turn, we expect the FOMC to maintain a wait-and-see approach throughout the first-half of the year, but there’s little in the way of seeing another round of quantitative easing as the risk of a double-dip recession subsides. As the USDOLLAR appears to be finding near-term support around the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 9,710, this could be a key reversal for the greenback, and the bullish momentum underlining the dollar looks poised to gather pace in the week ahead as the relative strength index bounces back from a low of 30.
Euro: Maintains Narrow Range, All Eyes On ECB Rate Decision
The Euro pared the advance to 1.3205 to maintain the range from earlier this week, and the single currency is likely to face additional headwinds in the following week as the fundamental outlook turns increasingly bleak. Although the European Central Bank is widely expected to keep the benchmark interest rate at 1.00%, we are likely to see President Mario Draghi maintain a dovish tone at the press conference following the rate decision, and the central bank head may take additional steps beyond the three-year loan facility scheduled for the end of the month as the heightening risk for contagion continues to pose a threat to the world financial system. In turn, we are looking for a close below the 10-Day SMA (1.3115) to provide conviction for a short EUR/USD trade, and the exchange rate looks poised to fall back towards the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement from the 2009 high to the 2010 low around 1.2630-50 as the pair appears to be carving a lower top in February.
British Pound: Upward Trend Gives Out, BoE To Conduct More QE
The British Pound broke out of the upward trending channel from the previous month, with the GBP/USD slipping to a low of 1.5749, and we expect the sterling to face additional headwinds in the following week as market participants see the Bank of England expanding its asset purchase program by another GBP 50B next week. As the GBP/USD fails to make another run at the 200-Day SMA (1.5956), with the RSI falling back from a high of 66, the technical outlook point to a short-term reversal in the exchange rate, but we may see the pound-dollar hold steady ahead of the BoE rate decision as the pair continues to find support around the 38.2% Fib from the 2009 low to high around 1.5730-50.
— Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
To contact David, e-mail dsong@dailyfx.com. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong
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