Gdmfx - Weekly News

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: CLASH OF TITANS


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The pair completed a bullish week and moved above the 50 days Exponential Moving Average. The Fed maintained the interest rate unchanged and the NFP report somewhat disappointed, contributing to the strong move up.



Technical Outlook

Price is now trading above the 50 days EMA, placing the pair in a bullish environment from a short to medium term perspective. However, a clear trend is not in place, the oscillators are approaching overbought and the resistance at 1.1150 sits in front of rising price; all this may suggest that we will see a bounce lower once 1.1150 is touched. If this occurs, price will likely retrace to the 50 EMA but a clean break of 1.1150 will make 1.1250 the first potential target.

Fundamental Outlook

The week ahead starts Monday with the Eurogroup Meetings and continues Tuesday with the ECOFIN Meetings. However, the more important event is the U.S. Presidential Election that also takes place Tuesday and will probably overshadow the Meetings. The US Dollar may react strongly to the result of the election so we recommend caution throughout the day.

Wednesday and Thursday have a lackluster economic calendar, while Friday’s only notable release is the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment, a survey that tries to gauge the confidence of consumers in overall economic conditions. As you can see, we have a slow week ahead, but this doesn’t mean that price movement will be slow, especially considering the huge event that is the U.S. Presidential Election.


GBP/USD

The Pound won last week’s race against the US Dollar and we saw a move outside the horizontal channel. This week’s price action will probably reveal if the break is true or just a fake move above resistance.



Technical Outlook

The pair moved above 1.2480, which represents the upper part of the horizontal channel but now it’s sitting right on the 50 days Exponential Moving Average. The break of 1.2480 is not yet clear (the level was not re-tested after the move above it) and the moving average is likely to offer resistance so we may very well see a bounce lower. If price moves above the 50 days EMA, the chances of a move into 1.2800 zone will increase, while a move back inside the channel would mean that the ranging period is still not over.

Fundamental Outlook

The busiest day of the week for the Pound will be Tuesday when the Manufacturing Production numbers come out, as well as an estimate of the British Gross Domestic Product, provided by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

The first indicator tracks changes in the total value of products generated by the manufacturing sector, and the Gross Domestic Product is an economy’s main gauge of performance, so higher numbers usually bring a stronger currency (however, keep in mind this is only an estimate). The U.S. Election will have a direct and probably strong impact on the pair’s direction.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: SPEECHES, TESTIMONIES AND INFLATION – PREPARING FOR ANOTHER BUSY WEEK


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Election week is over and United States has a new President. The US Dollar received the news well, strengthening against most of its counterparts and as a result we saw the pair drop through several support levels.



Technical Outlook

After a big spike that took price into 1.1300 territory, the pair reversed as the US Dollar was fueled by the Presidential Election, dropping through multiple barriers until finally stopping near 1.0850. Early this week we will see if the pair stopped because the markets closed on Friday or because price is exhausted. The distance traveled was more than 450 pips and this calls for a retracement to the upside; this potential pullback has increased chances of happening after 1.0800 support is hit but 1.0850 is not clearly broken. If the US Dollar doesn’t break its current support (1.0850), we may see a bounce that will take price closer to 1.0950 zone.

Fundamental Outlook

ECB President Mario Draghi opens the week with a speech delivered Monday in Rome. As usual, caution should be used during his speeches because the Euro may have a strong reaction. Tuesday we take a first look at German Gross Domestic Product with the release of the Preliminary version of this indicator and on the US Dollar side we have the always important Retail Sales. This type of sales represents the biggest chunk of consumer spending, which in turn accounts for the main part of overall economic activity, thus higher readings for the retail sales usually strengthen the greenback.

Wednesday the spotlight remains on the US Dollar with the release of the Producer Price Index, an indicator that tracks changes in the price charged by producers for their goods. It has inflationary implications because if the producer charges more, the client will eventually pay a higher price. Currently, higher numbers are beneficial because inflation is considered too low.

Thursday we take a look at U.S. inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index and Fed Chair Yellen will testify before the Joint Economic Committee; the topic is economic outlook so we expect high volatility during and after the event. The week finishes Friday with another speech delivered by the ECB President, this time at the Euro Finance Week, in Frankfurt.


GBP/USD

The US Dollar couldn’t win the battle against the Pound last week and instead we saw a move above resistance. We have an important week ahead because we will find out if the strength showed by the greenback against other currencies will also extend to this pair.



Technical Outlook

The previous resistance at 1.2480 is now clearly broken but the 50 days Exponential Moving Average may still reject price lower even if last week closed above it. The candle that moved above the EMA shows signs of rejection and the break is not decisive. It looks like bearish pressure is mounting, so if price returns below the Moving Average early this week, we expect it to drop below 1.2480 but if the Pound continues to strengthen, we will most likely see a move into 1.2800 zone.

Fundamental Outlook

The first major release of the week is the British Consumer Price Index, scheduled Tuesday and followed half an hour later by the Inflation Report Hearings, during which BoE Governor Carney will testify on economic outlook and inflation before the Treasury Committee of the Parliament. Both these events usually have a high impact on the Pound so we can expect increased volatility.

Wednesday the Claimant Count Change will offer insights into the British unemployment situation and the final event of the week is the release of United Kingdom’s Retail Sales numbers, scheduled Thursday. As always, the U.S. events will have a direct and possibly strong impact on the pair’s direction.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: DOLLAR SMASHES THROUGH SUPPORT, THANKSGIVING DAY IN SIGHT


EUR/USD

For the entire last week the US Dollar dominated and the pair dropped below 1.0600. Since the U.S. Presidential Election result was known, the pair didn’t have any bullish days and the sellers remained in total control.



Technical Outlook

The huge drop that started with the U.S. Presidential Election will probably continue in the long term but for the time being, the pair is oversold as indicated by the Relative Strength Index and the Stochastic. This means that a retracement has increased chances of occurring and it will be signaled by the oscillators exiting oversold territory. The first possible resistance is located at 1.0710 but the level was last touched a long time ago so a more important level may be 1.0850 because this is the latest level where price showed a strong reaction. To the downside, 1.0525 is the first support.

Fundamental Outlook

The first major event of the week is scheduled Monday: the testimony of ECB President Mario Draghi before the European Parliament, In Strasbourg. The topic is the European Central Bank's Annual Report and the financial markets are likely to be influenced by Draghi’s attitude.

Tuesday we have a thin economic calendar, with the U.S. Existing Home Sales being the only notable release. The indicator offers insights into the U.S. housing market, with higher numbers being beneficial for the US Dollar. Wednesday the FOMC will release the Minutes of their latest Meeting; this document offers insights into the reasons that determined the latest rate decision but can also reveal hints about a possible December rate hike. If this is the case, the US Dollar will be strongly affected.

Thursday U.S. banks will be closed, celebrating Thanksgiving Day and no indicators will be released. The holiday will probably affect volatility so it’s very likely to have a choppy trading session. On the Euro side the only notable release is the German IFO Business Climate, a survey of about 7,000 businesses, focused on economic conditions and expectations for the next 6 months. The week ends with a slow day, without major economic releases.


GBP/USD

British economic data released last week was mixed, with disappointing inflation numbers but better than expected Retail Sales. However, the pair didn’t seem affected much by the economic numbers and the sellers moved price lower.



Technical Outlook

After a failed attempt to break the 50 period Exponential Moving Average to the upside, the pair reversed and moved below 1.2480. This makes 1.2090 the first notable support and puts short term control in the hands of the bears. As long as the pair is trading below the 50 EMA and below 1.2480, we favor the short side, aiming for 1.2090, but a move above the mentioned resistance zone would invalidate such a scenario.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound has a lackluster week ahead, with only a few notable indicators: Tuesday the Public Sector Net Borrowing numbers are released, showing the difference between spending and income for government and public corporations. Friday the Second Estimate version of the British Gross Domestic Product is released, but although the GDP is considered a high impact indicator, this version is less important than the Preliminary, which was already released. Nonetheless, higher values show a stronger economy and possibly a stronger currency.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: BUCKLE UP, IT’S NFP WEEK AGAIN!


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: During last week the pair reached the support at 1.0525, with the most active day being Wednesday when the FOMC Minutes hinted that a rate hike may come relatively soon. Support is still holding but control belongs to the bears.



Technical Outlook

The pair has reached a very important support at 1.0525, with the Relative Strength Index and Stochastic both in oversold territory. Also, price traveled a long distance without a proper retracement and all this may indicate that a bullish pullback is needed before bearish movement can resume. We must keep in mind that the pair is in a downtrend so we cannot exclude the possibility of a quick break of 1.0525; if this is the case, the next barrier and target will be 1.0462, which is the lowest point reached since 2015.

Fundamental Outlook

The week opens Monday with an important testimony delivered by ECB President Draghi before the European Parliament's Economic Committee, on the topic of Brexit consequences and economic outlook from ECB’s perspective. High volatility may be experienced during the event, thus caution should be used.

Tuesday we have two important U.S. releases: the first is the Preliminary version of the Gross Domestic Product, followed by the Consumer Confidence survey. The GDP is an economy’s main gauge of performance and consumer confidence is a leading indicator of consumer spending, so both of them can strengthen the greenback in case higher numbers are posted.

Wednesday we take a first look at Eurozone inflation with the release of the Flash Estimate Consumer Price Index but also at United States jobs data, with the release of the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change. Thursday’s headline is the release of the U.S. Manufacturing PMI, a survey of purchasing managers regarding business and economic conditions in the manufacturing sector and the week ends Friday with the most important U.S. jobs data: the Non-Farm Payrolls. The indicator is known for its high impact so we expect strong moves and we recommend caution.


GBP/USD

Early last week we saw a strong move up but after that, the pair started to move sideways and remained in a tight range, just below the 50 days Exponential Moving Average.



Technical Outlook

Usually after a period of tight sideways movement, the pair tends to shoot strongly to one side or the other. We have two important barriers: on one hand there’s the 50 days EMA combined with 1.2480 as resistance and on the other hand we have the bullish trend line seen on the chart above as support. A clear break of either resistance or support will probably trigger an extended move in that direction but until that happens, we can expect the pair to continue to move in a range.

Fundamental Outlook

Wednesday the Bank of England will release their Financial Stability Report, which is an assessment of current economic conditions as well as risks to financial stability and can offer hints about future monetary policy. The impact is different with each release but can generate strong movement for Pound pairs.

Thursday the Manufacturing PMI is released, followed Friday by the Construction PMI. These are leading indicators of economic health, derived from the opinions of purchasing managers from the respective sectors but usually the impact is strong only if the actual reading shows a big difference compared to analysts’ forecast. As always the U.S. events will have a direct and strong impact on the pair.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: DOLLAR WEAKENED BY DISAPPOINTING NFP, EURO IN LIMBO AHEAD OF ECB RATE ANNOUNCEMENT


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: For the entire last week the pair showed choppy movement, with sudden changes of direction. The week ended higher than it started but the downtrend is still intact.



Technical Outlook

After the touch of 1.0525 support the sellers lost their steam and the pair started to move north but it’s clear that overall there’s still bearish pressure. The Stochastic and Relative Strength Index have exited oversold territory and are moving upwards, supporting an extended move that will encounter the first resistance at 1.0710. If that level is surpassed, the next target may be 1.0800 zone and the 50 period Exponential Moving Average. As long as these resistances are holding, our view is bearish and we expect a move lower after a touch of one of the mentioned zones.

Fundamental Outlook

We have a slow week ahead compared to the previous, with only a few important releases: Monday the Eurogroup Meetings take place, attended by personalities from the EU member states. Tuesday the ECOFIN Meetings, attended by Finance Ministers from the EU member states will be the main event but both assemblies may go mostly unnoticed by the market.

Wednesday is a lackluster day and Thursday action picks up with the ECB Interest Rate announcement, which is followed shortly by the usual Press Conference during which ECB President Mario Draghi delivers a prepared statement and answers journalists’ questions. The press conference is almost always a reason for increased volatility and irregular movement.

Friday the US Dollar takes center stage with the release of the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment, a survey that acts as a leading indicator of consumer spending.


GBP/USD

Last week was an important one for the Pound as it finally managed to climb above 1.2480 resistance and above the Moving Average. This marks the end of the ranging period and possibly calls for further upside.



Technical Outlook

The 50 days Exponential Moving Average was surpassed last week for the first time in a long while (it was breached before but price returned immediately below it) and now price is trading above previous resistance (1.2480). All this makes us anticipate a move into 1.2855 zone and a continuation of the breakout but we don’t exclude a drop to test the recently broken level as well as the 50 EMA. If these barriers reject price, this will solidify the medium term control of the bulls.

Fundamental Outlook

Similar or the Euro and US Dollar, the Pound has a lackluster week ahead, with only two notable releases: Monday we have the Services PMI, a survey of purchasing managers regarding business and economic conditions in the service sector and Wednesday the Manufacturing Production comes out. The latter shows changes in the total value of goods produced by the manufacturing industry and can have a positive impact on the Pound if it posts higher numbers because this would suggest increased economic activity.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: EURO APPROACHES HISTORICAL LEVELS. POSSIBLE FED RATE HIKE ON THE HORIZON

EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week we experienced interesting price behavior, with the pair climbing fast but dropping the entire distance back to where it started by the end of the week. Most of the Euro weakness was generated by Mario Draghi’s press conference and his comments which were perceived as dovish.

Technical Outlook

The resistance at 1.0850 and the 50 days Exponential Moving Average were breached last week but soon after, price returned below these technical levels and now the pair is testing the key support at 1.0525. If 1.0525 is broken, the next target is 1.0460, a level that was last tested in 2015 and before that, in 2003 so we can say that the bears will score a major victory if they manage to break the level. The latest impulse is bearish but last week’s price action was hectic so a clear prediction is hard to make. If 1.0460 is touched, we expect small bounces to occur but the Fed rate decision will play a major role for the next direction.

Fundamental Outlook

The German ZEW Economic Sentiment survey released Tuesday is the only major indicator of the first 2 days of the week but Wednesday action intensifies with the release of the U.S. Retail Sales and more importantly, the FOMC will announce their decision regarding the interest rate. Some analysts expect a rate increase but even if this is not the case, the event will surely create strong movement. Half an hour after the rate is announced, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen will hold a press conference, discussing the rate vote and answering journalists’ questions.

Thursday we take a look at U.S. inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is another reason for increased volatility and the week ends Friday with the Final version of the Eurozone CPI. Although this is the least important out of the three versions, the Euro is likely to respond strongly to the data. The U.S. Building Permits are the last indicator of the week, released Friday as well.

GBP/USD

Last week the pair reached a high at 1.2775 then dropped 200 pips lower to end the trading week at 1.2575. The 50 days Exponential Moving Average is not broken but the bears control short term action.

Technical Outlook

The pair’s behavior last week was bearish but the key support represented by the 50 days EMA and the level at 1.2480 wasn’t broken. A bullish trend line also supports price so we have three major elements that stand in front of falling price and the possibility of a push up shouldn’t be overlooked. On the other hand, a break of this confluence zone will show that the selling pressure is high and would make our bias for the week bearish.

Fundamental Outlook

The first Pound-affecting release of the week is scheduled Tuesday in the form of the British Consumer Price Index, the main measure of inflation. The indicator usually has a high impact on the Pound’s direction, with higher numbers strengthening it. Wednesday’s highlight is the release of the Claimant Count Change, an indicator which shows changes in the number of people who asked for unemployment related benefits during the previous month.

Thursday we take a look at British Retail Sales numbers and the Bank of England will announce the interest rate (no change expected). At the same time the MPC Members’ votes are released, as well as a Monetary Policy Summary that contains details of the reasons that determined the rate decision. Friday we don’t have major indicators and as always, the U.S. releases will have a direct and possibly strong impact on the pair.

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: EURO APPROACHES HISTORICAL LEVELS. POSSIBLE FED RATE HIKE ON THE HORIZON


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week we experienced interesting price behavior, with the pair climbing fast but dropping the entire distance back to where it started by the end of the week. Most of the Euro weakness was generated by Mario Draghi’s press conference and his comments which were perceived as dovish.



Technical Outlook

The resistance at 1.0850 and the 50 days Exponential Moving Average were breached last week but soon after, price returned below these technical levels and now the pair is testing the key support at 1.0525. If 1.0525 is broken, the next target is 1.0460, a level that was last tested in 2015 and before that, in 2003 so we can say that the bears will score a major victory if they manage to break the level. The latest impulse is bearish but last week’s price action was hectic so a clear prediction is hard to make. If 1.0460 is touched, we expect small bounces to occur but the Fed rate decision will play a major role for the next direction.

Fundamental Outlook

The German ZEW Economic Sentiment survey released Tuesday is the only major indicator of the first 2 days of the week but Wednesday action intensifies with the release of the U.S. Retail Sales and more importantly, the FOMC will announce their decision regarding the interest rate. Some analysts expect a rate increase but even if this is not the case, the event will surely create strong movement. Half an hour after the rate is announced, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen will hold a press conference, discussing the rate vote and answering journalists’ questions.

Thursday we take a look at U.S. inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is another reason for increased volatility and the week ends Friday with the Final version of the Eurozone CPI. Although this is the least important out of the three versions, the Euro is likely to respond strongly to the data. The U.S. Building Permits are the last indicator of the week, released Friday as well.


GBP/USD

Last week the pair reached a high at 1.2775 then dropped 200 pips lower to end the trading week at 1.2575. The 50 days Exponential Moving Average is not broken but the bears control short term action.



Technical Outlook

The pair’s behavior last week was bearish but the key support represented by the 50 days EMA and the level at 1.2480 wasn’t broken. A bullish trend line also supports price so we have three major elements that stand in front of falling price and the possibility of a push up shouldn’t be overlooked. On the other hand, a break of this confluence zone will show that the selling pressure is high and would make our bias for the week bearish.

Fundamental Outlook

The first Pound-affecting release of the week is scheduled Tuesday in the form of the British Consumer Price Index, the main measure of inflation. The indicator usually has a high impact on the Pound’s direction, with higher numbers strengthening it. Wednesday’s highlight is the release of the Claimant Count Change, an indicator which shows changes in the number of people who asked for unemployment related benefits during the previous month.

Thursday we take a look at British Retail Sales numbers and the Bank of England will announce the interest rate (no change expected). At the same time the MPC Members’ votes are released, as well as a Monetary Policy Summary that contains details of the reasons that determined the rate decision. Friday we don’t have major indicators and as always, the U.S. releases will have a direct and possibly strong impact on the pair.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: EURO-DOLLAR AT HISTORICAL LOWS. PRICE VOLATILITY STILL NOT AFFECTED BY END OF YEAR TURMOIL


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The Fed hiked the interest rate last week and hinted towards three more increases over the course the next year. The US Dollar strengthened considerably as a result and the pair broke 2015’s lowest price, located at 1.0462.



Technical Outlook

Last time the pair traded at such low levels was in the year 2003 so we can say that last week the pair has reached a historical low at 1.0366. Now price is testing the previously broken level at 1.0460, which may turn into resistance and reject price lower; if this is the case, we expect to see a move below 1.0366, otherwise the next destination is 1.0525 zone. Overall the bias is bearish and the Dollar is in control but bullish pullbacks are not out of the question; also keep in mind that Christmas is approaching and this will probably have an impact on the market.

Fundamental Outlook

The week ahead is very slow in terms of economic releases, probably because the winter holidays are approaching. However, there are a few releases worth mentioning and keeping an eye on: Monday the German IFO Business Climate survey will show the opinions of about 7,000 businesses about economic conditions and outlook for the next 6 months. The large sample is what makes this survey important but the release doesn’t create strong movement all the time.

Wednesday we take a look at the U.S. house market with the release of the Existing Home Sales and Thursday will be the busiest day of the week: the Durable Goods Orders come out, as well as the Final Version of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. The GDP is an economy’s main gauge of overall performance but the Final version is the least important so we may see a mild impact. The last release of the week is the U.S. New Home Sales, scheduled Friday.


GBP/USD

The US Dollar was boosted by the Fed decision and of course, this was the highlight of last week. The Bank of England also announced their rate decision but no changes were made so the event didn’t generate strong movement.



Technical Outlook

The bullish trend line seen on the Daily chart above was broken last week, as well as the Moving Average and the level at 1.2480. These are all signs that price may continue lower, towards the bottom of the range, at 1.2090. However, this is a long distance that will not be traveled during the course of one week unless surprising developments take place. Our bias is bearish but a quick move above the three elements mentioned before (trend line, EMA and 1.2480) would probably start a ranging period.

Fundamental Outlook

Similar to the Euro and US Dollar, the Pound has a light economic calendar, with the only important releases being the Public Sector Net Borrowing, scheduled Wednesday, the Current Account (value difference between imported and exported goods), scheduled Friday and the Final GDP the same day. All these are considered medium-impact indicators but they can generate volatility if the actual number shows a big difference compared to the forecast.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: FINAL TRADING WEEK OF 2016


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week the pair’s movement was affected by end of year volatility and we expect this to continue throughout the week that just started. So far support is holding and rejecting price higher but price lacks the necessary steam to blow through resistance.



Technical Outlook

After starting last week on a bearish note and piercing through 1.0366 support, the pair retraced higher and is now testing 1.0460 resistance. Both oscillators are showing bullish divergence (price is making lower lows while the indicators are only showing a higher low) and this is a warning that further upside may follow. Keep in mind that it’s only a warning, not a clear signal and the pair is in a downtrend so we cannot exclude the possibility of a move below 1.0366 support. Probably price action will be choppy and affected by Christmas and the changing of the year.

Fundamental Outlook

This entire week will be affected by the Winter Holidays and by the changing of the year so the economic calendar is light and volatility will be affected. Monday German banks will be closed in observance of Boxing Day, Italian banks due to St. Stephen's Day and U.S. banks are also closed in celebration of Christmas Day.

Tuesday the U.S. Consumer Confidence survey is released, showing the opinions of about 5,000 households regarding current and future economic conditions. Wednesday the U.S. Pending Home Sales will affect the US Dollar, but the effect should be limited because this is considered an indicator with medium impact even under normal circumstances. Thursday and Friday we don’t have anything major on the economic calendar but the approaching of New Year’s Eve will trigger irregular movement and alternating periods of high and low volatility, thus caution is recommended.


GBP/USD

The pair completed another bearish week and moved clearly below the 50 days Exponential Moving Average but towards the end of the period, price slowed down, probably affected by the Winter Holidays.



Technical Outlook

This is the last week of the year, so volatility will be irregular and price action choppy. It’s very likely for the pair to remain between 1.2480 and 1.2090, with a bearish bias as long as price is trading below the 50 period Exponential Moving Average. The last few days have been bearish but candles are small and lack momentum, indicating that we may see a small push up this week. The environment is risky, thus caution is recommended. 

Fundamental Outlook

Monday and Tuesday UK banks will be closed in observance of Boxing Day and Christmas Day respectively, so price action will be heavily affected. The rest of the week lacks important releases and we expect irregular, possibly sideways movement.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: THE NEW YEAR KICKS OFF WITH A BANG: FED MEETING MINUTES AND NON-FARM PAYROLLS


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: As expected, the last week of 2016 was governed by low liquidity and irregular price action. The quick climb is mostly attributed to these factors, not necessarily to fundamental or technical reasons. This type of behavior will likely extend to the week that just started.



Technical Outlook

The pair has reached the 50 days Exponential Moving Average and bounced lower, erasing some of the Euro gains. As mentioned above, the low liquidity characteristic for end of year has played an important role in the move and we cannot predict if it will continue through the 50 EMA or bounce lower through 1.0525 and 1.0460. We expect the first part of the week to be affected by irregular price action and the second part to be more robust.

Fundamental Outlook

Monday U.S. banks are closed, celebrating New Year’s Day, thus no major indicators will be released and volume will be low. Tuesday action picks up with the release of the German Preliminary Consumer Price Index, an indicator that is considered the main gauge of inflation; the same day we take a look at the health of the U.S. Manufacturing sector with the release of the Manufacturing PMI survey.

Wednesday’s highlight is the release of the FOMC Meeting Minutes, a document that offers insights into the reasons that determined the Fed latest rate hike and Thursday we take a first look at the U.S. jobs market with the release of the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change. Probably the most important event of next week takes place Friday with the release of the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls, a report that shows how many new jobs were created during the previous month. This is widely considered the most important U.S. employment data and usually has a very strong impact in the US Dollar.


GBP/USD

The pair remained below the 50 days Exponential Moving Average for the entire last week, with choppy movement and low liquidity; the last three days were the most active but a clear direction did not emerge.



Technical Outlook

As long as the pair is trading below the 50 period Exponential Moving Average, our view is bearish but we acknowledge the fact that price may move erratically, at least during the first part of the week, due to low liquidity. The levels to watch are 1.2480 (1.2500) as resistance and 1.2090 as support and we slightly favor a move lower after a bounce at resistance but only if the 50 EMA will remain above price. Caution is still recommended throughout the week.

Fundamental Outlook

UK banks will be closed Monday, celebrating New Year’s Day and action picks up Tuesday with the release of the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), followed Wednesday by the Construction PMI and Thursday by the Services PMI. These are surveys of purchasing managers from the respective sectors, which act as leading indicators of economic health and optimism. The impact is usually moderate but differs from release to release. As always, the pair will be directly impacted by the U.S. indicators scheduled during the week.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: RESISTANCE TESTED. DOWNTREND IN TROUBLE?


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The week that just ended was governed by sharp reversals and overall choppy but volatile movement. The pair breached support and then jumped higher to touch the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, where it reversed again.



Technical Outlook

The support zone around 1.0366 rejected price higher again but the pair seems to have found resistance at the 50 days Exponential Moving Average and is now trying to move below 1.0525. As long as price remains below the 50 EMA, our view is still bearish but we must note that 1.0366 is a strong support zone that couldn’t be broken on several attempts, so the downtrend may be coming to an end if the bears cannot break this key support soon.

Fundamental Outlook

The week ahead is slow in terms of economic announcements; the first notable release is scheduled Tuesday in the form of the U.S. JOLTS Job Openings, an indicator that shows the number of job openings, without taking into consideration the farming industry. It acts as a leading indicator of employment but its impact is often muted.

Wednesday is another slow day, without major data coming out, while Thursday the only notable indicator that can have an impact on the pair is the U.S. Unemployment Claims.

The busiest day of the week will be Friday, with three important releases: the U.S. Core Retail Sales (measures changes in the value of sales made through retail outlets, excluding automobiles), the Producer Price Index (shows changes in the price charged by manufacturers for their goods) and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey that tries to gauge consumers’ confidence in current and future economic conditions and acts as a leading indicator of consumer spending. 


GBP/USD

Last week the pair showed bullish behavior but once the 50 days Exponential Moving Average was touched, the direction changed and most of the Pound gains were erased.



Technical Outlook

The bearish bounce seen at the 50 days EMA may be an indication that the bulls have ran out of steam and that an extended move lower may follow. Our view remains bearish as long as the pair is trading below 1.2480 resistance and below the EMA, and we anticipate a move closer to 1.2090 this week. A break above the two elements that were just mentioned, would open the door for a move into 1.2855 during the weeks to come.

Fundamental Outlook

Similar to the other two currencies, the Pound has a lackluster week ahead, with only two notable indicators, both released Wednesday. The first is the Manufacturing Production, a report that shows changes in the total value of goods produced by the manufacturing sector and the second is the NIESR Gross Domestic Product Estimate, which shows changes in the estimated total value of output generated by the economy during the previous 3 months. Other than these two indicators, the pair will be mostly influenced by the technical aspect and by the U.S. announcements.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: KEY POINTS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: WEF MEETINGS, ECB INTEREST RATE AND U.S. INFLATION


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The pair ended the week higher than it started it, mostly because the US Dollar was weakened by U.S. President-Elect Trump’s speech delivered last Wednesday. Throughout the week, price action was choppy and showed sharp reversals.



Technical Outlook

After a perfect touch of 1.0460 support, the pair rallied and broke the 50 period Exponential Moving Average. Now it is testing 1.0650 resistance but as we can see from the chart above, the last three Daily candles show long wicks and this is a sign of indecision, which was mostly generated by the way that market participants interpreted President-Elect’s speech on Wednesday. If the US Dollar weakness will continue, we will probably see an extended move above 1.0650 and closer to 1.0800 zone, otherwise price will drop through the 50 EMA and into the support zone between 1.0525 and 1.0460. From a longer term perspective the pair is still in a downtrend, which was severely weakened by the multiple failed attempts to break the support zone around 1.0366.

Fundamental Outlook

Monday U.S. banks will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day and there are no major releases on the Euro side either, so we expect a slow, possibly ranging session. Tuesday the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meetings start in Davos, attended by personalities from the political and financial scene from around the globe (over 90 countries); the event may generate volatility on the market but of course the actual impact will depend on the matters discussed so we cannot anticipate it. The Meetings will continue throughout the entire week, thus caution is recommended.

Wednesday we take a look at U.S. inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index, an indicator that shows changes in the price paid by consumers for the goods and services they purchase, and Thursday the focus shifts towards the Euro for the ECB interest rate announcement and the usual press conference that follows. The rate is not expected to change but as always, this event should be treated with caution because volatility may surge, especially during the part of the press conference when ECB President Mario Draghi answers journalists’ questions. The trading week ends Friday without any major event, other than the WEF Meetings.


GBP/USD

Last week the pair established a new low at 1.2037 but retraced higher soon afterwards and price action continued to be choppy from then on. For now price is still in a range, without a clear bias.



Technical Outlook

The support zone around 1.2090 was breached but not broken and direction is not clear, as indicated by the sideways movement and the long tails of the candles. However, price is making lower lows and lower highs and these are the characteristics of a downtrend but until 1.2090 is clearly broken, we will consider the pair in a range, capped by the mentioned support and the 50 period Exponential Moving Average to the upside. A clear break of either one of these elements will increase the chance of an extended move in that direction.

Fundamental Outlook

The week ahead holds three major releases for the Pound: Tuesday the CPI will offer insights into British inflation and Wednesday we take a look at the jobs situation in the U.K. with the release of the Claimant Count Change, an indicator that shows changes in the number of people who asked for unemployment related benefits. The last major release of the week is scheduled Friday in the form of the British Retail Sales, which account for a major part of the entire economic activity. U.K. representatives will attend the WEF Meetings throughout the week, thus caution is recommended.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: MARKETS RESPOND TO DONALD TRUMP’S FIRST WEEK AS U.S. PRESIDENT. BREXIT STILL A HOT TOPIC


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week Donald trump became the 45th President of the United States, assuming office on January 20, 2017. The pair had a bullish week overall, with US Dollar weakness and remained above the Daily Moving Average.



Technical Outlook

Even if the bears are making attempts to take the pair lower, the buyers quickly erase them and price ends up higher. This was the case last week when it appeared that the 50 days Exponential Moving Average will be broken to the downside but then price quickly reversed and started to move north, so the bias remains bullish and we expect to see a move close to the resistance around 1.0800. As an alternate scenario, a quick drop below the 50 days EMA would open the door for a touch of 1.0525 support and would make the short term bias bearish.

Fundamental Outlook

Monday is a slow day, without major announcements but Tuesday action picks up and we take a look at the health of the German Manufacturing and Services sectors with the release of the respective PMIs. The same day the United Kingdom’s High Court will decide whether the government can initiate or not Article 50 without the approval of the parliament. This will surely affect the Euro as well, not only the Pound so we recommend caution.

Wednesday’s highlight will be the German IFO Business Climate, a survey that tries to gauge the opinions of about 7,000 businesses about economic conditions and a 6-month outlook, while Thursday’s only notable release is the U.S. New Home Sales. Action picks up Friday again with the release of the U.S. Advance Gross Domestic Product and Durable Goods Orders, both important indicators for the American economy and with the potential to strongly affect the US Dollar in the short to medium term.


GBP/USD

The Pound strengthened last Tuesday when UK Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a hawkish speech regarding the conditions of the Brexit but the pair remained in a range for the rest of the week.



Technical Outlook

After a small dip below 1.2090 support, the pair climbed and is now trading very close to the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, with a bullish bias. For this week we expect a move into 1.2480 but from a longer term perspective the pair is still in a downtrend and the 50 EMA is not yet clearly broken, so another move below 1.2090 should not be counted out. The Brexit situation will also play a major role for this week’s price direction.

Fundamental Outlook

This week we have only two major events for the Pound: the first is the EU Membership Court Ruling, scheduled Tuesday, and has the potential to be a significant market mover, so extra caution should be used. The second event is the British Preliminary Gross Domestic Product, scheduled Thursday and showing the overall performance of UK’s economy. As always, the U.S. events released throughout the week will have a direct impact on the pair as well.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: DOLLAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT AGAIN: NON-FARM PAYROLLS AND FED MONETARY POLICY REVEAL


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week the bears managed to erase some of the advances made by the buyers and we saw a pullback to the previous support; however, the pair remained above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and the short term bias is still bullish.



Technical Outlook

As long as the pair remains above 1.0650 support and above the 50 days EMA, the bulls remain in control of price dynamics, so we consider the current down move a retracement in a short term uptrend. This means that price is likely to rally again, aiming for 1.0800 resistance, followed by 1.0850. If these barriers cannot be surpassed this week, it would mean that the buyers’ strength is starting to fade and this will increase the chance of a reversal. A bearish break of the 50 EMA will make 1.0525 the target for the week.

Fundamental Outlook

The week starts Monday with a first look at German inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index, followed Tuesday by the U.S. Consumer Confidence, a survey that acts as a leading indicator of consumer spending. Wednesday the Fed will announce the interest rate, which is not expected to change but the accompanying FOMC Statement will offer hints about future monetary policy and possibly about the next hike.

Thursday is a slow day for both Euro and US Dollar but Friday we will probably see the strongest movement due to the release of the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls. This is widely considered the most important jobs data for the U.S. economy and almost always volatility surges at release.


GBP/USD

Last week, UK’s High Court ruled that the Government must get Parliament’s approval before triggering Article 50, which would initiate the Brexit. The Pound got a boost from this decision and the pair climbed almost 300 pips during the week.



Technical Outlook

The pair is trading above the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and shows bullish momentum but the Stochastic has started to turn downwards in overbought territory, warning of a potential retracement. If price pulls back, we expect it to find support around 1.2420 and there, bullish price action is likely to resume, aiming for 1.2750 at the top of the range. As an alternate scenario, a drop below 1.2420 and below the 50 EMA would open the door for a move towards the bottom of the range (1.2090 zone).

Fundamental Outlook

The first notable release of the week is the Manufacturing PMI, scheduled Wednesday and followed Thursday by the Construction PMI. The same day the Bank of England will release their Inflation Report and Governor Carney will hold a press conference discussing the contents of said report; also, the Official Bank rate is announced, with no change expected from the current 0.25%. The week ends Friday with the Services PMI, a survey derived from the opinions of purchasing managers from the respective sector, regarding economic and business conditions.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: PRESSURE MOUNTS, WITH PRICE TRAPPED BETWEEN SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE. BREAKOUTS IMMINENT


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: U.S. data released throughout last week was mostly bearish and the Fed kept the rate unchanged, without hinting about a March hike. Also the NFP report showed more jobs but with a lower hourly wage and this increased market confusion.



Technical Outlook

The pair is under pressure and struggling to decide the next direction; Thursday’s candle has a long upper wick while Friday’s candle has a long lower wick, both showing opposing signals and an unstable environment. The support at 1.0710 rejected price higher but 1.0800 resistance pushed it lower after a brief climb above, so these will be the levels to watch early in the week; a break of either one will likely generate an extended move in that direction. The 50 period Exponential Moving Average is still angled upwards and below price, thus making the bias bullish but the up move is becoming more and more fragile.

Fundamental Outlook

The first two days of the week are quiet, without major economic announcements but Wednesday United Kingdom’s Parliament will vote to decide if they will confer power to the Prime Minister to trigger Article 50; this will likely affect the EUR/USD pair as well.

Thursday the U.S. Unemployment Claims are the only notable event and the week ends Friday with the release of the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment, a survey that tries to gauge the opinions of about 500 respondents regarding current and future economic conditions. The survey acts as a leading indicator of consumer spending, which in turn represents a major part of the entire economic activity.


GBP/USD

The Pound-Dollar showed mixed behavior last week, first climbing to establish a new high and then dropping to the levels seen at the beginning of the week. Most of Pound’s losses occurred when the Bank of England released the Inflation Report and Governor Carney adopted a cautious stance.



Technical Outlook

The move up seen during the last weeks seems to have hit a dead end as the bulls failed to decisively break the previous high and to touch 1.2750 resistance. Currently the bears are testing 1.2420 support, with the 50 period Exponential Moving Average in close vicinity; if this confluence zone will be broken early during the week, then the bears are likely to regain control of the pair but a failed attempt would make 1.2750 the target for the week.

Fundamental Outlook

The first highlight of the week ahead is the EU Membership Vote, scheduled Wednesday. The Parliament will decide if they give power to the Prime Minister to notify the European Union about UK’s intention to leave the union, by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Volatility will probably increase and we recommend caution throughout the day, especially because the exact time of the vote is not yet known. Please note that the date may change as well.

Friday the British Manufacturing Production will show changes in the total value of goods produced by the manufacturing sector and the same day NIESR will release an estimate of the British Gross Domestic Product. Overall we have a slow week ahead, with the EU Membership Vote being the key event.

Edited February 6, 2017 by GDMFX

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: KEY POINTS OF THE WEEK AHEAD: U.S. INFLATION, RETAIL SALES, FED CHAIR TESTIFIES


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week’s price action confirmed 1.0800 as a very strong zone of resistance and the pair bounced lower once it reached it. Now price is trading below the 50 days EMA and the bears are in control of short term movement.



Technical Outlook

The bearish bounce at 1.0800 followed by the break of the 50 period Exponential Moving Average shows that the balance of power is shifting again and that we may enter an extended period of downside movement. However, Friday’s candle shows a relatively long wick and 1.0650 support is not decisively broken, so a move higher is not out of the question. If early in the week the pair moves above the 50 EMA, we expect to see another test of 1.0800 and on the other hand, if it remains below the line, the next likely destination is 1.0525 zone.

Fundamental Outlook

The first major release of the week ahead is the German Preliminary Gross Domestic Product, scheduled Tuesday. The German economy is an important pillar of the entire Eurozone and the GDP is the main gauge of performance, thus higher numbers usually strengthen the Euro. The same day Fed Chair Yellen will testify on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report before the Senate Banking Committee.

Wednesday is a strategic day for the US Dollar as we take a first look at the always-important U.S. Consumer Price Index (measure of inflation), but also the U.S. Retail Sales and later in the day Fed Chair Yellen will testify again, this time before the House Financial Services Committee.

Thursday’s highlights are the U.S. Building Permits (a higher number suggests increased activity in the construction sector) and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, a survey that acts as a leading indicator of economic health, focused on the Philadelphia district. Friday is a light day, without any major releases.


GBP/USD

The week that just ended was slow, with price action confined in a tight range above the 50 days Exponential Moving Average and above 1.2420 support. This tight squeeze may be followed by a strong breakout.



Technical Outlook

For the entire last week price remained above 1.2420 and above the 50 days EMA, moving almost completely sideways and leaving no clear clues about future direction. From a longer term perspective the pair is in a channel, with 1.2750 as the upper barrier and 1.2090 as the lower one, so until a clear breakout is seen, price will bounce between boundaries. The mentioned breakout may occur this week and even if it doesn’t, we expect to see a lot more action than last week, mostly because lately price has been trading in a very tight range and this is usually followed by a strong move.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound will be affected by three major releases this week: Tuesday the Consumer Price Index comes out, followed Wednesday by the Claimant Count Change (indicator that shows how many people asked for unemployment related benefits) and Friday by the British Retail Sales. These are all major indicators that can have a strong effect on the Pound and the pair will also be affected by the U.S. events throughout the week.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: EURO PUSHES HIGHER, POUND LACKS DETERMINATION, US DOLLAR SHOWS SIGNS OF A COMEBACK


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: After reaching the weekly target at 1.0525, the pair bounced higher immediately and tested resistance. Most of the Dollar weakness was triggered by a rather dovish stance adopted by Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen. 



Technical Outlook

After reaching the resistance zone between 1.0650 and 1.0680, which coincides with the 50 period Exponential Moving Average, the pair started to show signs of rejection and now bearish pressure is growing. If the pair cannot break 1.0680 early during the week, we expect the bears to take over and nullify the gains posted by the bulls last week; this will make 1.0525 the target for this week as well, possibly extending to 1.0460. To the upside, if 1.0680 is broken we expect to see a move into 1.0800.

Fundamental Outlook

Monday U.S. banks will be closed in celebration of Presidents’ Day, thus no major indicators will be released; the Euro also has a slow day, without notable announcements so we expect a ranging trading session.

Tuesday we take a look at the state of the German Manufacturing sector with the release of the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index and Wednesday will probably be the most important day of the week for the US Dollar as the FOMC will release the Minutes of their latest Meeting, which will probably offer hints about a future rate hike but also insights into the reasons of the latest rate vote.

Thursday’s only notable event is the release of the U.S. Unemployment Claims, an indicator that shows how many people asked for unemployment benefits during the previous week and the last release of the week is the U.S. New Home Sales, scheduled Friday.


GBP/USD

The Pound-Dollar completed another lacklustre week, with price moving almost sideways. The bears made some timid advances, mostly on the back of disappointing UK economic data but support is still holding and neither side is in clear control.



Technical Outlook

The 50 period Exponential Moving Average is flat, without indicating a clear direction and price is moving sideways, close to support. This has been the situation for a couple of weeks now and the probability of a strong breakout grows with each passing day but the direction is hard to anticipate. It looks like now the bears are trying to break 1.2420 but movement is incredibly choppy and for the time being we recommend caution with this pair.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound also has a lacklustre week ahead, with only one major release: the Second Estimate Gross Domestic Product, scheduled Wednesday. The GDP is the primary measure of overall economic performance but the Second version is less important than the Preliminary so the impact may be mild; however, higher values usually strengthen the currency. As always, the U.S. events mentioned earlier will have a direct impact on the pair’s performance throughout the week.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK AHEAD: EUROPEAN INFLATION DATA, UNITED STATES GDP, BRITISH OPTIMISM SURVEYS


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The pair remained below the 50 days Exponential Moving Average last week but price action was mixed and showed strong rejection at support. The FOMC Minutes showed that a rate hike may come fairly soon and this is likely to create US Dollar strength in the near future.



Technical Outlook

The support at 1.0525 appeared to be broken last week but price soon returned above it despite hints of a nearing Fed rate hike. On the other hand, the last daily candle is bearish and shows a long wick in its upper side, which is a sign of rejection and a warning sign that the pair may test 1.0525 again. If that support is broken, we expect to see a touch of 1.0460 but a break of this level will probably come only if the U.S. economic data released throughout the week will add USD strength. To the upside, the 50 days EMA is the first strong resistance and as long as the pair is trading below it, our bias is bearish.

Fundamental Outlook

The week opens Monday with the release of the U.S. Durable Goods Orders, an indicator that shows changes in the total value of purchase orders for goods with a life expectancy of more than three years. Tuesday will be a busier day, with two important releases for the US Dollar: the Preliminary Gross Domestic Product, which is the main gauge of overall economic performance and a Consumer Confidence survey that shows the opinions of about 5,000 households regarding economic conditions and acts as a leading indicator of consumer spending.

Wednesday the first major European indicator will be released: The German Preliminary Consumer Price Index (main gauge of inflation for the German economy) but also the U.S. Manufacturing PMI, a survey of purchasing managers, focused on the health of the manufacturing sector.

Thursday we take a look at overall European inflation with the release of the CPI Flash Estimate and the week ends Friday with the release of the U.S. Non-Manufacturing PMI (also called Services PMI), which is another survey of purchasing managers, this time focused on the services sector.


GBP/USD

Although volatility increased last week, the pair continued to show mixed movement, without a clear direction and is now trading very close to the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, which is almost flat.



Technical Outlook

Thursday’s climb was nullified Friday almost entirely and the pair finished the week very close to where it started it, so not much has changed in terms of direction but at least volatility is higher now and this increases the chances of a stronger move and a potential trend. We recommend caution when trading this pair because as seen from last week’s price action, control doesn’t clearly belong to either side and all moves to one side can be quickly reversed.

Fundamental Outlook

This week will be focused on surveys of British purchasing managers: Wednesday the Manufacturing PMI will be released, followed Thursday by the Construction PMI and Friday by the Services PMI. All these surveys act as leading indicators of economic health, focused on their respective sector, with higher numbers showing optimism and usually strengthening the Pound. As always, the U.S. releases will have a direct impact on the pair throughout the week.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: VOLATILITY HOTSPOTS: ECB RATE MEETING, U.S. NON-FARM PAYROLLS


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week we saw a bounce lower from the 50 days Exponential Moving Average but all the US Dollar gains were erased Friday despite Fed Chair Yellen’s speech that was considered hawkish by many. Now the pair is back to the highs of the previous week.



Technical Outlook

The pair established support at 1.0495 and bounced higher with strong momentum but it is now facing the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, which is angled downwards. The US Dollar had a surprising reaction to Janet Yellen’s speech but it must be noted that she mentioned a possible rate hike at the next Fed meeting and this will probably trigger USD strength in the near future. If the 50 EMA is broken, the pair still faces strong resistance ahead (1.0650 – 1.0680), whilea bounce lower will take price into the strong support zone between 1.0525 and 1.0495; if these zones are not decisively broken, the pair is likely to enter a ranging period.

Fundamental Outlook

The first two days of the week lack major releases but the rest of the week is full of important events that are likely to generate strong movement. Wednesday we take a first look at U.S. jobs with the release of the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change, a report that shows changes in the number of employed people, excluding the government and farming sectors.

Thursday the focus shifts to the Euro as the European Central Bank will announce the interest rate and ECB President Mario Draghi will hold his usual press conference, discussing the rate decision and answering journalists’ questions. The Q&A session is usually when volatility rises and irregular movement is often seen so we recommend caution if trading at the time.

Friday will be the most important day of the week for the US Dollar as the Non-Farm Payrolls are released, showing changes in the total number of employed people during the previous month, excluding the farming sector. This is widely considered the most important U.S. jobs indicator that has a strong impact on the currency, mostly because a growing number of employed people means that consumer spending is likely to increase in the near future.


GBP/USD

The Cable finally broke 1.2420 and started to move with a little more conviction last week; the British economic data was overall disappointing and this contributed to the pair’s bearish movement. This may be the start of a period with clearer movement, aiming for support.



Technical Outlook

The break of the 50 days Exponential Moving Average and of the support at 1.2420 is an important victory for the sellers and is likely to generate additional bearish movement, with a test of 1.2090 key support. A lot will depend this week on the U.S. employment data but from a technical standpoint, we anticipate a move into the mentioned support. Pullbacks to the upside are very likely but as long as price remains below 1.2420, our view is bearish.

Fundamental Outlook

Wednesday the HM Treasury will release the Annual Budget, outlining spending and income levels as well as planned investments and borrowing levels. The release can have a high impact on the currency, thus caution is recommended.

The second important release of the week is the British Manufacturing Production, scheduled Friday. The indicator shows changes in the total value of goods produced by the manufacturing sector and acts as a leading indicator of economic activity. As always, the U.S. releases will have a direct and potentially strong impact on the pair’s movement.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: FED RATE HIKE IS LOOMING, US DOLLAR PREPARES FOR MASSIVE MOVES


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: After a bearish start of last week, the pair rallied during the last two trading days and pushed higher, testing resistance. Although the NFP report showed more jobs, hourly wages decreased and apparently this was the reason for US Dollar weakness.



Technical Outlook

The pair bounced at 1.0525 support and broke through the 50 days Exponential Moving Average but it is now facing the resistance at 1.0680. If this barrier is broken, we expect to see a climb into 1.0800 – 1.0850 this week but the US Dollar reacted surprisingly to the NFP report, weakening even if more jobs were posted. We may see some delayed effects of the NFP at the beginning of this week and if this is the case, the pair will drop back down into 1.0525.

Fundamental Outlook

The week opens Monday with a speech delivered by ECB President Mario Draghi at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Labs for Innovation Science and Policy Fostering, in Frankfurt. This may not have a high impact on the financial market but it is worth mentioning nonetheless and caution should always be used during speeches of heads of central banks.

Tuesday the focus remains on the Euro for the release of the German ZEW Economic Sentiment, a survey of about 275 German analysts and professional investors, which tries to gauge their opinion about a 6-month economic outlook. The survey has a medium impact on the currency, with higher numbers showing optimism and strengthening the Euro.

Wednesday will be the most important day of the week because the Fed will announce the interest rate, accompanied by a rate statement and followed soon after by a press conference held by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Currently analysts expect a rate hike to <1.00% from the current <0.75% and if this happens, we will probably see US Dollar strength and a drop for the pair. Either way, the event is likely to generate increased volatility.

Thursday the US Dollar will be affected by the release of the Building Permits (number of residential building permits issued during the previous month) and the week finishes Friday with the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey. The same day the Group of 20 (G20) Meetings start, attended by finance ministers and central bankers from the member states.


GBP/USD

The pair completed another bearish week, approaching the key support at 1.2090, which is also the bottom of the channel that confined the pair for several months.



Technical Outlook

If the support zone between 1.2090 and 1.1986 is broken, the pair will be out of the channel so we may see more directional movement and less choppiness. However, it must be noted that this is a strong support zone, the Stochastic is oversold and the Relative Strength Index is very close to its oversold level. *** these factors are likely to push the pair higher, creating a bullish retracement that may extend into the 50 days EMA.

Fundamental Outlook

Two major events will affect the Pound directly this week: Wednesday the Claimant Count Change will show changes in the total number of unemployed people in the United Kingdom and Thursday the Bank of England will announce the interest rate as well as the Monetary Policy Summary. No change is expected for the rate, so unless the Monetary Policy shows some surprising information, the event will just create temporary volatility.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: US DOLLAR TAKES A BLOW AS FED RAISES RATE BUT LOWERS EXPECTATIONS


EUR/USD

Last week the Fed decided to hike the rate to <1.00% but their expectations for the rest of the year remained relatively low, anticipating only 2 more increases and this was generally perceived as bearish for the US Dollar. This was also the main reason for the pair’s strong climb.



Technical Outlook

After failing to move below the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, the pair jumped, fueled by the fundamental side and is now headed towards the resistance zone between 1.0800 and 1.0850. We expect this zone to be reached early during the week and afterwards, the pair is likely to move lower, especially if the oscillators will become overbought by that time. Last week the pair bounced strongly at 1.0600, which is a psychological level (big round number) as well as a technical level so a potential move lower will likely find support there.

Fundamental Outlook

The entire week ahead is light in terms of economic releases and the first two days actually lack major announcements altogether. Wednesday the first notable indicator is released: the U.S. Existing Home Sales, which offers insights into the American housing industry by showing the annualized number of homes sold in the previous month, but excluding new buildings.

Thursday Fed Chair Janet Yellen will deliver a speech at the Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference and the same day the U.S. New Home Sales numbers come out, showing the annualized number of new homes sold during the previous month.

Friday’s highlights for the Euro are the European Manufacturing and Services PMIs that will show the opinions of purchasing managers regarding the health of their respective sectors, while the US Dollar will be affected by the release of the Durable Goods Orders. Overall we have a slow week ahead, without major announcements, so the main focus will be on the technical side.


GBP/USD

The pair was boosted higher last week by two reasons: on one hand the US Dollar weakened due to low expectations for 2017 and on the other hand the Pound strengthened because one MPC member saw the need for a rate hike whereas before all 9 members agreed upon holding the rate unchanged.



Technical Outlook

The support at 1.2090 proved once again that it is a strong barrier in front of falling price and pushed the pair higher, into the 50 days Exponential Moving Average (of course, the fundamentals outlined above played a major role). The most important level for short and medium term price action is located at 1.2420 and the way price behaves around it will offer hints about the rest of the week: a failed break will open the door again for 1.2090 support, while a clean break will make 1.2570 the first target for the week. Although the latest impulse is bullish, the pair is still in a range from a longer term perspective.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound will be affected by only two important scheduled releases: the British Consumer Price Index, which is the main gauge of inflation, showing changes in the price paid by consumers for the products they purchase and the Retail Sales, which show changes in the total value of sales made through retail outlets. The first indicator comes out Tuesday, while the second is released Thursday and as always, the pair’s direction will also be affected by the U.S. events.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: BEARISH PRESSURE MOUNTS. EUROPEAN INFLATION DATA AND UNITED STATES GDP EYED FOR NEXT DIRECTION


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Price action was choppy last week, apart from Tuesday when we saw a strong bullish push that took the pair into 1.0800 resistance. The buyers remained in control but strength faded after Tuesday’s climb.



Technical Outlook

The pair has reached a strong resistance zone located between 1.0800 and 1.0850 and we can already see signs of bearish pressure: the Stochastic has reached overbought, candles have small bodies and long wicks and upside momentum is fading. During this week we expect another test of 1.0850, which will decide the next medium term direction. A break of said resistance will make 1.1060 the next target (not necessarily reached in one week), while a bounce will probably generate a drop into the 50 days Exponential Moving Average.

Fundamental Outlook

The week starts Monday with the release of the German IFO Business Climate, a survey with a very large sample size of about 7,000 German businesses, focused on their opinions regarding economic and business conditions for the next 6 months.

Tuesday the spotlight shifts towards the US Dollar for the release of the U.S. Consumer Confidence, another survey with a large sample size of about 5,000 households, focused on the respondents’ opinions regarding current and future economic conditions.

Thursday we take a look at German inflation with the release of the German Consumer Price Index and on the US Dollar side we have the U.S. Final Gross Domestic Product, which is the last version in the series of three and tends to be the least impactful but remains a notable indicator nonetheless.

Friday is a rather slow day, with the most notable indicator being the European Consumer Price Index, which shows changes in inflation across the EU.


GBP/USD

The Pound benefited from better than expected inflation readings last week and this was the main reason for the pair’s bullish bias. On top of that, the US Dollar seems weak against most of its counterparts and doesn’t show clear signs of strength.



Technical Outlook

The pair established the 50 days Exponential Moving Average as support last week (broke above it and then bounced off of it) and the next destination seems to be 1.2570. From a longer term perspective the pair is still in a range and this means we should pay attention to the overbought position of the Stochastic, which may be an early warning of a reversal. If 1.2570 cannot be broken we expect to see a drop into the 50 days Exponential Moving Average.

Fundamental Outlook

Almost the entire week lacks important releases and Friday will be the busiest day of the week, with 2 important indicators: the British Current Account, which shows the difference in value between imported and exported goods and services and the Final GDP, which is the main gauge of overall economic performance. Other than this, price action will be mainly driven by the technical aspect and the U.S. releases.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: HUGE MARKET-MOVERS FOR THE US DOLLAR: FOMC MINUTES, NON-FARM PAYROLLS


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week the pair’s direction was controlled almost completely by the bears, with price dropping strongly for four days and breaking the 50 days Exponential Moving Average.



Technical Outlook

Once the pair moved above 1.0850, it printed a long-tailed candle, showing rejection and quickly started to descend, breaking several support levels, as well as the 50 days EMA. This type of behaviour cannot be considered a simple retracement and instead, we expect a full scale reversal to the downside, with 1.0500 as main target. If the pair bounces higher at the current support (1.0650), we may see a move into 1.0800 but a break of that zone will depend on the fundamentals released this week.

Fundamental Outlook

The week opens Monday with the release of the U.S. Manufacturing PMI, a survey of purchasing managers that acts as an indicator of optimism and economic health. A more important release is scheduled Wednesday: the FOMC Meeting Minutes, which will offer insights into the reasons behind the latest interest rate vote. If the Minutes will show that the Fed is likely to hike more times than expected this year, the US Dollar will probably strengthen but either way, this is an event that should be treated with caution.

The last major event of the week is the release of the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls, scheduled Friday. This is widely considered the most important U.S. jobs report and almost always has a very strong impact on the US Dollar; the indicator shows changes in the number of employed people during the previous month, excluding the farming industry, and higher values usually suggest that consumer spending will increase in the near future, a fact that strengthens the currency.


GBP/USD

The Cable had an interesting week, with mixed reaction but it remained trapped between support and resistance after a bounce at the 50 days Exponential Moving Average.



Technical Outlook

The drop from 1.2570 resistance followed by the bounce at the 50 days EMA can be considered a simple retracement, and one that was expected because on the lower timeframes the pair was clearly overbought. However, it must be noted that 1.2570 acted as strong resistance in the past and last week the pair failed once again to surpass it, so if this week we will see another bounce lower from this level, the bears are likely to take control. If this happens, the first barrier will become the 50 days EMA and the support at 1.2420; keep in mind that the pair is still in a range from a longer term perspective.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound will be affected by three surveys this week: the Manufacturing PMI, Construction PMI and Services PMI, released Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. The surveys are derived from the opinions of purchasing managers regarding business and overall economic conditions in each sector and act as leading indicators of economic health. Higher numbers usually strengthen the Pound but the impact is often limited if the actual numbers match analysts’ expectations.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: US DOLLAR STRENGTH – A SHORT-LIVED AFFAIR OR THE START OF A DOWNTREND?


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week the pair had a very slow start, with choppy and almost sideways price action; however, the last couple of days made up for the previous lack of movement and the bears managed to take the pair below support. 



Technical Outlook

After pausing at the 50 days Exponential Moving Average, the pair started to show some determination, making us anticipate a continuation of the current bearish momentum. If this is the case, price will probably move towards the support zone created between 1.0525 and 1.0495, which is also the place where the last move up originated, so it’s an important zone for medium term price action. It must be noted that the Stochastic is below its 20 level and the Relative Strength Index is approaching its oversold level; if both oscillators enter oversold and price reaches strong support, we will probably see a bounce up.

Fundamental Outlook

The first notable release of the week is the German ZEW Economic Sentiment, scheduled Tuesday. The survey shows the opinions of about 275 German professional investors and analysts regarding current economic conditions as well as a 6-month outlook; it acts as a leading indicator of optimism, with higher numbers strengthening the currency but the effect is usually mild.

The next releases are scheduled Thursday and will affect the US Dollar: the Producer Price Index (an indicator that shows changes in the price charged by producers for their goods) and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment, a survey of about 500 consumers that tries to gauge their opinions regarding current and future economic conditions.

Friday we take a look at Unites States inflation with the release of the Consumer Price Index and the same day the U.S. Retail Sales come out, showing changes in the total value of sales made through retail outlets. German banks will be closed in observance of Good Friday, so we expect volatility to be affected.


GBP/USD

After another failed attempt to move above 1.2570 resistance, the pair started to drift lower last week, breaking support and shifting short term control towards the short side. However, from a longer term perspective, the pair is still in a range. 



Technical Outlook

The resistance at 1.2570 remains an important level that stopped rising prices once again and triggered a bounce lower, through the 50 days Exponential Moving Average. Even if there are some signs of bearish pressure (bounce at resistance, break of 50 EMA), the control doesn’t clearly belong to either side and the pair lacks momentum. The first level of importance is located at 1.2300, which acts as psychological support (big, round number) but also technical support because price bounced off of it in the past. To the upside, 1.2570 remains the first key level.

Fundamental Outlook

The first release for the Pound is scheduled Tuesday in the form of the Consumer Price Index, which is the main gauge of inflation and usually has a strong impact on the currency, with higher values strengthening it.

Wednesday we take a look at British jobs data with the release of the Claimant Count Change, an indicator that shows the change in the number of people who asked for unemployment related benefits, and usually weakens the Pound if it posts a higher number than expected.

Friday UK banks will be closed in observance of Good Friday and this will probably trigger irregular movement on Pound pairs.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP SAYS DOLLAR IS ‘TOO STRONG’. DO THE MARKETS AGREE?


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: The pair climbed last week, following a comment made by U.S. President Trump regarding a “too strong” US Dollar but most of the rise was erased a day after and the week ended with price close to the opening point.



Technical Outlook

It is clear now that price reacts to the resistance at 1.0680, as seen from last week’s bounce, but it must be noted that the sellers couldn’t take the pair below 1.0600 so there is not enough traction on either side. The beginning of this week will be affected by the Easter holidays and we will most likely see alternating periods of low and high volatility but strictly from a technical point of view, our bias is bearish as long as the pair remains below the 50 period Exponential Moving Average and below 1.0680 resistance.

Fundamental Outlook

Monday most European banks will be closed, celebrating Easter Monday and no major economic indicators will come out. Volatility will most likely be affected and price may move erratically, so caution is recommended.

Tuesday the US Dollar will be affected by the release of the Building Permits, but the indicator lately has just a low-to-medium impact; Wednesday we take a look at European inflation with the release of the Final version of the Eurozone Consumer Price Index. Thursday lacks major releases and the week ends Friday with the German Services and Manufacturing PMIs as well as the U.S. Existing Home Sales. Overall we have a rather slow week ahead of us, without high impact market movers, so the main factor for direction will be the technical aspect.


GBP/USD

Last week was mostly controlled by the bulls but the resistance located at 1.2570 stopped the pair’s rise once again. Price remains in a range, without clear control from either side.



Technical Outlook

The rally was hindered by 1.2570 resistance but the short term momentum belongs to the bulls, so it’s very probable that we will soon see a break of the mentioned level. Until the pair moves outside the channel created by 1.2570 or and 1.2420, we expect to see choppy movement, characteristic to range-bound trading. For the time being, our bias is mostly neutral for this pair but given the US Dollar weakness seen last week, we anticipate a break of 1.2570 resistance.

Fundamental Outlook

UK banks will be closed Monday in observance of Easter and the week remains slow until Thursday when Bank of England Governor Mark Carney will deliver two speeches in Washington, one at the Institute of International Finance Policy Summit and the other at a Bank of France event. Friday the British Retail Sales are released, showing changes in the total value of sales made through retail outlets; this is usually a high impact indicator, which strengthens the currency if it posts numbers above expectations.

[GDMFX 0]

WEEKLY ANALYSIS: BRACE FOR A WILD WEEK: FRENCH ELECTION, ECB INTEREST RATE


EUR/USD

Weekly Analysis: Last week the bulls scored an important victory by moving the pair above the 50 days Exponential Moving Average but some of the gains were erased later in the week. Overall, price action was bullish, but key resistance (1.0800) was not broken.



Technical Outlook

Price is capped to the upside by the resistance at 1.0800 and to the downside by the 50 days EMA as well as several support levels. The last two days show candles with wicks in their upper and lower sides respectively, which is a sign of indecision but the focus early in the week will be on the French Presidential Election, which will generate increased volatility and possibly a strong move in one direction. For this reason, we recommend caution, especially during the first part of the week.

Fundamental Outlook

The first important release of the week is the German IFO Business Climate, scheduled Monday. This is a survey of about 7,000 businesses, derived from their opinions on current and future economic conditions. Also keep in mind that the French Presidential Election held on Sunday will probably have a strong impact on the Euro in the beginning of the week.

Tuesday the focus shifts towards the US Dollar for the release of the U.S. Consumer Confidence survey and Wednesday is a slow day, without any major economic releases.

Thursday will be the most important day of the week for the Euro as the European Central Bank meets to announce the interest rate. Soon after the announcement, ECB President Mario Draghi will hold a press conference, discussing the rate decision and answering journalists’ questions. Usually the conference creates strong volatility and possibly irregular price action.

The trading week finishes Friday with a potential market-mover for the US Dollar: the U.S. Advance version of the Gross Domestic Product. Out of the three versions of the GDP (Advance, Preliminary and Final), this is the earliest and tends to have the strongest impact.


GBP/USD

British Prime Minister May called for a snap General Election that will take place in June and this was the highlight of last week, triggering a huge move to the upside that took the pair above the long time resistance at 1.2770.



Technical Outlook

After breaking the top of the channel that confined the pair for a long time, price stopped between 1.2850 and 1.2770 and remained there for the rest of last week. The bias is now bullish but it must be noted that the Relative Strength Index and Stochastic have both reached overbought and this is an early sign that a bearish pullback will soon occur. The French Presidential will have an impact on the markets and this pair will probably be affected as well, thus we recommend caution, especially early in the week.

Fundamental Outlook

The Pound has a very slow week ahead in terms of economic indicator releases. The only major indicator is the British Preliminary Gross Domestic Product, scheduled Friday. This is the main gauge of an economy’s performance and usually strengthens the currency if it posts higher than expected numbers.