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USD/CAD Holds Near One-Week Low

USD/CAD Dips Below 1.3650 Ahead of US/Canada PMI Data

USD/CAD Dips Below 1.3650 Ahead of US/Canada PMI Data

The USD/CAD currency pair displayed a slight downward trend in early Monday trading in the European session, hovering around 1.3625. This movement was primarily driven by a weakening US Dollar following the latest US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index data. Market focus now shifts to the upcoming release of the Canadian S&P Global Manufacturing PMI and the US ISM Manufacturing PMI for May, both set to be disclosed later in the day.

In the US, inflation rates stabilized in April, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates later this year, which could further impact the dollar’s strength. The Commerce Department reported that the PCE rose by 0.3% month-over-month in April, consistent with March’s figures. The Core PCE, which excludes the more volatile prices of food and energy, saw a slight increase of 0.2% month-over-month in April, down from 0.3% in March. Year-over-year, the core PCE price index held steady at a 2.8% increase for the third consecutive month. Following the inflation report, market expectations for a Fed rate cut in September have increased, now standing at nearly 53%, up from 49%.

On the Canadian side, the economy showed signs of weakness with its first-quarter GDP growth figures. The GDP expanded by an annualized rate of 1.7%, which not only fell short of the anticipated 2.2% growth but also did not meet the central bank’s projection of 2.8%. This disappointing data prompted the Bank of Canada (BoC) to cut interest rates last Wednesday. Additionally, the Canadian Dollar is under pressure due to falling crude oil prices, a critical factor given Canada’s status as the largest oil exporter to the United States.

These economic indicators from both nations are crucial as they provide insights into the possible future directions of their respective central banks regarding interest rates. As investors and traders await the manufacturing PMI readings from Canada and the US, these figures will likely influence the currency pair further, shaping market dynamics for the near term.

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USD/CAD Nears 1.3700 Before US PCE, Canada GDP Data

USD/CAD Nears 1.3700 Before US PCE, Canada GDP Data

The USD/CAD pair is seeing a rebound, trading near 1.3690 during Friday’s Asian session, after halting its recent downtrend. This comes as the US Dollar strengthens in anticipation of the release of the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key inflation measure favored by the Federal Reserve, set to be announced later today.

In the US, the GDP growth for the first quarter was revised down to 1.3% from an initial estimate of 1.6%, leading investors to speculate on the possibility of a more dovish approach by the Federal Reserve. This revision has introduced some uncertainty regarding potential rate cuts in September. Furthermore, the US reported an increase in Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending May 2, with figures rising to 219,000 from 216,000 the previous week, surpassing the anticipated 218,000.

The lower yields on US Treasury bonds could potentially restrain the US Dollar’s gains. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the dollar against a basket of six major currencies, is currently trading higher at around 104.80. Specific yield rates show the 2-year and 10-year Treasury yields at 4.92% and 4.54%, respectively.

Conversely, in Canada, diminishing prospects of a rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) in June are evident, influenced by fresh data highlighting sustained price pressures. April saw a significant jump in producer prices by 1.5%, following a 0.9% increase in March, almost double the forecasted 0.8%. The likelihood of a 25-basis point cut at the BoC’s next meeting has decreased to 34% from 46% just a week earlier.

On the data front, Statistics Canada is scheduled to release its GDP figures for the first quarter. Analysts expect an annualized growth rate of 2.2%, marking an improvement from the 1.0% expansion seen in the previous quarter.

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Oil Price Surge May Limit Gains

USD/CAD Rises to 1.3650 Amid Decline in Oil Prices

USD/CAD Rises to 1.3650 Amid Decline in Oil Prices

The USD/CAD pair has edged higher for the second consecutive day, trading around 1.3650 during Asian hours on Wednesday. This upward movement is driven primarily by a growing sense of risk aversion among investors, which is bolstering demand for the US Dollar (USD) and, in turn, supporting the USD/CAD pair.

On Tuesday, risk sentiment soured following comments from Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Kashkari indicated that a rate hike might still be on the table, suggesting uncertainty about the disinflationary process and predicting only two rate cuts. This hawkish stance has increased speculation about potential future rate hikes, contributing to the appreciation of US Treasury yields and strengthening the Greenback.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the USD against six major currencies, was trading higher around 104.70. Concurrently, the yields on 2-year and 10-year US Treasury bonds stood at 4.96% and 4.54%, respectively, further supporting the USD. Additionally, recent economic data showed that the US Housing Price Index (MoM) for March underperformed, coming in at 0.1% compared to 1.2% in February and below the expected 0.5%. Market participants are now looking forward to remarks from New York Fed President John Williams and the release of the Fed’s Beige Book, which will provide insights into the current US economic situation based on a variety of sources.

On the Canadian front, the Canadian Dollar (CAD) faced pressure due to a downward correction in crude oil prices. As Canada is a major oil exporter to the United States, fluctuations in oil prices significantly impact the commodity-linked CAD. Despite this, Canada’s Industrial Product Price Index showed a 1.5% month-over-month increase in April, surpassing market forecasts of 0.6% and reaching a new eight-month high. This follows an upwardly revised 0.9% increase in March. Additionally, the Raw Materials Price Index rose by 5.5% month-over-month in April, up from a previous rise of 4.3% and above the expected increase of 3.2%.

In summary, the USD/CAD pair’s recent gains are underpinned by a combination of risk aversion favoring the US Dollar, hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve, and robust US Treasury yields. Meanwhile, the Canadian Dollar’s performance is hindered by lower oil prices, despite stronger-than-expected domestic industrial and raw materials price data. Market participants will closely monitor upcoming economic reports and speeches for further cues on the pair’s direction.

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USD/CHF Gains Momentum Above 0.8550 Ahead of FOMC Minutes

USD/CHF Remains Strong Above 0.9150 Amid Middle East Tensions

USD/CHF Remains Strong Above 0.9150 Amid Middle East Tensions

During the early European trading hours on Monday, the USD/CHF pair demonstrated strength, trading near the 0.9150 mark. This positive momentum comes as investors anticipate the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) potential interest rate cuts starting from their September meeting. The prevailing expectation of easing monetary policy in the US has lent some support to the US Dollar (USD), contributing to the uplift of the pair. Attention is now turning towards a forthcoming speech by Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) Chairman Thomas Jordan on Tuesday, which is eagerly awaited for new directives. This is particularly significant as it precedes the release of Switzerland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the first quarter.

Fed officials have maintained a hawkish stance, suggesting that borrowing costs might stay elevated for a longer period than initially expected. This position is reinforced by consecutive inflation readings that continue to surpass the Fed’s 2% target, underlining persistent inflationary pressures.

Recent robust economic indicators from the US have also fueled speculation that the Fed might postpone its anticipated easing cycle. After the release of stronger-than-expected economic data last Friday, the financial markets adjusted their expectations, with the likelihood of a September rate cut by the Fed falling to 53% from the previous 64%, as per the CME FedWatch tool. Notably, the US Durable Goods Orders for April saw a rise of 0.7% month-over-month, surpassing the market’s forecast of a 0.8% decline, as reported by the US Census Bureau. Additionally, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for May recorded a slight increase to 69.1 from 67.4 in April, beating the anticipated 67.5, suggesting a more resilient consumer outlook than expected.

On the geopolitical front, tensions in the Middle East have escalated following recent developments reported by CNN. At least 35 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured due to Israeli air strikes on a displacement camp in Rafah on Sunday, as stated by the Ministry of Health in Gaza. These unfolding events are closely monitored by market participants, as any increase in regional tensions could trigger safe-haven flows. Such flows typically benefit the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is considered a safe-haven currency, potentially exerting downward pressure on the USD/CHF pair.

Investors and traders alike will keep a keen eye on both economic and geopolitical developments, as these factors are likely to play crucial roles in influencing the currency pair’s movements in the near term.

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USD/CAD Dips Below 1.3650 Ahead of FOMC Minutes

USD/CAD Dips Below 1.3650 Ahead of FOMC Minutes

USD/CAD Dips Below 1.3650 Ahead of FOMC Minutes

The USD/CAD currency pair declined to 1.3640 as the U.S. Dollar experienced a period of consolidation during the early European session on Wednesday. Despite softer Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures, which might suggest an upcoming interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the pair continued its downward trajectory. Market participants are now looking forward to the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes and a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Austan Goolsbee later today, which could provide further insights into future monetary policies.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada released data showing a deceleration in inflation for April, with the annual CPI growth rate cooling to 2.7%, down from 2.9% in March, aligning with market predictions. The month-over-month increase in CPI also moderated, rising by 0.5% in April compared to 0.6% in the prior month. Notably, the BoC’s core CPI, which excludes the volatile components of the full index, increased by only 1.6% year-over-year in April, a reduction from the 2% rise observed in March.

This slowdown in inflation has fueled speculation among traders that the BoC could initiate a rate cut as early as its next meeting in June. The probability of a rate cut on June 5 surged to nearly 55%, up significantly from 39% before the inflation data was released. This shift in expectations is largely due to the easing inflation, suggesting less pressure on the BoC to maintain higher interest rates.

The trajectory of interest rate adjustments by the BoC, coupled with anticipated actions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, could place downward pressure on the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and potentially support the USD/CAD pair moving forward. Fed officials have expressed a cautious approach to adjusting policy rates, indicating a preference to wait for more conclusive data that confirms a sustained movement towards the Fed’s 2% inflation target. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic emphasized the need for prudence in making the first-rate move to avoid triggering instability in inflation rates. Similarly, Fed Governor Christopher Waller pointed out the necessity of observing several more months of favorable inflation data before considering a reduction in borrowing costs.

As the market awaits the FOMC Minutes and Fed speeches, the future movements of USD/CAD will likely hinge on indications of both central banks’ strategies concerning interest rate paths, especially in light of the current economic data. The forthcoming Fed communications could either validate the market’s current expectations or introduce new dynamics influencing the currency pair.

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GBP/USD Nears 1.2700 on 2024 Fed Rate Cut Hopes

GBP/USD Nears 1.2700 on 2024 Fed Rate Cut Hopes

GBP/USD Nears 1.2700 on 2024 Fed Rate Cut Hopes

The GBP/USD pair extended its gains for the second consecutive session, trading around 1.2710 during Asian hours on Monday. This upward movement was largely supported by a weaker US Dollar (USD). April data indicated that US consumer inflation had slowed to 0.3%, which has raised expectations for potential Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts in 2024. Despite this, the Fed remains cautious about inflation and the prospect of reducing rates next year.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the likelihood of the Federal Reserve implementing a 25 basis-point rate cut in September has slightly increased to 49.0%, up from 48.6% a week ago. This potential easing of monetary policy by the central bank could weaken the US Dollar and provide support to the GBP/USD pair.

On Friday, Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Michelle Bowman noted that progress on inflation might not be as steady as hoped. Bowman highlighted that the decline in inflation seen in the latter half of last year was temporary and that there has been no further significant progress on inflation this year. Additionally, Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin mentioned that while inflation is easing, it will “take more time” to reach the Fed’s 2% target.

In the United Kingdom (UK), investors are anticipating a potential 60 basis points (bps) interest rate cut by the Bank of England (BoE) in 2024, with the first cut expected in August. The upcoming UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for April, scheduled for release on Wednesday, is forecasted to show an annual rise of 2.7%, according to FactSet estimates. This data is expected to have a significant impact on the Pound Sterling (GBP).BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, speaking after the release of March’s CPI data, remarked, “Inflation in the UK will fall near its 2% target next month,” noting that inflation has been declining roughly in line with the BoE’s February forecast.

Overall, the GBP/USD pair’s recent gains are driven by a combination of weaker USD and market expectations for rate cuts from both the Fed and BoE in the near future. However, the future movements of this currency pair will heavily depend on upcoming economic data releases and central bank policy decisions.

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USD/JPY Nears 156.00 Amid Unchanged BoJ Bond Purchases

USD/JPY Nears 156.00 Amid Unchanged BoJ Bond Purchases

USD/JPY Nears 156.00 Amid Unchanged BoJ Bond Purchases

During the Asian trading session on Friday, the USD/JPY pair climbed to a high of 155.90 as the Japanese Yen faced increased downward pressure. This market movement coincided with the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) decision to maintain its current level of bond purchases, diverging from market expectations that had anticipated a possible reduction in debt buying earlier in the week.

Market participants are now closely watching the BoJ’s next steps, with speculation mounting that the central bank may opt to taper its bond-buying program at the upcoming June policy meeting. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda further solidified this perspective by clarifying in recent statements that the central bank has no immediate plans to offload its holdings of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Amidst these developments, Toshitaka Sekine, a former chief economist at the BoJ, shared insights in a Bloomberg interview that suggest the potential for more aggressive monetary policy adjustments. According to Sekine, the BoJ might increase its benchmark interest rate as many as three times before the year’s end. He pointed out that the next rate hike could come as soon as June, noting that there is considerable scope to modify the current “excessively” accommodative policy settings.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar has shown resilience as reflected in the US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the strength of the USD against a basket of six major currencies. The index was observed trading around 104.60, having recovered from a multi-week trough of 104.08 on Thursday. This rebound comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing caution from the Federal Reserve regarding inflation dynamics and the potential timing of future rate cuts, possibly extending into 2024.

Key comments from Federal Reserve officials underscore the prevailing economic sentiment. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic emphasized the necessity of patience with interest rates during a speech in Jacksonville, highlighting persistent pricing pressures within the U.S. economy. Similarly, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester remarked that it might take longer than previously expected to determine a clear inflation trajectory with confidence. These statements suggest a consensus among some Fed policymakers that the current restrictive monetary stance should be sustained longer to ensure inflation targets are met securely.

These intertwined dynamics between U.S. monetary policy and developments within the Bank of Japan are likely to keep investors on edge as they navigate through an environment filled with policy uncertainties and their implications for global currency markets.

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China's Economy Yet

Asian Stocks Decline Due to Chinese Market Impact, Dollar Experiences Weakness

Asian Stocks Decline Due to Chinese Market Impact, Dollar Experiences Weakness

Asian markets experienced a downturn on Friday, influenced by Chinese shares and with little direction from Wall Street, closed for a holiday. Meanwhile, the dollar remained subdued as expectations grow that U.S. interest rates have reached their peak. Japan’s core consumer inflation and factory activity data had a minimal impact on the yen.

The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.4%, although it’s still on track for a weekly rise of 0.9% and a significant 7.1% increase in November. This uptick is largely due to growing investor confidence that U.S. interest rates have reached their maximum, with focus shifting to the timing and extent of future rate cuts. Japan’s Nikkei, returning from a holiday, jumped 1.0%, nearing a 33-year peak achieved earlier in the week.

Chinese blue chips dropped 0.3%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index plummeted 1.3%, erasing previous gains. Hong Kong-listed Chinese developers also fell 0.7%, despite a recent 6.4% surge following new support measures from Beijing.

Shane Oliver, AMP’s chief economist, noted that markets might undergo a period of consolidation after a rapid rebound, possibly affecting the traditional year-end rally. With U.S. markets closed for Thanksgiving and minor uplifts in European shares and the euro from better-than-expected euro zone PMIs, global market dynamics remained mixed.

The European Central Bank’s latest minutes indicated that while inflation in the euro zone is expected to decline, rate hikes remain a possibility. In bond markets, U.S. Treasury yields rose slightly as trading resumed in Asia.

The dollar struggled against other major currencies, nearing a three-month low, while the British pound strengthened, supported by positive business survey results that led to a reassessment of the Bank of England’s rate cut timeline.

Oil prices showed mixed reactions, with Brent crude slightly up and West Texas Intermediate crude down, following concerns about the delayed OPEC+ meeting. Gold prices remained stable at $1,992.75 per ounce, reflecting the cautious sentiment in global markets.

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Dollar Starts 2024 at Peak Since

Asian Stocks Reach 2-Month High as Dollar Takes Defensive Stance Amid Fed View

Asian Stocks Reach 2-Month High as Dollar Takes Defensive Stance Amid Fed View

Asian stocks reached a two-month high on Tuesday, mirroring gains on Wall Street, while the dollar remained weak due to expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve has concluded its interest rate hike cycle.

The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose by 0.97% to 510.11, touching its highest level since September 18. It has surged by 7% this month, marking its most substantial monthly gain since January.

In Europe, the risk-on sentiment is poised to continue, with Eurostoxx 50 futures up by 0.18%, German DAX futures 0.14% higher, and FTSE futures up 0.01%.

Investors are eagerly awaiting the release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes to discern the future direction of interest rates. They are also closely monitoring earnings from Nvidia, which reached a record high on Monday.

Wall Street saw gains across its three major stock averages on Monday, with the Nasdaq leading the charge with a 1% rally, driven by Microsoft’s record high. The company recently hired Sam Altman, who formerly led OpenAI.

November has witnessed a broad-based rebound in global stock markets as economic data hinted at a potential easing of U.S. inflation. This has led to expectations that the Federal Reserve might halt its monetary tightening and consider rate cuts next year.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei edged higher, remaining close to its 33-year high reached on Monday. The index has surged by approximately 28% this year, making it the best-performing stock market in Asia.

China’s blue-chip CSI300 Index was 0.58% higher, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.78% on reports of Beijing’s new stimulus measures for the property sector, boosting risk appetite.

Lower yields in the Treasury market, driven by strong demand in the sale of 20-year Treasury bonds, have reinforced the belief that inflation will decelerate, and the Fed may cut rates next year. Consequently, the yield on 10-year Treasury notes dropped by 2.9 basis points to 4.393%, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond fell by 4.2 basis points to 4.533%.

The dollar continued to weaken, with the dollar index down 0.135% at 103.31, touching a near three-month low of 103.17 earlier in the session. The Japanese yen gained 0.22% to 148.03 per dollar, moving away from its one-year low of 151.92 reached last week. The Australian dollar, often considered a risk appetite indicator, reached a three-month high of $0.65775.

Australia’s central bank chief emphasized the challenge of inflation over the next one to two years, following the recent interest rate hike to combat rising prices.

Oil prices retreated after a previous day’s rally, with U.S. crude slipping by 0.46% to $77.47 per barrel, and Brent crude at $81.94, down 0.46% for the day.

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Market Trepidation as Investors Anticipate Federal Reserve’s Next Moves

Market Trepidation as Investors Anticipate Federal Reserve’s Next Moves

As trading commenced this week, apprehension took hold of the global markets, resulting in a dip in stock prices and raising questions about the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decisions. Asian equity benchmarks, which had been on a steady climb, were halted in their tracks. Notably, South Korea’s Kospi Index took a significant plunge of over 3% after experiencing its most substantial surge since 2020, following the reinstatement of a short-selling ban. This downward trend echoed through European and US stock futures, which also saw a decline.

Market Analyst Jun Rong Yeap of IG Asia Pte. remarked on the previous day’s commendable rallies, indicating that markets were retreating from those peaks amidst strengthening bond yields and a robust US dollar that set the tone for the week.

Investors and traders are now gauging the Federal Reserve’s next steps, with expectations that the Fed might resist further easing of financial conditions, maintaining flexibility in policy direction. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari has expressed caution, suggesting it is premature to claim victory over inflation despite emerging signs of subdued price pressures. In the coming days, the financial community will closely monitor the discourse of various Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, for clearer guidance.

On the front of government debt, the markets saw stabilization after an initial surge in Treasury yields, which climbed by eight basis points, spurred by a considerable issuance of corporate debt and anticipation of forthcoming auctions. This activity strengthened the US dollar, which gained ground against its major counterparts in the Group-of-10.

Max Wasserman, the founder and senior portfolio manager at Miramar Capital, shared insights on Bloomberg Television, indicating a likelihood of trading within a specified range as the market seeks clarity on the trajectory of core inflation and the Fed’s response.

The currency and rate swaps market is currently pricing in more than a full percentage point of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve by the end of 2024, despite expectations of a peak rate of 5.37%. Contributing to the busy start of the week was the analysis of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS), which revealed persisting tight standards and diminished demand at US banks.

In Australia, the dollar and equity markets felt additional pressure as the central bank resumed rate hikes after a pause, citing heightened inflation risks and a commitment to assess further data and risks for potential policy tightening.

Adding to the global economic concerns, China reported a more pronounced decline in exports for October than anticipated, underscoring a continued slump in international trade and a delicate recovery within its own borders. The offshore yuan remained relatively stable post-release of the trade data.

As the day unfolds, investors’ attention will turn to Europe, with anticipated earnings reports from major corporations, including UBS Group AG. The energy sector is also in the spotlight, with oil prices experiencing a dip amid an uncertain demand forecast and renewed skepticism about the conclusion of the Fed’s rate hikes, despite extended supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The markets are poised on a knife-edge, with investor sentiment swinging between caution and optimism as they navigate through a plethora of economic signals and await decisive actions from central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, which remains a focal point in global financial discourse.

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Turbulence in Asian Stocks and Anticipated European Market Openings in Light of Key Data Releases

Turbulence in Asian Stocks and Anticipated European Market Openings in Light of Key Data Releases

In the wake of unexpected economic data releases, Asian stock markets experienced a downturn on Tuesday, with most indices reflecting a downward trend. At the same time, European stock markets are gearing up for a diverse opening, eyeing imminent Eurozone GDP and CPI announcements.

The focal point of this decline was largely influenced by China’s PMI data, which failed to meet analysts’ expectations. This was further coupled with the Bank of Japan (BoJ) announcing modifications to its bond yield control policy post its October session. With the Federal Reserve meeting slated for Wednesday, there is widespread anticipation, potentially leading to increased caution amongst market participants.

Further elaborating on the Federal Reserve’s stance, Chair Jerome Powell has confirmed that there wouldn’t be any changes in the rates in the forthcoming meeting. Yet, market players will be keenly observing remarks from Fed officials during the scheduled press conference. The seemingly dovish inclination of US policymakers might be a catalyst for oscillations in risk-prone assets, primarily the stock markets.

Delving deeper into the Asian market specifics: Shanghai noted a decline of 0.19%, settling at 3,015; the Shenzhen Component Index took a dip of 0.90% to 9,838; Hong Kong’s Hang Seng experienced a steep fall of 1.70% to 17,110; South Korea’s Kospi plummeted by 1.38%; India’s NIFTY 50 saw a decrease of 0.16%, while in contrast, Japan’s Nikkei rose marginally by 0.16%.

A considerable factor contributing to the pressure on Chinese equities was the subpar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. It receded to 49.5 in October from a previous 50.2 in September, missing the market projection of 50.2. Concurrently, the NBS Services PMI also fell to 50.6 in October, not meeting the anticipated consensus of 51.8.

Shifting focus to Japan, the BoJ maintained its interest rate and the 10-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yield target at -0.1% and 0%, respectively. Following its October deliberation, the bank introduced more flexibility to the YCC and adjusted its verbiage pertaining to the 1.0% 10-year JGB yield ceiling.

European stock markets are prepping for a mixed start, with investors keenly awaiting key data such as German Retail Sales, preliminary Eurozone inflation figures, and the Gross Domestic Products for Q3. Providing a backdrop, Monday’s data showcased a slight recovery in German growth, registering a 0.1% quarterly fall, better than the expected 0.3% slump. Also, the German CPI for October stood at 3.8% YoY, marking the lowest since August 2021.

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Asian Equities Experience Uptick Amid US Bond Yield Dip and China’s Economic Stimulus Plans

Asian Equities Experience Uptick Amid US Bond Yield Dip and China’s Economic Stimulus Plans

On Friday, the majority of Asian stock markets displayed promising signs of positive trading. A noteworthy factor in this uptick has been the declining US Treasury bond yield, which bolstered regional stocks as investors keenly awaited the release of the US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) data set for later that day. However, ongoing geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East could cast a shadow, potentially applying downward pressure on these stock markets.

Key indices from various nations demonstrated these upward trends: China’s Shanghai grew by 0.35% reaching 2,998, Shenzhen Component Index surged by 1.11% to 9,672, Hong Kong’s Hang Sang leaped by 0.99% marking 17,213, South Korea’s Kospi showed a marginal increase of 0.02%, while Japan’s Nikkei boasted an impressive rise of 1.14%.

Chinese stocks, in particular, showcased a notable rebound from the lows of the past several months. This resurgence is attributed to the Chinese government’s robust economic move of issuing bonds worth 1 trillion yuan. This strategic step is aimed at catalyzing and invigorating local economic growth.

Meanwhile, in Japan, economic indicators presented some surprises. The nation witnessed inflation rates rising at a swifter pace than earlier projections for October. This unexpected increase might influence the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to adopt a more assertive and hawkish approach in their forthcoming BoJ meeting scheduled for the next week.

Diving deeper into Japan’s economic landscape, the National Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October recorded a jump to 3.3% YoY, a climb from its previous 2.8%, as reported early Friday by the Japan Statistics Bureau. Furthermore, the National CPI excluding fresh food also saw an increase, marking 2.7% YoY in October, up from September’s 2.5%.

Down south, Australia also witnessed shifts in its economic indicators. The Producer Price Index (PPI) of Australia moderated to 3.8% YoY in Q3, a slight dip from the 3.9% recorded earlier. Quarter-wise, the figures landed at 1.8%, showing a significant rise from the previous 0.5%.

In the larger global context, investors are now turning their focus to the US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) data for September, releasing on Friday. The anticipated monthly and annual core figures are projected to be 0.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Moreover, as the week concludes, all eyes will be on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) gathering in the upcoming week, an event that could usher in market volatility.

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Oil Price Surge May Limit Gains

Asian shares rise on strong corporate profits and lower oil prices

Asian shares rise on strong corporate profits and lower oil prices

Asian markets showed resilience and optimism on Wednesday, following the lead of Wall Street, as major corporations like Verizon exceeded profit expectations for the summer season. This boost in corporate earnings has instilled hope that companies will finally show growth after a year of stagnation, a development of utmost significance for global stock markets, which have grappled with the pressures of surging bond yields.

The recent surge in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has climbed from below 3.50% in the spring, has been a cause for concern. It is steadily approaching the Federal Reserve’s main overnight interest rate, which currently stands at its highest level since 2001, above 5.25%. The rapid rise in yields has adverse effects on various investments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, and also has the potential to hamper economic growth, introducing stress into the broader financial system.

As of early Wednesday, the 10-year Treasury yield remained stable at 4.84%, indicating a temporary respite from its upward trajectory. In the Tokyo stock market, the Nikkei 225 index surged by 1.3%, reaching 31,466.92 points. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index also saw robust gains, rising by 1.8% to 17,290.91, while the Shanghai Composite index registered a 0.5% increase, reaching 2,977.84 points. Conversely, South Korea’s Kospi experienced a 0.4% decline, settling at 2,373.88 points, and the S&P/ASX 200 in Sydney remained relatively unchanged at 6,856.60 points. India’s Sensex faced a 1.3% dip, while the SET index in Bangkok soared by 1.2%.

On Tuesday, Wall Street exhibited a strong performance, with the S&P 500 climbing by 0.7% to reach 4,247.68 points, breaking a five-day losing streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a 0.6% increase, closing at 33,141.38 points. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq composite displayed an even more robust gain of 0.9%, closing at 13,139.87 points.

Verizon’s impressive performance particularly stood out, as its stock surged by 9.3%. The company reported a 20% increase in broadband subscribers and exceeded analysts’ profit expectations for the summer season. General Electric also made significant gains, with its stock rising by 6.5% after reporting better-than-expected earnings and raising its profit forecast for the year. Coca-Cola followed suit with a 2.9% increase, attributing its success to growth in markets such as Mexico and India, which contributed to better-than-expected summer profits.

Despite concerns surrounding rising interest rates and bond yields, the broader economy has displayed remarkable resilience. A robust job market and strong consumer spending have supported economic growth. However, there is lingering anxiety among investors that even if interest rates and yields stabilize at current levels, they may still be high enough to potentially trigger a recession if the Federal Reserve chooses to maintain its current stance. The situation continues to be closely monitored by market participants and economists alike.

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Nikkei 225 & Hang Seng Fall: Rising US Yields, Lower Risk Appetite

Nikkei 225 & Hang Seng Fall: Rising US Yields, Lower Risk Appetite

Asian stocks witnessed a pronounced downturn on Friday, largely influenced by global bond market dynamics that have steadily been weakening investors’ risk appetite. The situation is further exacerbated by mounting concerns over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. This geopolitical instability, coupled with economic concerns, has made investors increasingly wary.

The possibility of the United States raising its interest rates has cast a shadow over the regional markets. Higher interest rates typically deter risk-oriented investments, making these markets less attractive. Such a move by the U.S. can potentially limit the inflow of foreign capital, thereby stifling the economic potential of these regions. 

Delving into specific market metrics, as of the latest update, the SSE Composite Index in China recorded a 0.27% drop, settling at 2,997 points. Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Component Index saw a dip of 0.36%, bringing it down to 9,620 points. Japan’s flagship index, the Nikkei 225, also wasn’t spared, falling 0.18% to 31,375. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong reported a 0.41% decrease, the Korean KOSPI index slid to 2,382, and Taiwan’s Weighted Index declined by 0.20%.

In China, concerns surrounding its property sector played a significant role in the stock market’s dip. Despite data suggesting robust economic growth, these concerns have acted as a counterbalance, diluting the market’s potential growth. Adding to the Chinese market’s woes is the looming uncertainty about a potential default by real estate giant, Country Garden Holdings. The company’s recent failure to make a timely payment on its international bonds has left traders and investors on edge, making them more cautious about Chinese assets.

Japan’s equity market took a hit when data released on Friday showed that the consumer price index inflation in September surpassed prior expectations. It’s worth noting that this inflationary indicator, which the Bank of Japan (BoJ) monitors closely, is at a level reminiscent of figures seen over four decades ago. Such statistics underline the enduring nature of inflationary pressures within Japan’s economic framework.

Moreover, the tech sector in Asia, which often serves as a barometer for global tech trends, has been under considerable strain this week. This is primarily due to a surge in global bond yields, causing investors to reconsider their stance on growth stocks. As a result, the appeal of tech shares in the region has waned. Significant players like SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics saw their stock prices decline, adding to the downward pressure on South Korea’s KOSPI index.

 

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Oil falls due to global economic fears, ahead of the EU decision on Russia’s oil ban

Oil falls due to global economic fears, ahead of the EU decision on Russia’s oil ban

Oil prices fell on Monday, along with Asian stock markets, on worries of a worldwide recession reducing oil consumption, with investors eyeing European Union discussions on a Russian oil embargo, which is likely to constrain global supply. By 0153 GMT, Brent crude had fallen 28 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $112.11 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate oil in the United States was trading at $109.36 per barrel, down 41 cents, or 0.4 percent.

“The key reasons that impact the oil price are the broader risk-off mood fueled by recession worries, and China’s lockdowns,” CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said. Concerns about interest rate rises and lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns in China, which are harming the world’s second largest economy, have also rattled global financial markets.

“China’s continued restrictions may continue to impact on short-term oil prices,” Teng added. Saudi Arabia’s price drop reflected concerns about global oil consumption, she added. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, reduced crude prices for Asia and Europe for June. Brent and WTI jumped for the second week in a row last week on supply worries after the European Commission suggested a phased restriction on Russian oil as part of its toughest-yet package of measures related to the Ukraine war. The plan requires a vote by all EU members.

However, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister stated late Sunday that if the proposed embargo is not lifted, the nation will reject EU oil penalties against Russia.”The negotiations will continue tomorrow and maybe on Tuesday, with a meeting of the leaders required to finalise them. Our stance is unequivocal. If certain nations receive a dispensation, we would like to receive one as well “Vassilev told BNT national television.

Bulgaria had previously stated that if such opt-outs were permitted, it would seek an exemption from the planned Russian oil ban, but it was unclear if it was seeking a full exemption or a delay similar to the one suggested on Friday for Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. According to Teng, the exclusions “will surely make the punishments less effective.”

G7 nations committed on Sunday to limit or phase down Russian oil imports, as Washington imposed further penalties on Gazprombank executives and other firms. Japan, a member of the G7 and one of the top five oil importers in the world, would restrict Russian crude imports “in principle,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Sunday.

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Supply fears continue, oil prices climb, despite stock market declines

Supply fears continue, oil prices climb, despite stock market declines

Crude prices rose for the third day in a row on Friday, shrugging aside concerns about global economic growth as fears about tighter supply supported prices ahead of an imminent European Union ban on Russian oil. Brent futures were up 84 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $111.74 a barrel at 0306 GMT, while WTI crude in the United States was up 80 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $109.06 a barrel.

Brent and WTI are set to increase for the second week in a row, boosted by the EU’s proposal to phase out Russian crude oil supply in six months and refined products by the end of 2022. It would also prohibit all shipping and insurance services for Russian oil shipments. The idea still requires unanimous approval from the EU’s 27 member countries. “There are concerns about global growth and what it would entail for oil consumption,” said Warren Patterson, director of commodities research at ING. “However, the impending EU embargo on Russian oil more than compensates this for the time being, limiting the downside for prices.”

Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday as investors fretted that strong central bank measures aimed at taming inflation around the world may stifle growth. The Bank of England cautioned on Thursday that Britain faces a twin whammy of a recession and inflation exceeding 10% as it hiked interest rates to their highest level since 2009, increasing by a quarter percentage point to 1%. In terms of supply, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia, and allied producers, known as OPEC+, agreed to another modest monthly rise in oil output, as predicted.

Despite appeals from Western nations to increase output further, OPEC+ decided to increase June output by 432,000 barrels per day, in keeping with its strategy to undo limitations imposed when the epidemic hit demand. Investors are also anticipating more demand from the United States this fall, after Washington announced intentions to purchase 60 million barrels of petroleum for emergency stocks.

A Senate subcommittee in the United States passed legislation that could expose OPEC+ to legal action for colluding to raise oil prices. For more than two decades, Congress has failed to enact variations of the legislation, but politicians are concerned about growing inflation and high fuel costs.

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Opec+ expects a minor increase in oil production as demand dented by China Covid-19 rules

Opec+ expects a minor increase in oil production as demand dented by China Covid-19 rules

Opec+ members are anticipated to agree on a small rise in oil output on Thursday (May 5), boosted by threats to demand due to coronavirus restrictions in China. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further heightened supply fears, which have been exacerbated by Europe’s announcement of a prospective Russian oil embargo. Brent North Sea crude closed above US$110 a barrel on Wednesday, the highest level in two and a half weeks.

Analysts, however, believe that the latest spike will not upset the 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, led by Riyadh, and its ten partners, led by Moscow, together known as Opec+. “Despite continuous turmoil related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis,” XTB analyst Walid Kudmani told AFP, citing “prospects of dropping demand because to extensive lockdowns witnessed in China as a result of rising Covid-19 instances.”

As in prior months, the cartel is expected to open the taps at 432,000 barrels per day in June, continuing a plan launched in the spring of 2021, when the economy began to recover from the shock of the epidemic. The negotiations will begin with technical discussions during the ministerial committee meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. Singapore time in Vienna, the cartel’s headquarters. China has been mostly spared for the past two years, but in recent weeks it has been facing its greatest corona virus epidemic since the spring of 2020, putting its zero-Covid-19 strategy to the test. Beijing halted hundreds of metro stations on Wednesday, and citizens worry their city will be shut down, as is already the case in Shanghai, the country’s largest metropolis with a population of 25 million people.

Slowing activity in China is undoubtedly a factor that will justify the choice to stand put in the face of “increasing international demand to expand production to solve the deteriorating global energy crisis,” according to Swiss quote Bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya. According to Mr Fawad Razaqzada, analyst at City Index and Forex.com, this is “a cause to stay cautious.” New economic penalties on Russia are not anticipated to shift the needle for the time being.

The European Commission asked for a ban on all Russian oil, crude and processed, delivered by sea and pipeline by the end of 2022 in its sixth package of sanctions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament. This scenario raises concerns about supply in an already tense European market. While the penalties must be approved by all 27 EU member states, Hungary, which is heavily reliant on Russian supplies, has opposed the idea in its current shape. “If it (the EU) can persuade its members to accept the proposal… it would have a significant impact on Russian oil shipments,” Mr Razaqzada added. But, once again, the Opec+ coalition, keen to maintain unity and avoid upsetting Moscow, will “definitely not rescue the day,” according to Ms Ozkardeskaya.

“The cartel made it plain that the Ukraine conflict, which has an impact on Russian exports, is not a reason for worry,” she added. Opec+’s wait-and-see strategy, according to Mr Stephen Innes, analyst at SPI Asset Management, is “increasingly unsustainable” and “contrary to its mission statement.” This is why the business has “constantly been chastised for being tardy and technically unprepared to respond to recent developments in global markets,” he claims. But does Opec+ hold the key to price stability? The cartel routinely fails to reach its output requirements due to a lack of investment in oil infrastructure in some member nations and operational issues.

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Gold falls as rates rise ahead of the Fed’s rate hike decision

Gold falls as rates rise ahead of the Fed’s rate hike decision

Gold prices dropped on Wednesday as increased US Treasury rates and the Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate rise announcement dampened demand for zero-yield metal. As of 0217 GMT, spot gold was down 0.3 percent at $1,862.48 per ounce. Gold futures in the United States declined 0.4 percent to $1,82.40.

Benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury rates rose after falling below the critical 3% level the previous session, ahead of the Fed’s widely anticipated large interest rate rise to try to limit skyrocketing U.S. inflation. While gold is seen as an inflation hedge, rising short-term interest rates and bond yields in the United States tend to raise the opportunity cost of keeping non-yielding bullion.

The Federal Open Market Committee of the United States’ central bank is scheduled to announce a policy statement at 1800 GMT, followed by a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The market anticipates a decision on raising the benchmark overnight interest rate as well as news on the Fed’s $8.9 trillion balance sheet reduction.

“Markets have now priced in a 50 basis point increase… If the message becomes much more hawkish, gold is likely to fall more,” said OANDA senior analyst Jeffrey Halley. “If the statement’s advice remains basically unaltered, then a short-term rebound to $1,880 is probable as the US currency falls.”

The dollar has stayed near to 20-year highs, making greenback-priced gold less appealing to foreign purchasers. On Tuesday, Russian soldiers bombarded sites in eastern Ukraine, even as the European Union prepared to impose oil sanctions on Moscow. During economic and political downturns, gold is seen as a safe haven of value. Spot silver fell 0.1 percent to $22.54 per ounce, while platinum held steady at $961.62 and palladium rose 0.2 percent to $2,260.28.

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Gold and silver prices have fallen by more than 2% due to high volatility

Gold and silver prices have fallen by more than 2% due to high volatility

The precious metal market has been hammered by a perfect storm of market volatility, rising bond rates, and a strong US currency, sending gold and silver prices substantially lower.

Gold’s reluctance to break over $1,920 an ounce has been highlighted by certain analysts. At the start of the trading week, Friday drastically moved sentiment to the gloomy side. Silver, on the other hand, is leading the road lower after breaking support at $23 an ounce overnight, according to analysts. Silver futures for July were last trading at $22.57.0 per ounce, down about 2.21 percent on the day. Silver had fallen by about 4% earlier in the session.

Gold was last seen at $1,863.10 per ounce, down 2.5 percent on the day. “Everything is just happening at the same time,” said Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures. Copper was the first domino to fall in the commodity market, according to Streible, after China’s poor manufacturing report. Copper’s weakness impacted silver’s industrial component, which subsequently pressured gold down.

At the same time, the dollar continues to strengthen against gold and silver, with 10-year bond yields returning near 3% in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy announcement on Wednesday.

The US dollar index is still trading at its highest level in over two decades. Bond yields in the United States have reached their highest level since 2018, as markets expect the Federal Reserve to quickly hike interest rates. A 50-basis-point shift is very certainly on the cards for Wednesday. The Federal Reserve Bank of the United States will also begin to shrink its balance sheet by $95 every month.

“The Fed has put itself into a position by being so far behind the curve, and they are hurrying to raise interest rates,” said Colin Cieszynski, chief market analyst at SIA Wealth Management. “This is removing a lot of longs from the market. This is something we’ve seen before each significant rate rise.”

Despite the fact that gold is suffering at the start of the week, experts remain optimistic. Cieszynski pointed out that there is still a lot of ambiguity about the Fed’s plans to hike interest rates quickly. He highlighted that if the Fed tightens too soon, it risks pushing the US economy into a recession. Cieszynski stated that, while gold has room to fall because it is not technically oversold, there is some tenacity in the market.”The US dollar is close to a 20-year high, where was the price of gold 20 years ago?” he remarked. “Considering all of the headwinds it confronts, gold’s ability to hold at present levels is amazing.”

Streible went on to say that he sees the current selloff as a surrender move ahead of the Fed’s monetary policy meeting on Wednesday. Investors considering altering their portfolios in the present climate may consider lightening up on volatile commodities such as copper and silver while maintaining their position in gold, according to Streible. “There is still a lot of uncertainty in the market, and gold continues to look excellent as a low volatility asset,” he added. “I don’t think the Fed can go more hawkish, which might be positive for gold.”

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Germany: It’s ‘realistic’ to stop using Russian oil by the end of the summer

Germany: It’s ‘realistic’ to stop using Russian oil by the end of the summer

Germany claims to be making extra effort to disassociate itself off Russian fossil resources, , estimating that it will be completely independent on Russian crude oil imports by late summer. According to Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck, Europe’s largest economy has cut its reliance on Russian energy imports to 12% for oil, 8% for coal, and 35% for natural gas.

Ukraine and other European countries have put pressure on Germany to reduce billions of euros in energy imports from Russia, which contribute to fund Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war chest. “All of these initiatives that we are doing necessitate a massive collaborative effort from all parties, as well as expenses that will be felt by both the economy and consumers,” says the author. In a statement, Habeck said. “However, they are required if we are not to be blackmailed by Russia.”

The declaration comes as the European Union weighs a Russian oil embargo in the wake of a decision to prohibit Russian coal imports beginning in August. The EU pays Russia $850 million per day in oil and natural gas, and Germany is one of Russia’s largest energy importers. Germany has been able to transition to oil and coal imports from other nations in a reasonably short period of time, indicating that “the end of Russian crude oil import dependence by late summer is conceivable,” according to Habeck’s ministry.

Weaning the Germans off Russian natural gas is a far more difficult task. Germany imported more than half of its natural gas from Russia before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. According to the government, this percentage has dropped to 35% as a result of increased purchase from Norway and the Netherlands.

Germany intends to speed up the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in order to reduce Russian imports even more. Germany’s Energy and Climate Ministry stated that numerous floating LNG terminals will be operational this year or next. That’s a lofty goal that “needs an immense commitment from everyone engaged,” according to the ministry.

Germany has resisted proposals for an EU-wide gas boycott against Russia. It also watched with concern last week as Moscow abruptly cut off gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after they refused to pay in rubles for gas. Russia’s actions have been dubbed “energy blackmail” by European officials. According to Germany’s central bank, a complete shutdown of Russian gas may result in a loss of 5% of GDP and greater inflation.

 

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Oil prices are falling as China’s economic slowdown has a negative impact on demand

Oil prices are falling as China’s economic slowdown has a negative impact on demand

Oil prices fell on Friday as China’s COVID-19 lockdowns weighed on the outlook for petroleum demand; though supply disruption fears fueled by Western sanctions limiting Russia’s crude and product exports. By 0040 GMT, Brent crude futures had fallen 4 cents to $107.55 a barrel, after increasing 2.1 percent the previous day. On Friday, the front-month June contract will expire. The more actively traded July contract dropped 30 cents to $106.96 a barrel.

After finishing 3.3 percent higher on Thursday, US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 49 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $104.87 a barrel. After finishing 3.3 percent higher on Thursday, US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 49 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $104.87 a barrel.

Both contracts are expected to end the week higher, with WTI on course to extend its winning streak to five months, boosted by the growing chance that Germany will join other European Union member states in imposing a Russian oil embargo. Despite the impact on its economy and global supply lines, oil prices have remained unpredictable as Beijing has showed no signs of lifting its lockdown measures.

“Since March, China’s economic statistics have deteriorated significantly as complete and partial lockdowns have increased. We now expect China’s GDP to decline even more in the second quarter “Yanting Zhou, Wood Mackenzie’s Head of APAC Economics, stated in a note.

“Oil market volatility is expected to persist throughout May and beyond, with the possibility of more widespread and long-term lockdowns, skewing the near-term risks for China’s oil consumption – and prices – to the downside.” When OPEC+ meets on May 5, six sources from the producer group told Reuters that the group is expected to stick to its present deal and agree on another moderate output rise for June.

However, according to an economy ministry paper seen by Reuters on Wednesday, Russia’s oil production might drop by as much as 17% in 2022, as Western sanctions placed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine harm investments and exports. Russia refers to the disarming of Ukraine as a “special military operation .”Sanctions have made it more difficult for Russian ships to deliver oil to customers, causing Exxon Mobil Corp to declare force majeure and reduce output on its Sakhalin-1 operations.

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EUR/USD Price Forecast

EUR/USD Price Forecast: Consolidating Below 1.0500 Amid Multi-Week High

The EUR/USD currency pair is having a hard time continuing its recent winning streak, trading in a tight range just below the 1.0500 psychological mark during the Asian session on Monday. In spite of the consolidation, the pair is still close to its three-week high of Friday, buoyed by a weaker US Dollar (USD).

Technically, the pair‘s location above the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the November-January bear run, combined with upbeat oscillators on the daily chart, indicates that the bullish momentum is still intact. This leaves room for a potential rally towards the 1.0545-1.0555 resistance area, which coincides with the 50% Fibonacci retracement level and the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA).

A successful breach above this crucial barrier may set the stage for additional gains, with EUR/USD potentially challenging the 1.0600 level. A break above this level may propel the pair towards the December 2024 swing high of 1.0630, close to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. Further bullish momentum may continue to drive the rebound from its more than two-year low in January.

To the contrary, however, the 38.2% Fibonacci level of 1.0465 acts as an instant support level. A resolute breach through this area can drive selling momentum faster, pulling the pair towards the 1.0400 round number and down further into the mid-1.0300s (23.6% Fibonacci level). Failure to hold these levels could shift the bias in favor of bearish traders, potentially exposing the 1.0200 handle.

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EUR/USD Eases Near

EUR/USD Eases Near 1.0300 Ahead of Lagarde’s Speech

The EUR/USD pair edges lower to approximately 1.0310 during the Asian session on Monday, weighed down by a stronger US Dollar (USD). Market participants are focused on the upcoming Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence data for February and a speech by European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde later in the day.

On Friday, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries by Tuesday or Wednesday, though he did not specify which ones. This move has heightened concerns about a global trade war, fueling demand for the safe-haven USD.

“The immediate concern might not be inflation, as counter-effects like a demand slowdown could come into play. However, the bigger issue is uncertainty and the shift toward a more protectionist world,” said Charu Chanana, Chief Investment Strategist at Saxo.

Meanwhile, the Euro faces pressure from growing expectations of further ECB rate cuts amid sluggish economic growth. ECB Governing Council member Boris Vujcic stated that the market’s anticipation of three rate cuts this year is reasonable. However, he emphasized that greater clarity on monetary policy direction may not emerge until early in the second quarter.

Traders will keep a close eye on US trade policies, especially Trump’s repeated threats against Europe. JPMorgan economist Nora Szentivanyi noted that the objectives, timing, and tariff rates remain unclear. Nonetheless, the European Commission has stated it would retaliate firmly against any tariffs imposed by the US.

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EUR/USD Holds Below 1.0400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales Data

EUR/USD Struggles Below 1.0400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales Data

EUR/USD is trading lower around 1.0390 in the Asian session on Thursday, extending losses following a two-day recovery. Investors remain wary ahead of the release of Eurozone Retail Sales data later today.

Market predictions suggest that Eurozone retail sales scaled by 1.9% year on year in December, up from the previous 1.2% increase. However, the monthly number is expected to fall by 0.1%, erasing the 0.1% increase reported in November.

The euro remains under pressure as market sentiment points to further monetary easing by the European Central Bank (ECB). Policymakers feel optimistic that inflation will steadily return to the ECB’s 2% objective, lessening the need for additional tightening.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the dollar against six major currencies, has stabilized at 107.70, restricting EUR/USD’s upside potential. The dollar’s resiliency comes after a three-day losing skid, which puts pressure on the pair.

On Thursday, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson reiterated his desire for keeping existing interest rates, underlining that the Fed’s policy remained restrictive despite the 100-basis-point drop. Meanwhile, San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly emphasized the central bank’s cautious attitude in the face of prolonged economic uncertainties.

The dollar weakened on Wednesday following a disappointing US Services PMI reading. The ISM Services PMI dropped to 52.8 in January from a revised 54.0 in December, falling short of the market consensus of 54.3. Looking ahead, traders are watching Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which might influence the Federal Reserve’s next policy actions.

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EUR/USD Stuck in Range Near 1.0375-1.0380 as Bulls Struggle for Direction

EUR/USD Struggles for Clear Direction, Stays Range-Bound Near 1.0375-1.0380

The EUR/USD pair continues in consolidation mode, failing to build on its recent recovery from the 1.0200 region—the lowest level since January 13. After reaching a weekly high earlier on Wednesday, the pair is fluctuating within a narrow range around 1.0375-1.0380, showing little change for the day amid mixed market signals.

Tuesday’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) indicated a cooling U.S. labor market, reinforcing expectations of Federal Reserve (Fed) policy easing. Markets are now factoring in the likelihood of two rate cuts by the Fed this year. Risk-on sentiment also remains prevalent, but should continue to weigh on demand for the safe-haven USD, and thereby support EUR/USD.

Upside momentum, however remains constrained by issues on the introduction of U.S. tariffs over the goods to be imported in Europe under Trump’s administration, among others, and the ECB dovish direction which is being felt in restraining the Euro though HICP was reported higher to an annual rate of 2.5% in the last month, still, does not allow much upside in this pair.

Looking ahead, market participants will focus on the final Eurozone Services PMI release, while the U.S. economic calendar highlights the ADP private-sector employment report and the ISM Services PMI. Movements in the USD could also be influenced by key FOMC member speeches. Still, Friday’s NFP report will focus more attention on it as it will help deliver a better picture of the situation in the U.S. labor market and set the direction for future Fed policy.

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GBP/USD Holds Above 1.2400 as Markets Watch China Tariff Developments

GBP/USD Holds Above 1.2400 as Markets Watch China Tariff Developments

GBP/USD extends its gains for a second consecutive session, trading around 1.2430 during Asian market hours on Tuesday. With  the  decision   by   U.S. President Donald Trump   to pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada , the pair benefits from a risk-on sentiment .

Despite this, investors continue to pay close attention to ongoing trade negotiations, making market volatility a major concern. Trump declared that he would postpone imposing high tariffs on Canada and Mexico for at least 30 days following their agreements to send 10,000 troops to the U.S. border to fight drug trafficking.

This move follows Trump’s recent decision to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Additional tariffs on China are anticipated to go into effect Tuesday at 5:00 GMT. Trump managed to say that talks with Chinese officials might happen “probably over the next 24 hours,” and that tariffs on China would be “very, very substantial” if an agreement could not be made.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the USD against six major currencies, hovers around 108.70 after erasing most of its gains from the previous session. Strong U.S. economic data could provide support for the greenback, as the ISM Manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.9 in January from 49.3 in December, surpassing the expected 49.8.

While GBP/USD may rise, the British Pound’s upside may be limited, given the expectation that the Bank of England (BoE) will cut interest rates once again. Despite rising wages in the UK, the BoE is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5% on Thursday.

The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to vote 8-1 in favor of the rate cut, with one member likely advocating for maintaining rates at their current level for now.

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EUR/USD Drops to 1.0200 on Trump’s Trade Tariffs

EUR/USD Slumps to Multi-Week Low Near 1.0200 Amid Trump’s Trade Tariffs

The EUR/USD pair extends its decline on Monday, plunging to the 1.0200 region—a three-week low—during the early Asian session. This drop brings the pair closer to its lowest level in over two years, last seen in January, reinforcing the ongoing multi-month downtrend.

The US Dollar (USD) gains broad strength following President Donald Trump’s weekend announcement of new tariffs: 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. These measures escalate global trade tensions, dampening investor appetite for riskier assets and boosting demand for the safe-haven USD. As a result, the EUR/USD pair faces renewed selling pressure.

Adding to the bearish sentiment, Trump also declared on Friday evening that he would impose tariffs on goods from the European Union. This, coupled with the European Central Bank’s (ECB) dovish stance, further weighs on the euro. Last Thursday, the ECB cut borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps) as expected and signaled the possibility of additional rate cuts before the year’s end, exacerbating the euro’s weakness.

The policy divergence between the ECB and the Federal Reserve (Fed) further tilts market sentiment in favor of the USD. While the Fed has opted for a hawkish pause, supporting the dollar’s strength, a recent pullback in US Treasury yields may limit further USD gains and offer some relief to the EUR/USD pair. However, the overall market outlook suggests that the pair’s downside momentum is likely to persist.

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EUR/USD Holds Above 1.0400 | Focus on Q4 GDP & ECB Policy Decision

EUR/USD Holds Above 1.0400 Ahead of Q4 GDP Data and ECB Policy Decision

The EUR/USD pair is edging higher after three consecutive losses, trading near 1.0420 during Thursday’s Asian session. The rebound is primarily driven by a technical pullback in the US Dollar (USD). Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, remains just below 108.00.

Despite the recent uptick, further gains for EUR/USD may be capped as the USD could regain strength following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) cautious approach to monetary policy. The Fed reinforced its hawkish stance by removing language suggesting confidence in inflation reaching its 2% target.

During his press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that any policy changes would require “real progress on inflation or some weakness in the labor market.” As expected, the Fed maintained its overnight borrowing rate at 4.25%-4.50% during its January meeting on Wednesday. This decision follows three consecutive rate cuts since September 2024, totaling a one-percentage-point reduction.

Meanwhile, the Euro faces downward pressure as the European Central Bank (ECB) is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in its policy meeting on Thursday, lowering the Deposit Rate to 2.75%. Market sentiment suggests that further rate cuts from the ECB may follow in the coming months, potentially weighing on the Euro.

Investors will closely watch the release of fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data from the Eurozone and Germany on Thursday. Later in the day, focus will shift to the US Annualized GDP report, which could influence market sentiment and currency movements.

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USD/JPY Holds Steady Near 147.00 as Yen Weakens on Trade Tensions and BoJ Rate Outlook

USD/JPY Holds Steady Near 147.00 as Yen Weakens on Trade Tensions and BoJ Rate Outlook

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to trade with a bearish bias on Wednesday, keeping the USD/JPY pair firm around the 147.00 mark during the Asian session. A stronger US Dollar and persistent concerns over rising trade tensions are weighing heavily on the Yen, as markets brace for the impact of US tariffs on Japanese goods starting August 1. 

Former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, coupled with the threat of retaliatory action, has sparked renewed fears over Japan’s economic resilience. The country’s Q1 GDP contracted, real wages in May dropped at their steepest pace in nearly two years, and political uncertainty is rising ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election. Recent polls suggest the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition may struggle to retain its majority, further dampening investor confidence. 

These developments have led traders to scale back expectations of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan this year. The combination of domestic headwinds and external pressure is weakening the JPY, while the US Dollar continues to gain on expectations that rising tariffs will stoke inflation and prompt the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish stance. 

The Fed’s June decision to hold interest rates steady, along with a strong US jobs report, has reinforced the belief that rate cuts may be delayed until at least October. The FOMC meeting minutes, due later today, will be closely watched for insights into the Fed’s policy trajectory. Markets currently anticipate up to 50 basis points in rate cuts by year-end. 

Technical Outlook: Bullish Momentum Builds 

Technically, USD/JPY’s break and close above the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) — for the first time since February — signals potential for further gains. Positive momentum on the daily chart supports a move toward the 147.60–147.65 resistance area, with the 148.00 handle, a key June high, in sight. 

On the downside, immediate support lies near 146.50, with the 100-day SMA just below 146.00 acting as a critical pivot. A decisive break below this level could shift momentum in favor of bears, opening room for deeper losses. 

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NZD/USD gains ground to near 0.5700 on weaker US PMI data

During the early Asian session on Thursday, the NZD/USD pair was trading slightly higher at 0.5690. The Greenback falls against the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) as US economic data disappoints. Investors will keenly monitor developments in the rekindled trade battle between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies. 

The weaker US Services Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) could weigh on the Greenback and generate a tailwind for the pair. The US ISM Services PMI fell to 52.8 in January from 54.0 (revised from 54.1) in December. This reading came in below the market consensus of 54.3.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s fourth-quarter employment report will put the RBNZ on pace to decrease the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points (bps) to 3.75% this month. Statistics New Zealand said on Wednesday that the country’s unemployment rate increased to 5.1% in Q4, up from 4.8% the previous quarter. This result was a four-year high and exceeded the 25-year average of 4.8%. Rising expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) may decrease interest rates may further impact on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

“In line with RBNZ guidance, markets continue to imply another 50bps rate cut to 3.75% at the February 19 meeting and the policy rate to through around 3.00% over the next 12 months. Bottom line: NZ-US 2-year bond yield spreads can further weigh on NZD/USD,” noted Société Générale’s FX analysts. 

On Tuesday, the finance ministry in China unveiled a package of tariffs on various US products such as crude oil, farm equipment, and some autos in a sharp response to an announcement made by US President Donald Trump imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Further, China served notice to several companies including Google for potential sanctions in response to Trump’s tariffs. Any sign of uncertainty or a rising trade war tension may see the China-proxy Kiwi being dragged lower, as China remains one of the major trading partners to New Zealand.

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JPY Recovers Losses vs. USD, Bullish Outlook Intact

Japanese Yen Recovers Some Losses Against USD; Bullish Outlook Remains Intact

The Japanese yen (JPY) cut some of its intraday losses against the US dollar (USD) on Monday, bringing the USD/JPY pair back below the mid-155.00s during the early European session. The Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) Summary of Opinions showed conversations about the possibility of further hikes in interest rates. Furthermore, Tokyo’s core inflation increased at the quickest annual rate in nearly a year, raising expectations of further policy tightening by the BoJ, which supports the JPY.

Beyond monetary policy, narrowing interest rate differentials between Japan and other major economies, including the US, alongside a broader risk-off sentiment, provide additional support to the safe-haven JPY. However, concerns over the economic impact of US President Donald Trump’s newly announced trade tariffs limit the yen’s upside. Meanwhile, the USD remains broadly strong, allowing the USD/JPY pair to maintain its positive momentum for a second consecutive day, ahead of the upcoming US ISM Manufacturing PMI report.

Yen Gains Traction Amid BoJ Rate Hike Bets and Trade War Fears

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective Tuesday.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, and China’s foreign ministry all replied quickly, indicating probable retaliation. The US Dollar continues to climb, approaching a two-year high last hit in January, supporting the USD/JPY pair’s upward trend.

The Bank of Japan’s latest Summary of Opinions, released on Monday, showed that policymakers are thinking about additional rate hikes, though this has failed to appreciably lift the JPY.

Board members of the Bank of Japan stressed the need of continuing to raise interest rates if economic conditions and inflation remain stable.

Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato stated that the government is closely monitoring the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the yen amid concerns over potential economic fallout.

Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa reiterated Japan’s commitment to achieving the BoJ’s 2% inflation target while implementing measures to offset rising living costs.

The US-Japan yield spread remains near a multi-week low, which, coupled with risk aversion, could help stabilize the yen in the near term.

Investors now turn their focus to key US economic data, starting with today’s ISM Manufacturing PMI, followed by the highly anticipated Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report on Friday.

USD/JPY Faces Resistance Near 156.25; Bears in Control Below This Level

From a technical standpoint, last week’s strong rebound from the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the December-January rally and the subsequent upside move favor bullish traders. However, additional gains beyond 156.00 may encounter resistance near last week’s swing high at 156.25. A sustained break above this level could spark a short-covering rally, pushing the pair towards:

  • 156.70-156.75 resistance
  • 157.00 psychological mark
  • 157.60 horizontal barrier
  • Potential extension towards 158.00, with an ultimate target at the 158.85-158.90 multi-month high from January 10

Conversely, on the downside:-

  • 155.00 serves as immediate support
  • Below this, watch for key levels at 154.55-154.50 and 154.00
  • A break below the 153.70 January low could accelerate the decline towards 153.30 and eventually 153.00

While the JPY is exhibiting some resilience, the overall trend remains unpredictable, with market participants intently watching economic indicators and geopolitical developments.

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Australian Dollar Drops as RBA Rate Cut Bets Rise, Fed Decision Looms

Australian Dollar Slides Amid Rising Odds of RBA Rate Cuts, Fed Decision in Focus

The Australian Dollar (AUD) extends its losing streak for a third consecutive session against the US Dollar (USD), weighed down by softer-than-expected inflation data from Australia.

Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2024, matching the previous quarter but missing the expected 0.3%. On an annual basis, CPI eased to 2.4% from 2.8% in Q3, below the market forecast of 2.5%. Despite December’s monthly CPI ticking up to 2.5% YoY, inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) 2%-3% target range. Meanwhile, the RBA’s Trimmed Mean CPI slowed to 3.2% YoY, its weakest pace in three years, slightly under the anticipated 3.3%.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed confidence that “the worst of the inflation challenge is behind us” and that a “soft landing” is increasingly likely. The cooling inflation strengthens the case for an RBA rate cut in February. The central bank has held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 4.35% since November 2023, emphasizing the need for inflation to “sustainably” return to target before considering a rate reduction.

AUD Pressured by Risk Aversion, Trump’s Tariff Threats

The AUD faces additional headwinds from risk-off sentiment following tariff threats by former US President Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imports of key commodities, including computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, and copper, aiming to boost US manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) holds firm around 108.00 as traders turn their attention to the upcoming Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision. Market expectations, per the CME FedWatch tool, indicate near-certainty that the Fed will maintain its policy rate at 4.25%-4.50%. Investors will closely watch Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for guidance on future policy shifts.

Concerns over the potential inflationary impact of Trump’s trade policies add another layer of uncertainty. US Bank chief economist Beth Ann Bovino noted, “A number of White House proposals appear inflationary, which could keep the Fed in check.” Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed universal tariffs on US imports starting at 2.5%, with Trump reportedly favoring even higher rates.

China’s Economic Slowdown Adds Pressure on AUD

The Australian Dollar remains vulnerable to China’s economic struggles. China’s NBS Manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.1 in January from 50.1, missing expectations, while the Non-Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.2 from 52.2. As Australia’s largest trading partner, China’s weak data weighs heavily on the AUD.

Despite China’s recent stimulus measures, including a $7.25 billion investment in index products and long-term stock investments, concerns persist. Industrial profits fell 3.3% YoY in 2024, marking a third consecutive year of contraction, driven by weak demand, deflationary pressures, and a prolonged property sector slump.

Technical Outlook: AUD/USD Turns Bearish Below 0.6250

The AUD/USD pair trades near 0.6230 on Wednesday after breaking below the ascending channel on the daily chart, signaling a shift toward a bearish bias. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped below 50, reinforcing downside momentum.

A decisive break below key support at the lower boundary of the ascending channel strengthens the bearish outlook, potentially pushing AUD/USD toward 0.6131—its lowest level since April 2020. On the upside, immediate resistance lies at the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 0.6256. A rebound above this level could reintroduce a bullish bias, with the next upside target near 0.6360.

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US Dollar Surges as Trump Revives Tariff Threats

US Dollar Surges as Trump Revives Tariff Threats

The US dollar strengthened significantly against all major currencies after President Donald Trump and his Treasury Secretary reignited concerns about potential tariffs, raising fears that trade policies may return to the forefront. Risk-sensitive currencies, particularly those tied to China, saw sharp declines, while the euro weakened amid speculation that the European Union could soon face tariff pressures. Simultaneously, the Japanese yen took a hit as traders hedged against potential US inflation spikes and rising Treasury yields.

This market turbulence followed a Financial Times report indicating that Scott Bessent, the newly appointed Treasury Department official, supports a phased approach to implementing universal tariffs on US imports. The initial proposal suggests starting with a 2.5% tariff rate. However, President Trump hinted at a much broader scope, potentially targeting a range of imports from steel to semiconductor chips and suggesting higher tariff rates over time.

The administration’s “moderate” proposal involves a gradual increase in tariffs, reaching 20% over eight months in increments of 2.5% per month. This timeline has triggered speculation about more extreme scenarios and raised questions about the global trade concessions needed to halt these measures. Bessent’s approach, which allows businesses time to adjust, could also spark a rush of imports and exports to avoid higher future costs.

Amid these developments, financial markets are grappling with the potential outcomes. Traders are assessing whether the proposed tariff measures are fully priced in and evaluating the likelihood of de-escalation through negotiation.

On the positive side, any concessions or agreements that delay or reduce tariffs could stabilize markets. However, the risks of escalating tariffs, particularly if negotiations fail, remain a significant concern. Higher tariffs could disrupt global trade and have far-reaching implications for currency valuations.

While we initially favored long positions on the dollar, the unfolding tariff narrative has introduced significant uncertainty. Staying prepared for sudden shifts in policy and market dynamics is now crucial as the situation continues to evolve.

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Australian Dollar Weakens Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Trade Policies and Mixed Chinese Data

Australian Dollar Weakens Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Trade Policies and Mixed Chinese Data

The Australian Dollar (AUD) ended its three-day winning streak against the US Dollar (USD) on Monday, with the AUD/USD pair trading flat following the release of mixed Chinese Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. As a close trade partner, Australia’s economy is heavily influenced by China’s economic performance.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.1 in January, down from 50.1 in December, missing market expectations. Similarly, the Non-Manufacturing PMI dropped to 50.2 from the previous month’s 52.2. These weaker-than-expected figures suggest a slowdown in China’s economic recovery, weighing on the risk-sensitive Australian Dollar.

Despite fresh stimulus measures from China aimed at revitalizing its equity markets, the AUD struggled to gain momentum. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced a second round of long-term stock investment pilot programs valued at 52 billion Yuan ($7.25 billion). However, these measures have done little to alleviate investor concerns about China’s economic challenges.

Risk Aversion Rises Amid Trump’s Trade Tariff Push

Broader market sentiment took a hit as reports emerged that US President Donald Trump’s advisers are pushing to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada as early as February 1, bypassing negotiations. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s willingness to move swiftly on tariffs follows similar actions taken against Colombia, raising fears of escalating trade tensions and dampening demand for riskier assets like the Australian Dollar.

Adding to the negative outlook, China’s Industrial Profits declined by 3.3% year-over-year in 2024 to CNY 7,431.05 billion, marking the third consecutive year of contraction. This downturn highlights ongoing economic headwinds, including weak demand, rising deflationary pressures, and a prolonged slump in the property sector.

Technical Analysis: AUD/USD Eyes Key Resistance Amid Bullish Setup

The AUD/USD pair is trading near 0.6290 on Monday, showing signs of upward momentum within an ascending channel on the daily chart, indicating a potential bullish bias. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains slightly above 50, reflecting mild optimism in the market.

On the upside, the pair could retest the psychological resistance level at 0.6300, with the next target near the channel’s upper boundary around 0.6350.

Support levels are found at the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of 0.6265, followed by the 14-day EMA at 0.6254. A stronger support lies near the channel’s lower boundary around 0.6240, which could act as a safety net in case of a downside correction.

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NZD/USD Struggles

NZD/USD Struggles Below 0.5700 Amid Trump’s Tariff Plans and Dovish RBNZ Expectations

The NZD/USD pair remains under pressure, trading near 0.5675 during the early Asian session on Friday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) faces headwinds due to uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on China and the dovish outlook of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ).

New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the fourth quarter of 2024 indicated a continued decline in underlying inflation, strengthening expectations of additional rate cuts by the RBNZ. Swap markets now estimate a nearly 90% chance of a 50-basis-point (bps) rate cut on February 19, building on the two cuts already implemented in this cycle. The RBNZ is projected to deliver a total of 100 bps in rate cuts through the remainder of 2025.

Meanwhile, the downside for the pair could be capped by recent comments from Trump. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump called for immediate interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). “With oil prices going down, I’ll demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise, they should be dropping all over the world,” Trump said.

Investors are now closely watching for further details on Trump’s tariff policies, alongside key US economic data releases. The flash US S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI for January will be a key focus later on Friday, along with the release of US Existing Home Sales and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.

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US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

The dollar strengthened on Tuesday, driven by rising U.S. yields, putting pressure on low-yielding currencies like China’s yuan and Japan’s yen, which fell to its lowest level since 1986.

Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields increased nearly 14 basis points to 4.479% overnight. Analysts attributed this rise to expectations of Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidency, which could lead to higher tariffs and increased government borrowing.

As the dollar gained, the euro reversed part of a small rally following the first round of France’s election, which aligned with polling predictions. The euro last traded at $1.0735.

The yen dropped to 161.72 per dollar on Monday, its weakest in nearly 38 years, primarily due to the significant interest rate gap between the U.S. and Japan. On Tuesday, the yen traded at 161.55 per dollar in Asia and was under pressure from yen bears wary of potential intervention by Japanese authorities. The yen also hit a lifetime low of 173.67 against the euro on Monday and remained near that level on Tuesday.

In the bond market, the 10-year yield gap between U.S. and Japanese rates stood at 340 basis points, and nearly 440 basis points at the two-year tenor. China’s yuan, which reached a seven-month low against the dollar last week, faced similar pressure, with U.S. 10-year yields more than 220 basis points higher than Chinese government bond yields.

Robust manufacturing data in China and an announcement from the central bank about borrowing bonds, likely to sell them and stabilize falling yields, provided only a brief boost to the currency on Monday. The yuan last traded at 7.3043 in offshore markets on Tuesday, close to its June low.

The New Zealand dollar slipped 0.3% in early trade and was testing support at its 200-day moving average at $0.6075. The British pound remained steady at $1.2641. The Australian dollar hovered within its recent range at $0.6650, with traders focused on central bank minutes to gauge the likelihood of future interest rate hikes. Swaps market pricing suggests a one-in-three chance of a rate hike as soon as next month.

The question remains about the trigger for such a move. ING economist Rob Carnell noted that discussions have taken place, but the specific trigger for a hike is still uncertain. There is a leaning towards forecasting a hike at the August meeting.

Overall, the strengthening dollar and rising U.S. yields continue to exert pressure on low-yielding currencies, with markets closely watching upcoming central bank decisions and geopolitical developments.

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Cryptocurrency Move Back to Support the Pack to Level

If we have a look at the bearish start to the day in the majors and the Bitcoin move back to the level by $18,500 to the support pack. The Bitcoin to USD was seemed down at the level by 1.16% on this Thursday that reversing a 1.25% gain to the Wednesday to the ended the day at the level $18,260.0. At the start of the day, the Bitcoin rose to the early morning intraday to the high at the level before hitting the reverse level.

The major resistance level goes at the level by $18,878 and the Bitcoin fell to the intraday low to the level by $17,935.0.

The close term bullish pattern stayed flawless, disregarding the most recent pullback to sub-$18,000 levels. For the bears, Bitcoin would have to slide through the 62% FIB of $10,095 to shape a close term bearish pattern.

The Bitcoin was somewhere near at the level by 1.03% to $18,072.0. A blended beginning to the day saw Bitcoin ascend to an early morning high of $18,299.0 prior to tumbling to a low of $18,070.0.

Bitcoin left the significant help and obstruction levels untested from the get-go.

Somewhere else, it was a bearish beginning to the day for the majors. The Ripple’s XRP was somewhere around at the level 2.69% to lead the route down.

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Bitcoin Slips Down Below at Level $13,000 Since the Last Rally

Bitcoin Slips Down Below at Level $13,000 Since the Last Rally

The Bitcoin seems to the low at the level of $9,813 in September that managed the bitcoin to reach at the level high at $13,868. The bitcoin price is rejected to the sequential indicators on the 3-day chart.

If we have a look at the current candlestick of the 3-day chart it will seem significantly bearish and the TD sequential indicators are presented a sell signal. The 50- SMA seems down at the level of $10,600 and the 100 SMA at the level of $9,47.

The In/Out of the Money Around Price chart shows the closest and most grounded help region to be somewhere in the range of the level at $12,687 and $13,073 with near 624,000 BTC in volume. A break below this point can drive the cost of Bitcoin down to $11,914.

Despite the fact that bears appear to have assumed responsibility for the present moment, the powerful day by day upswing stays unblemished for Bitcoin. The 50-SMA and the 100-SMA harmonize around $11,200 which will go about as a critical help level. The MACD keeps bullish and the most basic obstruction level is still at $13,863. A breakout over this point can without much of a range drive the lead digital currency towards the untouched high at the level of $20,000.

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Bitcoin Price Clear the Path and Rose to the Level $13,000

Bitcoin Price Clear the Path and Rose to the Level $13,000

Bitcoin Price of the bulls has been the full control of the market to the price at the level of $11,340 to $12,835. The cryptocurrency had the largest to the single day that put the gain. The MACD shows the increasing the bullish momentum to price the growth anticipated.

The position detector is a convenient little apparatus that causes us to imagine solid opposition and backing levels. According to the everyday conjunction detector, there is an absence of solid obstruction levels on the potential gain. This should be empowering news for the buyers as they plan to bring BTC into the $13,000-zone.

Santiment’s holder’s distribution charts show you the number of addresses having a place with a specific symbolic section. According to the chart, the number of addresses holding 10,000-100,000 tokens tumbled from 111 on October 8 to 104 on October 20. This is an intensely bearish sign as it shows that the whales are selling off their property.

Bitcoin buyers have the opportunity to bring the cost into the level at $13,000 and even the $14,000 interference. The everyday intersection finder shows a total absence of solid opposition barriers straightforward.

For the bears, the drawback is covered off at the $12,000-$12,100 uphold divider. A break below that zone will bring the value down to $11,000, which has both the 50-day and 100-day SMA

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Cryptos Market: Bitcoin Shows Bullish Momentum Over Dollar Strength

Cryptos Market: Bitcoin Shows Bullish Momentum Over Dollar Strength

The BTC/USD traded at the level of $11,355 after the mild rejection of the top-level $11,720 that losing some of the bullish.

Ethereum USD had a similar fate at the higher risk that seeing the longer pullback than the Bitcoin. If we talk about the XRP/USD is the clear loser after breaking below the 50 SMA and the 100 SMA on the daily chart that currently trading at the level of $0.2482 after yet facing another rejection.

Bitcoin, BTC to USD, fell by 1.02% on Tuesday. Incompletely turning around a 1.55% increase from Monday, Bitcoin finished the day at the level of $11,442.0.

It was a quiet beginning to the day. Bitcoin rose to a late morning intraday high to the level of $11,574.9 before operating reverse.

Missing the mark concerning the primary significant obstruction level at $11,830, Bitcoin tumbled to an early evening intraday low of $11,333.0.

Avoiding the primary significant help level at $11,201 Bitcoin quickly returned to $11,470 levels before moving back.

The close term bullish pattern stayed perfect, upheld by the most recent move back through to $11,000 levels. For the bears, Bitcoin would need to slide through the 62% FIB of $6,400 to shape a close term bearish pattern.

Bitcoin was up by 0.22% to $11,467.0. A beginning to the day saw Bitcoin tumble to an early morning low of $11,427.0 before ascending to a high at the level of $11,467.0. Bitcoin left the support and Resistance levels untested at an early stage.

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Ethereum Rate Hits at Higher Level More Profitable Than Bitcoin Mining

Ethereum Rate Hits at Higher Level More Profitable Than Bitcoin Mining

Let’s have a look at the cryptocurrency that hovering near to the level at $10,600 mark. The Bitcoin price is consolidating to the 50-12 Hour SMA and the 200-12 Hours SMA. The strong resistance lies at the level 50-12 SMA that repeatedly rejected the price.

This repeated dismissal may drop the value down to the level at  $10,400 uphold level, which is by all accounts the main observable help level on the drawback. If case this level doesn’t hold firm, at that point you can anticipate that the cost should plunge below $10,000. For this situation, one can anticipate that BTC should tumble to the level of $9,700 before it experiences another solid help.

While this may not appear to be a huge number, remember that every one of these addresses holds a great many dollars worth of Bitcoin. The fishes using the stale value activity to merge their positions look good for the general market.

With respect to the top 50 digital forms of money, the greatest failures incorporate Compound, down 12% over the most recent 24 hours, UMA down 12%, OMG Network down at the level 13%, Yearn.finance down 16%, and Aave down 18%. The main bull among the sloths of bears is EOS, which broke out greatly as covered Tuesday.

Ethereum has since September 23, been holding inside a rising equal channel. Recuperation towards $400 flamed out marginally above $360 a week ago. On the drawback, the misfortunes that followed grasped uphold at the level of $335 throughout the end of the week, permitting the shrewd agreement sign to revitalize, making strides above $350.

The Ethereum selling pressure in the market halted the increase at the 50 SMA and 100 SMA. Ether fell below the climbing channel, confirming a bear banner.

The downside of a significant help zone shows that Ethereum is at grave risk of spiraling to the level at $300. Other than the various simple help zones, the most significant one lies somewhere in the range of $298 and $309. Previously, around 879,000 locations purchased almost 2 million ETH.

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Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Shows the Bullish Divergence on User Count

Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Shows the Bullish Divergence on User Count

The Bitcoin moves back and shows the bearish to the start of the day with the support level at $10,900 to the broader market.

The Bitcoin BTC to USD is rose by the level at 1.33% this Tuesday and reversing the loss at the level of 0.83% on Monday.

It was a mixed start to the day. Bitcoin fell to an early morning low $10,674.2 before finding support.

Steering clear of the major support levels, Bitcoin struck a late morning high at the level of $10,815.4 before operating reverse.

Coming up short of the major resistance levels, Bitcoin slid to a late afternoon intraday low $10,654.0.

Steering clear of the first major support level at $10,585, Bitcoin rallied to a final hour intraday high at the level of $10,889.0.

Falling short of the first major resistance level at $10,915, Bitcoin eased back to end the day at sub-$10,860 levels.

The near-term bullish trend remained whole, in contempt of the latest pullback. For the bears, Bitcoin would need to slide through the 62% FIB of $6,400 to form a near-term bearish trend. At the hour of composing, Bitcoin was somewhere around 0.28% to the level of $10,826.0. It was a blended beginning to the day. Bitcoin rose to an early morning high $10,866.0 before tumbling to a low $10,826.0.

Bitcoin started the significant help and obstruction levels untested from the get-go. Somewhere else, it was a blended beginning to the day.

Bitcoin Cash ABC (+0.54%), Bitcoin Cash SV to the level (+0.62%), and Crypto.com Coin (+0.65%) evaded the pattern right off the bat.

It was a bearish beginning to the day for the remainder of the majors, in any case. Binance Coin was somewhere around 1.18% to lead the way down.

https://xtreamforex.com/nasdaq-futures-shows-the-short/

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