Date : 8th September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 8th September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

In Friday’s report we identified 1.1093 – 1.1154 as a likely range to contain EURUSD action after the NFP report. Apart from a spike to the upside trading was maintained well within the range. The low for the day was 1.1090 while the high printed at 1.1189 and the close inside the range at 1.1149. As a result the last week’s candle turned into a narrow range bar that signals hesitation. In relation to daily Bollinger Bands (20) price is firmly in the mid-range and it is therefore challenging to estimate the future moves. Today’s euro zone GDP release is out at 09:00 GMT. The number is expected to be a confirmation of the preliminary release. EURUSD is finding some support from 1.1154 – 1.1170 range but the bias is on the downside. Next important support levels are at 1.0930 and 1.1018.

ECB’s Noyer says markets are well prepared for Fed hike. The Bank of France Governor said the “Fed’s communication has been done well and in detail, adding that an increase in the federal funds rate is inevitable and the markets are well prepared. It is not the timing that matters. Draghi’s dovish comments last week were clearly also designed to remind markets that Europe is in a different situation and that a hike in the U.S. won’t mean tighter policies in Europe, which should also help to limit upward pressure on the EUR if rate hike expectations in the U.S. are being pushed out.

ECB’s Weidmann: Direct impact of China equity slump limited. The Bundesbank President said at the sidelines of the G20 meeting that the direct impact of the stock correction in China and that the Bundesbank sees no reason to change its growth forecast for Germany. Still, he stressed heightened uncertainty about the outlook and said risks have shifted, while at the same time repeating once again that monetary policy cannot solve all problems. This seems to be the general tenor of ECB comments at the moments, with officials trying to dampen market reliance on central bank intervention to fix the economic outlook, although words alone won’t change that.

Copper and other metals are up after Glencore announced output cuts at two of its copper mines, which will cut supply by about 400 thousand tonnes. Copper prices are now up by 1.7% on the day. Oversupply has been a big issue in the copper market, similar to iron ore, crude and many other raw materials. Glencore’s decision comes after data last week showed Chinese manufacturing PMI dove to a three-year low in August. China is the world’s biggest consumer of copper, and many other commodities. Copper prices hit cycle lows on Aug-24, during the recent height of the recent Chinese stock market panic, but have since rebounded by 5.5%.

German labour growth accelerates sharply. Latest data show total labour costs up 0.9% q/q in Q2, bringing the annual growth rate to a whopping 3.1% y/y, from 2.8% y/y in the previous quarter and versus just 0.7% at the start of 2014. Gross wages and salaries rose 3.4% y/y in Q2. The tight labour market is boosting wage demands and settlements and with inflation at very low levels, real disposable income is picking up and supporting private consumption, but also marked increases in property prices, especially in the urban hot spots. Amid sluggish productivity growth, the increases also look unsustainable and will undermine competitiveness and are likely to push up unemployment in the medium term, with the decline in jobless numbers already starting to peter out.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% change)

Ugly trade data from China gave further confirmation for the slowdown in its economy. The 13.8% drop in imports was even worse than 8.2% drop expected by the economists. As China is an important trade partner for Japan this hit the Japanese stock market hard and sent JPY sharply lower against the majors. The biggest losses in have been at the time of writing against the GBP and AUD.

GBPJPY was trading at the lower weekly Bollinger Bands (20) and near to a support. The pair has rallied strongly and is currently challenging 50 week SMA at 184.27. AUDJPY is also deeply oversold in the weekly picture. The current up move is taking place from a support area that was formed in August 2012. EURJPY also moved higher from weekly Bollinger Bands (20) and is currently trading near a resistance area at 134.50 – 135.00.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• Chinese import export data disappointed. Imports slumped by almost 14% year on year while YoY exports declined by 5.5%.

• Canada Trade Balance: We expect a widening in the trade deficit to -C$1.0 bln in July (median -C$1.1 bln) from -C$0.5 bln in June. The key for the report will be exports, for which we have penciled in for an 0.3% m/m gain in July after the 6.3% surge in June. A mix of factors were present in July, as oil prices tumbled and the Canadian dollar depreciated. At any rate, further growth in exports would offer key support to the BoC’s constructive outlook for second half growth, especially in the wake of the 0.5% bounce in June GDP.

• German trade surplus widened as exports rebound: Germany posted a sa trade surplus of EUR 22.8 bln in July, up from EUR 22.1 bln in the previous month, as exports rose 2.4% m/m, more than compensating for the 1.1% m/m decline in June. Imports rose 2.2% m/m, after falling 0.8% m/m in the previous month. Unadjusted data showed a surplus of EUR 25.0 bln in July, which brought the total for the year to date to 148.7, up from 122.1 in the first seven months of 2014. Exports were up 6.8% y/y over this period. Despite the scare stories, no sign then that German trade has been impacted significantly by slowing growth in China, at least so far, and Germany is heading for a new record trade surplus, although with import prices down on the year, this is of course partly also due to low oil prices.

• Eurozone final Q2 GDP: Eurozone Q2 GDP growth is expected to be confirmed at 0.3% q/q and 1.2% y/y, in line with preliminary numbers, which will leave the focus on the breakdown. We expect net exports and private consumption to have been the main drivers of growth. Investment remains the Eurozone key weakness, despite the very accommodative monetary policy. There are signs that loan growth is stabilising, but even in Germany, where financing conditions are not really a problem, investment has remained modest with structural factors, rather than financing conditions the main impediment for stronger investment.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

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Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 10th September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 10th September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD moved further into the pivotal support yesterday as I expected. The 4h lower Bollinger Bands where able to support price and sent the pair rallying higher. There were good sized rallies in all the euro pairs which suggest that institutional money was flowing into EUR, but there seems to be no news event that could explain the rally. Euro pairs run into resistance levels and have been reacting lower over the last few hours. In EURUSD this is reflected in the pair once again trading lower from 1.1214 area. Even though there is a slight upward bias I expect low volatility to remain as the pair is bound by nearby support and resistance levels. The downside is limited by 1.1018 – 1.1093 and the upside by 1.1208 – 1.1332 candle. S&R levels beyond these are 1.1018 and 1.1334. Intraday price finding support at an area near 4h 50 period SMA. This same level used resist moves higher over the last few days.

A big NZD dive was the main action in pre-Europe trade in Asia after the RBNZ cut its growth outlook for the New Zealand economy and called for more currency weakness. This followed its expected decision to cut the official cash rate to 2.75% from 3.0%. NZDUSD dove just over 2% in making a three-day low at 0.6256. AUDNZD rallied strongly, with the RBNZ’s guidance contrasting a strong employment report out of Australia, which saw employment rise by 17.4k, above the 5.0k median forecast.

The data saw AUDUSD rebound to the 0.7020 area from a low at 0.6946. Elsewhere, USDJPY rebounded smartly from a test of 120.00, which was seen as Japanese stock markets corrected some of yesterday’s outsized gains. Yen losses were sparked by remarks from Japanese politician Yamamoto, who called the BoJ to expand QQE at its upcoming Oct 30 meeting. His remarks came as Japanese data showed PPI remaining in deep deflationary territory, and machine orders showing another contractionary quarter in capital expenditure. USDJPY spiked to a peak of 121.35 before settling to the 120.65-70 area. EURUSD, meanwhile, re-established itself above 1.1200.

UK house prices are surging, with the August RICS house price balance rising to a 15-month high of 53 from 44 in the previous month, while the August Halifax price index jumped by a large 2.9% m/m to bring the y/y measure up to +9.0% from July’s 7.9% rate. RICS doubled its forecast for price rises to 6% from 3%, reporting that properties for sale are at a three-year low. The demand-supply imbalance, coupled with robust economic momentum and record employment records, along with historically low mortgage rates and a government scheme to subsidize house purchases, are underpinning the market.

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady as Economy Underpinned The BoC left the 0.50% policy rate unchanged, as economic growth and inflation have been consistent with their outlook. Most tellingly, the dynamics of Canada’s GDP growth projected in July remain intact, with economic activity underpinned by household spending and a firm recovery in exports. But downside risks remain, notably in the form of uncertainty related to China and emerging markets. The Bank has moved back to the sidelines, and we expect the current ultra-accommodative rate setting to remain in place through 2016.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% change)

Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut rates for the third time in three months. The current rate is 2.75%, down 0.25% from the previous 3% rate. This sent NZD down by as much as 2.0% against AUD at the time of writing. According to the RBNZ the economy is adjusting to the sharp decline in export prices, and the consequent fall in the exchange rate. The bank also commented on global environment: Global economic growth remains moderate, but the outlook has been revised down due mainly to weaker activity in the developing economies. Concerns about softer growth, particularly in China and East Asia, have led to elevated volatility in financial markets and renewed falls in commodity prices. The US economy continues to expand. Financial markets remain uncertain as to the timing and impact of an expected tightening in US monetary policy.

AUDNZD has rallied strongly and the pair is approaching the upper Bollinger Bands and a pivotal resistance in the daily time frame. EURNZD rallied to a similar resistance in a 4h chart and has turned lower. GBPNZD chart is almost an identical copy of EURNZD while NZDUSD trades near support.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• China’s CPI improved to a 2.0% y/y pace in August from the 1.6% y/y pace in July and 1.4% clip in June. The pick-up to the fastest CPI growth rate in a year during August would appear modestly encouraging given the government’s efforts to boost growth (which should presumably eventually lift prices). But a lack of supply for pork drove prices of that key meat product higher, lifting total CPI and undercutting a demand driven explanation for the CPI jump in August. Meanwhile, August PPI remained weak at a -5.9% y/y clip after the -5.5% y/y rate in July. That’s the worst pace of annual decline in six year, reflecting the plunging fortunes of China’s factor sector.

• Bank of England meeting: BoE MPC’s September meeting, which is now replete with the instant release of the minutes, will be the main event for sterling markets this week. With the August PMI surveys signalling the weakest growth for over two years, and signs that retail sales are slowing, along with concerns about global market volatility, we expect the minutes to reveal a more dovish tone than was the case at the early August meeting. The MPC should leave the repo rate at 0.5% — where its been since March 2009, and where its likely to remain until Q2 next year — and the QE total at GBP 375 bln. The vote is likely to be 8-1 in favour of holding the repo rate unchanged, with last month’s sole dissenter McCafferty, likely to persist with his vote for a 25 bp hike.

• U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Preview: Initial claims data for the week of September 5th are out on Thursday and should show a drop back to 267k (median 275k) after a bounce to 282k in the week of August 29th. Despite the slightly lower August payroll headline of 173k, claims have continued along a tight path. We expect September claims to have 275k, matching the August average but exceeding July 272k average.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 14th September 2015.

GOLD TRADING NEAR SUPPORT AREA AFTER THREE DOWN WEEKS.

Gold, Daily

Gold still in downtrend as confirmed by downward price channel and yet another lower high in the weekly picture. This was once again formed at levels that used to support price and at 38.2% Fibonacci level identified in the previous report.  Price rallied to the level in response to a strong move lower in US stock market. Since then price of gold has moved down for three weeks and is now trading close to the top of the two weeks’ sideways range (1104) from the end of June and the lower 1.5 sd Bollinger Band. Over the last two days price has been moving sideways at this 1103 – 1104 support, a level that resisted price advances at the end of July. Price is also trading at the lower daily Bollinger Bands while Stochastics are oversold. Daily support levels are at 1080 and 1103 while resistance levels are at 1117 and 1147.30.

Gold, 240

In 4h picture Gold is also trending lower. This is indicated by price moving inside a downward price channel and the 50 period SMA. Current price action is taking place at the lower end of the channel and at the lower Bollinger Bands. Stochastics has created a higher low after price formed a hammer candle on Friday. There is support in 1093 – 1098 bracket while the nearest resistance area is between 1109 – 1115.

Gold, 15 min

In 15 min chart the price of gold has moved below a rising trendline after reversing at 1108 – 1108.80 resistance. Price action suggests that the current range between 1106 and 1108 should be resolved to the downside and towards a 50% Fibonacci level at 1103 while the next support level is at 1101.
• US Michigan Consumer Sentiment: The first release on Michigan Sentiment is out on Friday and is expected to decline to 91.5 (median 94.0) from 91.9 in August. The already released September IBD/TIPP poll declined to 46.9 from 48.1 in July. There is heightened downside risk to the release from recent market volatility.

Conclusion

Trading should be range bound this week before the Fed announcement on Thursday. However, once the market participants know what the result is it support and resistance levels further away will become relevant. After moving lower for three weeks it is not likely that price will have another significant down move this week. Fed’s not expected to hike rates (only 28% probability for September rate hike) and price is trading relatively near levels that attracted buyers the last time. However, gold is in a long term downward trend. It is therefore likely that the demand at support levels will be eventually absorbed. Regression channel analysis in 4h chart indicates that gold is trading at the lower end of its likely range. This is confirmed by the Bollinger bands. Shorts should therefore factor this into their trading and be more careful as price might not have similar swings to the down side that I had last week. As the price is in downtrend and there are resistance levels fairly close by I expect gold will move further into the support area between 1080 and 1103 but the moves can be short lived and lead to a rally. If it takes place I expect the move run into a resistance at 1134 – 1153 area.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 16th September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 16th September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD closed yesterday below the previous day’s spinning top candle low. This is further confirmation for the bearish view that I had yesterday. Yesterday’s analysis pointed to a reversal and provided a resistance to trade against. This 1.1328 resistance worked to a pip yesterday as price moved to 1.13287 after the publication of this report yesterday. The pair has rallied to the spinning candle low in the Asian session today and reversed lower once again. EURUSD has since penetrated 4h lower Bollinger Bands (20) and trades near 50 period SMA in 4h chart. The next resistance area is at 1.1285 to 1.1300, roughly coinciding with 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at 1.1305 while next significant daily support is found at 1.1190 with 61.8% Fib level nearby at 1.1196. The 50% retracement level coincides with a daily high at 1.1230 (from 8th September) and could cause a small rally.

Several ECB officials have been voicing their opinions on the bank’s QE program. ECB’s Constancio: ECB has scope to expand QE if necessary. The ECB’s Vice President highlighted that compared to the programs introduced by Fed, BoE and BoJ, the ECB’s asset purchase program has been relatively small.ECB’s Nowotny: QE extension or expansion possible. The Austrian central bank head said in an interview with Die Presse, that the asset purchase program has had a number of positive effects while highlighting that the low inflation in the Eurozone is a big problem for the ECB. Interestingly, he didn’t blame lower oil prices, but the dramatic deterioration in the economic outlook for emerging markets, adding that the main problem isn’t so much China as countries like Brazil. ECB’s Weidmann warns cheap money doesn’t help to boost sustainable growth and production potential, but in an interview with Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung, he warned again that it increasingly harbours risks also to financial stability. Weidmann was recently appointed as new head of the BIS, which in its latest annual report also warned that markets remain too reliant on central bank stimulus, in contrast to the IMF, which is calling for ever more easing measures to support world growth.

The lack of major negative surprises in today’s data keeps the FOMC on course to announce a 25 bp rate hike on Thursday. Though it remains a close call. While the Fed is mostly meeting its mandate on economic growth (we’re forecasting a 3.0% GDP growth rate for the second half of 2015) and the labor market, the renewed downturn in commodities may reduce confidence that the 2% inflation goal will be met anytime soon. And various exogenous factors, including worries over slowing growth abroad and increased volatility in the financial markets, add to the dovish, no hike case. Unfortunately the FOMC has conditioned the markets to react bearishly to hints of normalization such that there will never be a “good time” to commence liftoff. There’s been no need for the Fed to maintain its emergency policy stance all these years, and a 25 bp hike should have only limited impact, especially if policymakers continue to indicate a gradual path for the future.

US reports yesterday revealed a largely expected round of August retail sales and July business inventory figures that had no net impact on our GDP estimates of 3.0% growth in Q3 after an unrevised 3.7% figure in Q2, with real consumption growth of 3.0% in Q3 after a Q2 growth boost to 3.4% from 3.1% that was previously signaled by strong QSS data. We also saw a weak round of September Empire State figures that extended August weakness, alongside a big 0.4% August industrial production drop after a 0.9% (was 0.6%) July surge that reflected an even bigger than expected vehicle sector gyration around retooling. Today’s figures did little to alter the sales and inventory outlook, beyond reinforcing the view that factories face big headwinds from an inventory overhang and a vehicle sector drop-back after a July pop, and a petro-sector recession that’s been aggravated by further oil price declines.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% change)

The US Fed has started its two day meeting in which they are to decide whether to lift the interest rates from the zero level. There has been movement in AUD today. Currency has moved most against USD, EUR and GBP. AUDUSD is rallying and trying to move above 50% Fibonacci level and towards a 0.7219 resistance that coincides with a 61.8% retracement level and proximity of downward weekly regression channel.  EURAUD is rolling over inside a topping formation and towards a support level at 1.5566. The pair is now trading below 1.5770 resistance. GBPAUD has reached a support provided by both 50 day SMA and the lower Bollinger Bands (20). This level is also a weekly high from six weeks ago. With this in mind and Stochastics oversold the current reversal signs in intraday resolutions should lead to a rally higher.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• EMU final Aug HICP: The headline reading was expected to be confirmed at 0.2% y/y, but there is some risk of a downward revision, after yesterday’s weaker than expected French number. Lower energy prices are driving the annual rate down again, but the gap between the headline number and the core measure is widening. Even the latter remains far below the ECB’s 2% limit for price stability, but with the labour market starting to improve and economic heavyweight Germany posting sizeable increases in unit labour costs, underlying trends are picking up, even if energy price developments could push the headline rate back into negative territory in coming months.

• Canada Manufacturing: should rise 1.0% in July after the 1.2% gain in June. A 2.2% gain in exports provides a compelling reason to forecast another solid gain in manufacturing shipments during July. An as-expected gain in shipments would provide further support for the Q3 rebound scenario, supportive of no change in BoC policy for an extended period.

• US CPI: August CPI data should reveal a flat (median unchanged) headline with a 0.2% core increase. This would leave overall CPI up 0.2% y/y with the core index up 1.8% y/y. The drop in gasoline prices has weighed on price measures and we expect this to be the case in the CPI release where gasoline prices look poised to decline by 2% for the month. This effect was already visible in the month’s PPI data where we saw a flat headline for August as well.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 18th September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 18th September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

In yesterday’s report I drew attention to EURUSD creating a pin bar and a higher low. This indicated further bullishness for euro but the upside was capped by the 1.1328 – 1.1378 resistance area. As expected, the pair didn’t move beyond the resistance before the Fed announcement yesterday. The decision to hold the rates at zero propelled EURUSD to the session high of 1.1441. Today, Stochastics are in the overbought region while the price is approaching the upper daily Bollinger Bands. In the weekly picture, price is inside the upper Bollinger Bands and right below the 50 week SMA. This is a reason for some caution for the euro bulls. The price is approaching the 1.1463 – 1.1520 resistance area after we’ve seen some follow through for yesterday’s upward momentum. The nearest support levels are 1.1374 and 1.1388.

FOMC left rates unchanged, citing concerns over global weakness. The key sentence in the statement was: “Recent global economic and financial developments may restrain economic activity somewhat and are likely to put further downward pressure on inflation in the near term.” The Fed again noted weakness in net exports, and the fact that market based inflation measures had moved lower. It’s also “monitoring developments abroad,” while it sees balanced risks on the economy and labor market. The FOMC again indicated it will be appropriate to raise rates when it sees further improvement in the labor market and is “reasonably confident” that inflation will move back to the 2% target over the medium term. Lacker dissented in favor of a 25 bp hike. The Fed did reiterate that the economy is expanding at a moderate rate, housing has improved further, and the underutilization of labor resources has diminished.

Yellen said U.S. monetary policy is directed toward achieving the dual mandates set out by Congress. Of course policy changes have many cross currents, and capital flow implications. The exchange rate is one of a number of channels through which policy works. There are effects on the exchange rate, and yes the Fed needs to take those into account. The risk of a government shutdown played NO role in the Fed’s decision not to hike rates. Yellen said there is rationale for a rate hike now, but noted that financial conditions have tightened to some extent, and the situation abroad has become “more uncertain of late.” She added though, that the she doesn’t want to overplay the impact of overseas developments. She also reiterated that the path of policy is more important than the timing of the first move, and that most members still see a hike this year. The decision won’t depend on any particular data. In answering the first question, she said we can’t expect uncertainty to be fully resolved, but the Fed wanted to take a little more time to assess conditions. She has no recipe for what the FOMC wants to see before tightening. On the possibility for October, all meetings are “live.” So October remains a possibility, and the Fed would call a press conference if needed.

Fed funds futures are on the move higher after the FOMC remained on hold. Though prices in the futures market are still gyrating, the market is currently pricing in a 25 bp hike for December with a little better than 50-50 probability. We suspect improved market stability and less angst over global developments will open the door for an October hike, though soft inflation should make December a better bet.

Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% change)

As the Fed decided not to raise rates the dollar weakness drove other currencies higher. This was especially the case with the commodity price sensitive AUD. Commodities are priced in USD and therefore a lower yielding dollar makes some commodities like Gold more attractive and in general cheaper to buy. This has supported the AUD today.

AUDUSD is trading at a resistance created by 50 day SMA, the 61.8% Fibonacci level, and a historical resistance area between 0.7216 and 0.7276. The pair formed a daily shooting star candle yesterday and is  at the time of the writing challenging the high of the candle. GBPAUD is back to the pin bar it created day before yesterday. This is a level where a historical support coincide with 50 day SMA and the lower Bollinger Bands.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• Canadian CPI: We expect CPI to expand at a 1.0% y/y pace in August, a slowdown from the 1.3% y/y clip in July. CPI is seen falling 0.2% on a month comparable basis in August after the 0.1% gain in July. Gas prices fell 3.5% in August compared to July, which is expected to drive the decline in month comparable CPI. The BoC’s core CPI index is seen rising 0.2% in August, similar to the action seen in past months of August. Annual core CPI growth is expected to expand at a 2.0% y/y rate in August following the 2.4% clip in July. The expected core CPI figure would, of course, leave the measure at the BoC’s 2.0% midpoint. However, Governor Poloz has maintained that run-up is transitory and not reflective of a tightening in supply conditions.

• The US CB Leading Indicator: The August index of leading economic indicators (LEI) is expected to grow 0.2%. We expect yields to help support the headline. The six-month annual gain hit 8.8% in July last year, the highest reading since 10.7% seen in April of 2010. The Conference Board’s preferred recession threshold for the LEI is a six-month annualized reading below -3.5% and a six-month diffusion average below 50%. We wouldn’t read much into this index, as the historical swings “line up” with back data due to repeated “best fit” revisions of the index figures rather than a real-time correlation. The Conference Board revises the index in January, given the massive divergence since 2009 between index levels and reported GDP growth.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 23rd September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 23rd September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

I stated in yesterday’s report that EURUSD should move further into support and closer to the 50 day SMA before it can attempt a turnaround. This is indeed what happened: this morning price hit the 50 day SMA and the Bollinger Bands. Apart from trading at Bollinger and SMA support the pair is at levels that turned it higher from on 4th September. However, the latest weekly pivot candle low is at 1.1214, which is relatively near to the current trading levels.  This implies that any rally from the current levels might be short lived and therefore probably doesn’t encourage buyers to buy the EURUSD today. Draqhi speech (1pm GMT today) is not expected to contain specific measures but is still expected to have a dovish tune. I therefore expect that the pair will test the 1.1017 – 1.1087 support range today.

French PMIs unexpectedly improve, with the manufacturing reading rising above the 50-point no change mark to 50.4 from 48.3 in the previous month. The services reading rose to 51.2 from 50.6. It seems the French economy is finally back in expansion territory, although readings have been volatile and while there may be a cyclical recovery, helped by the stabilisation elsewhere in the Eurozone, France’s underlying problems remain largely unaddressed, which heralds further weakness ahead.

Eurozone composite PMI fell to 54.0 in September from 54.3 in the previous month. The manufacturing reading dropped to 52.0 from 52.3 and the services to 54.0 from 54.0. Readings are broadly in line with our forecast, but slightly below consensus. The overall numbers remain firmly above the 50 point mark, thus pointing to ongoing robust expansion across both sectors and in the overall economy, while the country breakdown showed France finally catching up and thus a more balanced picture. Growth may not be accelerating, but at least so far it is still consolidating, even as clouds gather on the horizon.

German PMIs decline, but remain at healthy levels. In contrast to the French PMI readings, the German numbers corrected more than anticipated, with the manufacturing reading falling to 52.5 from 53.3 and the services number dropping to 54.3 from 54.9. Despite the correction, the numbers still point to robust expansion in both sector and continue to look healthy compared to France. Domestic demand in particular is boosting the German recovery, with low unemployment and inflation leading to very strong gains in real disposable income. However, this is not really sustainable growth in the medium to long term and investment remains an issue, as is the slowdown in emerging market economies, which is hitting German exports. The emission scandal meanwhile is a further negative for automakers going ahead.

Currency Movers Charts

I highlighted in the September 18th report that AUDUSD was trading at a resistance and formed a daily shooting star candle. Those that traded accordingly have since enjoyed a great short trade. Today AUD is down against all the other major currencies as well. EURAUD formed a narrow bodied pin bar yesterday and has been rising higher today. GBPAUD has continued its turnaround and has moved to 2.1840 resistance that has now caused a reaction lower. AUDJPY has also been moving down after I highlighted it in my yesterday’s report. AUDCAD has been falling in line with the other AUD pairs but the fall has been helped by the Crude rising today almost by 0.90%.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• China PMI: Caixin/Markit flash manufacturing PMI fell to 47.0 in September from 47.3 in August. It’s a 3rd straight monthly decline, the 7th consecutive reading below the 50 expansion/contraction mark, and is the lowest level since March 2009. The output component dropped to 45.7 from 46.4, while the new orders component slid to the lowest print since November 2011. The drop is exacerbating concerns over slowing growth.

• French Q2 GDP was confirmed at 0.0% q/q, while the annual rate was revised up marginally to 1.1% y/y from 1.0% y/y reported initially. The stagnation in the second quarter has to be seen in conjunction with the strong first quarter, but nevertheless, the disappointing number also reflects chronic underperformance of the French economy, which is struggling to come to grips with its structural problems.

• ECB Draghi Speech: The ECB President will testify before the European Parliament today and expectations that he will deliver a very dovish statement are mounting. The ECB’s official line at the last meeting was that it’s too early to assess the impact of global headwinds for the inflation outlook, but that the ECB is ready to act again if the objective is being pushed further out. The central bank is hedging its bets while watching global developments, but also forex markets. In our view, the currency may well be the decisive factor that could trigger further ECB easing, even if Draghi won’t admit that. So for now, we expect a dovish statement, but no firm commitment of further measures.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

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Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 30th September 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 30th September 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD daily chart observations show a pause in the August price advance from 1.0850 to 1.1713 with current price lacking direction. The fact that price had stopped near the 260 period moving average around the 1.17 area gives reason that downward pressure on price is still present. Further moving average analysis spots a bullish double moving average cross of the 10 and 50 MA that accrued around mid August. Additionally, a bullish stochastic oscillator supports my technical view that price may attempt to make a new lower top sub 1.1460 before tracing out some range trading between 1.1460 and 1.1090. Traders may look to stand aside while price trades in a range or attempts to play the range between the relevant support and resistance levels indicated on the above EURUSD daily chart.

The German jobs market is looking healthy as the jobless rate was unchanged at 6.4% and wage growth is accelerating, which together with low inflation is pushing up disposable income and underpinning consumption. France has been underperforming Germany amid the lack of structural reforms and weak productivity growth, but latest confidence indicators suggest that despite the fundamental weakness in the French economy, there is somewhat of a cyclical recovery that is having a positive effect.

ECB’s Hansson: “Everything is possible” on QE. The Finnish central bank head said at a conference in Italy that “it is too early to discuss changes to the quantitative easing program”. He added that there are “moderate” inflation pressures in the Eurozone and that “a lot depends on how inflation will develop, if it slows or accelerates”. So for now the ECB remains in wait and see mode, while keeping the door to further easing wide open.

Asian stocks rallied. The Nikkei 225 closed with the solid 2.7% gain and Australia’s ASX 200 with an impressive 2.1% rise, while the Shanghai Composite was showing just over a 1% advance in late PM session.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Index in September rose to 103 from 101.3 in August. This points to a continuation of strong consumer spending.

Currency Movers Charts

The new Currency Movers Charts show the percentage change from previous day’s close to the current moment against the other major currencies.

The JPY is trading slightly higher across the board even through Japan Retail Sales shrank in July, the AUD is sharply lower as continued weakness in China and commodities prices will dominate the path of the AUD.

The EUR is showing some signs of strength as price trades in a recent range as the market wait for the U.S. jobs report data on Friday.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• GBP UK Q2 GDP data show an unexpected down revision to 2.4% y/y from the 2.6% provisional estimate, though the q/q figure is unchanged at 0.7% growth. The quarterly growth figure is an improvement on Q1′s 0.4%, though deteriorating global conditions and survey evidences point to a ebb in Q3 growth back to a 0.5% rate.

• EUR German retail sales: Dropped 0.4% m/m,less of a correction from the strong rise in July but against consensus expectations for a slight rise over the month. Retail sales cover less than 50% of overall consumption and are likely understating overall trends, although annual increases in retail sales also remain robust as low unemployment, sizable wage gains and low inflation boost real disposable income.

• USD Chicago Purchasing Manager’s Index Producer sentiment looks poised to improve slightly with the ISM-adjusted average holding at 51 from August and 53 in July and June.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 2nd October 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 2nd October 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD short-term trend remains flat and range bound with a price recovery towards the 1.1460 area looking unlikely as long as price remains below the 1.1280 level. Yesterday’s U.S. report revealed a disappointing September ISM drop and a downward bump in the construction spending though the three months ending in August was not enough to push the EURUSD to close above the lower end of the 1.12’s (61.8%). Potential trade setups for the short term are to enter short positions near 1.1280 for a 1.0930-1.0920 target; alternatively, on a clean break of 1.13, long positions could be opened for a 1.1460 initial target.

The European calendar yesterday was focused on manufacturing PMI readings. The overall Eurozone September manufacturing PMI was confirmed at 52.0, in line with the preliminary reading and down from 52.3 in the previous month. France is returning to growth and only Greece is in contraction territory, although, even the Greek manufacturing PMI has started to pick up again. So, pretty much a confirmation of what the ECB sees – ongoing growth, but with reduced momentum, even if the recovery is broadening somewhat.

The UK manufacturing PMI was slightly higher than expected at 51.5, which is only marginally down from August’s 51.6. The sector continues to expand, although it is holding just above the two-year low point at 51.4.

Bank of Japan sees little immediate need for adding stimulus according to Bloomberg headlines.

Fed Williams repeated his rate hike call for “sometime later this year” in his speech from Salt Lake City. The news shouldn’t sway the markets much ahead of today’s payrolls report.

NYMEX crude has fallen back to $45.20 lows, after peaking at $47.08 earlier. The move comes as the National Hurricane center shifts the path of the hurricane further East, and away from energy infrastructure on the northeastern coast.

Currency Movers Charts

The JPY is weaker as Japan’s Tankan survey of business sentiment this week found the index for large manufacturers to be slightly worse than expected. A pattern that has been persisting since mid-August with periodic bouts of demand for the safe haven of the yen having been interspersed with bouts of relative calm. In the background are expectations for the BoJ to expand its QQE program at its Oct-30 policy meeting.

The EUR has drifted modestly lower, to the 1.1160 area after failing to hold gains above 1.1200 on several attempts over the last day.

The GBP is mostly stronger as the U.K. construction PMI rose to 59.9 in the headline of the September survey, up from the 57.3 reading of the August survey and above the 57.5 median forecast. Residential construction rose at the quickest pace in a year, and job creation lifted to its best level in three months.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• EUR ECB Draghi’s Speech: Draghi is taking a “wait and see stance” and with core inflation actually trending higher, labour markets stabilizing, wage growth picking up and credit conditions also improving it is not hard to see why.

• USD Factory Orders: August factory orders are expected to fall 1.5% with inventories down 0.1%.Forecast risk: downward, given the weaker top-line durable goods numbers. Market risk: downward, as weaker data could impact rate hike timing.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 7th October 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 7th October 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

It appears the FX market continues to play down a U.S. Fed rate hike this year. The EUR and the USD have been falling behind emerging and commodity related currencies as markets shift to a risk-on mode. This could be because of hopes that more stimulus will be generated by Europe and Asian policy makers. Technically, the EURUSD remains range bound with current price now testing the 1.1280 minor resistance. In the immediate short term, selling pressure may emerge near the 1.1280 area, with short traders possibly seeking a 1.11 target. However, a clean break over the 1.1280 resistance may entice the EURUSD bulls to commit to further long positions for a target just below the 1.1460′s.

Asian stock markets advanced with the Hang Seng outperforming and opening the way for further gains in Europe. Stock markets are benefiting from the recent weak data that pushes the odds that global monetary policy will remain accommodative for longer, therefore, cheap U.S. dollars should continue to flood the market with companies and investors betting on consumption to fuel corporate earnings.

The BoJ kept policy on hold. In Europe, the BoE starts its 2-day meeting and it’s widely expected that any change in policy is on hold for now. The U.S. and German production fell in August. This data of disappointing manufacturing orders fits in well with the markets view that the ECB could be moving towards further QE.

In the U.S. solid gains in consumption and business spending has been on the upswing, and inflation is still below the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed’s Williams said that he does not believe that there’s been a fundamental shift in the economic outlook, and he remains bullish on China.

Currency Movers Charts

The EUR is weaker against the majors as Europe looks to increase QE and stimulate growth after a softer GDP number for the quarter. The USD is slightly lower as the impact on the Fed rate-hike decision is more uncertainty and markets will increase in volatility with a growing feeling that the Fed has miscalculated. The GBP is not moving much, although downward bias may prevail now that the U.K. economy continues to look a little softer and expectations are that the BoE will not tighten monetary policy prior to a move by the Fed. The NZD is broadly higher as commodity markets hold ground, with Gold and Copper holding on to recent gains.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• EUR German Industrial Production: dropped 1.2% m/m. Initial expectations had been for a modest rise over the month, but with much weaker than expected orders numbers yesterday, a correction had always looked likely. Jul was revised up to 1.2% m/m from 0.7% m/m reported initially, but the three months trend rate nevertheless fell into negative territory.

• GBP Manufacturing Production: 0.5% actual came in higher by 0.10% than the 0.40% forecasted number.

• JPY BoJ Monetary Policy Statement: The BoJ announced unchanged policy, as was widely expected, maintaining bond and other asset purchases (QQE) at an annual rate of Y80 tln. In the statement the central bank remarked that the economy had “continued to recover moderately, although exports and production are affected by the slowdown in emerging economies.”

• CAD Building Permits: Building permit values are expected to rise 1.0% in August after the 0.6% dip in July. The Bank of Canada has assured that Canada is not at risk of a national housing bubble and that the soft landing remains in play.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 9th October 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 9th October 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

There was no surprise in the FOMC minutes from the mid-September meeting with “several members” worried that downside risk to growth and inflation have increased due to uncertainties about the global economy. The fact that the FOMC members are downbeat adds to the odds that the FED will delay to at least year end. The U.S. Dow Jones finished with a solid higher close in the wake of the FOMC minutes, while Asian stock markets have rallied across in overnight trading, and most commodity prices are gaining. Crude Oil is trading above $50 for the first time since late July, and may aid support to commodity linked currencies.

Previous EURUSD price action closed just below the key resistance (1.1280), leaving a shadow on the daily. However, the EUR bulls seem to be gaining control of the market this morning as price has taken out yesterday’s high (1.1327) and now looks set to continue a push higher with short term bullish momentum now in play. EURUSD bulls should remain cautious of the failed upward break of the one year moving average August high near the 1.17’s, which supports that the longer term trend on the EUR remains to the downside.

EURUSD daily traders should understand that the pair still lacks direction over the very short term and price seems to be attempting to trace out a trading range between the 1.1090 – 1.1460 range.

The Bank of England left policy unchanged as expected; however, the meeting minutes sounded more to the side of holding current policy for an extended period as the BoE pointed out downside risks, all suggesting that the BoE is in no hurry to raise rates.

Currency Movers Charts

The EUR is trading higher against the majors in the wake of positive French production numbers, which normally is not a EUR mover, but today catches a USD bearish market following yesterday’s publication of the Fed’s minutes to its most recent policy meeting. The USD, JPY and the GBP are all suffering losses as commodity currencies trade stronger fueled by a general risk on investor sentiment after the FOMC minutes indicated an increased in the odds that the FED will delay any upward move in interest rates. The AUD , CAD and NZD are all benefiting from the stronger commodity markets and the fact that US Crude Oil is trading at its highest levels not seen since late July.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• EUR Italian Industrial Production: Dropped -0.5% m/m in August, after 1.1% m/m in July. The work day adjusted y/y rate fell back to 1.0% from 2.8% and output actually stagnated in the three months to August, which will raise renewed concerns about the health of the Italian economy.

• EUR French Industrial Production: Better than expected with manufacturing up 2.2% m/m and overall production 1.6% m/m. July data were revised down, but the numbers are nevertheless encouraging. The positive numbers tie in with the improvement in French PMI readings recently and confirm that the cyclical recovery in the Eurozone has finally reached France.

• USD Wholesale Inventories: August wholesale trade data is out later today and should reveal a 0.3% (median unchanged) decline for sales while inventories remain unchanged for the month. This would follow respective July figures of -0.3% for sales and -0.1% for inventories.

• CAD Bank of Canada Business Outlook: Due out later today, is expected to improve to 10.0 in Q3 from 8.0 in Q2 and a multi-year low 4.0 in Q1. An expected rebound in Q3 GDP following the declines in Q1 and Q2 is expected to lift sentiment.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 14th October 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 14th October 2015.

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD daily price has been in a momentum driven mode since clearing to the upside the previous resistance now turned support (1.1280) level. This upward momentum on price has been done on the back of mostly disappointing Eurozone data; however, the market has interpreted last week’s release of the U.S. Feds FOMC meeting minutes as a reason to sell off the USD, therefore, proving short term support for the EUR. Moving forward, stochastic oscillator analysis is starting to look overextended, indicating that momentum may start to slow. Price is also nearing the 260 period (1 year) SMA leaving me with the technical view that the EURUSD remains at risk for a fall towards the 1.1280′s, unless we see a clean break above the 1.1460′s that could open up the way for the 1.1530′s.

On Tuesday, we saw that the German ZEW investor expectations drop was much more pronounced than anticipated, with optimists only marginally outnumbering pessimists now. The index has been falling steadily since March and the decline in investor sentiment clearly reflects growing concerns about the health of the global economy and the impact of slowing growth in emerging market economies on advanced countries. The expectations index for the U.S. dropped sharply in October, and the reading for the Eurozone also declined. The German ZEW decline was not a total surprise in the wake of the VW emission scandal, the refugee crisis and, of course, uncertainty about the global growth outlook.

Global stock markets were weaker on Tuesday, as disappointing trade news from China continues to influence investor sentiment, and signs of disinflation from Europe. Also, profit taking on U.S. markets added to the selling pressure after the Dow Jones posted a 7-week high last week.

Currency Movers Charts

AUD has been correcting lower in the wake of a 2 week advance, AUDUSD buyers have emerge around the 0.72 area and a potential 10,50 SMA bull cross may be forming on the daily. The NZD has been trading higher as the New Zealand economy continues to grow, supported by strong home sales. The USD is still softer as markets continue to add pressure for USD buyers with the impact of a delayed rate hike fresh on traders mind, as well as disappointing retail sales data.

Significant daily support and resistance levels for these pairs are:

Main Macro Events Today

• GBP Claimant Count Change: UK unemployment unexpectedly dipped to a new cycle low of 5.4% in the official ILO figure for August. This is below the BoE’s 5.5% NAIRU marker, which is the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment, below which the central bank expects inflation pressures to build. Other parts of the labour report showed the claimant count rising by 4.6k in September, which is worse than expected as the median forecast was for a 2.5k decline. The claimant count rate remained at cycle lows of 2.3%. Wage data was perky, though within expectations. The with-bonus figure rose 3.0% y/y in the three months to August, up from 2.9% previously. This is a strong rate of real improvement in households spending power, given that CPI is at -0.1% y/y, and the BoE will be monitoring this closely with unemployment now south of 5.5%.

• EUR Eurozone Industrial Production: Eurozone industrial production dropped 0.5% m/m in August, in line with median expectations and indications from national data last week. The annual rate dropped to 0.9% y/y from 1.7% y/y in the previous month. Confidence indicators continue to suggest ongoing expansion, but also a slowdown in growth momentum, and even if the broadening of developments is encouraging, the knock to the German economy from the emission scandal and the slowdown in emerging economies is also raising concerns about the outlook and adding to the arguments of the doves at the ECB.

• USD Retail Sales: U.S. retail sales rose 0.1% in September, and fell 0.3% ex-autos. The disappointing data will add to expectations of no Fed rate hike in 2015. The 0.2% headline August gain was bumped down to unchanged, though July’s 0.7% was bumped up to 0.8%. The 0.1% ex-auto gain from August was revised lower to -0.1%. Sales excluding autos, gasoline, and building materials edged up 0.1% after a 0.2% increase in August (revised down from 0.5%). Motor vehicles and parts climbed 1.7% last month. Gas station sales fell 3.2%. Small declines were registered in electronics, building materials, food, general merchandise and non-store retailers. Clothing rose 0.9%, as did sporting goods, with furniture prices up 0.6%. Health care costs were unchanged.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Click HERE to access the full HotForex Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

Date : 16th October 2015.

CURRENCY MOVERS OF 15th October 2015.

AUDUSD, Daily

As expected the pair rallied from the 0.6938 support. AUD has now been trading at resistance and just recently failed to stay above the daily Bollinger Bands. The 100 period SMA has been limiting the upside in the occasions while the September pivotal high at 0.7280 has been supporting price yesterday and today. Price is now trading at 0.7263. A close below 0.7266 would make yesterday’s candle a pivot and a lower high. This looks likely. A break below 0.7200 would open a way to the 0.7020 support. If 0.7200 fails to support price look for reversals in 0.6938 – 0.7020 range for long trades and 0.7344  - 0.7382 for short trades.

AUDJPY, Daily

With AUDUSD rallying the AUDJPY moved higher as well. The pair hit resistance at 88.65 and reversed after trading outside the Bollinger bands. Now price action is taking place inside Bollinger Bands and the pair is fluctuating near 50 day simple moving average. There is some support at 86.08 but the 4h chart reveals a lower high after price reacted lower from a 30 period SMA and increases the chances price will break below this support. This would make the 82.88 – 84.29 a reasonable target level.  Look for bullish reversals inside this range while 87.80 – 88.65 is a range for bearish reversals.

MACRO EVENTS & NEWS

FX News Today

Bund futures are outperforming and yields heading south, while Eurozone spreads narrow, as weak inflation numbers bolster hopes of further ECB easing. Pressure on Draghi to at least set the stage for a widening or extension of the QE program next week are mounting amid the uncertainty about the global growth outlook. Nowotny’s comments yesterday that even core inflation is clearly below target further fuelled speculation of additional measures, although the Austrian central bank head called for structural reforms rather than hinting at ECB action.

The Eurozone posted trade surplus of EUR 19.8 bln in August, down from EUR 22.4 bln in the previous month. Exports were up 6.0% y/y in August, versus nominal import growth of 3.0% y/y, although considering that lower oil prices are suppressing the nominal import bill, real import growth will have been higher.

Eurozone final CPI was confirmed at -0.1% y/y, in line with the preliminary number and down from 0.2% y/y in the previous month. The breakdown confirmed that the drop back into negative territory was driven by a sharp decline in energy prices, which were down -1.7% m/m and -8.9% y/y, versus -7.2% y/y in August. Core inflation remains much higher at 0.9% y/y, but as Nowotny highlighted yesterday, this is also considerably below the ECB’s 2% limit for price stability. So more arguments for the doves at the ECB although the amount of stimulus in the system is already substantial and while central bankers want to keep markets happy they also seem wary of additional action, especially as monetary policy alone can’t fix the Eurozone’s problems.

Main Macro Events Today

• Canada Manufacturing: We expect shipments, due today, to tumble 1.5% m/m in August after the 1.7% gain in July. A 3.6% plunge in exports values provides a compelling reason to forecast a pull-back in manufacturing shipments during August.

• US Industrial Production: September industrial production data is out Friday and we expect a 0.2% (median -0.2%) headline decline for the month which follows a 0.4% decline in August. This would bring capacity utilization down to 77.3% from 77.6% in August. The September employment report was weak and we saw declines in hours worked as well as employment in both manufacturing and mining which will likely weigh on the release.

• US Michigan Consumer Sentiment: The first release on Michigan Sentiment is out on Friday and should reveal a headline increase to 89.0 (median 88.4) from 87.2 in September. The already released IBD/TIPP poll for October improved to 47.3 from 42.0 in September and the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort survey is poised to average 45.0 for the month.

EURUSD UPDATE

EURUSD, Daily

EURUSD sold off in the wake of mixed U.S. data that highlighted a 40 year low in U.S. jobless claims, slightly better core CPI reading, and a small improvement in the Empire State index. The EURUSD market sell off yesterday was a standard knee jerk reaction to the headline positive jobless claims, which saw renewed interest in buying the USD. Technically, the sell off was expected, as momentum indicators have been signaling that buying interest in the EURUSD has been slowing with the stochastic oscillator reading as overextended. Price now sits around the 1.1370′s, and I expect this area to hold, unless today’s U.S. release of the UoM Consumer Sentiment comes in above expectations. The 1.1370′s also happens to be the 38.2% Fibo from the July low (1.0808) – August High (1.1713), so I would expect price support around current levels. My conclusion for the short term trader is to add long positions above 1.1370 for targets between the 1.1460′s and 1.1560′s.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

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Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex
&
John Knobel
Senior Currency Strategist
HotForex

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