GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: November 20, 2017

The British pound persisted to move at a fixed rate but it is the opposite to the euro currency because of the news from German coalition talks. The pound has taken advantage of the low dollar as it rose to 1.32 level. However, it is still to be observed if this move higher.

The latest news from Germany will most likely affect the British pound as well as other countries of the Eurozone with the ongoing Brexit talk. Thinking about it, the current situation facing Merkel in Germany may be similar with U.K. Prime minister Theresa May as she also fights her own battle. However, it should be considered that any changes to cause uncertainty would most likely affect the Brexit as well. This will not be favorable to Germany or U.K. Nevertheless, both countries would want a good transition and come to a conclusion that would be beneficial for both ends.

Any uncertainty in Germany would slow down the talks and look forward to an agreement which could complicate more things further and be disadvantageous for the pound in long-term. Aggressive leaders are best suited in the current situation as they are looking for a conclusion. However, some domestic concerns are hampering the process which gets their attention. For short term, the British pound could have some gains because of uncertainty from Germany. However, this could have a negative impact on the U.K. for the long term if this situation is prolonged.

For today, the British pound seems to be put under pressure as it depreciates against euro during the London session. There is no major news from the U.S. or from the U.K. in other times of the day. Consequently, the consolidation with a bearish tone is anticipated to take place today.

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: November 21, 2017

The British currency had slightly whipsawed amid the daytime trading and closed the day with an unchanged position which appeared to be hardly affected by the subsequent events happened in Germany. The United Kingdom is currently dealing with ongoing issues on economy and politics, as the pound could possibly be swayed. Moreover, there are more concerns that the country needs to deal with instead of other matters related to the European region.

The sterling could possibly get a short-term and limited benefit because of the problems in Germany. It could also soften the German position as well as the EU leaders due to Brexit talks, however, brought temporary relief for the team of PM Theresa May. Nevertheless, whatever kind of benefit they could acquire from this is expected to be short-lived due to its endless process and either side will move towards on their planned position due to domestic concerns from their countries, respectively. Eventually, the market might realize this which could be the reason that after the initial sway, the GBP was able to adjust based on reality and closed the day nearly unchanged.

The economic data from the United Kingdom remains choppy which would likely trigger concerns for the  Bank of England. Meanwhile, the struggle of PM May to deal with her political woes continues which shifted her focus from the Brexit. Considering the events in Germany, the process became dull and complicated which is unacceptable for both sides.
Ultimately, there are no major releases from the United States but Britain will have its inflation report hearings which should be monitored in order to have a clearer picture for the economy and inflation that could possibly have a large impact towards the timeline of the next rate increase.

EUR/USD Fundamental Analysis: November 23, 2017

The EUR/USD pair anticipated to have fluctuations from the market but turned as the FOMC minutes is anticipated for the incoming long weekend. There is an active trading activity in the market instead of the anticipated fewer ones. The dollar has lost its leverages and was moving slower over the course of the day. The trend only gained a better traction after the release of the
FOMC minutes. 

The EUR/USD pair moves higher than the area of 1.1750 in a subtle manner with dimmed the activity that happens prior to the release of the FOMC minutes. There is not much anticipated from the market since the Fed is presumed to maintain its current stance, most especially that the rate hike in December will most likely push through. The euro moved slightly higher at the beginning of the day and proceed to move up during the course of the day.

The FOMC minutes gave a dovish tone which is not surprising. The rate in December has almost already priced in the market although the market is more focused on the possibility of a further rate hike. There are some members who think that the rate hike has not reached the target mark which could lead to another rate hike but it is also unlikely unless the inflation has improved along with the incoming data. Consequently, the dovishness of the dollar resulted in an increase of the pair towards the area of 1.18 which is seen to hover steadily above this as of the moment.

Today is the start long weekend in the US on account of Thanksgiving and there will be no economic news anticipated to be released from the U.S. as well as from the Eurozone. Traders should anticipate consolidation in the trend with a bullish tone for the rest of the day.

EUR/USD Technical Analysis: November 28, 2017

The EUR/USD was reversed following its rally on Monday. It broke higher than the resistance level reached during the Friday session. Profits and losses switched back and forth for the bonds and gilts in the event that there are not much events in the economic calendar which makes the investors cautious on the next step for the U.S. tax plans. All eyes are focusing on Brexit and Political concerns in Germany where it seems that buying on the lows became natural scenarios as the end of the year approaches. The confidence data that came out from Italy remains very low but was rebounded as it became more appealing on Wednesday along with reports including the U.K. credit data and confidence figure from the Eurozone and German preliminary HICP readings for November.

The euro major pair broke higher than the resistance line but pulled back soon after which led to a much higher high on Monday. The rate is presumed to test the resistance level close to the September high at 1.2092. There is a possibility for a breakdown in the support level at 1.1830 and the 10-day Moving Average at 1.1811. The MACD also shows positive results amid a good momentum as it prints in black with an inclined sloping trajectory which will most likely results in a higher exchange rate. On the other hand, the RSI was reversed following its climb, indicating an improving positive impetus of the pair.

NZD/USD Technical Analysis: December 4, 2017

The kiwi and the greens traded sideways during the onset of the trading session last Friday, however, met decent support around the 0.6815 region to gradually increase. Nevertheless, the announcement made by General Flynn regarding his willingness to work against the White House has pushed the American dollar downwards in general. As expected, this caused wide-ranging impact throughout the world versus the major currencies, as the New Zealand dollar did not make any difference. But the level above 0.69 is resistive which extends through the 0.70 mark eventually.

Upon breaking the 0.70 area, it seems that buying would become interesting and it remains to be seen before obtaining some advantageous type of exhaustive candle. The level below 0.68 has massive support and breaking down that area after a rollover would offer a long-term opportunity to “sell and hold”.

As of this writing, the search for an opportunity to sell the market is ongoing, particularly, those that contain a significant amount of pessimism since the public is highly concerned on New Zealand’s Labour party expenses. Meanwhile, fixing and signing of the tax bill by the US Congress could help the American dollar. The previous rally amid the fluid-based situation would probably end as an overreaction. Moving out from the market and allowing the market to cool off could be the most preferred way to trade alternatively.

AUD/USD Technical Analysis: December 13, 2017

The Aussie dollar imposed volatility amid Tuesday’s trading session and reached the higher level at 0.7580. However, it rolled over later that day due to stronger-than-expected results of CPI data in the United States. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve will have an announcement today which could possibly provide further clarity.

Moreover, the Australian dollar had initially rallied during the course yesterday but seems to have a pessimistic mood due to money flow in the US. A break down from that point might push through the 0.75 support mark which is highly supportive. The market is expected to continue its volatility, but there is a tendency for a break down. A breakdown under the 0.75 mark will drive the market lower to 0.7350 zone, which is a previous support.

Eventually, a rally from that region would largely depend on the Fed Reserve and its sentiment towards the interest rate hike. A hawkish stance could possibly weaken the AUD and the short term. However, it seems that the Fed would be dovish and will push the market to the upside. Nevertheless, the level above 0.7650 is greatly resistive which could make the upside limited. Hence, the Fed may shock the markets that they will no longer raise rates completely.

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 20, 2017

The GBP/USD currency pair was able to move ahead of the American dollar, as the USD lower in price amid smooth approval process of the tax bill. The passage was projected to support the dollar to increase, however, the effect was completely different. The market’s reaction remains uncertain not until the bill is already passed through in one of the US Houses and waiting for the Senate approval. However, there could be some delay due to procedural problems which could possibly place some pressure on the greenbacks that could further lead to uncertainty. As expected, the tax reform bill will be enacted by the Senate on a very tight margin and further requires the President’s signature to seal in the law. The whole scenario would likely be completed within this week, hence, the volatility in the USD should keep going until it happens.

The Brexit process does not have much improvement over this week and it is predicted to continue until New Year. Definitely, there will be some strong development in the process since the leaders on both sides clearly stated about the completion of a deal which may take a matter of time prior accomplishing the agreement. This notion seems to provide support for the pound in the past couple of weeks.

Ultimately, BOE Governor Mark Carney will have his speech but the impact to the market is predicted to be minimal. The market trend for today would likely be led by the USD and tax bill legislation. It is believed that the greens should gain more strength in the short and medium term in order to maintain the GBPUSD active.

AUD/USD Technical Analysis: December 22, 2017

The Aussie dollar traded sideways initially amid Thursday’s trading session, however, it moved higher following a weaker numbers of American GDP. This further caused the greenbacks to decline while providing a slight increase towards the Australian dollar during the day.

Nevertheless, the AUD/USD pair trades in a  low-volume at the margin during the day and traders are concerned to the approaching holidays in contrast to the currency markets.

It can be assumed that a break down under the 0.7625 area will push the market downwards reaching the 0.75 handle. It appears that the AUD will have some difficulty in moving higher to the upside, as a result, sellers manage to conduct a return. Perhaps, the market is easier to short at higher levels, but for now, it is suggested to stay on the sidelines until the volumes return.

There are some resistance barriers throughout the way which could make a difficult course to drive upwards. Hence, buying the commodity-linked pair seems to be under pressure. On the other hand, there’s no any shorting opportunity due to rally attempts by the market. The ability to roll over will push the market quickly, but it is impossible to see until after the New Year’s Day. Therefore, the market is expected to be difficult to deal with.

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: December 27, 2017

It was a holiday in the majority of the places in Europe, including the U.K. that makes it not surprising if the pound persisted to consolidate and traded within a tight range for the most part of trading yesterday.  The GBP/USD pair falls within a tight range since there is few major economic news.

It will not be surprising to have lesser volatility and liquidity this holiday season. At the same time, there is not much placing of trades and more on profit-taking in the past week, which can be seen mostly in the smaller market such as bitcoin. Although, it was not that obvious for pound despite there is a bigger market that is why grabbing the opportunity of any selling of this pair prior to holidays is relevant.

Come the second week of January, both liquidity and volatility will most likely gain momentum. Until then, traders should get ready for choppiness within a range near the end of the year. The market has reopened following a long weekend yet, there is still fewer traders this week since most still wanted to extend their vacation until New Year. Hence, consolidation of the pair within a tight range will persist in the next few days.

When it comes to data the Conference board’s Consumer confidence data from the U.S. is anticipated to be released today but this would not bring much volatility in the market. There is no major economic news from the U.K. Thus, there will be low trading and slow movement in the market for the rest of the day.

NZD/USD Technical Analysis: January 8, 2018

The New Zealand dollar was able to break higher upon the opening session on Monday, however, took a reversal throughout the week to move lower and fill the gap. In line with this, a sufficient support was seen and bounced to the upside. The day closed with a slight formation of a hammer pattern, which implies that buyers will return to the market.

It is possible that the Kiwi dollar will resume driving near the top of the overall consolidation zone, marked on the chart around 0.75 area. The 0.68 region below is considered highly supportive and basically the “floor” in the NZD/USD pair.

It remains to be seen prior shorting this market despite the noticeable breakdown underneath the bottom of the hammer for the week appears to be negative. But 0.70 level seems to be supportive which requires some time before taking long positions.

In case that commodity markets would rally in general, the upward trend would likely to continue. However, the current situation is slightly overbought which could possibly be followed by a pullback that should only offer value going forward. This is because the American currency was very weak versus other currencies. The market remains to have plenty of noise but a significant amount of bullish pressure is expected in order to continue moving forward. The highs will be tested again and will eventually break out.

GBP/USD Fundamental Analysis: January 16, 2018

There is a hint of bullishness in yesterday’s trading session of the pound since there is no fundamental news to affect the market aside from the bank of the holiday in the U.S. As a result, the pound bulls have become relax in trading. Most likely, this is one of the reasons why the pair has been steady in the past few days but failed to break the level of 1.38 amid the weakness of the dollar.

Other than that, it could possibly be because of a big news expected to come this week, particularly the inflation data and retail sales data. Traders and investors anticipate the data prior to positioning themselves to any direction. The incoming data from the U.K. came out stronger which brought choppiness to trading while others came in weak, which has brought further uncertainty to the Brexit negotiations and affect the U.K. economy.

Yet, the pound was able to take advantage of euro strengthening and the weakening of the dollar. Although, this may not last for a long time. More importantly, the pound is beginning to gain momentum to move higher regardless of its condition. Also, rate hikes from the U.K. are also becoming an issue after its one rate hike last year. The succeeding hikes are deemed to be more important and the central bank has to be certain on its support actions from last year to boost the U.K. economy and confidence of investors.

There is no major news from the U.S. for today but the U.S. is presumed to return to the market following their long weekend holiday. On the other end, the inflation from the U. K. is highly anticipated later this day as it will have a significant insight on the movement of the market and give a hint on which direction does the GBP/USD pair will go.

USD/JPY Technical Analysis: January 19, 2018

The U.S. dollar pulled back during the Thursday session and move towards the 111 level, which was offered both as support and resistance in the past that made it not surprised. There is a possibility for the price to rebound and reach the level of 112. Taking into consideration that the market is highly sensitive to risk appetite as a whole. The noise will probably persist in the market but there is nothing new for the Japanese yen in general. 

As a rule, traders should buy when the S&P 500 and sell when it breaks down. Generally, the market proceeds to find support. Eventually, the market proceeds to find support close to the level of 110 with 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. As a buyer, I realized that this market is good for short-term but not long-term ones. However, there is still choppiness in the market which should be taken seriously with respect. The attitude of the market changes every day and traders should be cautious in this regard with risk in the market. If it breaks down lower than the 110 level, this is likely to move lower towards 107.50 level. Although, this will most likely not happen soon since there is support below.