Daily Fundamental ForexTime ( FXTM )

A not-so-happy birthday for OPEC

On 14th September 1960, OPEC was born in Baghdad, aiming to “co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries”. 60 years later, the alliance is being strained by a global pandemic.

OPEC’s birthday week holds key events that could influence the near-term performance of Oil prices. Later today, OPEC is set to release its Monthly Oil Market Report, complete with its outlook on global demand and output. Then on Thursday, the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee is scheduled to meet and discuss the efficacy of its supply cuts, while assessing the level of compliance among members.

Recall that back in April, OPEC+ agreed to an unprecedented supply cuts deal, shaving off 9.7 million barrels per day (bdp) from its collective output, only to then ease off by about two million bpd starting last month in hopes that global demand will stage a sustained recovery.

However, things haven’t quite panned out as they hoped.

Both Crude and Brent are coming off back-to-back weekly drops for the first time since April. On a month-to-date basis, Brent and WTI futures have fallen by over 12 percent respectively, leaving both to be ‘scooped up’ by their 100-day simple moving averages. Both these instruments are also trying to claw themselves out of the ‘oversold’ domain, judging by their respective 14-day relative strength indices having dipped into sub-30 levels recently. At the time of writing, Brent and WTI futures are about 35 percent lower so far in 2020.

The slide in Oil prices comes amid signs that the global demand recovery appears to have stalled. Diesel stockpiles in Singapore are at their highest since 2011, while Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and other Gulf producers have slashed the pricing on their respective crude grades to the US and Asia. Oil supermajor, BP, recently cited the risk that global demand may never recover to pre-pandemic levels, while traders are buying up tankers in case they need to hold crude supplies for months. According to CFTC data, short-selling on Oil has risen to its highest levels since the historic crash in April this year, when WTI futures were sent into negative territory.

This week, investors will be monitoring how much sway the alliance could still have over global markets, even as these major Oil-producing nations aim to shore up prices. While its 60th birthday celebrations had to be put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions, OPEC may not be able to hold off further intervention for much longer if Oil prices keep unwinding more of its recovery from the past five months.

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Mid-week technical outlook: Gold waits for Fed decision

The Federal Reserve monetary policy announcement later today will be the most important economic event of September.

Although the central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, much of the focus will be directed towards the economic projections, Powell’s press conference and updated ‘dot plot’ forecast of interest rate moves. Given how this will be the first meeting after the Fed announced its new average inflation targeting (AIT) framework, there could be some volatility in the Dollar as investors sift for clarity during the meeting.

Back in June, policy members projected GDP to decline 6.5% in 2020 while unemployment was seen rising 9.3%. However, the current unemployment rate of 8.4% is already below the medium forecast - something that could allow the Fed to express some confidence over the US economy.

Let’s be honest, the US economy is certainly not out of the woods yet despite the improving unemployment rate.

Rising coronavirus cases in major states coupled with the congressional stalemate over a new fiscal package remain major threats to the country’s economic outlook. Markets expect the Fed to signal that interest rates will remain unchanged and close to zero through the end of 2023! But It will still be interesting to hear Jerome Powell’s thoughts on the latest developments, in addition to how high or how long the Fed will allow inflation to overshoot the 2% target.

What does this all mean for Gold?

Gold seems to be drawing strength from a softer Dollar this morning as anticipation mounts ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting.

Regardless of the choppiness witnessed over the past few weeks, the precious metal remains underpinned by low-to-negative government bond yields, rising COVID-19 cases in the United States and a tired Dollar.

Price action suggests that the precious metal is in search of a fresh directional catalyst to breakout of the current range. This may come in the form of the Fed meeting today.

After the Federal Reserve’s policy shift to let inflation rip, the big question on the mind of many investors is how will the central bank put this policy to action? Clarity on this could provide Gold a tailwind as the metal is seen as a hedge against inflation. Additionally, a dovish sound Fed could weaken the Dollar, further supporting Gold prices.

Looking at the technical picture, strong support can be found around $1910 and resistance around $1985. The solid daily close above the $1952 intraday resistance level may open the doors towards $1985. If $1952 proves to be unreliable support, prices may decline back towards $1910.

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Bank of England pour fuel onto the GBP fire

[SIZE="3"]Although the BoE kept policy measures and rates unchanged at its meeting today, it said it had explored plans to take interest rates into negative territory if necessary. The bank’s main scenario is based on the UK signing a Brexit trade deal before the end of the year, so the market has reacted strongly in light of the negative recent headlines and increasing risk of a no-deal. At one point, the GBP was one of the weakest major currencies on the day, down nearly 0.7% while money markets have been given little choice but to price in negative rates in early 2021.

Although it would seem that more QE and bond buying will take place ahead of negative rates, sub-zero borrowing costs are not just in the toolbox now, but briefings are taking place on how to implement them effectively. And that is the sixty-four million pound question as negative rates have failed to boost the economies of Japan and Europe, hurting the banking sector in the process who park their funds with the central banks.

The damage to Sterling has been done and the recent softening in the UK government stance by giving a veto to Parliament over some measures of the Internal Market bill doesn’t appear to be enough to change the odds so far of any kind of success in the trade talks. The 50-day Moving Average at 1.2993 was too much of a hurdle for Cable but the pair has found near-term support at 1.2850.

Fed aftermath leaves risk off, for now

The Dollar is consolidating its gains from overnight with US stocks opening firmly lower as the disappointment from last night’s meeting grows. The Fed delivered the minimum dovish statement on QE as the bar to ‘outdove’ itself and shake the prevailing stance was high. Chair Powell emphasised the steady profile of rates in the coming years and the fact that data has surprised to the upside is clearly positive, with the upcoming elections and the pressure now on government to do more.

Further out, in an average inflation targeting regime, what matters is continuously easier financial conditions, and this ultimately means the Dollar trading weaker in the Fed’s fight for higher inflation. DXY’s pop higher earlier this morning bumped up near to resistance at this month’s peak around 93.66. If prices continue to struggle, then bears will attack 92.70/80 as the first support ahead of the big figure.

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Mixed market mood continues

European stocks have hit three-month lows as worries about the prolonged economic damage from coronavirus will not go away, while US markets are volatile, with the Nasdaq on course for its worst month since March. The tech-heavy index touched official ‘correction’ territory just after the open, but this comes after a rampant 65% gain from April to the August highs. It certainly seems like markets are working it out now that fiscal action in the US will be limited to damage control rather than any significant spending package if it comes before the Presidential elections.

One asset which is liking all this uncertainty and disappointment from a Fed waving the white flag in the last few days, is the Dollar. The greenback has added to its gains through the week as it sits on track for its strongest weekly performance since early-April. The shorts are definitely trimming their positions and running to the ‘close position’ door in quick fashion ahead of the depressing increases in virus contagions.

Fed speakers are again on tap this afternoon after yesterday’s continued line that they will remain on hold for a long time and are unwilling to go the extra mile. While they are not able or willing to inject more momentum into the reflation trade, pushing the onus increasingly on to the fiscal policymakers and Government, markets are in a sombre mood.

Sunak giving a boost to Sterling

The pound is the top performing major currency today, as it makes back some of the 4.5% drop it has suffered since the start of September. The UK Chancellor unveiled support measures this afternoon for jobs and businesses, as the Government strives to ‘protect jobs though the winter’. Unemployment would have risen sharply in the coming months as the furlough scheme ends in October, but the new scheme is less generous. More importantly for the Treasury, it will cost alot less which matters when the size of UK public debt was equivalent to UK GDP at the end of July.

Cable is just about bouncing off the crossing of the 100- and 200-day Moving Averages at 1.2703 and 1.2722 respectively. Prices need to get back above the mid-September lows around 1.2762 to have a chance of building any bullish momentum. Allowing for the current pause in recent selling, indicators looks quite bearish with 1.2650 opening up, if the Moving Averages prove to be feeble in their support.

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Oil: Stuck around $40 with nowhere to go

Later today, OPEC+ is set for a meeting to evaluate the state of the global market. And the outlook isn’t particularly inspiring for Oil bulls.

Since bouncing out from under the $20/bbl in April, Brent Oil’s recovery has plateaued, even as it keeps its head above the psychologically-important $40/bbl line. Still, the MACD clearly points to waning momentum, with Oil prices having stuck to a sideways range since September. The FXTM Trader's Sentiments also appears rather evenly split, with 52 percent net long on this asset.

Likewise, Crude oil prices are seeing similar fortunes, drifting sideways, even as it consolidates around its 50-day simple moving average. Although the International Energy Agency estimates that the demand for oil worldwide has been restored to 94 percent of pre-pandemic levels, markets are clearly not convinced.

Recall back in April, OPEC and its allies had agreed to aggressively lower their collective output in order to rebalance global markets. From the 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) that were removed starting May, those production cuts were set to be eased by about 3.9 million bpd at the start of 2021, which is in just 74 days. Their initial hopes that global demand would’ve recovered sufficiently by now to warrant restoring more Oil supply into the world has clearly been decimated by the pandemic’s refusal to go quietly into the night.

As the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee meet on Monday, the alliance will be under pressure to delay their supply ramp-up, given how the global economy is still faltering in its post-pandemic recovery. The total number of Covid-19 cases is nearing the 40 million mark, and major Western economies are still, till this day, battling the coronavirus’s spread within their own borders. While eschewing the nationwide lockdowns that were commonplace during the first half of the year, more targeted restrictions still impede economic activity. With schools shut, work-from-home orders in place, and little allowance for social activities, such measures erode the world’s demand for Oil. Such persistent demand-side concerns ensure that the upside for Oil prices remain capped for the time being.

At least China is a bright spark in the global economy. The world’s second largest economy grew by 4.9 percent in Q3, while its industrial production and retail sales for September exceeded market expectations. During its Golden Week holidays earlier this month, that were about 425 million trips made across China within a four-day period. However, more major economies need to follow China’s lead and keep the coronavirus in check, before Oil prices can see a sustainable lift.

Although no decision is expected out of OPEC+ until December 1, the signs are already there that this alliance of major Oil producers may have to keep their output levels suppressed for longer if they are to retain hope that prices can climb higher from current levels. Until there is a vaccine that can help speed up the global economic recovery, perhaps Oil bulls would be content sitting off to the sidelines in the interim.

Daily Fundamental ForexTime ( FXTM )

Technical outlook: Gold tumbles to 4-month low[

After being trapped within a wide range for many weeks, Gold has finally broken below the stubborn $1850 support level.

The primary culprits behind Gold’s sharp decline revolved around the better-than-expected U.S business activity data and rising optimism over the progress in a Covid-19 vaccine. Appetite towards the safe-haven asset took another hit amid the triggering of a formal transition process to President-elect Joe Biden. With Biden set to nominate former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to become the next Treasury secretary, this may boost the prospects for further fiscal and monetary stimulus given her reputation as a dove. Such a move has been welcomed by investors, with the risk-on sentiment further pressuring Gold which has weakened over 2% since the start of the week.

Now that Gold bears have awoken from hibernation and broken below the $1850 support level, the path of least resistance for the precious metal points south. Given how the MACD trades to the downside and the death cross technical formation – (where the 50-day simple moving average crosses below the 100-day simple moving average) is in play, bears are currently in the driving seat. Sustained weakness below the $1850 support may open the doors towards $1815 level and the psychological $1800 level above the 200-day simple moving average.

Zooming out to the weekly timeframe, a solid close below the $1850 could signal the start of a bearish trend. Prices are already trading below the 20 SMA while the MACD is displaying early signs of crossing to the downside. Should bears keep prices below $1850 this week, previous support could transform into a dynamic resistance that encourages a decline towards $1800 and $1760.

For those who are focusing on the shorter timeframes, there are some interesting developments on the hourly charts. An intraday rebound towards the $1840 level could be on the cards. Should this level prove to be reliable resistance, prices may decline back towards the $1820 level. If the risk-on mood further dampens appetite for the safe-haven asset, prices may break below $1820 with the psychological $1800 a key point of interest.

Back to the fundamentals…

While the positive vaccine news is set to impact Gold in the near term, the medium to longer term outlook may be influenced by lower interest rates and possible rise in inflation. Given how the Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged until at least 2023, the central bank could expand its QE program to support the US economy. Such may weaken the Dollar – essentially providing support to Gold.

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Can Carnival’s share price cruise to a new 2021 high?

Carnival Corporation is set to unveil its latest quarterly earnings on Wednesday, 7 April.

The cruise operator’s financial results for the three months ending 28 February are set to bear the deep scars inflicted by the global pandemic. Yet investors have been willing to pay scant attention to such backward-looking figures. Instead, they have been looking forward to the day when Carnival’s cruise ships will set sail once more, filled with holiday goers who are eager (and also hopefully vaccinated) for a break from the lockdowns around the world.

Such hopes have catapulted the stock higher by almost 260% since 2 April 2020!

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Carnival’s stock price still a long way from pre-pandemic levels

Following an 85% plunge between 17 January until 2 April last year, Carnival’s stock ended up sinking below the [imath]8.00 mark to hit its lowest levels since 1993. Despite the stunning recovery in the 12 months since, the stock currently remains about 45% lower from its pre-pandemic high, when it breached the[/imath]50 mark in January 2020.

From a technical perspective, Carnival’s stock recently enjoyed support at its 50-day simple moving average. And with its MACD momentum poised to break above its signal line, coupled with the fact that its 14-day relative strength index has yet to reach technically overbought levels, the stock appears on the cusp of exploring more of its upside.

Although there is still a notable distance between its current share price from pre-pandemic levels, such a gap also signals the potential upside for Carnival’s stock, as its business eventually is restored.

How might Carnival’s share price perform today?

Market participants are poised to react to any commentary or details today about when more of Carnival’s cruises can resume. Any developments related to advanced bookings and pricing could reveal a lot about the pent-up demand for the company’s products and offerings.

Markets are pricing in a 5.56% move, either upwards or downwards, when Carnival releases its fiscal Q1 earnings. Note that this stock is now 4% away from this year’s highest closing price, set on 15 March.

Carnival’s share prices registered gains after 4 out of the past 5 quarterly earnings announcements. Despite some negative surprises in the hard numbers, clearly many investors and traders had little qualms getting on board with this stock, pushing it higher by 32% already so far this year.

Still, going into the earnings announcement, at least 5% of Carnival’s shares are being shorted.

What are the market expectations for Carnival’s fiscal Q1 earnings?

Wall Street predicts that Carnival’s latest quarterly revenue would come in at [imath]66.9 million, and an adjusted loss per share of[/imath]1.68 for the period.

For Carnival’s bottom line, Wall Street is forecasting a net loss of [imath]1.74 billion in this latest financial quarter, which would mark a fifth consecutive fiscal quarter of net losses for the cruise operator. No surprise also that its top line has been wiped out by Covid-19, dwindling to a mere pittance versus the average[/imath]5.1 billion in quarterly revenue it used to rake in since December 2018 until the pandemic struck.

It is also estimated that Carnival had to burn through $600 million per month between December 2020 and February 2021 in trying to keep its business afloat. Carnival’s decision to get rid of 19 ships off its books did help pad up its cash buffers, adding to the billions raised via sales of bonds and common shares.

Is the tide turning?

However, Carnival’s fortunes are set to reverse course in the coming months.

Mid-summer 2021: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday that US cruises may recommence in a few months, as Carnival threatened to relocate its ships away from US ports.
May 2021: Carnival’s Italian outfit, Costa Cruises, will sail guests to various locations around Italy, Greece, and Croatia, with later visits to France and Spain starting mid-June.
July 2021: Carnival’s ultra-luxury cruise line, Seabourn, has been approved by the Government of Greece to relaunch its voyages in the Mediterranean.
As the Covid-19 vaccine continues making its way throughout the globe, allowing for leisurely travel to resume, that should in turn bolster Carnival’s business and stock prospects.

The question now is whether this party is just getting started and the stock can climb much higher, or has this ship already sailed?

Much rests on what Carnival’s management conveys today, and how well they can dispel the lingering uncertainties surrounding its business outlook. Carnival’s commentary today could potentially signal the next wave of either buying or selling of this stock, even as most of its fleet remains docked for now.

[FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="4"]Daily Fundamental ForexTime ( FXTM )

US stocks vexed by tax plan[/SIZE]

[SIZE="3"]US stocks took a step back on Thursday, amid reports that President Joe Biden could impose a higher capital gains tax rate of 39.6% on individuals earning US$ 1 million or more. Such headlines may have prompted wealthier investors to book in some profits before such a measure kicks in, and will be eyeing the official tax rate that POTUS will unveil before Congress on 28 April.

Following the news, the S&P 500 registered its biggest single-day drop since 18 March, falling by 0.92% at yesterday’s close. The Dow also declined, shedding 0.94%, led by the materials sector.

US tech stocks took a bigger hit yesterday, with the Nasdaq 100 falling 1.24% to drop below its February cycle highs.

Big Tech companies are seen to be more exposed to the threat of higher tax bills. Noting that tech giants such as Apple and Microsoft have revealed overseas profits exceeding US$100 billion, they are seen to be prime targets to help fund the Biden administration’s spending plans. Recall also earlier this month, the Treasury Department announced plans to raise the corporate tax from 21% to 28%, although a compromised 25% is likelier to become law.

Note that these are just proposals at this point in time, and have yet to be passed by lawmakers. Still, given the forward-looking nature of the markets, it hasn’t stopped markets from reacting to such risks. The Biden policy pipeline remains a key risk that global investors will have to continuously monitor.

Despite such bumps along the way, as highlighted in yesterday’s report, stock markets are still expected to explore more of their upside potential.

At the time of writing, the futures contracts for all 3 benchmark US indexes are edging higher.

EURUSD little changed after ECB meeting

The European Central Bank kept its policy settings unchanged at yesterday’s rate meeting, as widely expected, while ECB President Christine Lagarde said little to rock the boat. Lagarde stated that the central bank isn’t yet entertaining the thought of reining in its emergency bond-buying programme, amid green shoots of an economic recovery, buffered by higher vaccination rates and the prospects of 800 billion euros in fiscal stimulus being rolled out later this year.

However, Lagarde did say that the ECB will keep a close eye on the shared currency, considering that a stronger euro could serve as a drag on import prices which would influence inflationary pressures onshore, while making European exports less affordable to its global customers.

Such commentary suggests that the euro might have a tough time matching its highs against the greenback from earlier this year, despite the softer dollar environment that we are witnessing currently. And given that the euro accounts for 57.6% of the benchmark Dollar index (DXY), a euro that is prevented from taking full advantage of the softer buck may in turn offer support for the DXY.

As things stand, the world’s most traded currency pair remains hemmed in by the psychological 1.20 level and its 100-day simple moving average (SMA).

What are markets looking out for on Friday?

Global investors will be eyeing the April preliminary PMI figures out of the US, UK, and the Eurozone today.

These economic data are mostly expected to march further into expansionary territory, as denoted by a print above the 50 line, except for the Eurozone’s services sector.

Even as they digest the latest developments surrounding the pandemic, and also the prospects of higher taxes in the US, market participants who still harbour a healthy appetite for risk-taking activities would be hoping that the optimism surrounding the global economic recovery would remain intact and help stock markets end the trading week on a positive note.

There remain enough reasons to expect further gains for risk assets, considering the continued rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine around the world, and the continued fiscal and monetary policy support across major economies.

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Daily Fundamental ForexTime ( FXTM )

Earnings Preview: Uber to drive past pandemic woes?

America’s largest ride-hailing platform is set to announce its Q1 results after US markets close on Wednesday. Investors want to know how much Uber’s services are back in demand, as lockdown measures eased between January and March this year.

Even as broader stock markets have been celebrating the reopening of the US economy, Uber’s stock prices were noticeably more sanguine. The stock has been relatively range-bound over the past two months, with the stock finding a close above $60 unsustainable since posting its highest ever closing price on 10 February. The stock has fallen by over 16% since.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen spooked some segments of the US stock market on Tuesday with comments that hinted at rising interest rates to curb an overheating economy. The selloff in tech stocks contributed to Uber’s share price closing below its lower Bollinger band.

That in itself may not be such a bad thing for technical traders.

Uber bulls might take heart from such a technical event because the last time the stock closed below the lower bound of the band, it went on to stage a massive rally of more than 35% in just over two weeks! Also, over the past 12 months, the stock has found its forays below its 100-day simple moving average (SMA) to be fleeting.

Perhaps in that regard, this stock is akin to a coiled spring, raring to be propelled higher from such oversold conditions, with Wednesday’s announcement potentially serving as the trigger.

Though with momentum firmly pointing south, Uber appears in need of a major vote of optimism from the markets before we can say with conviction that a new record high is coming into view.

Is the pandemic finally in Uber’s rearview mirror?

For the quarter, markets are expecting Uber’s revenue to come in at $3.25 billion, which would mark a gradual increase from the past two quarters, though still 8.2% lower year-on-year.

The bigger boost likely came from some pandemic-era habits that have stuck around. Uber’s delivery services increased by 150% year-on-year in March, which helped the company post a record high for its monthly gross bookings!

Still, Uber’s net loss for Q1 is forecasted at around $1.05 billion, with investors wanting to know how such numbers might impact the company’s repeated forecasts of achieving profitability by year-end.

Winding road ahead

In its pursuit of profitability, Uber is also set to face some near-term challenges.

The company has set aside an extra $250 million to lure drivers back with, as the demand resurgence outpaces the number of drivers who’s willing to return to such gigs. That figure could erode its bottom line in the coming quarters.

Also, Uber may have to contend with higher operating costs if regulators are to have their way. Just last week, US Labor Secretary, Marty Walsh, said that gig workers should be classified as “employees”, which raises the prospects of the likes of Uber being saddled with the compliance costs to employment law. In March, Uber reclassified all its drivers in the UK as “workers”, and the entitled benefits to drivers would cost the company about $300 million per year, according to Morgan Stanley estimates.

Raring to grow

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for Uber’s outlook.

Besides riding on the global economic reopening, Uber plans to also aggressively grow its delivery services across the US over the coming months, reportedly in partnership with GoPuff, a startup that focuses on deliveries. Such a move would help bolster its deliveries offerings, following its $2.65 billion acquisition of Postmates last year.

There are also plans to roll out Uber Eats Germany, expanding its foray on the continent beyond existing markets in Spain, France, Poland, and the UK. Uber is also partnering with a London-based EV maker to produce cars for ride-hailing by Q3 2023.

Such ambitions could help Uber diversify its income streams, both geographically and also across varying business segments.

How could Uber’s shares react post-earnings?

Markets think that the stock could move by 8.43% when the US cash session reopens after Uber’s Q1 earnings have been released.

Uber’s shares already gained 3.6% in extended trading on Tuesday, climbing alongside the stock prices of its rival, Lyft, which announced its own results after markets closed.

Those who believe in Uber’s long-term prospects must gain enough critical mass in order for the stock to hit a new record high.

At least for the near-term, investors can take heart that, as the Covid-19 vaccine continues permeating major economies, that should help bolster Uber’s core business as people grow more comfortable hopping back into an Uber for their trips back to work, school, or out about town.

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Key events this week: Inflation all the rage?

So much for that blockbuster US jobs report last Friday.

The April nonfarm payrolls came in at an utterly disappointing 266,000 instead of the one million figure that was expected. Yet US stocks merely shrugged off the jaw-dropping figures to climb higher, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting their respective record highs on Friday.

Even Big Tech got in on the act, with the Nasdaq 100 climbing for a second straight day to move to within 2.3% of its highest ever closing price that was set on 16 April.

'Markets Extra' podcast: Sell in May - Yea or Nay

The futures contracts for all three major US stock indices (S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq 100) are pushing higher at the time of writing.

US stocks have demonstrated tremendous resilience by taking everything in its stride, supported by a better-than-expected US vaccination rollout and the Fed’s ultra-accommodative stance.

Let’s see how they fare with this week’s key events:

Monday, May 10

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans speech
Tuesday, May 11

Fed speak: Fed Governor Lael Brainard, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly,
New York Fed President John Williams
Germany ZEW survey expectations
OPEC monthly market report
Wednesday, May 12

UK GDP, industrial production
BOE Governor Andrew Bailey speech
Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida speech
US inflation
Thursday, May 13

St. Louis Fed President James Bullard speech
US weekly jobless claims
Alibaba earnings (before US market opens)
Disney, Coinbase earnings (after US market closes)
Friday, May 14

Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan speech
US consumer sentiment, industrial production, retail sales

Can Gold reach its 200-day SMA?

When the shocking US jobs report was released, investors fled to safe havens.

The buying of US Treasuries sent its yields lower. The strong correlation between Treasury yields and spot gold once again on full display last week, especially when the shocking jobs figures were released. 10-year yields screeched towards the 1.5% mark before erasing its declines, not before elevating gold prices onto a higher plain.

In order for gold prices to climb even higher, investors must have stronger conviction about the precious metal’s traditional role as a hedge against inflation. Of course, falling Treasury yields and a weaker dollar would also go a long way for bullion bulls.

And that brings us to the April US consumer price index due Wednesday.

Although this set of data is expected to be high due to the low base effect, given the abnormally low CPI figures throughout Q2 2020 due to the lockdown measures across the United States, the inflation outlook is very much central to global financial markets. Still, concerns about inflation making a roaring comeback could be taken down a notch after last Friday’s severely disappointing US jobs report.

This could mean that gold bulls may have to depend on other factors, namely another decline in US yields, a softer dollar, or bouts of risk-off sentiment.

Any of these events could help move bullion closer towards testing its 200-day simple moving average as a resistance level over the course of this week. However, with spot gold’s 14-day relative strength index now flirting with overbought levels, should prices lurch higher, that may trigger a pullback to clear some of the eventual froth.

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Risk on the defensive

The mood in markets is pretty subdued after two days of losses in stock markets and US futures pointing to another day in the red, even after bumper earnings reports by two of the major US retailers, Walmart and Home Depot. European bourses are nursing losses of over one per cent as risk sentiment is put in the shade by lingering inflation fears.

Bitcoin has caught the headlines this morning after falling below $40,000. Two weeks ago, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency was trading close to $60,000 but Elon Musk’s “did he or didn’t” (sell Tesla’s holding) tweet plus a China ban on financial services offering crypto services has hurt the crypto. Prices have just bounced off the widely watched 200-day SMA.

Focus on FOMC Minutes

This current cautious environment is generally good for the dollar which has halted the run of four days of losses so far today. The downtrend from the end of March peak is strong though, with the FOMC minutes released later today not expected to upset markets a great deal. The focus is on interpreting the Fed members’ thinking on the upbeat economic picture and the current assessment of “transitory” inflation drivers. Notably, this April meeting saw Chair Powell state in the press conference that “now is not the time to talk tapering” so the dollar may have a tough time looking for many positives in the minutes.

It’s those “base effects” again…

UK inflation data jumped this morning with the headline more than doubling to 1.5% from 0.7%. For sure, energy prices were helped by the regulator lifting the household cap, but the increase was well known, like in every country’s CPI figures. Going forward, energy prices and reopenings are expected to push inflation higher in the coming months. Wage pressures will also be important as the jobs market comes to terms with the ending of the furlough scheme in September.

GBP/USD had enjoyed three days of gains, propelling it to levels not seen since February. Bulls would like to hold onto last week’s highs around 1.4160 but the bounce from the more important 1.40 support mark should stay the course.

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