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USDJPY
In our latest review of the USDJPY currency pair, we've noticed a continued downward movement, going past the 23.6% Fibonacci level. The ADX indicator shows low market volatility, but the Super trend indicator points to a further drop in USDJPY.
SolidECN analysts believe this downward trend could reach the 38.2% Fibonacci level, indicating a short-term bearish outlook for the pair.
UK Public Sector Borrowing Hits Near-Record High in October 2023
In October 2023, the UK's public sector borrowing (excluding banks) rose to £14.9 billion, a significant jump from last year's £10.5 billion in the same month and surpassing the anticipated £13.7 billion. This represents the second-highest borrowing for October since records started in 1993. There was a 7.7% increase in total spending, reaching £99.8 billion, mainly due to higher expenses like increased benefit payments, despite the end of energy price-related payments from October 2022. On the revenue side, there was a modest 3.3% increase to £85.2 billion, largely driven by a £2.7 billion increase in central government tax receipts.
USDCAD
The USDCAD currency pair is trading close to the lower line of the bullish flag. The market is ranging in this area, as indicated by the ADX indicator hovering below the 20 level on the daily chart. The bullish trend is supported by the super trend indicator and the flag, as depicted in the image below.
As long as the pair is ranging above 1.3678, the bullish trend is valid, and the pair may rise to test the 78.6% of the Fibonacci level again. Please note, if the ADX rises above the 20 level, this scenario will gain more credibility.
On the flip side, if the bears cross down the bullish flag, the ranging area may extend to the Fibonacci 0 level. If this level breaks down, the bullish trend can be considered over, and we would witness a trend reversal in the USDCAD pair.
Canadian Bond Yields Stabilize Amid Economic Shifts
In November, the Canadian 10-year government bond yield stabilized below 3.7%, marking its lowest point in over two months. This trend reflects growing beliefs that both the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve might pause their rate hike cycles. Recent statistics reveal a drop in domestic inflation to 3.1% in October, surpassing expectations. This decline is a notable improvement from the Bank of Canada's initial projection of CPI inflation lingering around 3.5% until the latter half of 2024.
Such data reinforces the notion that the central bank may hold back on increasing its policy rate. This comes as the unemployment rate reaches its highest in almost two years, coupled with early indications suggesting a continued stagnation of the Canadian GDP throughout the third quarter.
Positive Outlook for European Markets
European stock markets are poised to kick off Wednesday's trading session on a positive note, buoyed by an uptick in risk appetite. Market participants are still digesting the implications of the recent Federal Reserve meeting minutes. The US central bank has hinted at maintaining a tight monetary policy, with no immediate plans to reduce interest rates.
Key Events to Watch
In the UK, all eyes will be on Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who is set to present his "Autumn Statement". This important announcement will outline the government's economic strategy moving forward. Meanwhile, Russia is due to release data on producer inflation, which could influence market trends.
Market Indicators
In the premarket trade, futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 and FTSE 100 indices were seen slightly higher, both showing a modest increase of around 0.1%. This suggests a cautiously optimistic start to the trading day in Europe.
Bitcoin
Examining today's Bitcoin technical analysis reveals that the cryptocurrency, often dubbed 'digital gold', is currently exhibiting a bullish flag pattern. Notably, Bitcoin's price has positively responded to the flag's lower boundary, with the market's bulls now challenging a critical threshold at $36,712. Should they successfully breach this mark, it could amplify the upward trend, potentially elevating the next target to R1, valued at $38,665.
On the flip side, the S1 mark plays a crucial role as a supportive base within this bullish context. However, if this support level were to be broken, it could signal a continuation of the downtrend that initiated on November 16, possibly leading the price towards the S2 level, located near $33,483.
Oil
The price of crude oil has recently experienced a decline, reaching the median line of its bearish channel. This downward trend aligns with expectations set when a bearish engulfing pattern emerged close to the bullish flag's upper boundary.
It's anticipated that the oil price may stabilize somewhat near the bearish flag's central line. Nevertheless, the projected target appears to be the S1 level, corresponding to a support point around $72.
EURUSD
EURUSD price is declining. This trend began to emerge when the pair's price hit the top of the bullish flag, marked at 1.0966. The decline is further confirmed by a divergence indicated by the awesome oscillator. If the critical support level of 1.0844 cannot hold back the downward momentum, we might see an extended drop. A sustained closure below this key level could point to a downward trajectory, potentially reaching 1.076 and possibly extending to 1.07.
At this juncture, the midpoint of the bullish flag plays a pivotal role. It acts as a significant line of defense against the bearish trend. A breach of this median line could signal a shift, potentially reviving the upward trend of the pair.
European Markets Edge Higher as ECB Minutes Loom
In European financial circles, there was a modest uptick in stock values on Thursday. The STOXX 50 index saw a slight increase of 0.1%, reaching 4,355 points—a peak not observed since August 10th. Similarly, the broader STOXX 600 index climbed by 0.2%, marking a new two-month high. Contributing to this trend, recent PMI surveys indicated a slower contraction in Eurozone business activities for November. Notably, there was a downturn in employment for the first time since early 2021, alongside a six-month peak in input cost inflation. The financial community is now keenly awaiting the ECB's October meeting minutes.
On the corporate front, notable developments included Virgin Money's annual profits falling short of expectations, Jet2's operating profit soaring by 19%, and Endesa revising its profit forecast downwards. Outside of the immediate financial sector, political developments in the Netherlands captured attention, particularly the exit polls suggesting a significant rise in support for Geert Wilders' right-wing populist Freedom Party.
Analyzing the Stability of Italian Stocks
The Italian stock market, specifically the FTSE MIB index, showed minimal changes on a recent Thursday, hovering around the 20,200 level. This steady trend mirrored the overall cautious sentiment prevailing in European markets at the time. Investors and traders were in a phase of evaluating new information, particularly the latest PMI surveys. These surveys revealed that the rate of contraction in the Eurozone's business activities for November was slowing down, a detail that held significant interest for market participants.
Influence of Political Developments
Additionally, the financial world was closely monitoring political events, notably the victory of a right-wing populist party in the Dutch elections. Political events like these can have far-reaching impacts on the stock market, influencing investor confidence and future economic policies.
Leonardo's Strategic Moves
One of the standout performers in the Italian market was Leonardo, which saw its stocks increase by 1.2%. This rise came after Mariani, the co-director general of Leonardo, confirmed the company's active pursuit of partnerships in the land armaments sector. Such strategic alliances often indicate growth potential and can positively affect a company’s stock price.
Challenges for Diasorin and Prysmian
Conversely, companies like Diasorin and Prysmian experienced a downturn, each losing about 1% in their stock value. Fluctuations like these are common in the stock market and can result from various factors, including company performance, sectoral trends, or broader market sentiments.
Effect on the Economy
The stability of the Italian stock market, as seen in this instance, generally indicates a balanced economic environment. While modest movements in major indexes like the FTSE MIB don't signal significant growth, they also suggest that the market isn't facing immediate instability or decline. This kind of stability can be reassuring for investors and beneficial for long-term economic planning.
The Bigger Picture
The interaction of corporate performance and political events with stock market trends provides crucial insights into the health and direction of the economy. For instance, Leonardo's growth in stock value might signal a strengthening in the defense sector, whereas the losses for Diasorin and Prysmian could point to challenges in their respective industries.
South Africa Holds Repo Rate Steady Amid Inflation Concerns
In a move that aligned with broad expectations, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided to keep its key repo rate steady at 8.25% on November 23rd, 2023. This decision marks the third consecutive time the rate has been held at this level, reflecting the bank's strategy to stabilize inflation expectations in the country.
Governor Kganyago noted that inflation risks are still perceived as high. Meanwhile, the balance of risks regarding the medium-term domestic growth outlook remains even. Notably, headline inflation in South Africa saw a significant rise to 5.9% in October, reaching a five-month peak. This rate is inching closer to the upper limit of the central bank's target range of 3% to 6% and moving away from the 4.5% midpoint, which is the bank's preferred level for anchoring inflation expectations.
The central bank has adjusted its inflation forecast slightly downward to 5.8% for this year, a small decrease from the previous estimate of 5.9%. Looking ahead to 2024, the forecast is set at 5%, a minor revision from the earlier prediction of 5.1%. The forecasts for 2025 and 2026 project a stabilization of the inflation rate at 4.5%.
In terms of economic activity, the SARB has also revised its GDP growth forecasts. For 2023, the growth forecast has been increased from 0.7% to 0.8%, and for 2024, it has been adjusted from 1% to 1.2%.
Assessing the Impact on the Economy
The decision to maintain the repo rate can be seen as a cautious yet optimistic approach towards managing inflation without hindering economic growth. By keeping the rate steady, the SARB aims to ensure that inflation doesn't spiral out of control while also supporting economic recovery and growth. This balance is crucial for maintaining economic stability and fostering a favorable environment for investment and development.
Turkish Manufacturing Confidence Hits a Low
In recent months, Turkey has witnessed a notable decline in business morale, reaching its lowest point in nearly a year as of November 2023. This downturn is primarily reflected in the manufacturing confidence index, which saw a decrease from 103.3 in October to 100.2 in November. This figure is significant as it represents the lowest level since December of the previous year, indicating a shift in the business climate.
Analyzing the Key Factors
Several factors contribute to this decline in confidence. Firstly, there's a noticeable drop in expectations for production, which decreased from 106.6 in October to 108.5. This decline suggests a reduction in anticipated manufacturing output, which can impact the overall economic productivity. Secondly, the outlook for export order books also showed a downturn, moving from 107.9 to a lower 100.3. This change hints at a possible decrease in foreign demand for Turkish products, which can affect the country's trade balance and revenue from exports.
However, it's not all negative. There's a silver lining as the anticipations for total employment over the next twelve months have risen slightly from 109.5 to 111. This increase could mean that businesses are still planning to expand their workforce, possibly indicating a belief in future growth or stability.
Another area of concern is the decrease in fixed investment expenditure, which fell from 118 to 115.6. This reduction may imply a hesitancy in committing to long-term investments, possibly due to uncertainty in the market or economic forecasts. Additionally, the general business situation also experienced a slight downturn, moving from 92.8 to 91.7.
Economic Implications
The decline in business confidence in Turkey can have both direct and indirect effects on the economy. Lower confidence can lead to reduced investment and production, which in turn can slow down economic growth. The decrease in export expectations suggests potential challenges in the international market, which could affect Turkey's trade balance and foreign exchange earnings. However, the increase in employment expectations might cushion some of these negative impacts by supporting consumer spending and economic activity.
Assessment and Recommendations
While the decrease in business morale poses certain challenges, it also opens opportunities for strategic planning and adaptation. Businesses might need to diversify their markets, improve efficiency, or innovate to maintain competitiveness. Policymakers could also consider measures to boost business confidence, such as providing financial incentives, improving trade relations, or investing in infrastructure.
Madrid Stocks Cautiously Higher
Madrid's stock market exhibited a cautious uptrend, with the IBEX 35 index slightly surpassing the 9,900 mark on Friday. This movement marked a continuation of the rising trend for the third consecutive session, touching the highs of 2020. Market participants are keenly observing the influx of economic data and any indications of forthcoming decisions by major central banks. There is a heightened focus on the scheduled public appearances of European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde and Vice President Luis de Guindos. Despite this, there remains an underlying concern about a possible economic deceleration. This apprehension is fueled by Germany's shrinking GDP and the persistently contracting Eurozone PMI indices, which remain below the critical 50-point mark.
NZD Gains Strength as RBNZ Focuses on Inflation
Solid ECN - The New Zealand dollar experienced a notable increase this Friday, maintaining a value around $0.605. This marks the second week of significant growth, fueled by expectations that the nation's central bank will maintain its aggressive stance against persistent inflation in their upcoming end-of-year monetary policy meeting.
In October, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) kept the cash rate steady at 5.5% for the third time in a row. However, they warned that consumer price inflation was still too high. To manage this, they suggested that interest rates might need to remain high for an extended period to bring inflation within the target range of 1 to 3%.
Meanwhile, the recent changes in government in Wellington have led to a shift in policy direction. The new coalition government has revised the central bank's dual mandate, which previously included both inflation and employment concerns, to now solely focus on price stability.
Over in China, government advisors are preparing for an important annual meeting in December. They're expected to set the GDP growth targets for the upcoming year, with projections ranging between 4.5% and 5.5%. This move is part of Beijing's broader strategy to stabilize demand and address the challenges in the real estate sector.
USDJPY
The Japanese yen remained stable, hovering around 149.5 against the dollar, following a lukewarm market response to new economic data. This data revealed that Japan's headline inflation rate rose to 3.3% in October, up from 3% in September, marking the highest rate since July. Additionally, initial reports indicated that business activity in Japan experienced a slowdown in November, reaching an 11-month low, particularly due to ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.
The Bank of Japan, during its October policy meeting, confirmed its dedication to maintaining supportive monetary policies. It made subtle changes to its approach to yield curve control. Specifically, the Bank redefined the 1% level on 10-year Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs) as a flexible "upper bound" rather than a strict limit, and decided to discontinue its commitment to purchase an unlimited number of bonds to maintain this level.
On an international scale, investors are also closely monitoring the United States Federal Reserve's monetary policy. This focus comes in the wake of varied economic indicators emerging from the US, which continue to influence global financial decisions and trends.
Swiss Franc Climbs High: November 2023's Financial Outlook
In November, the Swiss franc reached 0.88 against the US dollar, marking its strongest position in over two months. This rise was primarily influenced by the widespread weakening of the dollar, spurred by a series of weaker economic indicators. These indicators have led to increased speculation that the Federal Reserve might start reducing interest rates by the second quarter of 2024.
Within Switzerland, the economic landscape also contributed to the franc's trajectory. The country's restrained inflation rate, which remained under 2% for the fifth month running in October, coupled with a stagnating economy, limited the support from monetary policy for the franc. Specifically, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Switzerland showed no growth in the second quarter.
Moreover, the easing of tensions in the geopolitical conflict between Israel and Gaza played a role in reducing the demand for the franc as a safe-haven currency. This situation led to the franc trading near its lowest in four months against the euro. Despite these various factors, the franc is projected to end 2023 stronger against both the dollar and the euro. This strength is largely attributed to the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) reduction in foreign currency reserves, which dropped to their lowest in nearly six years in October.
CAD Strengthens as Inflation and Growth Slow
As November drew to a close, the Canadian dollar found itself trading at approximately 1.37 against the US dollar, marking a notable recovery from its near one-year low point of 1.386, recorded on October 31st.
This resurgence can be largely attributed to the weakening of the US dollar, following indications that the Federal Reserve's period of monetary tightening might be drawing to a close.
In Canada, the inflation rate took a surprising dip to 3.1% in October, a figure notably lower than the Bank of Canada's projected rate of about 3.5% for the upcoming year. This decrease in inflation, when viewed alongside the slowing pace of the Canadian economy, is fueling speculation that the Bank of Canada might put a pause on any further increases in interest rates.
What to Expect Next Week - Nov 27th
The US will have a busy week with many important economic indicators and events. The main ones are:
PCE prices, personal income and spending: These will show how much inflation, income and consumption changed in October. They are closely watched by the Fed and the markets as they reflect the health of the economy and the impact of the pandemic.
ISM Manufacturing PMI: This will measure the activity and sentiment of the manufacturing sector in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 signals contraction. The manufacturing sector has been recovering from the Covid-19 shock, but faces challenges from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.
Fed speeches: Several Fed officials, including Chair Powell, will speak at different events throughout the week. They will likely provide more insights into the Fed’s views on the economic outlook, inflation, and the tapering of its asset purchases.
Other notable releases and events in the US include:
CB Consumer Confidence: This will gauge the level of confidence and optimism of consumers in November. Consumer confidence is a key driver of spending and growth, especially during the holiday season.
Q3 GDP growth rate (2nd estimate): This will revise the preliminary estimate of the annualized growth rate of the US economy in the third quarter. The first estimate showed a 2% increase, below market expectations of 2.6%.
New and pending home sales: These will report the number of new and existing homes sold in October. They are indicators of the demand and supply conditions in the housing market, which has been affected by rising prices, low inventory, and higher mortgage rates.
Q3 corporate profits: This will reveal the earnings of US corporations in the third quarter. Corporate profits are a measure of the profitability and performance of the business sector.
Meanwhile, other countries and regions will also have some significant developments to watch. These include:
Monetary policy decisions: The central banks of South Korea and New Zealand will announce their interest rate decisions. Both are expected to keep their rates unchanged, but may signal their future policy stance amid rising inflation pressures and Covid-19 risks.
Speeches from ECB and BoJ officials: Several officials from the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan will deliver speeches at various occasions. They will likely comment on the economic situation and outlook of their respective regions, as well as their monetary policy actions and plans.
Inflation rates: Several countries and regions will release their inflation data for October. These include Germany, the Euro Area, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Australia. Inflation has been rising globally due to higher energy and commodity prices, supply chain bottlenecks, and pent-up demand.
GDP growth rates: Some countries will publish their GDP growth rates for the third quarter. These include Turkey, India, Canada, and Switzerland. These will show how their economies performed amid the pandemic and its variants, as well as the vaccination progress and the fiscal and monetary support.
China’s Manufacturing and Services PMIs: These will indicate the level of activity and confidence of the manufacturing and services sectors in China in November. China’s economy has been slowing down due to the Delta variant, regulatory crackdowns, power shortages, and debt woes.
Manufacturing PMIs: Other countries will also release their manufacturing PMIs for November. These include South Korea, India, Russia, Italy, and Canada. These will reflect the state and outlook of the manufacturing sector in these countries, which are influenced by the global demand and supply conditions.
Germany’s GFK consumer confidence and retail sales: These will measure the confidence and spending of German consumers in November and October, respectively. Germany is the largest economy in the Euro Area and its consumer behavior has implications for the rest of the region.
Malaysian Palm Oil Market Overview
In recent trading, Malaysian palm oil futures were seen hovering around 3,900 MYR per ton. This movement indicates an effort to bounce back from the recent decline in prices, which had dropped to a low of 3,886 MYR. The potential recovery is spurred by positive signs in export figures.
Export Trends
Data from AmSpec Agri Malaysia, an independent inspection company, reveals that between November 1 and 25, there was a 7.2% increase in the export of Malaysian palm oil products, reaching 1.15 million tons compared to 1.08 million tons in the period from October 1 to 25. Similarly, Intertek Testing Services, another cargo surveyor, reported a 13.6% increase in exports during the same time frame, with figures rising to 1.26 million tons from 1.11 million tons.
Factors Influencing Market Dynamics
However, the upward trend in palm oil futures is being restrained by several factors. Notably, there's a decline in competing Dalian oil prices, and there are concerns about upcoming economic activity data from China for October. The uncertainty surrounding China's economic indicators and the impending rainy season are causing market caution.
Moreover, the Indian market, a significant buyer of Malaysian palm oil, is reducing its orders for December and January. This decrease in demand is attributed to the rising cost of palm oil and the negative profit margins faced by refiners, who have recently made substantial imports.
Turkish Lira Hits Record Low Despite Aggressive Rate Hikes
The Turkish lira remains stagnant at an all-time low, sitting at 28.9 against the US dollar. This comes even after Turkey's central bank made an unexpected move, raising interest rates significantly by 500 basis points in its latest November meeting. This decision surpassed investors' expectations, who had predicted a rise of only 250 basis points.
Trend of Depreciation
In the last three months, the Turkish lira has been on a steady decline, setting new daily lows. The average daily loss has been slightly over 0.1%. This pattern suggests a controlled devaluation, likely orchestrated by the central bank. To manage this situation, the bank has implemented stricter reserve requirements for the lira. This step is aimed at pulling liquidity from the interbank market, thereby increasing local interest rates and aligning them more closely with the costs of borrowing lira internationally.
A Steep Drop in Value
Since the beginning of 2023, the Turkish lira has seen a dramatic depreciation, losing over 50% of its value when compared to the US dollar. This significant drop highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by Turkey.
AUDUSD Bullish Trend: A Closer Look at the Rising Tide
The current trading session has witnessed a significant rise in the AUDUSD's value. Notably, the Australian dollar (AUD) has broken above the crucial 50% Fibonacci retracement level, a move that aligns with the top edge of the bullish flag pattern on the daily chart.
As the Relative Strength Index (RSI) edges closer to overbought conditions, the AUDUSD pair might be gearing up for a phase of range-bound trading, especially above the 65.8% resistance level. Given the heightened demand driving up the AUDUSD price, now may not be the best time for investors to take on long positions.
A Word of Caution for Retail Investors
Retail traders should approach with caution. A prudent strategy would be to wait for the AUDUSD pair to dip back to the midpoint of the bullish flag pattern. This area, coinciding with the 38.2% Fibonacci level, presents a potentially favorable entry point for those looking to buy.
GBPJPY: A Strong Bullish Momentum
During the most recent trading session, the GBPJPY pair maintained its upward trajectory, achieving a significant milestone by surpassing the median line of its bullish flag pattern. This development strongly highlights a continued positive trend for GBPJPY, signaling a robust bullish momentum.
With this upward movement, the focus for traders is now set on the GBPJPY pair reaching the upper boundary of the bullish flag. This target is the next critical point for the ongoing bullish trend.
The prevailing trend for GBPJPY can be described as distinctly bullish, especially as the pair remains actively trading within the boundaries of the bullish flag. This trend is expected to persist as long as the pair continues its movements within this pattern.
Natural Gas Futures Hit 12-Week Low: Factors Behind the Fall
US natural gas futures have witnessed a significant drop, falling more than 5% towards $2.7/MMBtu, the lowest in twelve weeks. This decrease is attributed to factors such as high storage levels, record production, and a decrease in demand.
Storage and Production Factors
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a lower-than-expected withdrawal from gas storage for the week ending November 17, at only 7 billion cubic feet (bcf). This figure is substantially less than the 60 bcf withdrawal during the same week last year and below the five-year average decline of 53 bcf. Currently, gas stockpiles in the US are about 7% above the typical level for this time of year.
Impact of Weather on Demand
One key factor contributing to the surplus is the warmer-than-average winter weather, resulting in a reduced need for heating. Forecasts suggest a 4% decrease in heating degree days compared to the last 10-year average, leading to a 2% drop in space heating consumption from the five-year average. Additionally, average gas output in November has increased to 107.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), up from the previous record of 104.2 bcfd in October.
GBPUSD Soars: Overbought Signals Emerge
Today's trading session saw the GBPUSD climb sharply. The pair broke through the top boundary of its bullish trend, indicating strong buying interest. At the same time, the RSI indicator moved into an area typically considered overbought, while the Awesome Oscillator pointed towards a possible divergence. These signals hint at a potential downward adjustment in the GBPUSD's price in the next trading session. It's expected that the pair might give back a portion of its recent gains, possibly retesting the 23.6% Fibonacci level and then maybe the 38.2% level.
Moreover, these levels could act as appealing entry points for buyers looking to capitalize on the uptrend, suggesting the bullish momentum may persist.
The Yuan's Balancing Act: Stability Amidst Economic Shifts
The offshore yuan has recently found stability around 7.15 per dollar, maintaining its position near a four-month high. This stability is largely influenced by the People's Bank of China's (PBOC) commitment to keeping the currency steady, as highlighted in their latest quarterly policy report. The PBOC has emphasized its dedication to correcting market trends that could potentially destabilize the yuan, addressing disruptive market behaviors, and preventing excessive fluctuations. This stance comes as the yuan has experienced a rally, partly due to the PBOC's strategy of setting strong midpoint rates, a move analysts see as a deliberate effort to bolster the currency.
Investors are now keenly awaiting new data on China's manufacturing activities, which could provide further insights into the yuan's trajectory. Additionally, recent statistics indicate a decline in industrial profits within China, though the rate of decrease has slowed, marking the least significant drop in almost a year.
These developments are creating opportunities for investors with a bullish outlook, offering them favorable prices to initiate new long positions, which could sustain the ongoing positive trend in the yuan's value.
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