Date : 12th December 2019.

Lagarde prepares ECB debut – 12th December 2019.

Policy unchanged
Projections unlikely to change much
Clues about review sought
Style in focus

Presiding over her first presser of the European Central Bank today, Lagarde is expected to confirm once again the current policy setting, giving time to ECB to focus on the planned review of its overall policy framework.

Final Eurozone GDP and PMI readings broadly supported this neutral picture, while the  confidence that a deep recession can be avoided is strengthening (Figure 1)  despite the fact that German manufacturing and production numbers still look weak. The exports and the overall trade are actually holding up much better than expected, which together with still strong labour markets is underpinning hopes the net exports and consumption will continue to support growth not just in Germany.

As there is nothing in the data really to challenge the ECB’s overall policy stance, the focus firstly turns into the tone and presentation style that President Lagarde will have. The “risk” is that the presser will be equally uneventful as her testimony before the European Parliament. Lagarde’s team building exercise seems to have worked and at least in public there has been a pretty consistent message since she took over, which is very likely to be confirmed today. Additionally it will be interesting to see whether she will back fully Draghi’s package.

Citi Bank: All key interest rates will likely be left unchanged, and the forward guidance reaffirmed. The main interest at this meeting will be the new Eurosystem staff projections, extended to 2022, to gauge whether the September package will be sufficient to bring inflation back into line with the ECB’s target over the forecast horizon. If not, investors’ attention will quickly turn to the ECB’s toolbox and what instruments the Governing Council would be willing to use and when, in order to defend its credibility in the absence of large fiscal support. The upcoming strategic review of monetary policy will also likely be the focus of many questions.

Hence as reported by Citi, other than Lagarde’s style, ECB projections could also monopolize the attention. Even though, the ECB remains ready to act again and tweak all its measures if necessary, it has already done a lot and now needs to keep an eye on the side effects of the very expansionary monetary policy, while politicians need to do their bit to support the economy.

The central bank won’t be reducing the degree of stimulus any time soon with many analysts supporting that this will continue until mid-2020 unless there is a major change in circumstance.

Central bankers will be conducting a comprehensive review of the policy framework, however, with a special focus on the inflation target. A more symmetric definition, which stresses that the ECB can see through lengthy inflation overshoots as well as periods of too low headline rates is likely to come in the first quarter of next year. The inclusion of owner-occupied housing costs into the HICP number also remains a challenge especially as house prices are rising rapidly in some centres, also thanks to the low interest rate environment.

Bund yields have nudged higher over the past week, but the German 10-year so far failed to move lastingly above -0.3%. Uncertainty on trade and Brexit are keeping a lid on yields, although there is the risk that if things go the way markets want and a phase one trade deal is confirmed and in the UK PM Johnson gets his majority, there could be a sharp rise in yields, if markets price out further easing and start to look ahead to central banks removing some of the stimulus.

However this is far away for now, while central bankers are not looking eager to add further easing.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Andria Pichidi
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 December 2019.

Events to Look Out For Next Week 16th December 2019.

*Following a busy week ending with a Conservative victory in the UK election and rising hopes of a potential trade deal between UK and China, attention turns to the BoJ, PBoC and BoE monetary policy meetings next week. However, the developments on the US-China trade front will remain front and centre.

Monday – 16 December 2019

* Manufacturing PMI (EUR, GMT 08-30-09:00) – The prel. November manufacturing PMI was revised up to 46.9 from 46.6, despite the signs that the weakness in manufacturing is starting to spread. The European PMI for December meanwhile is expected to released at 47.4.

* Manufacturing PMI (GBP, GMT 09:30) – The UK PMI is expected to register an upwards reading  to 50.7  after the upwards revision  last week at 48.9.

Tuesday – 17 December 2019

* RBA Meeting’s Minutes (AUD, GMT 00:30) – The RBA minutes provides a detailed assessment of the bank’s most recent policy-setting meeting, containing in-depth insights into the economic conditions that influenced the rate decision. They are usually a cause for FX turbulence.

* Employment and Earnings (GBP, 09:30) – Average earnings are expected to have increased by 3.8% in October, above the 3.6% the previous month. The ILO unemployment rate (3M) for October could rise at 3.9% from 3.8%.

Wednesday – 18 December 2019

* German IFO (EUR, GMT 09:00) – The German Business Sentiment Index released by the CESifo Group is closely watched as an early indicator of current conditions and business expectations in Germany. December’s numbers are expected unchanged.

* Consumer Price Index (GBP, GMT 09:30) – The UK inflation is seen unchanged to the downside in December, at 1.5% y/y, the lowest rate seen since November 2016 and after 1.7% in September. The core should be steady as well at 1.7%.

* Consumer Price Index (EUR, GMT 10:00) – Prices are expected to have eased slightly in December, with overall inflation expected to remain at 1% y/y, while core inflation at 1.3% y/y.

* Consumer Price Index (CAD, GMT 13:30) – The overall Canadian CPI and core should hold close to target, while the November Core outcome is expected to slip to -0.2% following the 0.4% jump in October.

Thursday- 19 Decemmber 2019

* Interest Rate Decision and Conference (JPY, GMT 03:00) – In the last meeting, BoJ kept its short-term interest rate target at -0.1% and its pledge to guide 10-year JGB yields around 0% while maintaining its asset buying program. The central bank signaled its commitment to keep interest rates at current levels “for an extended period of time, at least through around spring 2020”.  BoJ Governor said in his statement that cutting rates further are a possible policy option, adding that he doesn’t think that Japan is near the reversal rate. He also said that he doesn’t think the BoJ needs to change the forward guidance now. Hence this is likely to remain the scenario in this week’s Monetary Policy Statement.

* Interest Rate Decision (GBP, GMT 12:00) – BoE should remain on hold until Brexit has been resolved. Thus, consensus forecasts suggest no change in the policy rate in this meeting, however an uTwo of the nine-member MPC dissented in favour of cutting the repo rate by 25 bps

Friday – 20 December 2019

* Gross Domestic Product (USD, GMT 13:30) – A Q3 GDP growth is expected up to 2.2% from 2.1%, with a -$1 bln trimming for factory inventories alongside a $4 bln hike for construction. The Q4 GDP growth estimate sits at 2.4%, with support from recent reports indicating a -4% Q4 drop in imports that adds to GDP, likely firmness in government purchases, a rebounding residential investment sector, and an expected bounce in equipment spending.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Andria Pichidi
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 December 2019.

FX Update – GBP loses its Johnson Jump – 18th December 2019.

GBPUSD, H4

Sterling posted fresh correction lows against the Dollar and Euro, among other currencies. Cable printed a six-day low at 1.3070, and EURGBP a two-week high at 0.8517. This follows UK prime minister Johnson’s revival of the no-deal Brexit threat yesterday, by pledging to modify the EU withdrawal agreement so that it legislates against any extension in the post-Brexit transition period beyond 2020. I doubt he’s serious, and such legislation could easily be reversed at will, given Johnson’s commanding parliamentary majority. His aim is clearly to strengthen his government’s negotiation hand with the EU, by arming it with a “walk away” option during upcoming negotiations for a new trade deal. he has no-doubt concluded that he got agreement on the his new Withdrawal agreement under a pressing timescale and both parties agreed compromises to push the October 12 document through.

What is clear is that a new trade deal should be able to be drawn up relatively quickly, though the 11 months still looks to be a tall order (witness the 17 months it took for the US and China to come up with a partial revision in the two’s trading terms). Unlike all of the other negotiations the EU has to date had with other nations and trading blocs, where they were starting a long way apart (totally different tariffs, quotas and systems), the UK and EU have 100% common features.

A fillip for Johnson was that all the ratings agencies are now more optimistic on the UK after the election. Both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings improved their assessment of the UK’s credit outlook after Johnson’s Conservative Party won a majority in last week’s election. S&P changed the country outlook to stable from negative, with analysts seeing a diminished risk of a no-deal Brexit. Analysts at S&P said “Despite the government’s current stance, we expect that the UK will seek, and the EU will grant, an extension beyond December 2020 to negotiate the future relationship between the two.” Fitch meanwhile affirmed the AA rating and took the UK off Rating Watch Negative, thus removing the immediate threat of a downgrade, but the rating agency did maintain the negative outlook. S&P affirmed its credit rating of AA/A-1+. Fitch held the country at AA.

Elsewhere, EURCHF carved out a one-week low at 1.0912, though USDCHF managed to hold above the four-month low seen yesterday. EURUSD drifted lower after closing in New York yesterday just above 1.1100, and matched yesterday’s low at 1.1129. USDJPY edged out a two-day low at 109.41, which was lower mark of a 15-pip range. AUDUSD traded moderately softer, though remained above yesterday’s one-week at 0.6838, which was seen in the wake of the release of RBA minutes from the early-December policy, which showed that policymakers are open for a possible further cut in the cash rate at the next meeting in February.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Stuart Cowell
Head 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 : 20th December 2019.

FX Update – Holiday Consolidation– 20th December 2019.

USDJPY, H4
Narrow ranges have continued to be the norm as markets wind down into the Christmas and New Year holiday period. EURUSD has mustered a less than 10-pip range so far today, holding in the lower 1.1100s in what is now the seventh consecutive trading day the pair has been trading on a 1.11 handle. USDJPY has managed a 15-pip range, with the base marked at 109.25. The pair is consolidating below the seven-month high at 109.72 seen in early December, which is the culmination of a rally from the late-August low at 104.45, a three-year low. Rallying global equity markets and a pricing out of Fed easing expectations have been keeping USDJPY buoyant.

While equity markets have settled today, the USA500 yesterday hit a sixth-straight record high, which is the longest streak since January 2018. All three major US indexes posted new record closing highs yesterday. The Santa Rally has certainly come to life this year, The gains came after US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said the US and China would sign their Phase-1 trade deal trade pact in early January, and the US House of Representatives having approved the new North American trade deal.

Elsewhere among currencies, the Australian Dollar managed fresh highs, building on gains seen after yesterday’s above-forecast Australian jobs report. AUDUSD printed a one-week high at 0.6900. The Pound has found a footing after tumbling to fresh lows against the Dollar just after the London book closing yesterday. Cable posted a 16-day low at 1.2989, since recouping back above 1.3000, though set to close out today with its biggest weekly loss in just over two years

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Stuart Cowell
Head 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 : 24th December 2019.

XAUUSD – Trend towards the end of the year– 24th December 2019.

XAUUSD, Day – Although gold prices are significantly less volatile, due to the progress of trade negotiations between the US-China since October, however, this morning, gold prices continue rising further to a new high in the month of 1489.57. This followed as USD slight weakness on the disappointing US durable goods released last night. the data were not in line with market expectations while the uncertainty around Brexit and the US-China trade agreement remains.

In the technical perspective, volatility has clearly decreased since the end of October. The gold futures went down to a 3-month low of 1445.55 on 12 November and gradually sideway until the end of November within the lower territory of the downchannel seen since September. In December meanwhile it started moving northwards towards the upper trendline of the channel, which currently retests. Therefore, it is essential to look whether gold prices will be able to break through the upper border of the channel (solid line).
MACD lines meanwhile, have turn in the positive territory since the UK election day last week. A cross of the signal line above neutral zone could confirm the turn of Gold’s outlook into positive in the medium term.

In addition, during the holiday break, it is possible that the price of XAUUSD may be within the sideways framework, as thin trading conditions prevail.

However, during sparse trading, we sometimes see Flash Crash event as participants closing their positions for year’s end, similar to what we saw in the AUDJPY earlier this year. That is assumed to be caused by low trading volumes.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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.

Chayut Vachirathanakit
Market Analyst – HF Educational Office – Thailand
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 : 3rd January 2020.

FX Update – January 3 – Risk Off & Weak EZ Data– 3rd January 2020.

EURUSD, H1

The Yen, and to a lesser degree, the Dollar have rallied amid a dash for safe havens following US air strikes that killed the head of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard’s overseas unit. The news also saw gold prices rally by over 1%, and oil prices by over 3%, while stock markets, richly valued after recent gains (Apple shares traded above $300 for the first time yesterday, for instance), declined.

Out of the main currencies, AUDJPY has, not surprisingly, been the biggest mover, with the cross showing about a 1% decline soon after the London interbank open. AUDJPY, which has rallied strongly amid the recent risk-on phase in global markets, dove to a two-week low to breach 75.00 and trade at 74.94. The Cross is down by over 2% from the highs seen on Monday. USDJPY plunged under 108.00 to a two-month low, at 107.90, while AUDUSD fell to a two-week low at 0.6935. The New Zealand Dollar, and most developing-world currencies, also declined, while the Canadian Dollar held up relatively well on the back of the rise in oil prices.

Elsewhere, EURUSD and EURJPY fell to respective one- and three-week low, at 1.1152 and 120.35. Cable and GBPJPY hit four- and eleven-day lows respectively. In stock markets, S&P 500 futures are showing a 1% loss after the cash version of the index hit fresh record highs on Wall Street yesterday. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index turned negative after opening strongly, correcting from 18-month highs. In Europe the GER30 trades down some 1.8% at 13,186.

EURUSD came under further pressure, breaching 1.1140,  as German jobless numbers rose 8K, more than anticipated, French inflation jumped to 1.6% y/y in December, from 1.2% y/y in the previous month and Eurozone loan growth decelerated as loans to non-financial corporations declined to 2.6% from 3.1% in October.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Stuart Cowell
Head 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 : 7th January 2020.

AUD Pressured as tensions persist– 7th January 2020.

AUDUSD, H1

The Australian Dollar has remained under pressure, despite global stock markets having taken a turn higher as markets reappraise the US versus Iran standoff. A Caixin report saying that China will not increase its annual low-tariff import quotas for US agricultural produce raised doubts with regard to the yet-to-be-signed “phase-1” trade deal. There was also a research note from Citi analysts highlighting that upside Chinese data surprises have been diminishing since mid December. This appeared to weigh on the Aussie, which is widely seen as a liquid China proxy currency.

AUDUSD dropped just over 0.5% in making a two-week low at 0.6898, while AUDJPY fell by a similar magnitude in making a 26-day low. The pairing and cross are showing respective losses of 1.9% and 1.6% from their closing levels on December 31. Australian OIS is pricing in a 54% probability for the RBA to cut interest rates by 25 bps at its early February policy meeting, up from the around 38% odds that were being factored in late December. Of all the Aussie crosses it is the perky Pound that is the best performer in the London session, up some 0.62% and also printing five-day highs against the Dollar, Euro and Yen today.

Elsewhere, the Yen weakened against the Dollar and some other currencies, outside the case for AUDJPY, as some of its safe haven premium unwound, though firmed back some in the latest phase. USDJPY lifted to a 108.50 rebound high, up from yesterday’s 107.77 low. The Dollar traded mostly firmer, retracing losses seen yesterday by varying degrees. The narrow trade-weighted USDIndex (DXY) rebounded about half of the drop it saw yesterday in lifting back above 96.75. This saw EURUSD ebb back under the 1.1200 level to trade down to 1.1185.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Stuart Cowell
Head 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 : 9th January 2020.

Is it time for a correction? 9th January 2020.

Yields moved higher and stock markets bounced back, as investors bought into hopes that the US and Iran will step back from deeper military conflict, despite two rockets exploding near the US Embassy in Baghdad last night.

Fears of an immediate escalation into war in the Mideast have been scaled back for now, following Trump’s address on Iran, although the situation clearly remains fragile. The president said Iran appears to be “standing down”, and made no mention of further US military actions. Iran’s overnight missile attack aimed at US forces in Iraq looked to be more of a face-saving operation than anything, and looks to have gone some way to calm markets.

Indeed, Wall Street has rallied sharply following the speech, while Oil prices have tanked. The risk-back-on reaction has been the main driver of USDJPY strength as well. The pair rose to 109.28 amid a broadly weaker Yen, from near 108.60 earlier.

After crossing the 20- , 50- and 200-day SMA yesterday, the asset looks ready to sustain the bullish sentiment in the near term as today’s move above Wednesday’s peak suggested more positive bias in the short term, even in the case of fading geopolitical tensions.

The key upside level comes at the 6-month high and December’s Resistance at 109.70. Hence it will be interesting to see if there is a break above at the end of the day/week. However, as we have already entered the European session bulls might face some short-term dips in the next few hours as the USDJPY presents overbought signs, with RSI testing the overbought barrier while the candles have been flirting with the upper BB line in the past 5 4-hour sessions.  Immediate Support area is at 109.00-109.14.

This said, 109.00 is a key Support level pointing towards a move lower as it will attract sellers getting back in business, while 109.70 is a significant Resistance level pointing towards a switch from a neutral outlook into a positive one in the medium term basis.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Andria Pichidi
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 : 13th January 2020.

FX Update January 13 – Sterling Stressed 13th January 2020.

GBPUSD, H1

Sterling has taken a turn lower in early week trading, with markets reacting to both dovish BoE-speak and to a report from the UK’s Institute for Government finding that it will be impossible to deliver the computer systems for the special arrangements for Northern Ireland’s border by the end of the year. Prime Minister Johnson has pledged, and worked into the Withdrawal Agreement legislation, to leave the post-Brexit transition period by the end of the year, hence the negative reaction by markets. Ireland’s deputy Prime Minister Coveney also said that forming a new trade deal between the EU and UK is “probably going to take longer than a year.” Member of the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee Vlieghe, meanwhile, said in the FT over the weekend that he is ready to cut rates if data doesn’t improve, similar to the view expressed by governor Carney last week. Cable has dropped nearly 0.5% in printing a 17-day low at 1.29845, while EURGBP has risen by a similar magnitude in making a 17-day peak at 0.8560. However, the biggest mover has been GBPAUD down some 0.55% and trades blow 1.8800 once again.

Elsewhere, EURUSD has lifted above its Friday high in making 1.1132 in a move driven by moderate Euro outperformance. EURJPY has posted a two-week high at 122.05, while EURCHF and other Euro crosses have also seen gains. The Yen remained on a generally weak footing as Asia’s MSCI Asia-Pacific index hit a new 19-month high with investors anticipating Wednesday’s signing of the US-China phase-1 trade deal. USDJPY was buoyant, though remained below Friday’s 18-day high at 109.68, and could not close the weak over 109.50, strong resistance sits at 109.70. AUDJPY posted a fresh 10-day peak. AUDUSD posted a six-day peak. Liquidity was below par in Asia with Japanese markets closed for a public holiday. The US-China trade deal will be a major focus this week as the details haven’t been made public, a reported 86-page document is to be signed and questions remain over Chinese compliance and their ability to actually fulfill their obligations and from the US side, their willingness to reimpose tariffs in an election year.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Stuart Cowell
Head 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 : 15th January 2020.

GOLDMAN SACHS and the 4th Quarter of 2019 15th January 2020.

As Earnings season is kicking off again, focus is on the Banks’ reports this week. JP Morgan, City Group and Wells Fargo published their Q4 2019 reports yesterday before the US market open. JP Morgan and City Group beat expectations strongly, whilst Walls Fargo missed and saw its shares falling over 4% right after the report.

Today, investors’ attention is on whether Bank of America and GS will follow JP Morgan’s success story.

Goldman Sachs is scheduled to release its Q4 and full-year 2019 results before the US market open. In Q3 2019, the bank beat revenue forecasts but missed in earnings, while it posted a decline in Revenue and earnings in comparison with the previous quarter, affected by weakness seen in Investment Banking and Lending. Overall, in the past 2 years it has beaten earning and revenue estimations 88% of the time.

GS , in an attempt to improve its profitability and stock performance, has proceeded with several changes and several restructure and expansion plans for the near future and also the next 5 years. One of their latest projects, which was launched in August, was the development of credit cards with Apple, while they also introduced a long-awaited app last week (January 8), which according to Reuters, ” will integrate with the financial giant’s digital bank, Marcus”. Marcus is Goldman Sachs’s consumer banking unit, which was founded by Goldman Sachs in 2016, named after the bank’s founder Marcus Goldman.

In the long term meanwhile, GS has focused on its request to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). As the China Morning Post stated, GS is one of the US banks which has an official branch in China and has been applying to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) since last August to take majority control of its venture known as Goldman Sachs Gao Hua Securities, seeking to raise its stake to 51% from 33%. The hiring push on the mainland is part of the US bank’s new five-year plan in which Chief Executive David Solomon is looking to improve its profitability and share price performance.

It will be interesting to see whether all the above expansion plans will affect the bank’s earnings report today, but also how they could expand its wealth management business and broaden its revenue streams in 2020.

Zack’s estimates for Q4 Earnings are:

EPS Estimate: $5.20

Sales Estimates:

* Low: 8.70B
* High: 8.82B
* Year over Year Growth: 8.37%

Earnings Estimates:

* Low: $4.54
* High: $5.42
* Year over Year Growth: -13.91%

Technical overview:

The monthly chart shows the free fall seen on GS shares in 2018 to $151.60 from its all-time high in March 2018 at $275.60. In 2019, shares managed to recover by nearly 78%, as the price moved successfully to $274.64.

However, in the Daily chart, momentum indicators suggest that positive bias is starting to lose some ground , with OBV indicator unable to move further to the upside, suggesting nearterm weakness. The asset price is still moving upwards, however it’s moving outside the upper Bollinger Bands area, with RSI crossing above 70, both suggesting that the asset looks overbought. This comes in line with OBV. Hence from a technical perspective a correction could be seen in the medium term as the asset is overbought.  From the data perspective, positive bias could theoretically strengthen if the upcoming earnings report beats expectations.

Resistance levels: $249,  $261, $275

Support levels: $236,  $227, $214

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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

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Ahura Chalki
Regional 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 : 17th January 2020.

Positive bias on the back of US & Chinese Data 17th January 2020.

Positive bias on the back of US & Chinese Data – Sentiment was supported by robust US retail sales on Thursday, ongoing good will following the Phase One trade deal and good earnings data, despite the slowdown of Chinese GDP growth to the lowest in 29 years.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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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Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Andria Pichidi
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 : 21st January 2020.

FX Update – US Closed & USD Softer 21st January 2020.

EURUSD, H1

The Dollar has seen modest weakness in quiet early-week trading. Volumes are likely to remain on the low side today with US markets closed for the Martin Luther King holiday.

Stock markets in Asia remained buoyant after bellwether indices in the US and Europe hit record highs (again) on Friday. Mostly upbeat earnings, reduced trade uncertainty and, more fundamentally, accommodative central banks (the Fed’s capping of repo rates is of particular note, which has swelled its balance sheet by 11% since last September) along with a persisting benign inflationary picture, have been maintaining the bull run on global stock markets.

EURUSD steadied after dropping over the last two days of last week, which left a 10-day low at 1.1085. Earlier, German PPI inflation ended 2019 at -0.2% y/y, up from -0.7% y/y in November and in fact a tad higher than anticipated. However, the uptick was mainly due to the fact that negative base effects from energy prices fell out of the equation, which was already evident in HICP readings and thus the PPI number doesn’t change the overall outlook. Inflation remains too low for the ECB’s liking and both the definition of the benchmark inflation rate and the target itself are set to the part of the ECB’s strategic policy overhaul that is set to start in earnest this week. EURUSD is once again testing the 1.1085 and the key 61.8 Fibonacci level at 1.1079, and S1 sits at 1.1070 and the December/November low 1.0980.

USDJPY went into narrow-range mode, posting just less than a 15-pip range in Asia through to the open of the London interbank market. Cable edged out a five-day low at 1.2985, and EURGBP lifted above its Friday peak in making a high at 0.8456. The possibility of the BoE cutting rates at its MPC meeting this Thursday should keep the Pound under pressure. The UK finance minister remarked over the weekend to the Financial Times that the UK would not be a “ruletaker” after Brexit, urging businesses to “adjust”. This has been taken negatively by businesses and has also weighed on Sterling today. USDCAD ebbed fractionally lower, to a 1.3055 low, which is near the midway point of the range seen over the last week.

Oil prices rallied at the opening of trading today, which sent front-month USOil to an 11-day high at $59.66. Reports that two large production sites in Libya closed in the face of military blockades (the country is amid a long-running civil war) underpinned prices. This was ahead of the Libya Conference in Paris at the weekend and seen as muscle flexing by the main opposition group. Elsewhere, AUDUSD recouped nearly half of the decline seen on Friday in carving out a high at 0.6888. The Aussie Dollar on Friday printed a 10-day low at 0.6871. RBA money markets positioning has continued to imply a 56% probability for the RBA trimming the cash rate by 25 bp at its February-4 policy meeting, unchanged since last Thursday.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

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!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Stuart Cowell
Head 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.