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EUR/GBP Channel Remains Valid As Support Holds

By John Rivera, Currency Analyst
07 June 2010 19:00 GMT

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How stable is the EUR/GBP Range?

Levels to Watch
- Range Top :       0.8450 (Trend, SMA)
- Range Bottom:  0.8200 (Trend, Pivot)

• An upside surprise in Germany factory orders helped ease concerns over growth in the Euro-zone which helped the Euro regain its footing against the pound. Talk of stronger austerity measures from the U.K. and Germany should reignite growth concerns. However, the new coalition government in the U.K. is scheduled to release an emergency budget on June 22nd and the definitive measures could spark bearish sterling sentiment.

• The EUR/GBP is trading back within its descending channel. Although we saw a significant break of the upper bound a hold at the support line re-validates the formation. The 20-Day SMA at 0.8486 remains a resistance level that must be monitored as it has served as the upper bound of the channel.

Suggested Strategy
• Short: Place an entry at 0.8305 - above today's high to confirm reversal
• Stop: Set the stop at 0.8205 - 100 pips
• Target: The first target is 0.8450 channel resistance

Trading Tip – A battered Euro has lost over 500 pips to the pound in the past three weeks which adds to the case for a reversal. However, I often preach that picking tops and bottoms is a difficult task but I have more confidence in our set-up considering the solid trend line that the pair has run up against. Additionally, despite the troubles in the Euro-Zone the U.K. has its own warts and it is difficult to make a case for that level of sterling appreciation against any major currency. Today we are still seeing the pair put in its third straight day of lower lows and lower highs which warns of further downside potential. That is why we will look for a move above todays high to confirm a change in the pattern.

Event Risk for U.K. and Europe

U.K. – The upcoming BoE rate decision is the upcoming major event risk for the pair despite expectations that the central bank will remain on hold. The MPC has left the door open for adding to their asset purchase program given the concerns over the impact on liquidity from the debt issues in Europe a surprise increase can’t be ruled out. However, a lack of action from policy makers could make it a non-event as post decisions statements are unlikely. The trade balance and industrial production reports will provide insight into the sustainability of the recovery. The U.K. has barely emerged from recession with growth of 0.2% and 0.3% the past two quarters and the potential remains to slip back to negative growth.

Europe – The German trade balance and industrial production reports will draw some attention after the strong factory orders release and could be a source of Euro support. Signs that demand from abroad is continuing to be a source of growth for the region’s largest economy will ease concerns over the impact of austerity measures. An ECB rate decision shouldn’t have the market moving potential that is typically associated with the event as the central bank is forecasted to remain on hold. However, it is recommended to monitor the comments from President Trichet in the post release press conference for insight into future monetary policy.

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07 June 2010 19:00 GMT