- Dollar: A Dove Warms to Taper, But Not Speculation
- British Pound Faces a Bumpy Ride as BoE Weighs Outlook, Guidance
- Australian Dollar Advances But Gains Limited after RBA Rate Cut
- Euro Finds Little Comfort in Modest Italian GDP Beat
- Japanese Yen Dangerously Close to Forging a Reversal
- New Zealand Dollar Top Performer in Rebound after Dairy Export Scare
- Gold Drops Below $1,300 Without Dollar’s Influence
Dollar: A Dove Warms to Taper, But Not Speculation
Despite another round of fundamental headlines that reinforces the probability of a September Taper timeframe from the Fed, the dollar took another tumble Tuesday. The session’s close marks the third consecutive decline for the Dow Jones FXCM Dollar Index (ticker = USDollar) – matching the worst performance for the benchmark currency in three months. Yet, in another unusual twist, the greenback’s slide happens to coincide with the biggest drop (0.6 percent) from the benchmark S&P 500 since June 24. Given the positive correlation between the favored safe-haven currency and risk-bearing equity index, this may not seem particularly out of place…but it certainly is. Should there be a committed move in speculative positioning – especially risk aversion – the negative relationship between index and currency is likely to return. So, once again, we are seeing some of the symptoms of a risk-based move but not the real conviction. Looking over the developments of this past session to establish our bearings moving forward, the June trade deficit dropped far more than expected to an October 2009 low of $34.2 billion (despite the rise in the dollar). Far more pertinent to our stimulus-supported markets nowadays, perpetual Fed dove Charles Evans offered suspiciously hawkish comments. Wednesday we have the Fed’s Pianalto and Plosser weighing in as well.
British Pound Faces a Bumpy Ride as BoE Weighs Outlook, Guidance
One of the top market-moving events for this week – and certainly the most ominous catalyst for Wednesday – is the Bank of England’s (BoE) inflation report. Sterling traders are still discounting a significant level of accommodation from the central bank as many believe the UK has ‘fallen behind’ in the stimulus game and the country risks falling back into recession without external support. However, economic data has reflected significant improvement in recent months and the BoE has backed off its previously moderate lean towards pursuing more easing. In fact, when new Governor Mark Carney took the helm for the first time at the July rate decision; the central bank not only kept its stimulus effort untouched, but the minutes showed the dissenters calling for more bond purchases in previous gatherings fell into consensus.
Despite the considerable divergence in expectations and outcome for UK monetary policy – GBPUSD dropped over 1,500 pips through the opening quarter in large part due to easing and recession concerns – we have yet to see a material retracement of the earlier losses. That is perhaps why we have seen such a strong reaction to data like manufacturing and service sector activity, housing and confidence surveys when they historically lack for influence. Therein lies the importance of the forthcoming quarterly inflation report from the BoE. This is not just an account on price pressures; it is an update on forecasts for all the important aspects for monetary policy. What’s more, in response to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne’s request to review the remit, Governor Carney is expected to weigh in on whether the central bank will commit to forward guidance and perhaps even targets – like the Fed. More transparency at regular meetings could bolster speculation moving forward; but for this particular event, volatility and direction will come from the forecasts.
Australian Dollar Advances But Gains Limited after RBA Rate Cut
For a currency whose place amongst the ‘majors’ is established through its high-yield (carry) appeal, the Australian dollar’s appeal has taken a hit with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) 7th rate cut in the past two years. And yet, despite a slide to a record low 2.50 percent benchmark yield; the Aussie dollar actually advanced against most counterparts through Tuesday’s trading session. This is a good example of two distinct truths about trading fundamentals in the markets: investors/traders are forward looking and the mass’ interpretation of a development is more important than the sterile academic interpretation. For this particular rate decision, the market was certain of the rate cut with 26 of 27 economists polled by Bloomberg expecting the move and swaps pricing in a 100 percent probability. In other words, the market was positioned for the cut and looking for guidance for future moves. What they read in the statement though, was a shift away from proactive easing.
Euro Finds Little Comfort in Modest Italian GDP BeatLike the Spanish release last week, Italy’s 2Q GDP update generated relatively little interest from the Euro. The Eurozone’s third largest economy posted a 0.2 percent contraction in the period through June – a smaller-than-expected slump but the 8th consecutive reduction nevertheless. There was fodder from this outcome to feed both the bulls and the bears if they so had the inclination. Yet, just as the sovereign and regional banking concerns that have shifted to the backdrop, so too has the immediate fear of the costs of ongoing recessions. In a market that is familiar with complacency, the Euro-area is perhaps the most detached. (New to EUR/USD trading? Watch this video).
Japanese Yen Dangerously Close to Forging a Reversal
The Japanese yen has slowly regained traction against its most significant counterparts and now faces a critical threshold to upgrading its intentions from drift to committed rally. Among the pairs to watch, USDJPY has dropped for 10-consecutive 8-hour candles for the most consistent decline in years, EURJPY stands at the cusp of a trend reversal at 130 and AUDJPY is just barely holding back from a deeper decline below 87.50. The spark that will make or break this move will not be Thursday’s BoJ but rather the Nikkei 225’s trend.
New Zealand Dollar Top Performer in Rebound after Dairy Export Scare
Despite unfavorable risk winds in international markets, the New Zealand dollar was the best performer over the past trading session. This change in performance is in stark contrast to the way the kiwi opened the week with a gap lower on the panic that arose after China announced a ban on certain dairy imports from New Zealand after it was discovered that export leader Fonterra sent product that may have contained botulism. Finance Minister English talked down the economic impact this would have, and this kiwi rebound will likely run out of steam quickly.
Gold Drops Below $1,300 Without Dollar’s Influence
A hearty 1.6 percent drop from gold Tuesday, carried the precious metal back below $1,300 for the first time since July 19. This acts as further confirmation that the prevailing bear trend that was established last September has reengaged after another failed revival through July. Yet, what makes this past session’s progress particularly interesting is that it developed without the support of the US dollar – the benchmark for measuring its anti-currency appeal. Those fearing a disorderly drop, the CBOE’s volatility index is steady and volume is so far restrained.
**For a full list of upcoming event risk and past releases, go to www.dailyfx.com/calendar
ECONOMIC DATA
GMT |
Currency |
Release |
Survey |
Previous |
Comments |
1:30 |
AUD |
Home Loans (JUN) |
2.0% |
1.8% |
Home loans have continued to show growth in 2013 despite a downturn in the mining industry due to slower growth in China. |
1:30 |
AUD |
Investment Lending (JUN) |
1.5% |
||
1:30 |
AUD |
Value of Loans (MoM) (JUN) |
2.3% | ||
5:45 |
CHF |
SECO Consumer Confidence (JUL) |
-1 |
-5 |
The print has not been positive since January of 2011. |
6:30 |
EUR |
Bank of France Business Sentiment (JUL) |
97 |
96 |
French trade balance has remained below -400M since September of 2010. |
6:45 |
EUR |
French Trade Balance (euros) (JUN) |
-5350M |
-6014M |
|
7:00 |
CHF |
Foreign Currency Reserves (JUL) |
431.0B |
434.9B |
Since September of 2011, CPI YoY has remained negative in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Foreign Currency Reserves continue to rise as the SNB continues to suppress the strengthening of the Franc against the Euro. |
7:15 |
CHF |
Consumer Price Index (MoM) (JUL) |
-0.4% |
0.1% |
|
7:15 |
CHF |
Consumer Price Index (YoY) (JUL) |
-0.1% |
-0.1% | |
7:15 |
CHF |
Consumer Price Index - EU Harmonised (MoM) (JUL) |
0.2% | ||
7:15 |
CHF |
Consumer Price Index - EU Harmonised (YoY) (JUL) |
0.2% | ||
10:00 |
EUR |
German Industrial Production s.a. (MoM) (JUN) |
0.2% |
-1.0% |
German Industrial Production continues to flirt with negative growth in its volatile swings. Although April saw growth of 2%, the last print missed estimates coming in a -1.0%. |
10:00 |
EUR |
German Industrial Prod n.s.a. and w.d.a. (YoY) (JUN) |
-0.4% |
-1.0% |
|
11:00 |
USD |
MBA Mortgage Applications (AUG 2) |
-3.7% |
Negative since the June 7th print. The Federal Reserve may take note of the impact recent interest rate rises have had on new applications. |
|
12:30 |
CAD |
Building Permits (MoM) (JUN) |
4.5% |
The May print of 4.5% blew past estimates of -5.2%. |
|
14:00 |
CAD |
Ivey Purchasing Managers Index s.a. (JUL) |
56.0 |
55.3 |
|
14:30 |
USD |
DOE U.S. Crude Oil Inventories (AUG 2) |
431K |
Traders will be looking to inventory levels as prices in WTI crude oil futures are down 2.4% so far this month. |
|
14:30 |
USD |
DOE U.S. Distillate Inventory (AUG 2) |
-466K |
||
14:30 |
USD |
DOE U.S. Gasoline Inventories (AUG 2) |
770K | ||
19:00 |
USD |
Consumer Credit (JUN) |
$15.00B |
$19.615B |
A higher print may indicate more confidence on the part of consumers to take on debt. |
23:50 |
JPY |
Japan Buying Foreign Bonds (Yen) (AUG 2) |
233.2B |
This data will provide a good backdrop ahead of the event risk on Thursday: BoJ Monetary Policy Statement and Rate Decision. Most watched by market participants will be the trade balance. An improvement here means that Abenomics and hence the weaker JPY is having a positive impact on export growth. Trade balance must improve in Japan in order to keep bond holders at ease. Japan currently has the highest debt-to-gdp ratio in the word and improving exports is key to confidence in the economy. |
|
23:50 |
JPY |
Japan Buying Foreign Stocks (Yen) (AUG 2) |
-154.9B |
||
23:50 |
JPY |
Foreign Buying Japan Bonds (Yen) (AUG 2) |
-430.3B | ||
23:50 |
JPY |
Foreign Buying Japan Stocks (Yen) (AUG 2) |
-61.8B | ||
23:50 |
JPY |
Trade Balance - BOP Basis (Yen) (JUN) |
-128.7B |
-906.7B | |
23:50 |
JPY |
BoP- Current Account Balance (YoY) (JUN) |
-3.5% |
58.1% | |
23:50 |
JPY |
Adjusted Current Account Total (Yen) (JUN) |
727.3B |
623.3B | |
23:50 |
JPY |
Current Account Total (Yen) (JUN) |
396.5B |
540.7B | |
23:50 |
JPY |
Housing Loans (YoY) (2Q) |
3.2% | ||
23:50 |
JPY |
Bank Lending Banks ex Trusts (YoY) (JUL) |
2.2% | ||
23:50 |
JPY |
Bank Lending Banks inc Trusts (YoY) (JUL) |
1.9% |
1.9% |
GMT |
Currency |
Upcoming Events & Speeches |
1:00 |
AUD |
Australia to Sell A$1 Bln in 12-Year Bonds |
9:30 |
GBP |
Bank of England Inflation Report |
16:30 |
USD |
Fed's Charles Plosser Speaks on U.S. Economy |
17:00 |
USD |
US to Sell $24 Bln in 10-Year Notes |
17:40 |
USD |
Fed's Sandra Pianalto Speaks on Monetary Policy |
(Thur) |
JPY |
BoJ Rate Decision |
SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE LEVELS
To see updated SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE LEVELS for the Majors, visit Technical Analysis Portal
To see updated PIVOT POINT LEVELS for the Majors and Crosses, visit our Pivot Point Table
CLASSIC SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE
EMERGING MARKETS 18:00 GMT |
SCANDIES CURRENCIES 18:00 GMT |
|||||||||
Currency |
USD/MXN |
USD/TRY |
USD/ZAR |
USD/HKD |
USD/SGD |
Currency |
USD/SEK |
USD/DKK |
USD/NOK |
|
Resist 2 |
13.4800 |
2.0000 |
10.7000 |
7.8165 |
1.3650 |
Resist 2 |
7.5800 |
5.8950 |
6.5135 |
|
Resist 1 |
13.2000 |
1.9500 |
10.2500 |
7.8075 |
1.3250 |
Resist 1 |
6.8155 |
5.8475 |
6.2660 |
|
Spot |
12.6308 |
1.9266 |
9.9359 |
7.7564 |
1.2685 |
Spot |
6.5543 |
5.6065 |
5.9221 |
|
Support 1 |
12.6000 |
1.9100 |
9.3700 |
7.7490 |
1.2000 |
Support 1 |
6.0800 |
5.6000 |
5.8700 |
|
Support 2 |
12.0000 |
1.6500 |
8.9500 |
7.7450 |
1.1800 |
Support 2 |
5.8085 |
5.4440 |
5.7400 |
INTRA-DAY PROBABILITY BANDS 18:00 GMT
\CCY |
EUR/USD |
GBP/USD |
USD/JPY |
USD/CHF |
USD/CAD |
AUD/USD |
NZD/USD |
EUR/JPY |
Gold |
Res 3 |
1.3410 |
1.5467 |
98.62 |
0.9344 |
1.0458 |
0.9076 |
0.7993 |
131.02 |
1308.75 |
Res 2 |
1.3383 |
1.5434 |
98.31 |
0.9322 |
1.0439 |
0.9050 |
0.7968 |
130.65 |
1300.79 |
Res 1 |
1.3355 |
1.5401 |
98.00 |
0.9300 |
1.0419 |
0.9023 |
0.7944 |
130.27 |
1292.83 |
Spot |
1.3300 |
1.5335 |
97.39 |
0.9255 |
1.0380 |
0.8969 |
0.7896 |
129.52 |
1276.91 |
Supp 1 |
1.3245 |
1.5269 |
96.78 |
0.9210 |
1.0341 |
0.8915 |
0.7848 |
128.77 |
1260.99 |
Supp 2 |
1.3217 |
1.5236 |
96.47 |
0.9188 |
1.0321 |
0.8888 |
0.7824 |
128.39 |
1300.79 |
Supp 3 |
1.3190 |
1.5203 |
96.16 |
0.9166 |
1.0302 |
0.8862 |
0.7799 |
128.02 |
1308.75 |
v
--- Written by: John Kicklighter, Chief Strategist for DailyFX.com
To contact John, email jkicklighter@dailyfx.com. Follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/JohnKicklighter
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