Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009
Market Expects Low Volatility Today
There is likely to be less volatility in the market today with almost no market moving data on tap from Japan Europe and Unites States. Yet, few fundamental events that are due out later today may indeed create a remarkable wave in the market, especially towards the late afternoon hours.
Economic News
USD - USD
Ups and Downs Result of Market Uncertainty
The US Dollar experienced an exciting trading day on Monday as a rise in risk averse trading helped add an early morning boost, followed by a retracing of Friday's levels. Against the EUR, the greenback climbed to as high as 1.4610 before coming back down and closing the day at 1.4717. Versus the British Pound, the USD gained as much as 90 pips, with a high mark of 1.6134, before coming back up and closing out the trading day at the 1.6250 level.
With a decision regarding the Federal Funds Rate looming, traders are becoming more aware of the potential delay in any increase to short-term interest rates due to the instability of global economies recently. Britain has made similar overtures, as did the Euro-Zone in its recent discussions. However, the question still remains over whether the global economy is indeed recovering as many were expecting. This uncertainty drives many investors back into safe-havens for the short-run until things become clearer.
As far as the North-Western Hemisphere is concerned today, the United States is not due to release much data of concern. Canada, on the other hand, is going to release vital data regarding its retail sales levels, which last week caused a stir among the USD and EUR. Growth in Canadian sales may help return the Loonie back to a bullish posture, but forecasts appear modest at best. This Wednesday's US interest rate decision appears to be this week's primary event for Dollar traders.
EUR - EUR Benefits from USD and GBP Aversion
The EUR continued its rally against most currencies, save the USD, in yesterday's trading; making considerable inroads against the GBP especially. Climbing as high as 0.9076 versus the Pound and upwards of 135.48 against the Japanese Yen, the EUR may indeed be one of the primary beneficiaries of market growth, and the continuing uncertainty.
Investors appear ready to make the shift into riskier assets to return to the heady days of pre-2008 growth, but market concerns make their transition move somewhat sheepishly. Regional retail sales in Europe and the US helped give a boost to consumer optimism, but only offset losses in other sectors such as housing and consumer sentiment. With the Pound under heavy selling pressure following statements from Bank of England governor Mervyn King, the EUR, as stated above, has become one of the primary beneficiaries of recent returns to strength and risk appetite.
Going into today's trading, with little on the economic agenda, the EUR may be poised to benefit from the uncertainty surrounding the US interest rate decisions due on Wednesday. With an announcement similar to those of Britain and Europe recently regarding a delay of an interest rate hike, the EUR could be on the receiving end of further risk appetite and USD-aversion.
JPY - Japanese Bank Holiday Puts Additional Sell Pressure on Yen
The Japanese Yen appears to be returning to a bearish posture against its major currency rivals considering it ended yesterday's trading down somewhat versus all of its major rivals. Hitting the 149.60 level against the GBP, and even dropping to the 135.50 level against the EUR, the island currency is a little worse for wear considering its latest movements.
Many economists point out, however, that the banks in Japan being closed in celebration of the autumnal equinox carries a significant role in this latest downtrend. The thinly traded JPY only appears weak momentarily until the Japanese markets come back online early Wednesday. In other Asian news, the currencies of the south Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) appear to be gaining heavily against all of their currency rivals. Their avoidance of the harshest aspects of the global downturn has made them juicy targets for risk-hungry investors. Traders would be wise to note the upward movement of these pairs and trade accordingly.
Crude Oil - Crude Falls to $70; Prices Rose too Quickly According to Investors
Investors hoping for a growth in oil prices were dismayed by news yesterday that the price for a barrel of Crude Oil may have risen too quickly from last week's market optimism. As yesterday helped traders realize, Crude Oil may indeed be over-valued and its recent strength has come to a temporary halt. After last week's steady yet volatile gains, the beginning of this week has started with a drop of almost $3 a barrel, closing out yesterday's trading just above $70.
Adding to the sell pressure on Crude Oil is the surprising surge in the value of the USD in yesterday's early trading hours, albeit offset somewhat by its retraction later in the day. But market optimism seems to have returned, but energy demand concerns persist. Crude Oil has been on the verge of reemerging as a lead investment and inflationary hedge, yet it has failed to receive the same level of support as Gold and Silver, which suggests that demand for oil is low, and precious metals are being used in its stead as a safety valve. Chances are, so long as market uncertainty remains, Crude Oil will continue to float near its current mark.
Technical News
EUR/USD
The price of this pair appears to be floating in the over-bought territory on the daily chart's RSI indicating a downward correction may be imminent. The downward direction on the hourly chart's Momentum oscillator also supports this notion. When the downwards breach occurs, going short with tight stops appears to be preferable strategy.
GBP/USD
The cross has been dropping for the past week now, as it now stands at the 1.6240 level. The Slow Stochastic of the daily chart shows a bullish cross has recently formed, indicating that an upward correction is imminent. This view is also supported by the RSI of the 4-hour chart. Going long with tight stops may turn out to be the right choice today.
USD/JPY
The pair has been range-trading for a while now, with no specific direction. The Daily chart's Slow Stochastic providing us with mixed signals. All oscillators on the 4 hour chart do not provide a clear direction as well. Waiting for a clearer sign on the hourlies might be a good strategy today.
USD/CHF
The daily chart is showing mixed signals with its RSI fluctuating at the neutral territory. However, the 4-hour chart's RSI is already floating in the oversold territory indicating that a bullish correction might take place in the nearest future. When the upwards breach occurs, going long with tight stops appears to be preferable strategy.
The Wild Card
EUR/GBP
This pair's sustained upward movement has finally pushed its price into the over-bought territory on the daily chart's RSI. Not only that, but there actually appears to be a bearish cross on the Slow Stochastic pointing to an imminent downward correction. Forex traders have the opportunity to wait for the downward breach on the hourlies and go short in order to ride out the impending wave.
