1. Fundamental Economic State:
United States:
GDP Growth: Slowing with recent figures showing an annualized growth rate of 1.1%.
Employment Data: Unemployment rate at 3.4%, indicating a tight labor market.
Inflation Rate: Moderating at 4.9%, following aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
Retail Sales: Robust, supported by strong job growth and wage increases.
Trade Balance: Significant trade deficit influenced by high import levels.
Consumer Confidence: Improving due to a strong labor market and easing inflation.
Switzerland:
GDP Growth: Modest, reflecting the stability and high-income status of the economy.
Employment Data: Unemployment rate is low at around 2.2%, indicating near full employment.
Inflation Rate: Relatively low at 1.75%, which is typical for the Swiss economy.
Retail Sales: Steady, driven by high consumer confidence and purchasing power.
Trade Balance: Switzerland maintains a trade surplus, bolstered by high-value exports like pharmaceuticals and machinery.
Consumer Confidence: High, reflecting economic stability and robust labor market conditions.
2. Daily Percentage Changes:
Over the past month, USD/CHF has shown moderate variability:
May 27, 2024: The pair was trading at 0.9135, showing a slight decrease from the previous day.
May 10, 2024: The rate was around 0.905, impacted by US inflation data and Fed policy statements.
April 29, 2024: The rate hovered around 0.908, reflecting mixed economic data from both countries.
3. News Analysis:
Recent events impacting USD/CHF include:
Fed Interest Rate Decisions: The Fed's expected pause in rate hikes has moderated upward pressure on the USD.
Swiss National Bank (SNB) Policy: The SNB’s cautious approach to rate hikes supports the CHF.
Geopolitical Tensions: Global uncertainties have influenced risk sentiment, affecting both currencies.
4. Interest Rate Expectations:
Federal Reserve: Expected to pause further rate hikes after a series of increases.
Swiss National Bank: Likely to maintain a cautious stance on rate hikes given the low inflation environment.
5. Commodity Prices and Market Sentiment:
Market Sentiment: Risk sentiment has been fluctuating, with periods of risk aversion generally supporting the CHF as a safe-haven currency.
Commodity Prices: Not a major direct influence on USD/CHF, but broader economic impacts from commodity prices can affect market sentiment.
6. Projection Figures:
Based on current fundamentals and market conditions, the short-term target for USD/CHF is 0.9200, considering support from the Fed’s likely pause in rate hikes. Long-term projections are more uncertain, but a modest target could be around 0.9300, assuming continued economic resilience in the US and stable conditions in Switzerland.
7. Trade Ideas:
Short-Term: Go LONG on USD/CHF to a target of 0.9200, supported by potential stabilization in US economic data and the Fed’s rate policy.
Long-Term: Maintain a LONG position with a target of 0.9300, contingent on sustained economic growth in the US and a stable policy environment from the SNB.