Aussie slides on soft consumer confidenceThe Australian dollar has reversed directions on Wednesday and recorded considerable losses. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.7750, down 0.52% on the day.
Investors gave the Aussie a thumbs down on Wednesday after Westpac Consumer Sentiment fell 4.8% in May. The trend of improving consumer confidence over the past three months was broken. Still, a review of the Westpac report shows a "glass half full" approach, as the report notes that the index dropped from 118.8 to 113.1, its second-highest print since April 2010.
The RBA will hold a policy meeting on June 1, and the central bank will announce its plans for Yield Curve Control (YCC) and QE. The Westpac report says that the bank remains committed to monetary stimulus and this means that QE will be extended for a further A$100 billion in September, and YCC policy will shift from April 2024 to November 2o24. The bank has repeatedly said that it has no plans to tighten policy prior to 2024.
The market will be treated to a dump of Australian data on Thursday. Consumer Inflation Expectations is first up (1:00 GMT), with a consensus of 3.6%, up from 3.2%. This indicator is closely watched as inflation expectations can translate into actual inflation, so a strong gain would be a signal that inflationary pressures are growing.
The highlight will be Employment Change (1:30 GMT), with a small gain of 15.0 thousand expected, down from 70.7 thousand. Australia also releases Manufacturing and Services PMIs (23:00 PMI). Both sectors are in good shape, a testament to the strong Australian economy. Manufacturing PMI is projected at 59.8 and Services at 58.9, which are well into expansionary territory. The 50-level separates contraction from expansion.
AUD/USD faces resistance at 0.7887 and 0.7990. On the downside, there are support levels at 0.7684 and 0.7584.
Employment
New Zealand dollar tumbles, job data nextThe New Zealand dollar has posted strong gains on Tuesday. In the North American session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.7133, down 88% on the day.
We continue to see significant volatility from the New Zealand dollar. The currency ended the week with sharp losses of 1.18%, as strong US data lifted the US dollar. NZD/USD started the week with strong gains, but these have been erased on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the pair dropped to a low of 0.7115, its lowest level since April 14th.
Investors are keeping an eye on the New Zealand employment report (22:45 GMT), which is released each quarter. Employment Change is expected to rise by 0.3% in Q1, down from 0.6% in the fourth quarter. The unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.9%. A gain in Employment Change would be impressive, given that the tourist season was a shambles without any tourists allowed into New Zealand. Unless the consensus is well off the mark, the upcoming employment numbers are unlikely to have much effect on the New Zealand dollar.
The Federal Reserve remains committed to an accommodative policy, and this was reiterated at last week's FOMC meeting, where Fed Chair Powell stated that it was premature to talk about tapering its QE program. On Monday, Powell noted that the economy was doing better but was "still not out of the woods" and that the recovery was marked by racial and education gaps.
The Fed's stance is not uniform, and Fed Governor Robert Kaplan, a non-voting member, made headlines on Friday when he said that Fed needed to have a conversation about tapering. As well, the market does not appear convinced that tapering is a long way off, given the strong numbers we are seeing from the US economy. If Friday's nonfarm payroll print exceeds one million (the forecast stands at 975 thousand), the Fed may come under pressure to consider tapering sooner than it expected.
NZD/USD is putting pressure on support at 0.7113. This is followed by support at 0.7064. There is resistance at 0.7249 and 0.7336
Pound surges, UK job data loomsThe British pound has soared at the start of the week. Currently, GDP/USD is trading at 1.3961, up 0.86% on the day.
The British pound is on a torrid pace. The currency jumped 0.99% last week and has padded those gains on Monday. GBP/USD is closing in on the 1.40 level, which has psychological significance. This line has been tested several times this year, and breaking above it could provide the pound with further upside momentum.
The US dollar is broadly lower on Monday, as the market appears to have internalized the Fed's message that any increase in inflation will be only temporary. This has led to a significant reduction in expectations of a rate hike in the near future, which has seen the pound, euro and yen register sharp gains against the greenback. As well, with a lack of data on Monday to direct the currency markets, the focus is on sentiment, which is risk-on. This is another factor which as contributed to the dollar's retreat on Monday.
The UK releases key employment data for March on Tuesday (6:00 GMT). Wage growth is projected to remain strong at 4.7%, while unemployment rolls are expected to fall to 24.5 thousand, after a sharp gain of 86.6 thousand beforehand. With the UK continuing to ease lockdown rules, the April employment numbers could be significantly better.
Taking a look ahead at the economic calendar, the UK releases CPI on Wednesday (6:00 GMT). The extended lockdown in the UK has led to significant pent-up demand, which is expected to result in higher inflation. The estimate for headline inflation in March stands at 0.8%, compared to the current level of 0.4%.
Earlier in the day GBP/USD broke above resistance levels at 1.3898 and 1.3956. Above, there is resistance at 1.4070.
On the downside, there is support at 1.3726.
Will Canada job report boost CAD?The Canadian dollar has reversed directions on Friday and recorded slight gains. Currently, USD/CAD is trading at 1.2592, up 0.25% on the day. It has been a relatively quiet day week for the pair, but that could change in the North American session, with the release of key employment numbers (12:30 GMT).
Canada's economy continues to grapple with the Covid-19 crisis, and the country's vaccine rollout has been on the sluggish side. At the same time, the economy is slowly finding its footing, and the Bank of Canada expects positive growth in 2021. The labor market surged in February, adding 259.2 thousand jobs. The April estimate stands at 101.5 thousand, and if the reading is within expectations, there is a strong likelihood that the Canadian dollar will respond with gains.
The Canadian dollar has looked sharp of late, gaining 1.38% against the greenback in March. The economic recovery in the US has helped rejuvenate Canada's export sector, with 75% of Canadian exports going to the US. As well, the improvement in the global economy has raised the risk appetite for minor currencies like the Canadian dollar.
Another key factor that has boosted the currency is the Bank of Canada's announcement that it plans to taper its purchase of government bonds. The QE programme has been a key tool in keeping interest rates low during the Covid pandemic, and the move to reduce bond purchases would make Canada the first of the G-7 members to take such a step, which could occur as early as the next policy meeting on April 21st. In contrast, the Federal Reserve is not expected to taper QE before 2022.
CAD has support at 1.2521. Below, there is support at 1.2465. There is a pivot point at 1.2584. On the upside, 1.2640 was under strong pressure during the week. This is followed by resistance at 1.2703.
US consumer confidence surges in March to one year highThe consumer confidence index increased to 109.7 in March from 90.4 in February, which beat the economists' forecast at 96.9
Consumers’ assessment of short term outlook on salaries, employment rate and commercial activities increased , with an optimism view on the domestic consumption market
MM Analysis
The consumer confidence index reached 109.7 in March, which echo with the increased number of University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey. Consumer's optimism derived from 3 main factors.
1. Increased vaccinations, which indicates a rebound on commercial activities
2. Labor market on the mend, i.e. decreasing Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims, increasing US Non-farm Payrolls, which would boost the retail and personal consumption growth
3. Transfer income from the American Rescue Plan
In conclusion, strong consumption confidence and high saving rate would provide a strong support on economic recover, pushing up the US GDP
Fed Chair Powell: We would eventually roll back support programs"The amount of fiscal support the economy has received is historically large and that's going to result in higher economic activity and hiring," Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, on March 25.
According to Powell, the Fed is moving to deactivating the lending facilities, and will gradually roll back the amount of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities that they're buying, these moves will enable them to raise interest rates in a longer run.
The market is predicting a recovery on the USD, after discerning a turning point of the expansionary monetary policy.
MM Analysis
Apart from the interview of Powell, the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims has also dropped from 770 thousands to 684 thousands (better than expected), showing a robust recovery from COVID-19.
The senate has also extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline from March 31 to May 31, providing an even stronger support on the employment recovery.
Besides, President Biden has named a new goal on vaccinations - 200 million in his first 100 days (Currently 130million). If the vaccination rates continues, the herd immunity schedule might be achieved in advance in June.
Overall, with a strong support on vaccination and employment, we should focus on the robust economic recovery of the US when making investment decisions. The USD would recover, with a sign of the end of expansionary monetary policy.
AUDCAD - Expect UpriseI would like to see a slight pullback to re-test the previous order block-level marked. The SL is protected by the daily ATR range and the TP is at a strong daily demand level. If we see price retrace slightly more I may consider setting a buy limit in hopes of getting a wick entry on this pair.
The only thing that could be potentially detrimental to this idea is the AUD employment change figures on Thursday, so fingers crossed this setup will become available early in the week.
COT Data - 56% Short
EURUSD Probabilities For Pullback? Mid Term PossibilitiesTechnically exhausted bulls and tonight we have Businesses & Employment reports incoming from the US (ADP, ISM, and PMI) which are some key data representing the US economic outlook. Any unexpected numbers can spark volatility on this major pair. We had a 50bp emergency rate cut which was a surprise last night from FED and the aftermath outcome for the king was not good which we can know by watching over DXY around the floor (lately did rebound upward showing some correction hope). Exhausted euro bulls and oversold dollar make me think if tonight somehow the US passes a good outlook on those key reports then it can be a chance for the greenback for retracement over a shorter time horizon around 32.80% Fibonacci which line up with last time R1 of the W period pivot. I won't say that this major pair may have a full reversal at this point by knowing that FED has probabilities of 2 more rate cuts this year. It is the nature of the market to fall and rise back harder or rise and then fall back harder on the various factors of the underlying asset. Nothing goes to hell or heaven straight forward. Last night market players have pushed price further upward on this major pair after knowing FED surprise announcement which let me think psychologically and technically once at this point that there may not be more room left upward for this pair (overbought oscillators condition too). Even if the news doesn't favor the US tonight it has already priced in finely last night so possibilities can be just opposite creating a sell-off scenario (don't forget what happened with AUDUSD even after the cut by RBA last day). Even if reports end up being good for the US then also bear have some reason to push the price lower where market is already overbought for this major so that make some sense too. In both cases, it seems we may today have some pullback in this pair hypothetically talking.
ORBEX: GBPUSD, USDCAD: Surprise on the US-Sino and Brexix FrontsIn today's #marketinsights video recording I analyse #GBPUSDand #USDCAD FX Majors!
GBPUSD records best day in months
- Johnson-Varadkar see "pathway to deal" by end of October
- Despite GDP and MAnufacturing data disappointed
USDCAD down on tradewr optimism
- Trump changed mind and now is open to a partial deal
- Willing to and will meet He on Friday to resume talks
- Cad stronger as oil supported by positive headlines (China is big oil importer)
Looking forward to Canada's employment report!
Stavros Tousios
Head of Investment Research
Orbex
This analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice
USDCAD remained heavy USDCAD has remained heavy after posting a 24-day low at 1.3191 yesterday, which extended the correction from the two-and-a-half month high that was printed on Tuesday at 1.3382.
The recouperation in risk appetite in global markets, with the U.S. and China headed back to the negotiating table, has been a positive for the Canadian Dollar, and other commodity currencies. Oil prices are up over 2% from week-ago levels (WTI futures). Resistance comes in at 1.3270-73. The dual releases of U.S. and Canadian employment reports will naturally bring directional risk to USD-CAD. The August U.S. payrolls is expected to show resilience in the labour market, anticipating a a 165k August headline rise that about matches the 164k July increase, with the jobless rate ticking down to 3.6% from 3.7%, alongside gains of 0.3% for both hours-worked and hourly earnings.
The Canadian employment report has us expecting a 30k gain in August after the 24.2k drop in July, with the jobless rate holding steady at 5.7%. As-expected data shouldn't have much bearing on USD-CAD.
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Should We Ignore USDCAD Head & Shoulders?Reasons for buying USDCAD:
- Disappointing Canadian employment data last Friday
- Price bounced off both the demand zone and support trend line
- Crude Oil Futures price rejected resistance trend line
Last Friday, Canadian employment posted a huge drop and unemployment increased by 0.2% to 5.7%, both missing estimates by a wide margin. Despite this, the CAD still managed to maintain some strength, supported by the rise in oil prices. But at this point of time, the chart is showing that maybe, the market has not fully priced in the weak data yet.
In the 4-hour USDCAD chart, we can see that the price plunged but bounced off the demand zone and support trend line after the US announced a delay to impose tariffs. Crude Oil Futures price also approached and rejected resistance trend line.
Although the announcement on tariffs is a positive news, tariffs are still set to be imposed and not totally removed. The trade war has been creating a lot of volatility in the market, so we should always keep a lookout for the latest developments and manage risks accordingly. The head and shoulders pattern may form and play out, but I don't trade solely on chart patterns, that is why in this case, I will go long on the USDCAD.
LIVE TRADE - BEARISH $USDJPYOANDA:USDJPY
With global stock markets dropping due to Fed rate hikes, Tarrifs, Brexit, and Italys stalemate, the Japan Yen is emerging favorable as a safe haven. This week BOJ announces rates and Japan releases unemployment while ADP Employment and Non Farm Payrolls are released later in the week from the United States.
www.forexcrunch.com
AUDUSD "binary" TradingBinary as in 1 and 0. Good unemployment data, I will Long AUDUSD. Bad Employment I will short AUDUSD (Aussie is already pressured by the US China Trade War as it is). A good economic data could give some relief to the Aussie and I want to make sure I am in a trade if that happens
ADP-Employment Sector vs Dow Jones-DJI, DDM, DIA Here is another chart that is using the EMPL_SEC ticker. When applying the Heikin Ashi Indicator to this data and overlaying the Dow Jones on top, you can clearly see the correlation. Employment in the U.S. is what dictates when to get in and when to get out. Please let me know what you all think of this idea and comment with any additional data I should include. My next chart will be the same idea but using the Federal Reserve Monetary Base as a Dow Jones Indicator.
Thanks!
ARE WE HEADING TO ECONOMIC CRISIS?I don't particularly enjoy breaking the bad news but we are at record low levels for insured unemployment which is kind of scary for cycle followers.
What we have seen for the last 50 years, a dip in unemployment usually followed by an economic downturn and we see a sudden jump on unemployment numbers.
There are many underlying factors to this, which I will not mention here - but fundamentally it is because people start to become too loose and take their current situation for granted and start to overspent which is also encouraged by the media, government & banks!
What shall we do?
Assume it will happen and start planning ahead!
and KEEP IT REAL!
CAD employment & NFPTonight, we have the CAD employment data. No significant change expected in the data.
However, if we get a positive NFP data, we could see the USD strengthen further.
Giving the USDCAD a solid base to bounce off support of 1.2750. However, a buy trade should be triggered only if 1.28 is breached.
Gold Pushes Up Against a Potential Triple TopGold started the day with a big selloff but then recovered after the FOMC and Janet Yellen announced that they would not be raising interest rates at this time. Gold is now attempting to break out of a potential triple top at $1220. If Gold can break through, then the first target would be 1241.7, the .618 fib extention from the bull run that started at the end of last year. With jobless claims tomorrow at 8:30 am EST and Non Farm Payroll on Friday at 8:30 am EST, there can be some potential big moves coming up for the precious metal.
The main chart today is complete with all the indicators that I use. The first chart below is the same but with Japanese Candlesticks, called Heiken Ashi. They are really good for showing trends. As you can see, we are now into day 3 of this uptrend.
On this next chart, I've removed most of the chart objects to show only the basic Bollinger Band and Moving Averages. It's clear to see that price has separated from the 6 and 8 day moving averages and has ridden the mid line of the Bollinger Band higher.
Feel free to ask any questions or leave comments. I am always interested in having thoughtful discussions on price action to improve all our trading.