Discussion of Levels before the FOMC January 31st
DXY: (Fed Decision) Stay below 103.80 could trade down to 102.70 support.
NZDUSD: Buy 0.6150 SL 15 TP 40 (DXY weakness)
AUDUSD: Sell 0.6585 SL 15 TP 60 (DXY strength)
USDJPY: Sell 147.10 SL 30 TP 200 (Hesitation at 146.45)
GBPUSD: Buy 1.2715 SL 20 TP 60 (DXY weakness)
EURUSD: Sell 1.0790 SL 15 TP 45 (2nd setup) Sell 1.0730 SL 20 TP 70
USDCHF: Consolidation, possible straddle
Buy 0.8655 SL 20 TP 55
Sell 0.8600 SL 15 TP 40
USDCAD: Sell 1.3400 SL 20 TP 50
Gold: Break above 2040 trade up to 2055 (Conflict escalation & DXY weakness)
Federalreserve
Gold forecast: Crazy to expect rate cut tomorrow? Gold forecast: Crazy to expect rate cut tomorrow?
Mostly yes. Market consensus leans towards the U.S. central bank maintaining current interest rates following the conclusion of its two-day meeting tomorrow. However, the potential impact on the U.S. dollar and gold is likely to hinge on statements from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding expectations for a rate cut.
While there is an anticipation of a somewhat dovish shift from Fed officials in the market, the robust January data and the positive JOLTS job report this morning present a case for the possibility of a sustained hawkish stance,
The JOLTS report revealed that U.S. job openings in December surged to 9.026 million, surpassing the expected 8.750 million and marking the highest figure in three months.
XAU/USD was trading in the green for a second consecutive day before the JOLTS report. Gold is currently above a mildly bearish 20 Simple Moving Average for the first time in over two weeks, with longer moving averages situated significantly below the current level.
Still, gold has breached its minor downtrend line originating from the early January high raises the possibility of a bullish target towards $2055, presumably reliant on the possibility of a Fed rate cut (or not).
Gold's Bullish Momentum: Technicals and Fundamental DriversIn today's trading session, our attention is on XAUUSD, where we're considering a buying opportunity around the 2026 zone. Technically, gold is exhibiting an uptrend but currently undergoing a correction phase, with the price nearing the support and resistance area at 2026. Adding a fundamental layer to our analysis, we observe bullish sentiment among investors driven by several factors.
Geopolitical tensions and the prospect of further interest rate cuts by central banks, particularly the Federal Reserve, are key drivers behind the bullish outlook on gold. Recent events, including heightened geopolitical risks, have contributed to a risk-off sentiment in financial markets, prompting investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold. Additionally, expectations of lower interest rates, combined with concerns about global economic growth, have boosted the appeal of non-interest-bearing assets like gold.
Furthermore, structural demand from emerging market (EM) central banks and consumers remains robust, providing support to gold prices. EM central banks and consumers have demonstrated a sustained interest in acquiring gold as a hedge against currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties. This structural demand, coupled with the prevailing geopolitical tensions and expectations of monetary policy easing, underpins the positive outlook for gold prices.
Taking these factors into account, the bullish sentiment among investors regarding gold's price trajectory aligns with the technical analysis indicating a potential buying opportunity around the 2026 zone for XAUUSD.
U.S. Core PCE Comes in Lower than Expected U.S Core PCE (FEDS FAVOURITE METRIC)
Rep: 2.9% ✅ Lower Than Expected ✅
Exp: 3.0%
Prev: 3.2%
U.S. Headline PCE
Rep: 2.6% ✅ In Line with Expectations ✅
Exp: 2.6%
Prev: 2.6%
Historical Core PCE Norms
On the chart you can see that since 1990 the typical Core PCE range is between 1 - 3% (red dotted lines on chart). We are slowly getting back down into this more historically moderate level. We have just fallen below the 3% level and down into the historically moderate zone for PCE levels.
The Federal Reserve have advised that Core PCE is expected to decline to 2.2% by 2025 & finally reach its 2% target in 2026. At this rate we might reach 2% a little sooner than that.
For the full breakdown of the Core and Headline PCE and to know the differences between PCE and CPI, please review the Macro Monday I previously released which explains it all (in the comments below).
PUKA
Gold price juggles ahead of Fed’s preferred inflation gaugeDaily Digest Market Movers:
Gold price remains inside the woods as the upside was capped amid uncertainty ahead of the United States core PCE price index data for December. While the downside is being supported because of geopolitical tensions and the chance of rate-cuts by the Federal Reserve this year.
The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge is forecast to rise by 0.2% against the former reading of 0.1%. The annual underlying inflation data is set to slow to 3% versus 3.2% in November.
The US economy expanded at a robust pace of 3.3% in the final quarter of 2023 while market participants projected a slower growth rate of 2.0%. This has uplifted the economic outlook, which could keep price pressures elevated.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said surprisingly strong economic growth came from higher productivity and robust consumer spending without escalating inflation risks.
A stubborn core PCE price index report could combine with an optimistic economic outlook to propel upside risks to price pressures. This would allow Fed policymakers to continue to maintain a hawkish interest rate stance for the first six months of 2024.
After the release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, market participants will shift their focus towards the Fed’s first monetary policy of 2024, which will be announced next week.
The Fed is widely anticipated to keep interest rates unchanged in the range of 5.25-5.50% for the fourth time in a row. Investors will keenly focus on the timing of when the Fed will start reducing interest rates.
The CME Fedwatch tool is showing that the chances in favour of a 25-basis point (bp) rate cut in March are at 48%. This indicates that traders are seeing the Fed reducing interest rates from May.
Till now, Fed policymakers have been considering expectations of rate-cuts from March as “premature” due to resilient US economic prospects and stubborn inflationary pressures.
Fed policymakers have been warning that rate cuts at this stage would be premature, which could lead to a surge in overall demand and dampen efforts made to bring down core inflation to its current 3.9% level.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) holds onto recovery inspired by upbeat US Q4 GDP data but struggles to print a fresh high near 104.00.
US 10Y : "FED vs MARKETS" (...who will win?)Hello Traders!
The FED's monetary policy is not convincing the markets, but Powell seems very determined to meet his inflation targets. In near term, market seems to want to counter this hawkish monetary policy, but that could change going forward. In short term, yields remain at high levels and I don't exclude that this rally could continue for the last bullish impulse with wave 5 formation.
Does this bullish pattern meet economic fundamentals over the medium term? ...What is your opinion?
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...trade with care! 👍
If you think that my analysis is useful, please...
"Like, Share and Comment" ...thank you! 💖
Cheers!
us10y and the secondary wave of inflation.before you read any further, read my post from april:
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it has been awhile since i've given a public update on the us10y and my general theory about where i believe these rates are headed.
back in april of 2023, i gave an upside target of 5.9% for the us10y.
as of today, i'm raising the range for that upside target into the window between 6-9%, going into the end of 2024.
i'm aware that jpow has mentioned in the last few fed meetings that he has no intention of raising the rates any further, but i'm seeing a significant development on many of the charts this week which tells me otherwise. so i'm calling him out on his bluff.
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us10y w5 algo = 6-9%
Controlled Sideways Trends Ahead of EarningsThe Giant Banks and Credit Card companies benefit the most from the Federal Reserve Board's overnight interest rate hikes. As the FRB increases its lending rate, it allows big banks and credit companies to increase their interest rates to consumers, small businesses, etc. That usually means higher revenues.
NYSE:V is in a sideways trend that is not as consistent as would be ideal ahead of its earnings report in about 3 weeks. However, HFTs are aware of the tendency for credit card companies to prosper during high interest-rate markets.
Study the candlestick patterns: Note the quick reversal back down after a higher price level was reached. Note the rebound the same day when price dropped out of the lows of this sideways trend. There is control in this pattern which is typical of Professional trading activity.
Fed Policy Trajectory and Interest Rate OutlookCBOT: Micro 2-Year Yield ( CBOT_MINI:2YY1! ), Micro 10-Year Yield ( CBOT_MINI:10Y1! ) and Micro 30-Year Yield ( CBOT_MINI:30Y1! )
The latest US jobs report showed that employers added 216,000 jobs for December while the unemployment rate held at 3.7%, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That compared with respective market estimates of 170,000 and 3.8%.
On Thursday, the BLS will release December’s CPI data. The prevailing market expectation is 0.3% monthly increase for headline CPI, up from 0.1% in November.
The Federal Reserve sets monetary policy to support price stability and full employment. New data shows that the US economy is very resilient, and maybe slightly overheated with the upbeat job market.
After hiking interest rates 11 times and pausing for 2 times, the Fed now has a dilemma. “To cut, or Not to cut”, this is a trillion-dollar question.
In this 3rd installment of new year outlook for major asset classes, I will discuss what opportunities may lie ahead for bonds and interest rate derivatives.
FYI: The first writing was a year-end review for metal commodities – Gold, Copper, and Aluminum. If you haven’t read it yet, you may follow the link here:
The second writing was New Year outlook for US equities – the benchmark market indexes Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100.
2023: what’s the dominating market narrative?
Last year, the Fed raised interest rates four times for a total of 100 bps. This was a slower pace comparing to the year before, where we saw seven rates hikes and 400 bps in total.
To the surprise of most analysts, businesses continue to expand and hire new workers under tightened credit. Inflation could creep up with higher wages and a strong job market.
US stock market rose for most of the year, shaking off bad news along the way. Despite interest rates are 5% higher than two yeas ago, major market indexes reached all-time-high records last December. The S&P 500 gained 23.9% for the year, and the Nasdaq Composite more than doubled that at 53.9%.
2024 Outlook for US Interest Rates
Most investors agree that the Fed will cut rates in 2024. But the expectations for the timing and scope vary significantly.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the first rate-cut could occur at the March 20th Fed meeting, with a 69.2% probability. For June 12th, the odds of two or more rate cuts increase to 85.9%. By December 18th, investors expect the Fed Funds rate to fall between 1% to 2% lower than the current 5.25-5.50% range, with a 97.9% odds (Data as of January 7th).
(Link: www.cmegroup.com)
Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions. Current bond prices reflect the market expectations of 5-8 rate cuts in 2024. Lower yields, higher prices.
The January 2nd CFTC Commitments of Traders report (COT) shows that “Leveraged Funds” hold the following open positions on CBOT interest rate futures:
• Fed Funds: 224,772 longs and 489,204 shorts
• 2Y Treasury: 775,882 longs and 2,266,563 shorts
• 5Y Treasury: 844,600 longs and 2,821,682 shorts
• 10Y Treasury: 285,598 longs and 775,882 shorts
• 30Y Treasury: 79,124 longs and 497,636 shorts
The overwhelmingly Net short positions indicate that the “Smart Money” considers the rate cuts being oversold. Why do they want to short Treasury futures? If the Fed keeps the interest rates higher for longer, or implements fewer rate cuts, Treasury yields would be higher than the current price indicated. Higher yields, lower prices. Shorting Treasury futures expresses the viewpoint that Treasury bond prices would fall.
In my opinion, the bond market tends to tell a better story, compared to the stock market. The institutional nature of most participants allows the bond market to be less prone to irrational hypes and price bubbles.
Trading with CBOT Micro Yield Futures
Micro Treasury Yield Futures are low-cost instruments to participate in the bond market. Micro yields are quoted by treasury yield directly. Higher yields, higher futures prices. This would ease the burden from working the complicated price and yield conversion.
Last Friday, the February contract of Micro 2Y Yield futures (2YYG4) were settled at 4.186%. Each contract has a notional value of 1,000 index points, or $4,186 at current price. To acquire 1 contract, a trader is required to deposit an initial margin of $340.
The February Micro 10Y Yield (10YG4) was settled at 4.008%. Notional value is 1,000 index points or $4,008. Initial margin is $320.
The February Micro 30Y Yield (30YG4) was settled at 4.221%. N notional value is 1,000 index points or $4,221. Initial margin is $290.
My reasoning:
We just had a hotter than expected jobs report for December. If CPI data shows inflation rebound this week, the whole Fed cut narrative could be derailed. The January 30th Fed meeting could have a surprised rate decision, or a more hawkish Fed statement.
To replicate the short bond futures strategy used by Leveraged Funds, investors could long the micro yield futures to express the same view of higher yields. Initial margins for 10Y Micro Yield are $320, compared to $2,125 for 10Y treasury notes futures (ZN).
Hypothetically, if the yield goes up by 25 bps, a long Micro Yield futures position would gain $250 (= 0.25 x 1000). This would be the same for 2Y, 5Y, 10Y and 30Y micro yield futures, as they all have a 1,000-point multiplier.
On the other hand, if investors continue to ignore the Fed, as they have often been in the past two years, short futures will lose money.
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
$US100 Another Bulls rally ends the sell off?
This Friday we met the 0.5 Fib retracement level from the last breakout.
Wall street snapped on its 9 week winning streak.
Mixed with both fear and hope to number of expected rate cuts in the current year of 2024, recent commodities price had shown re-incarnation followed by increasing tension in regions including Mid-east, Korea, and Ukraina.
Major AI stocks that carried the market throughout 2023 had cooled off a bit during the first week of Jan. But, is this really the end?
All eyes are on the US inflation data for further cues on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outloook. Forecasts suggest consumer prices likely edged up by 0.2%. We could assume the service sector laid off number of their employees to maintain their high-productivity rate continue from last year. With this expectation, 6 rate cuts may seem naive option to blindly follow. Although, I expect market to move up for the first three days just because of the false hope of dovish fed speech planned for this Thursday.
Interest Rates and Inflation: Shaping GBPUSD's TrajectoryGreetings Traders,
As we delve into the intricacies of GBPUSD for potential trading opportunities, the convergence of fundamental factors takes center stage. This analysis encapsulates the interplay between interest rates, Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, and central bank decisions for both the Bank of England (BoE) and the Federal Reserve.
Examining the BoE's CPI data provides insights into the inflationary pressures faced by the UK. The most recent CPI figures on December 20, 2023, indicate a year-over-year inflation rate of 3.9%, slightly below the forecasted 4.3% and notably lower than the previous 4.6%. The gradual decrease in inflation suggests a potential easing of price pressures. However, it's crucial to note that even with this decline, inflation remains elevated.
In tandem with the CPI, the BoE's interest rate decisions are instrumental in understanding the monetary policy landscape. As of December 14, 2023, the BoE has maintained a benchmark interest rate of 5.25%. This consistent stance signals the central bank's commitment to addressing inflation while providing stability to the economy. The interest rate differential between the BoE and the Federal Reserve plays a pivotal role in shaping GBPUSD dynamics.
Contrasting this with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, the FOMC has maintained a steady interest rate of 2.00% as of December 13, 2023. The relatively lower interest rate in the United States compared to the UK creates an environment where traders need to carefully navigate the potential impact on GBPUSD.
Analyzing the broader context, the comparative interest rates and inflation trends suggest a nuanced landscape for GBPUSD. While the BoE grapples with elevated inflation, its commitment to a higher interest rate provides a counterbalance. On the other hand, the Federal Reserve's dovish stance, despite rising inflation, signals a cautious approach. This divergence in monetary policy contributes to the potential for GBPUSD upsides.
In conclusion, traders eyeing GBPUSD for a buying opportunity around the 1.25900 zone should consider the complex interplay of interest rates, inflation, and central bank decisions. The nuanced analysis presented here aims to equip traders with a comprehensive understanding of the macroeconomic factors shaping GBPUSD's prospects, pointing towards potential upsides in the current market environment.
Wishing you successful trades,
Joe.
US Equities 2024 OutlookCME: E-Mini S&P ( CME_MINI:ES1! ), E-Mini Nasdaq ( CME_MINI:NQ1! )
Stock investors around the world had a banner year in 2023. Of the ten major stock market indexes I monitor, eight delivered solid 1-year returns.
• North America: S&P 500, +23.9%; Nasdaq Composite, +53.6%;
• South America: Bovespa (Brazil), +22.3%;
• Europe: FTSE (UK), +3.0%; Stoxx (Germany), +11.3%;
• Asia: Nikkei (Japan), +28.2%; Kospi (Korea), +18.7%; Nifty (India), +19.5%;
• China: SSE (Shanghai), -3.2%; Hang Seng (HK), -13.7%.
In this second installment of new year outlook for major asset classes, I will discuss what opportunities may lay ahead for US stocks. Subsequent writings will cover Energy, Agricultural commodities, Interest Rates, Forex, and Cryptocurrencies.
FYI: The last writing was a year-end review for metal commodities – Gold, Copper, and Aluminum. If you haven’t read it yet, you may follow the link here:
Record Gains Built from Lower Baselines
While all four major US stock indexes booked double-digit returns in 2023, they each experienced a steep loss in 2022. The combined 2022-2023 returns aren’t so impressive.
• Dow Jones: +5.3%
• S&P 500: +3.3%
• Nasdaq 100: +9.3%
• Russell 2000: -5.9%
You may think that adding the 2022 return of -18.1 and 2023 return of 23.9% will give the S&P a 2-year return of +5.8%. But the actual return is only +3.3%. Why?
Simple Math: If you lose 20% first, you will need to gain 25% to make up for the loss and just get back to square one. Mathematically, 1/0.8 = 1.25, or (1-20%) * (1+25%) = 1.
This matters a lot to hedge funds. An active manager may have a 2-20 arrangement with his investors, which is 2% fee on asset-under-management, and 20% on carry interest. If a fund closely tracks the Nasdaq, the manager received no carry for 2022, and the carry for 2023 is based on the 2-year return of +9.3%, not the 2023 return of 53.6%. The fund usually would have a “high water mark” clause that requires the manager to make up for prior loss before getting paid. Therefore, Wall Street bonuses may not be that big this year.
2024 Outlook for US Equities
The December 26th CFTC Commitments of Traders report (COT) shows that:
• E-Mini Dow: “Asset Manager” has 26,070 long positions and 3,098 short positions.
• E-Mini S&P 500: Asset Manager has 1,147,149 longs and 275,037shorts.
• E-Mini Nasdaq 100: Asset Manager has 111,046 longs and 20,662 shorts.
• E-Mini Russell 2000: Asset Manager 229,229 longs and 142,312 shorts.
The overwhelmingly Net Long positions on all major US index futures indicate that futures traders are very bullish on US equities. Investors eye in a soft landing for the US economy and expect aggressive rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the first rate-cut could occur at the March 20th Fed meeting, with a 73.5% probability. For June 12th, the odds of two or more rate cuts increase to 82.2%. By December 18th, investors expect the Fed Funds rate will be 1% to 2% lower than the current 5.25-5.50% range, with 98.5% odds (Data as of January 1st).
(Link: www.cmegroup.com)
US equity indexes could stay high as long as the Fed remains dovish. The past few months proved that investors are very resilient. The bullish market sentiment is very hard to break, unless really bad things happen.
If an investor owns US stocks, there is no good reason to sell them now. We have seen that geopolitical risks had done little damage to US equities. Fed policy still drives the market. Staying with the ride and hedging the stock portfolio with put options may be a good strategy.
Trading with CME E-Mini Equity Index Put Options
As US equity indexes take turn making all-time high, it’s costly to buy the underlying stocks. Options are an inexpensive alternative to get exposure in stocks. Depending your stock portfolio and views, you could either long or short the options on E-Mini S&P 500 futures
• Last Friday, the March E-Mini S&P 500 futures (ESH4) was settled at 4,812.75. Buying 1 long or short position requires initial margins of $11,800;
• January end-of-the-month (EOM) Call options with a 4910-strike costed 23.50 points. Premium for 1 call is $1,175 (= 23.5 x $50 multiplier);
• January EOM Put options with a 4710-strike priced at 27 points. Premium for 1 put is $1,350 (= 27 x 50).
We could construct a similar strategy with E-Mini Nasdaq 100.
• Last Friday, the March E-Mini Nasdaq futures (NQH4) was settled at 17,003.75. Buying 1 long or short position requires initial margins of $17,700;
• January end-of-the-month (EOM) Call options with a 17,200-strike costed 208.50 points. Premium for 1 call is $4,170 (= 208.50 x $20 multiplier);
• January EOM Put options with a 16500-strike priced at 127.70 points. Premium for 1 put is $2,551.40 (= 127.75 x 20).
In a rising market, out-of-the-money put options could be a strategy for small odds with big payoff. In January, we will have new data releases for December inflation (CPI and PCE) and nonfarm payroll employment, as well as a Fed meeting on January 31st.
My reasoning: If we see inflation rebound, stronger employment, or a hawkish Fed, the stock market could turn south, resulting in a gain for the put.
Hypothetically, if the March S&P futures price drops 150 points by January month-end options expiration, the put would be 47.25 points in-the-money (= 4710 – 4,662.75) and earn $2,362.5 (= 47.25 x $50). Using the initial margin as cost base calculations, the theoretical return would be 75% (= 2362.5 / 1350 - 1).
If the March Nasdaq drops 800 points (17,003.75-800=16,203.75) at January options expiration, the put would be 296.25 points in-the-money (= 16,500 – 16,203.75) and earn $5,925 (= 296.25 x $20). The theoretical return would be 132% (= 5925 / 2551.4 - 1).
On the other hand, if stocks continue to rise, put options will lose money, but never go beyond the premium already paid.
Options Calculator is a free tool CME Group provided for options traders. It generates fair value prices and Greeks for any of CME Group’s options on futures contracts or price up a generic option with this universal calculator. Traders could customize their input parameters by strike, option type, underlying futures price, volatility, days to expiration (DTE), rate, and choose from 8 different pricing models including Black Scholes.
www.cmegroup.com
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Group Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Dollar Index PivotBetting against the dollar is growing in popularity after the Federal Reserve upended markets by signaling the end of its monetary tightening campaign.
Non-commercial traders — a group that includes hedge funds, asset managers and other speculative market players — boosted their bearish bets on the greenback in the week ended Tuesday. More than 39,000 contracts are now tied to expectations the US currency will fall, up more than 10,000 from a week ago when the Fed was preparing to meet, the data show. The currency has suffered a pronounced slump in the wake of that confab, when the Fed released updated economic projections forecasting additional monetary easing next year. Indeed, while there are now more contracts betting on dollar weakness, the dollar value of those contracts has actually slipped to $5.5 billion, slightly lower than last week.
The dollar extended its drop on Friday after the Fed’s preferred gauge of underlying inflation showed muted price gains, affirming the central bank’s pivot toward interest-rate cuts next year.
What is your opinion on Dollar in 2024?
Trade with care
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Unraveling the NYSE Enigma: The Matrix of US EconomyNavigating the Matrix: The US Economy's Fractal Future Unveiled
In the intricate dance between mathematical laws, global events, and the echoes of a 15-year financial cycle , the US economy stands at a crossroads. As financial analysts, we often find ourselves immersed in technical tools, resistance zones, and support levels, but perhaps it's time to step back and perceive the larger canvas.
Michael Burry's ominous warning about a potential stock market crash has shuffled the cards, prompting us to question not just if, but when. The unfolding narrative forces us to reconsider the true value of a safe-haven asset—Digital Gold, aka Bitcoin. Recent news, including the surge in Bitcoin's value and its best day since August 2023 , as reported by Reuters, signals a seismic shift in the global financial landscape, with giants like BlackRock entering the scene.
The emergence of a new world order, led by BRICS , alongside the strengthening of the Euro and the weakening of the USD, mirrors a plot that seems torn from Orwell's playbook. The question has transcended the realm of ETFs; it now echoes in the chambers of the world's financial future.
As we step into this unknown terrain, a confluence of factors shapes the economic narrative. Inflation, like a rising tide, threatens to engulf us. Interest rates, akin to a tempest, soar to new heights. The capital congestion in consumer hands, unaccounted for and potent, adds complexity. Blue-chip stocks skillfully sidestep taxes, while government structures weaken. Amidst this symphony of financial discord, the political instability of influential nations like Russia and Israel looms large, their ripples creating a butterfly effect on the American economy.
The matrix of economic forces is shifting, and the rules of engagement are evolving. In this amalgamation of financial philosophy and stark reality, we must decipher the patterns, anticipate the shocks, and navigate the unknown. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear—the US economy is on the brink of a profound transformation, and it's time to read between the fractals.
Get ready for the FOMC and Jerome PowellWith the SPX trading just about 3.8% from its all-time highs, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve, which is scheduled to announce a monetary decision later today, followed by a press conference. We do not anticipate any change to the FED Funds Rate as we expect the central bank to take additional time in order to assess the lagging effects of previous rate hikes. During the press conference, we expect Jerome Powell to outline a surprisingly strong labor market and resilient parts of the economy in spite of rising living costs and debt servicing. In some remarks, the chairman will likely admit that a great deal of a job has already been done, but there is still more to do, with inflation being far from the 2% target. Overall, the conference’s tone will likely be carried in the well-known fashion of “higher for longer” and lack of clarity on steps toward easing. We will provide a review of what was said after the conference.
Please feel free to express your ideas and thoughts in the comment section.
DISCLAIMER: This analysis is not intended to encourage any buying or selling of any particular securities. Furthermore, it should not be a basis for taking any trade action by an individual investor. Therefore, your own due diligence is highly advised before entering a trade.
Post FOMC AnalysisDid the federal reserve just set the tone for 2024?
- done with the rate hike regime
- wait for a bit more evidence on inflation
- switch rate cut policy
With a decision in March/May still looking the most likely for now, are we going to see more downside on the DXY
In the technical aspect
- Price reversed from resistance of 104.30
- Currently resting along support of 102.50 which coincides with the 61.8% fibonacci retracement level
- Next major support level at 99.75, with interim support at 101
Bitcoin Above $42K Again as Fed Holds Interest Rates SteadyBitcoin gained some upward momentum, picking up 0.8% in the past hour, following an announcement from Federal Reserve officials that the central bank would leave interest rates unchanged.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading for$43,119.95, according to CoinGecko. Ethereum also responded positively to the news, having picked up 1% in the past hour. It's currently changing trading for $2,234.
"The seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run," the FOMC said in a statement. "In support of these goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%."
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said during a press conference that the U.S. economic recovery "has progressed more quickly than generally expected, and forecasts from FOMC participants for economic growth this year have been revised up since our September Summary of Economic Projections."
"Even so," Powell added, "overall economic activity remains well below its level before the pandemic, and the path ahead remains highly uncertain."
Investors were expecting to hear that rates would be maintained. Ahead of the announcement, the CME FedWatch tool showed investors believe there's a 98% chance that the Federal Reserve would leave interest rates unchanged. The tool works by tracking the prices of Fed funds futures contracts, which investors use to speculate on or hedge against changes in rates.
Crypto investors tend to take the FOMC lowering rates or leaving them unchanged to be a bullish sign for markets.
That's because the Bitcoin (BTC) price has historically correlated with risk equities and central bank policy.
The more favorable credit conditions are in the economy, the more likely BTC is to pump. When interest rates are low, investors are more likely to take their dollars and put them into risk assets, such as stocks and crypto. When rates are high, investors flee back to dollars.
Notable Events: Bitcoin rose aggressively to new highs from March 2020 to early 2021 after the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate to just 0.25%. And in July, traders breathed a sigh of relief while—despite news that the Fed planned to raise rates—Bitcoin and Ethereum didn't immediate take a dive.
The Fed started aggressively raising rates in 2022 to try and control 40-year high inflation. It hiked them by 75 basis points four times—which negatively impacted the value of stocks, equities and crypto.
Nasdaq (us100) - H4 - Careful!!There is some reasons that I think Nasdaq is going to experience a fall in near future:
1) The federal reserve still wants to keep interest rates higher for longer.
2) These prices for stocks it means the market think the fed is going to decline interest rates for 1.25% in December 2024!
3) Retail investors buy 7 billion Dollar of stocks, but Banks just buy gold!
Be careful!
THE KOG REPORT - NFPKOG REPORT – NFP:
This is our view for NFP tomorrow, please do your own research and analysis to make an informed decision on the markets. It is not recommended you try to trade the event if you have less than 6 months trading experience and have a trusted risk strategy in place. The markets are extremely volatile, and these events can cause aggressive swings in price.
Quick NFP Report today with the levels to look for a reaction in price. Would say we're only looking for one move, that's down into the support regions before capturing a potential tap and bounce back up. If price does go up, we'll be sitting and waiting for the order region to break and then assess the price action over the weekend before then making a plan which we will share on the KOG Report.
Key levels:
Support – 2000-05 and below that 1975-80.
Resistance – 2035 and above that 2055, break above we’ll be on for targeting that wick.
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As always, trade safe.
KOG
IWN Russel Index ETF ShortIWN on the reliable daily chart has been trending down for two in a descending channel as
shown on the chart with upper and lower trendlines drawn with the tool. The Stochastic RSI
oscillates in the interval between oversold and over bought and presently is well
overbought at nearly 100. While the RSI may double top like it did in July, it is at least right now
at the first top. The zero lag MACD is confirmatory with a K/D line cross well above the
histogram. I will play this by buying a put option at a strike of $ 150 for October 24
If Biden tries to prompt up the market to gain a re- election and is successful, this will get
stopped out. If interest rates are not pulled back by the fed soon, small caps will continue to get crushed.
On the other hand when rates are pulled back, they will be nimble and recover quicker than
the large caps and it will get stopped out. I think the fed will pullback rates to help Biden
out, although the fed is not partisan ?
Oil prices in their downward trend lend support to a slow fall off in the inflation rate.
What goes for IWN also goes for DIA.