Euro to propel on relapsing EU inflation & US jobs dataFighting inflation is hard. Hence, central banks are data dependent while calibrating rates. Continuing geopolitical conflicts puts Europe at risk of inflation relapse.
Headline numbers can be misleading. Central bankers will dig deep. Deeper analysis will compel investors and policy makers to rethink and recalibrate interest rate calculus.
This paper unpacks US jobs & Euro area inflation report, and market expectations of rates ahead.
UNPACKING US NON-FARM PAYROLL DATA
The US labour market added 216k jobs in December 2023 surpassing expectations. It was up 25% month-on-month.
Headline numbers look healthy. Details spell trouble. Payroll data was revised lower by 71k for October and November. Average work week contracted, and participation rate declined.
Jobs growth is concentrated in three sectors, namely, Government, Education/healthcare, and Leisure/Hospitality. Eighty percent of the jobs added are from sectors that are not considered growth engines.
Three key takeaways from jobs report:
1. Employment growth remains robust: Month-on-Month employment trends point to jobs growth in government, leisure and hospitality, health care, social assistance, and construction, while transportation and warehousing lost jobs.
On a 12-month seasonally adjusted basis, apart from (a) Transportation & Warehousing and (b) Information, rest of the sectors added jobs.
Source: BLS
2. Hourly Wage Earnings growth is strong: In December, average hourly earnings on private payrolls jumped by fifteen cents, or 0.4%, to USD 34.27/hour. Average hourly earnings have increased by 4.1% over the last year.
Source: BLS
3. Unemployment Remains Unchanged: Unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% (3.5% last year this time) with number of unemployed persons unchanged at 6.3 million (5.7 million last year this time).
COMPREHENDING EUROZONE INFLATION NUMBERS
Euro area inflation rose 2.9% YoY in December 2023, reversing a two-year low (2.4%) observed in November. Eurostat inflation estimates was marginally below the market consensus of 3%. Inflation uptick since April 2023 was primarily due to energy-related base effects.
Energy prices declined 6.7% while services inflation was flat. Core inflation, excluding food and energy prices, softened to 3.4%. Core inflation is at its lowest point since March 2022.
MARKET EXPECTATIONS OF RATE CUTS
Investors are betting that the US Fed and the ECB will cut rates six times this year. First rate cut is expected in March or April.
Market expectations are in sharp contrast to policymakers. The US Fed expects to make three quarter-point cuts this year. The ECB has stood its ground arguing that the inflation fight is not over yet.
Amid strong economic data, probability of Fed rate cuts in March has fallen from 100% to 70%.
Source: CME Fedwatch Tool
EUR-USD WITNESSED WILD MOVES ON INFLATION, JOBS, AND SERVICES DATA BUT SETTLED WHERE IT OPENED
Last Friday news flow impacting FX rates were strong. Front month EUR-USD futures traded wildly opening at 1.0977 reaching a high of 1.1030 and then plunging to a low of 1.0908 before closing at 1.0977.
December US ISM Services PMI unexpectedly fell to 50.6, the lowest reading in seven months, compared to 52.7 in November. Services industry is critical accounting for more than two-thirds of the US economy.
Euro fell 0.5% last week, marking its largest weekly drop since early December breaking three consecutive weeks of strengthening.
The EUR-USD is hovering at its support levels with the 50d DMA likely to print a golden cross with the 200d DMA.
Near term technical signals point to strengthening of the Euro versus the US dollar. Momentum favours Euro while price reversion risk remains neutral.
Diverging macroeconomic conditions leaves Eurozone exposed to higher risk of inflation relapse. The ECB is expected to be slower with rate cuts relative to the Fed. In anticipation, leveraged funds are starting to sharply reduce their net short positions in the CME EUR/USD futures.
Source: CME QuikStrike
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE SETUP
Europe is at greater risk of inflation relapse on continuing geopolitical risks in Russia-Ukraine and the middle east. Energy and goods inflation relapse will force the ECB to defer its rate cuts.
Size of the rate cuts, if any, is also likely to be smaller at the ECB relative to the Fed. This will strengthen the Euro against the USD in the near term.
To harvest gains from a strengthening Euro, this paper posits a hypothetical long position in CME Micro EUR/USD Futures expiring in March 2024 (M6EH2024) with an entry at 1.0979 combined with a target at 1.1123 and hedged by a stop at 1.0871, delivering an expected reward-to-risk ratio of 1.33x.
Each lot of CME Micro Euro Futures contract provides exposure to 12,500 Euros. It is quoted in USD per Euro increment. Each pip i.e., 0.0001 per Euro delivers a P&L of USD 1.25.
• Entry: 1.0979
• Target: 1.1123
• Stop: 1.0871
• Profit at Target (hypothetical): USD 180 (= 0.0144; 144 pips; 144 x 1.25 = 180)
• Loss at Stop (hypothetical): USD 135 (= -0.0108; -108 pips; -108 x 1.25 = -135)
• Reward-to-Risk (hypothetical): 1.33x
MARKET DATA
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DISCLAIMER
This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
Futurestrading
Nice Win on Copper today! Copper showed up in the TrendCloud Scanning system this morning and we took the trade short in the live trading room.
Momentum and trend were both down across multiple timeframes according to TrendCloud.
Price pulled back to our 5 minute supply zone and took profits at $100.
Another winner trade for TrendCloud!
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Jingle Bulls: Analyzing the E-mini S&P 500's Year-End RallyIntroduction
The Santa Claus rally, a well-documented phenomenon in the financial markets, particularly in the context of the E-mini S&P 500, presents a captivating study of market behavior during the holiday season. This rally, often characterized by an uptrend in the stock market, offers a confluence of joy and opportunity for traders and investors alike. Our extensive analysis will delve deep into the intricacies of this phenomenon, unraveling its significance in the broader market context.
Current Market Overview
Over the past two decades, the E-mini S&P 500 has often mirrored the festive spirit with its performance during the Santa Claus rally. A close examination of the rally's seasonality since 2006 paints a picture of resilience and optimism, with only a handful of years bucking the trend. This pattern sets a compelling backdrop for our current year's analysis.
Technical Analysis of the Santa Claus Rally
The preliminary signs of the Santa Claus rally begin to surface as autumn wanes. The technical indicators in November, particularly the moving averages, RSI, and MACD, provide a glimpse into the market's preparatory phase for the rally. This early analysis is critical in setting expectations and understanding the underlying market sentiment.
December's arrival marks the acceleration of the rally. The daily timeframe charts during this month are a testament to the burgeoning bullish sentiment, with technical indicators aligning to confirm the trend's strength.
A broader perspective is gained through a weekly timeframe analysis, which smoothens out the daily volatilities and provides clarity on the rally's sustained nature.
The monthly timeframe charts link the current rally to the historical market cycles, offering a comprehensive view of the rally's significance in the long-term market trends.
Historical Context and Comparative Analysis
The Santa Claus rally, particularly in the E-mini S&P 500, is not a recent phenomenon. Historical data dating back over the past two decades reveals a pattern of consistent end-of-year rallies. Analyzing these instances, we find that in 14 out of the last 18 years, the E-mini S&P 500 experienced a significant uptick during this period. Notably, the failed rallies often coincided with broader market stressors or significant global events, offering insights into the rally's sensitivity to external influences. This comparative analysis underscores the rally's reliability but also highlights its exceptions, reminding traders that historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes.
Economic Indicators and External Factors
The Santa Claus rally in the E-mini S&P 500 doesn't occur in isolation. It is influenced by a myriad of economic indicators and external factors. Key among these is the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, which can significantly sway market sentiment. Inflation rates, employment data, and GDP growth figures also play a crucial role in shaping the market's direction during this period. On a global scale, geopolitical tensions and international trade relations can impact investor confidence, thereby affecting the rally. This interplay of factors necessitates a vigilant approach to market analysis, recognizing that the Santa Claus rally is as much about economic fundamentals as it is about seasonal trends.
Market Sentiment and Trader Behavior
The psychology driving the Santa Claus rally is a fascinating aspect of this phenomenon. During this period, a general sense of optimism pervades the market, often leading to increased buying activity. For many traders, this rally represents a culmination of the year's trends and a final push for year-end profits. However, this optimism needs to be tempered with caution. The rally can sometimes lead to overexuberance, resulting in inflated asset prices and increased volatility. Traders should be aware of the potential for a market correction following the rally and should approach trading during this period with a balanced mindset, combining optimism with risk awareness.
Trading Strategies and Risk Management
Navigating the Santa Claus rally requires tailored trading strategies and effective risk management. Traders might consider positioning themselves to capitalize on the expected uptrend, but with safeguards against unexpected market shifts. Utilizing stop-loss orders and setting clear profit targets can help in managing risks. Diversification across asset classes may also provide a buffer against potential volatility within the E-mini S&P 500. Additionally, traders should stay attuned to market indicators and news, as these can provide early signals of changes in the rally's trajectory. Ultimately, a disciplined approach, balancing the eagerness to exploit the rally with prudent risk management, is key to navigating this period successfully.
Conclusion
The Santa Claus rally, particularly in the E-mini S&P 500, offers a microcosmic view of the broader market dynamics at play during the year's end. This phenomenon, while rooted in historical patterns and influenced by a blend of economic indicators and market sentiment, requires a nuanced understanding and a strategic approach. As we close the chapter on another year's rally, traders are reminded of the constant interplay between market optimism and the reality of economic fundamentals. The insights gleaned from this analysis not only shed light on the rally itself but also serve as a guiding framework for navigating future market movements with agility and foresight.
CME Real-time Market Data helps 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
Disclaimer:
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.
!!! ↘︎ Multi-day Streak(period): No Santa this Christmas ↘︎ !!!✺ End of Bulls rally after the most successful trading day since April.
✺ The possibility of the Goldilocks scenario - is it on the horizon?
✓ PPI data has been reported today.
Key fact: "Firms no longer optimistic"
BLACKBULL:SPX500
After the longest period of growth in 2024, the market closed at -0.41 rate, putting the end to the robust bulls rally since the last week. The PPI report came out during the pre-market hours. The result, from the surface was seemingly positive from market perspective. Although, always the detail is the devil.
The overall result came out in favor of regular consumer, seeing drastic decrease in manufacturing cost in total: (Processed goods for intermediate demand) Prices for processed goods for intermediate demand moved down 0.9 percent in October, the largest decrease since falling 1.6 percent in May. Leading the October decline, the index for processed energy goods dropped 4.3 percent. Prices for processed foods and feeds decreased 0.4 percent. In contrast, the index for processed materials less foods and energy advanced 0.1 percent. For the 12 months ended in October, prices for processed goods for intermediate demand fell 4.5 percent.
The largest contribute to the odds was the transportation and warehousing which increased for about 1.5 percent. The warehousing and transportation contains various subjects from regular staffing needs to delivery of goods, signifying that the era of pandemic is yet remain in the market.
The Empire state manufacturing Survey begins with the headline, "Firms No Longer Optimistic," as the future business conditions index plunging from twenty-four points to -0.9, the lowest since 2022. Troublesome in logistics with increased unfulfilled shipment, lacking number of employees, decreased employee work hours, signifying operational challenges residing within the industry. Facing these resilient challenges, business have forecasted in contrast to market's optimistic expectations: General business conditions from twenty-three to -0.9 followed by decreased number of new orders, increased unfilled orders and shipments, lacking performance over all.
Back to the graph, here are some key price-lines for the rest of this week on BLACKBULL:SPX500 (red lines):
1. Bull $4506-4521 (Largest volume allocated for the last 5 days)
2. Bear $4393.66-4360 (Largest volume allocated since Oct 28th)
With few significant leaps in the previous week and this Monday, the market might have fooled us by acting as if these were the clues as to guarantee the potential end of the year rally.
With big CPI report and lots of unexpected positive earnings from larger tech firms and overall, we were able to get through the $4393 resistance level without a hurdle, and it seems that we just ran out of those events to create the unexpectencies to get us through the new high. Plus, the Inverse U-shape pattern is one of my favorite along with Inverse W-pattern (or Double top), and as large the previous leap was, this down trend will also be way much more accelerated with higher velocity than which we anticipated.
We all know that demand is the driving factor of the market, but without the proper level of supply to meet the market needs, will only cause higher inflation, simply will lead to another rate hike from the fed. I think today's inverse trend was only the smallest part portraying the fear residing beneath the surface.
NQ View pre HolidayHello everyone
This is likely the last analysis/ forecast until next month/ year.
As always, I am monitoring DXY for confirmations of movement on the NQ.
I am bullish above the Order Block highlighted, and the supports noted.
If we trade below the order block, I will be looking for a dip into the bullish FVG's marked as support.
I believe a high probability scenario is that we will dip on Sunday open/ Monday and bounce from the OB or other supports.
DOL are the FVG's above.
Notice below all of this bullish move we had tapped into a monthly Bullish FVG, (I have marked the .5 of that )
I have marked M, D, W to denote which strength the various gaps are.
There are several news drivers/ economic numbers coming out this week that will likely be catalysts for moves.
I hope this is helpful, and that you have a fantastic trade week!
Shorting the EuroTrendCloud is showing an extended trend on the 4 hour chart.
This means that we should see price pull back below the 50 SMA to recalculate.
The one hour chart is in a downtrend and CCI has gone below -100. This indicates strong momentum to the downside as its approaching the 15 minute supply zone.
We might have enough momentum for another push down once the 15 minute supply zone is hit.
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Light Crude Oil Futures Short Setup and potential Long
Expecting some sideways before a move up into the 78.50 region and a pull back to the levels shown .
Aside from the confluences I have documented , this plan also correlates well with my USD outlook .
I will wait for the short and have alerts set but there is also a long from around 75.20ish if you wanted to take the move up beforehand.
Of course this analysis could easily change so manage your risk accordingly with your trading plan .
Support my work with a Like and Follow for future Analysis.
Watching Levels on Micro NQdaily-price has taken out monthly buy-side liquidity
4hr- we are in a bullish trading range and currently pulling back the price has disrespected the first BISI that was in the premium of the range
1hr- price failed to take out the Asian buy-side and just fell in London creating SIBIs,
my AOI for buys would be around 50-61% of the fib on the 4hr if we price can come in that zone and create a lower time frame market momentum shift.
$NQ1! Looking bearish, but...I'll be looking for a retest of the support line break we saw yesterday
If we're lucky we can see that this week still
If the support like is retested but fails to break, it will indicate a good short position
Target for a short position will be 13750.
Lots of open air below.
Waiting for a retest/break
HIFI/USDT ↗️ Long Setup Trade ↗️Hello Everyone 🙋🏽♂️
🔴 0.6350
🟢 0.7150
We are not responsible of any losses for anyone, our trades are profitable more for long terms and we take losses as everyone,
manage your lot size as well and your SL and TP and my opinion is 0.01 lot for each 500 $.
Don't forget to hit the like bottom and write a comment to support us.
Follow us for more 🙋🏻♂️
Best Regard / EMA Trading .
Disclaimer:
----------------
It's not a financial advise, As everyone we take losses sometime but for long term trading we are profitable traders, so manage your account well with SL and TP and your lot size to keep your account safe and stay in the market .
UNFI/USDT ↘️ Short Trade Setup ↘️Hello Everyone 🙋🏽♂️
🔴 10.454
🟢 9.265
We are not responsible of any losses for anyone, our trades are profitable more for long terms and we take losses as everyone,
manage your lot size as well and your SL and TP and my opinion is 0.01 lot for each 500 $.
Don't forget to hit the like bottom and write a comment to support us.
Follow us for more 🙋🏻♂️
Best Regard / EMA Trading .
Disclaimer:
----------------
It's not a financial advise, As everyone we take losses sometime but for long term trading we are profitable traders, so manage your account well with SL and TP and your lot size to keep your account safe and stay in the market .