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USD/CAD steady ahead of retail salesThe Canadian dollar is showing limited movement on Friday. In the European session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.4384, down 0.11% at the time of writing. On Thursday, the Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since March, touching 1.4435. Canada retail sales have risen for four consecutive months and the trend is expected to continue today, with a market estimate of 0.7% m/m. The economy outlook remains gloomy and the Bank of Canada is expected to continue lowering rates in order to boost the weak economy. The BoC has been aggressive, cutting rates five times since June for a total of 175 basis points. The central bank slashed the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.25% last week but signaled that it plans a "more gradual approach to monetary policy", which means we can expect 25-bp increments in rate cuts if there are no surprises in inflation or employment data. The "gradual approach" sounds a lot like what we're hearing from the Federal Reserve, which surprised the markets on Wednesday when it lowered its forecast to just two rate cuts in 2025, compared to four cuts in the September projection. The US dollar soared after the rate announcement and the Canadian dollar took it on the chin with losses of around 1% on Wednesday. The incoming Trump administration could be a major headache for Canada, as Trump has pledged to slap tariffs on Canadian products. The Canadian government  has announced enhanced security measures at its border with the US, hoping these moves will encourage Trump to suspend his tariff plans. Canada's Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned earlier this month after a bitter row with Prime Minister Trudeau, which has added political uncertainty that could weigh on the wobbly Canadian dollar. USD/CAD tested resistance at 1.4404 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 1.4463 1.4341 and 1.4282 are the next support levels
by OANDA
British retail sales decline, pound extends lossesThe British pound is lower for a straight third trading day on Friday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2543, down 0.36% on the day. UK retail sales disappointed in October, with a sharp decline of 0.7% m/m. This follows a downwardly revised 0.1% gain in September and missed than the market estimate of 0.3%. Annually, retail sales rose 2.4%, well below the market estimate of 3.2%. The September reading was revised downwards from 3.9% to 3.2%. The sharp drop in retail sales can be attributed to low consumer confidence and the recent Budget. The GfK consumer confidence index showed an improvement, rising from -21 to -18, but this points to a very pessimistic British consumer who is thinking twice before making discretionary purchases. The Reeves Budget on Oct. 31 dampened consumer spending, as the government had warned about “difficult decisions” and proceeded to deliver a Budget with some 40 billion pounds worth of tax increases. Understandably, consumers held back on spending in October and retail sales were down across most categories. The economy has slowed since the July election and services and manufacturing activity have decelerated for three straight months. The UK releases the Services and Manufacturing PMIs later today. The Services PMI is expected to remain unchanged at 52.0, while the Manufacturing PMI if projected to inch up to 50.0, up from 49.9. If the PMIs are weaker than expected, the pound could respond with losses. The US will also publish manufacturing and services PMIs on Friday, with little change expected. The Manufacturing PMI is expected to rise from 45.5 to 45.8, and the Services PMI, which has been showing solid growth, from 55 to 55.2. GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2557, followed by support at 1.2525 There is resistance at 1.2609 and 1.2641
by OANDA
British pound falls to 6-month low, retail sales nextThe British pound has lost ground on Thursday. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2506, down 0.44% on the day. Earlier, the pound dropped as low as 1.2593, its lowest level since mid-May. It’s a busy Friday in the UK, highlighted by the retail sales report. We’ll also get a look at consumer confidence and the services and manufacturing PMIs. The UK releases October retail sales on Friday and the markets are bracing for a downswing. The market estimate stands at 3.4% y/y, compared to 3.9% in September, the highest since Feb. 2022. Monthly, retail sales are expected to decline by 0.3%, following a 0.3% gain in September. The UK consumer remains in a sour mood, as the cost of living and high interest rates continue to squeeze households. The GfK consumer confidence index is expected to remain unchanged in November at -21. The UK manufacturing sector has been struggling. The October PMI was revised downwards to 49.9, which indicates stagnation. The PMI has decelerated for three straight months and the weak global demand will likely continue to weigh on manufacturing in the months ahead. The market estimate for November stands at 50.0. The services sector is in better shape and has shown 12 consecutive months of growth. The PMI has also eased for three straight months, raising concerns about the health of the economy. The market estimate for November is 52.0, unchanged from the October figure. The US will also publish manufacturing and services PMIs on Friday, with little change expected. The Manufacturing PMI is expected to rise from 45.5 to 45.8, and the Services PMI, which has been showing solid growth, from 55 to 55.2. There is resistance at 1.2666 and 1.2702 GBP/USD pushed below support at 1.2618 and tested support at 1.2582 earlier
by OANDA
Japanese yen declines on BoJ’s Ueda cautious remarksThe Japanese yen is lower on Monday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 155.08, up 0.51% on the day. Bank of Japan Governor Ueda sent mixed signals about a rate hike in December, leaving investors unclear and sending the yen lower against the US dollar. Ueda said that the timing of a rate hike depended on economic conditions. He noted that there was progress towards sustained inflation from higher wages and consumption, but warned that there were “numerous uncertainties” that the Bank would have to monitor, such as the impact of President-elect Trump’s economic policies. Ueda said that the central bank wouldn’t wait for all uncertainties to clear up before a hike and that the timing would depend on the “economic, price and financial outlook”. The lack of clarity from Ueda wasn’t all that surprising as the BoJ is not transparent with its rate plans, which results in strong volatility whenever the BoJ makes a rate move. Ueda’s comments didn’t change market expectations, as the pricing of a rate hike in December is around 55%. A strong rise in inflation or a significant decline in the yen would support a rate hike at the December meeting. The week ended on a positive note as US retail sales were better than expected in October. Retail sales rose 0.4% m/m, better than the market estimate of 0.3% and the September reading was revised from 0.4% to 0.8%. Annually, retail sales posted a strong gain of 2.8%, up from an upwardly revised gain of 1% in September and blowing past the forecast of 1.9%. The strong data for September and October has lowered the odds of a rate cut in December, which are currently around 60%. On Thursday, prior to the retail sales report, Fed Chair Powell said that “the economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates”. USD/JPY is testing resistance at 156.07. The next resistance line is 157.86 154.97 and 153.18 are the next support levels
by OANDA
Japan GDP beats forecast, yen ends skidThe Japanese yen is in positive territory today, putting the brakes on a four-day skid. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 155.54 down 0.45% on the day. Japan’s economy expanded by 0.9% in the third quarter, below the revised 2.2% gain in Q2 but above the market estimate of 0.7%. Quarterly, GDP rose 0.2%, lower than the 0.5% gain in Q2 and matching expectations. The GDP numbers were not sparkling but point to a second straight quarter of growth. August economic activity was dampened due to a “megaquake” alert and a fierce typhoon which caused widespread destruction and disruption. Private consumption, which comprises more than half of the country’s GDP showed strong growth of 3.6% y/y, despite the weather issues. This is an encouraging sign for the Bank of Japan, which wants to see inflation rise to demand and consumption. The BoJ has been vague about the timing of a rate hike but the markets are looking at December or January as likely dates. The yen has been wobbly and is down 2.3% in November. If the yen’s downswing continues, the BoJ could decide to hike rates at the Dec. 19 meeting. There is also the possibility of the Ministry of Finance intervening in the currency markets if the yen declines sharply. The US wraps up the week with retail sales for October, with a market estimate of 1.9%. Retails sales eased to 1.7% y/y in September, which was an 8-month low. Monthly, retail sales are expected to inch up to 0.4% from 0.3%. Consumer spending has been generally strong and consumer confidence should improve now that the uncertainty over the US election is over. USD/JPY has pushed below support at 1.5601 and is testing 1.5560. The next support line is 1.5493 1.5668 and 1.5709 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
XAUUSD - Gold waiting for the Hawkish Federal Reserve!Gold is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 30-minute timeframe. In case of breaking the resistance range or correction with low momentum, we can witness the continuation of the rise and see the limited supply and sell in that range with the appropriate risk reward. Inflation Outlook and Economic Policies in the US and Their Impact on Markets Consumer Price Increase in the US and Gradual Decline in Inflationary Pressures • October Data: In October, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% compared to September. Core inflation (excluding energy and food) also increased by 0.3%, aligning with market expectations. • Expert Analysis: Dr. Christoph Balz and Bernd Weidensteiner from Commerzbank emphasized that while the data shows no significant progress, it indicates a gradual reduction in inflationary pressures. • Core inflation remains far from the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, holding steady at 0.3%, similar to August and September. • This suggests that inflation is likely to stay above the central bank’s target in the long term. • Trump’s Policies and Inflation: Economists predict that emerging economic policies under Trump, including higher tariffs and reduced immigration, may further strain the labor market and contribute to higher inflation in the long run. Jerome Powell’s Remarks and Market Reactions • No Need for Financial Policy Easing: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that given strong economic growth, a robust labor market, and inflation still above the 2% target, there is no immediate need for monetary policy easing. • Market Reaction: These comments raised concerns among investors, signaling a potential slowdown in the pace of interest rate cuts. US Dollar Outlook • Stability and Growth of the Dollar: According to Barclays Investment Bank, the US dollar will maintain its upward trajectory due to economic resilience and shifting market expectations regarding Federal Reserve interest rate policies. • Factors Supporting Dollar Strength: • Trump’s trade and fiscal policies, including higher tariffs and domestic initiatives, are key drivers of dollar strength. • Barclays projects the dollar will remain strong and continue its upward trend through 2025. • China’s efforts to boost its economy may have a limited impact on weakening the dollar but are unlikely to significantly disrupt its rising trajectory.
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDLong
by Ali_PSND
Euro extends losses as eurozone CPI slows to 1.8%The euro continues to lose ground and is trading at 1.1080 in the North American session, down 0.49% on the day. The euro is down for a third consecutive day and has declined 0.9% during that time. Eurozone inflation eased to 1.8% y/y in September, down from 2.2% in August and below the market estimate of 1.9%. This was the lowest rate since April 2021 and below the European Central Bank’s inflation target of 2%. The drop in inflation was largely driven by the sharp decrease in energy prices. Monthly, inflation declined by 0.1%, down from the 0.1% gain in August. Services inflation, which has been a headache for the ECB, dropped from 4.1% to 4.0%. The core rate, which is a better indicator of long-term inflation trends, fell to 2.7%, down from 2.8% in August and below the market estimate of 2.8%. Inflation declined across the bloc, with Germany, France, Italy and Spain all recording inflation rates below 2%. The ECB has approached the new rate-cutting cycle with caution, as high services inflation and wage growth are reminders that the battle against inflation isn’t over. The markets expect the ECB to remain on the sidelines at the October meeting and re-evaluate a possible rate cut in December. The Federal Reserve is expected to be aggressive in its rate-cutting cycle, which started last month with a large cut of 50 basis points. On Monday, Fed Chair Powell poured cold water on expectations for another jumbo rate cut, saying that the economy was in “solid shape” and that the Fed was not in any rush to cut rates quickly. Powell’s remarks have lowered market odds of a 50-bps cut to 40%, compared to 58% one week ago, according to CME’s FedWatch. EUR/USD pushed below support at 1.1096 and tested support at 1.1058 earlier. The next support level is 1.1001 1.1153 and 1.1191 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
Japanese yen soars on Japan’s political dramaThe Japanese yen has steadied on Monday after posting huge gains on Friday. USD/JPY is trading at 142.43 in the European session, up 0.15%. The yen soared on Friday but it was in response to political rather than economic developments. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) unexpectedly chose Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader and he will take over as Prime Minister on Tuesday. Ishiba’s win was a surprise as Economic Minister Sanae Takaichi was expected to win the LDP leadership race. The financial markets reacted sharply – the Japanese yen soared 2.1% on Friday while the Japanese stock market is sharply lower today. Takaichi is a strong supporter of lower interest rates while Ishiba favors the Bank of Japan’s moves towards normalization. Ishiba said today that he will call a snap election on October 27, which he is almost certain to win. Ishiba’s election would be a green light for the BoJ to continue tightening policy which would make the yen more attractive to investors. Overshadowed by the political drama was Monday’s Japanese data, which was a mix. Industrial production slid 3.3% m/m in August, after a 3.1% gain in July and well short of the market estimate of -0.9%. Yearly, industrial production declined 4.9%, compared to a 2.9% gain in July. There was better news from retail sales, which rose 0.8% m/m in August, up from 0.2% in July and a three-month high. Yearly, retail sales climbed 2.8%, up from a revised 2.7% in July and above the market consensus of 2.3%. Inflation remains under control and this was reiterated on Friday by the US Core PCE Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation indicator. The index rose 0.1% m/m in August, a three-month low. This was down from 0.2% in July and below the market estimate of 0.2%. Yearly, Core PCE ticked up to 2.7%, after three consecutive months at 2.6% and in line with expectations. USD/JPY tested resistance at 142.86 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 143.19 There is support at 142.26 and 141.93
by OANDA
USD/JPY rebounds after US retail sales beats estimateThe Japanese yen is down sharply on Tuesday. USD/JPY is up 0.73% today, trading at 141.64 in the North American session at the time of writing. On Monday, the yen pushed below 140 per dollar for the first time since July 2023. The yen has looked razor sharp, gaining 2.9% in the month of September alone. The yen has surged a massive 15% in the third quarter, the best-performing G-10 currency. The Federal Reserve is virtually certain to raise interest rates by at least 25 basis points on Wednesday. The Bank of Japan, which meets on Friday, is expected to keep rates on hold. The BoJ has been an outlier among the major central banks and is expected to continue tightening, which has boosted the yen. The BoJ has signaled that further rate hikes are coming and this could occur as soon as December. In the US, today’s retail sales release was the final key event ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting. Retail sales softened in August but the decline wasn’t as sharp as expected. Monthly, retail sales posted a small gain of 0.1% in August, down from a revised 1.1% in July but still better than the market estimate of -0.2%. On an annualized basis, retail sales eased to 2.1%, down from 2.9% in July and just below the forecast of 2.2%. The retail sales release is not expected to impact the Federal Reserve decision on Wednesday. The rate cut odds for a half-point cut stand at 67% according to the CME’s FedWatch tool, unchanged by the retail sales release. USD/JPY pushed above 141.17 earlier and is testing resistance at 141.72 There is support at 140.37 and 139.82
by OANDA
Canadian dollar jumps on retail sales reboundThe Canadian dollar is showing some strength on Friday. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3532 at the time of writing, down 0.60% on the day. The Canadian dollar is at its highest level since early April and is poised to post its third winning week in a row. Canada’s retail sales report was a mix. In June, retail sales fell 0.3% m/m, confirming the initial estimate and following a May reading of -0.8%. However, the initial estimate for July jumped 0.6%, which would indicate a much-needed rebound in consumer spending. Retail sales were down 0.5% in the second quarter and 0.4% in Q1, which would mark the weakest two quarters since 2009, outside the covid pandemic. The spike in July is likely due to the Bank of Canada’s quarter-point rate cuts in June and July, bringing down the benchmark rate to 4.5%. The BoC is expected to continue to trim rates as inflation has eased and the labor market shows signs of decline. The annual Jackson Hole meeting has begun and the highlight of the summit will be today’s speech from the host, Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The markets are all ears, although it would not be a surprise if Powell’s speech is little more than a cautious acknowledgment that inflation is moving in the right direction and that the Fed is poised to cut at the Sept. 18 meeting. The markets have fully priced in a rate cut at next month’s meeting, with the odds at 71% for a 25-basis point cut and 29% for a 50-bps cut, according to CME’s FedWatch. There’s a strong chance that the Fed will deliver additional cuts before the end of the year, but recent employment data has been very weak and that could delay further rate cuts. The next employment report on Sept. 6 will be a key factor in determining the Fed’s rate path. USD/CAD has pushed below support at 1.3578 and is testing support at 1.3538. Below, there is support at 1.3478 There is resistance at 1.3628 and 1.3653
by OANDA
NZ dollar slips ahead of retail sales, Powell’s speechThe New Zealand dollar is drifting on Thursday. In the North American session, NZD/USD has fallen to 0.6132 at the time of writing, down 0.41% on the day. The New Zealand dollar continues to have its way with its US counterpart and has soared 4% since July 29. The markets are braced for a downturn in retail sales for the second quarter, with a market estimate of -1%, following a 0.5% gain in the first quarter. The New Zealand economy has been struggling and weak retail sales in June drove the Services PSI lower to 40.2 in June, compared to 42.6 in May. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. High interest rates have weighed heavily on economic activity and consumers have cut back sharply on discretionary spending. In the US, the FOMC minutes of the July meeting reaffirmed that the Fed is headed towards a milestone rate cut at the Sept. 18 meeting. Most of the Fed officials at the meeting favored reducing rates next month, provided that that data “continued to come in about as expected”. The markets have fully priced in a September cut, which hasn’t happened since the onset of the Covid pandemic. The annual Jackson Hole symposium is often little more than a photo-op but this year promises to be different. Next month, the Federal Reserve is poised to deliver its first rate cut since March 2020, likely in the form of a quarter-point cut. There is an outside chance of a large half-point cut, which would become more likely if the next jobs report on Sept. 6 points to further cooling job growth. NZD/USD is testing support at 0.6147. Below, there is support at 0.6100 The next resistance line is 0.6209
by OANDA
GBP/USD extends gains as retail sales bounce backThe British pound has extended its gains on Friday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2887 in the European session, up 0.31% on the day at the time of writing. It has been a winning week for the pound, which has climbed 1%. There was more good news from the UK economy as retail sales rebounded in July by 0.5% m/m, after a revised decline of 0.9% in June and in line with the market estimate. Annually, GDP surged 1.4%, compared to -0.8% in June and matching the market estimate. The pound has moved higher in response to the positive retail sales data. The bounce in retail sales reflects summer discounts and purchases related to the Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, such as apparel. As well, with inflation finally under control and running close to 2%, consumers are responding by opening up their wallets and purses. The positive retail sales report follows yesterday’s solid GDP release. The UK economy recorded rose 0.6% in Q2, a second straight quarter of growth. The economy is showing some strength in the second quarter but that may not have much effect on the Bank of England’s rate path. The increase in growth may not be sustainable and BoE policy makers have said that they are more focused on inflation, particularly service inflation, which remains much higher than the BoE’s 2% target. The markets are expecting further cutting before the end of the year and have priced in a rate reduction at the November meeting. GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2884. Above, there is resistance at 1.2914 1.2841 and 1.2811 are the next support levels
by OANDA
GBP/USD dips after strong US retail salesThe British pound posted losses earlier but has clawed back and is in positive territory. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2846 in the North American session, up 0.20% on the day. After sustaining a technical session in the second half of 2023, the UK economy is on a rebound. GDP climbed 0.6% in the second quarter, in line with expectations and a notch lower than the Q1 gain of 0.7%. On an annualized basis, GDP rose 0.9%, up from 0.3% and in line with the market estimate. The annualized gain was the strongest growth rate since Q3 of 2022. The strong GDP data comes on the heels of yesterday’s inflation release. CPI for July rose to 2.2%, above the June gain of 2% but below the market estimate of 2.3%. The strong GDP could mean a pause at the September rate meeting. The markets are expecting the next rate cut in November, after the Bank of England delivered the first cut of the new rate-cutting cycle earlier this month. The US economy may have lost a step but don’t count the US consumer out. Retail sales jumped 1% m/m in July, up sharply from a revised -0.2% and blowing past the market estimate of 0.3%. The strong consumer spending data supports a modest rate cut of 25 basis points. Last week’s rout in the global markets raised expectations of a massive 50-basis point cut as a response to fears of a deterioration in the US economy. These fears have been allayed somewhat but if the US posts further weak numbers we could see panic return to the markets. GBP/USD pushed above resistance at 1.2838 earlier and is testing resistance at 1.2857. Above there is resistance at 1.2889 1.2706 and 1.2787 are the next support levels
by OANDA
GBP/USD edges lower after soft retail sales reportThe British pound has slightly lower on Friday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2922 in the North American session, down 0.17% on the day. The pound has sparkled in the month of July but has hit a snag, dropping 0.50% on Thursday and extending those losses today. UK retail sales suffered a turnaround in June, falling 1.2% m/m after a strong gain of 2.9% in May and below the market estimate of -0.4%. Annually, retail sales fell 0.2%; following a revised 1.7% gain in May and shy of the market estimate of a 0.2% rise. Fingers were pointing again at inclement weather, which kept shoppers away from the stores. A wet April was blamed for a weak retail sales report and the unseasonably cool weather in June, along with uncertainty prior to the July 4th election were blamed for a decrease in June retail sales. Consumers are showing a reluctance to spend, despite inflation falling to 2% and an increase in wages. Consumers have been squeezed by inflationary pressures and high interest rates and confidence in the economy has been weak. Still, the GfK consumer confidence index, released on Friday, ticked up to -13 for July, up a notch from -13 in June and its highest level since September 2021. In the US, the Fed is signaling that the central bank is moving closer to a historic rate cut. Earlier in the week, FOMC members Chris Waller and John Williams hinted at a rate cut in the coming months, although neither provided a specific date. Waller said that the higher-than-expected inflation in the first quarter of 2024 may have been an “aberration” and inflation was moving lower towards the 2% target. The markets have priced in a September cut at 90%, up from just 70% several weeks ago. GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2915, followed by support at 1.2887 1.2969 and 1.2997  are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
NZ dollar can’t find its footingThe New Zealand dollar has posted sharp losses for a second successive day. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6042 in the North American session, down 0.54% on the day at the time of writing. The New Zealand dollar has declined 1.3% this week and is trading at its lowest level since May 15. New Zealand releases the second quarter inflation report early Wednesday. The market estimate stands at 3.5% y/y, compared to 4% in the first quarter. Quarterly, inflation is expected to remain steady at 0.6%. The inflation report will be a key factor in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate decision on August 14. The central bank stunned the markets with a dovish stance at last week’s rate meeting. The RBNZ held the cash rate at 5.5% as expected but left the door open to rate cuts if inflation falls as expected. The dovish pivot means that the August meeting will be live. At the previous meeting in May, the RBNZ discussed a rate hike but made a dramatic shift at the July meeting, noting that it was concerned the economy could be cooling faster than it had expected. US retail sales dipped to 2.3% y/y in June, down from 2.6% in May but higher than the forecast of 2.1%. Monthly, retail sales were unchanged in June, down from a revised 0.3% in May and matching the market estimate. This was the second time in three months that retail sales were unchanged, pointing to weakness in consumer spending. NZD/USD pushed below support at 0.6071 earlier. Below, there is support at 0.6024 There is resistance at 0.6160 and 0.6202
by OANDA
AUD/USD shrugs as Australian retail sales jumpThe Australian dollar is drifting on Wednesday. AUD/USD is trading at 0.6674 at the time of writing, up 0.11%on the day. Australian consumers have been counting their pennies and reducing discretionary spending. Consumers are feeling the double squeeze of high borrowing costs and stubborn inflation, but retail sales pulled a surprise today with a gain of 0.6% m/m in May. This follows a meager gain of 0.1% in April and crushed the market estimate of 0.2%. This marked the sharpest gain since January, but does not mean that Australian consumers have suddenly switched to a spendthrift mindset. Rather, the jump in retail sales was the result of many retailers involving large discounts and sales events. The monthly May release was strong but there is an underlying weakness in consumer spending, as retail sales climbed just 1.7% y/y in May, compared to over 4% in early 2023. This means that the retail market remains weak despite today’s upbeat report. The Reserve Bank of Australia has stressed that rate hikes are on the table, as stubbornly high inflation has raised concerns that monetary policy may have to be tightened. The RBA discussed the possibility of a rate hike at each of the past two meetings and today’s strong retail sales could strengthen the case for a hike, although policy makers won’t make a rate decision based on one release. The RBA meets next on August 6 and the second-quarter CPI report, which will be released a week before will play a key role in the decision. The markets have priced in a 32% chance of a quarter-point at the August meeting, according to the ASX rate tracker. This would bring the cash rate to 4.6% and would mark the first rate hike since last November. There is resistance at 0.6699 and 0.6729 0.6660 is a weak support level. The next support level is 0.6630
by OANDA
GBP/USD shrugs despite sparkling retail salesThe British pound is slightly lower on Friday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2636 early in the North American session, down 0.17% on the day. UK retail sales jumped 2.9% m/m in May, an impressive turnaround from the revised 1.8% decline in April and blowing past the market estimate of 1.8%. This was the highest level since January. Yearly, retail sales climbed 1.3%, rebounding from a revised 2.3% drop in April and above the market estimate of -0.9%. This marked the sharpest gain since March 2022. The increase in consumer spending was felt across the economy, as rising wages have helped consumers withstand weak economic growth and high interest rates. The weather was a key factor, as a very wet April dampened retail sales, which rebounded in what was the warmest May on record. UK GfK Consumer Confidence rose to -14 in June, up from -17 in May and above the market estimate of -17. Consumers remain pessimistic but the confidence indicator has climbed for three straight months and hit its highest level since November 2021. The Bank of England stayed on the sidelines on Thursday, keeping the benchmark rate of 5.25% unchanged for an eighth straight time. The BoE upgraded its growth forecast for the second quarter and that could mean an August rate cut, which would be the first cut since the BoE embarked on its steep rate-hike cycle to tame high inflation. Earlier in the week, inflation dropped to 2%, the BoE’s target, for the first time in almost three years. The fly in the ointment is that service inflation is running at 5.7% and will have to come down before the BoE cuts rates. GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2633. Below, there is support at 1.2608 There is resistance at 1.2679 and 1.2704
by OANDA
AUD/USD rises after retail sales tick higherThe Australian dollar has edged higher on Tuesday. AUD/USD is trading at 0.6667, up 0.25% on the day at the time of writing. Australia’s retail sales rise 0.1%, CPI next Australian consumers remain frugal and cautious, as retail sales rose just 0.1% m/m April. This was a rebound from the 0.4% decline in March and beat the market estimate of 0.2%. On a yearly basis, retail sales rose 1.3%, compared to 0.9% in March. Retail activity has been flat and that could prod the Reserve Bank of Australia to lower interest rates later this year. The RBA has held the cash rate at 4.35% for four straight times and the markets are anticipating that the next move will be a cut. However, the RBA has sounded hawkish and the RBA minutes of the May 7th meeting indicated that policy makers discussed a rate hike at the May 7th meeting. This was due to concerns that inflation, particularly services prices has been stickier than expected and that the path to the RBA’s 2-3% target will not be smooth. Australia releases April CPI early on Wednesday, which is expected to tick lower to 3.4% y/y, down from 3.5% in March. Fed members continue to send out a hawkish message about rate policy. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said on Tuesday that he would want to see “many more months of positive inflation data” before the Fed lowers rates, adding that a rate hike should not be ruled out. Kashakri said earlier this month that rates need to stay in restrictive territory for “an extended period”. The markets are more dovish and have priced in a rate cut at 52%, according to the CME’s FedWatch. AUD/USD Technical 0.6643 is a weak support level. Below, there is support at 0.6578 0.6695 and 0.6760 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA