CNH: Chinese Currency Could Return to the 6.3-6.9 LevelCME: USD/Offshore RMB Futures ( CME:CNH1! )
Last week, I discussed how China’s huge stimulus package, coupled with the Fed’s supersized rate cut, could improve global energy demand and lift crude oil higher.
As soon as the stimulus was announced, China’s stock market staged a huge rally. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) index moved from below 2,800 on September 24th to close at 3,336.5 on September 30th, up 19% in a week. One-month return for the SSE and notable Chinese stocks are listed here:
• SSE: +17.5%
• Yonghui Supermarkets: +59.9%
• JD: +51.3%
• BABA: +32.5%
• BIDU: +25.5%
China's stock market is closed on October 1st-7th for observation of the National Day holiday. Would the China rally continue when the market resumes trading on Tuesday?
Goldman Sachs just released a research note, saying: Unless China does QE now, the current market rally will crash and burn, and the economy will be a crater. If China does do QE, oil will soar, and gold and bitcoin will be orders of magnitude higher.
While this is presented as two alternative paths, there is only one way to go, in all practical purpose. After going all out last month with unprecedented fiscal stimulus, the Chinese government could not afford to see the stock market and the housing market to tank again. It really needs to finish the job by injecting fiscal stimulus into the economy. Now that the market sensation has already turned positive, government spending would trigger consumer spending as well as investment from the private sector. Such a multiplier effect could lift the Chinese economy higher.
Everything looks bright, with one small problem: China-listed stocks are off-limited to most foreign investors due to financial regulations and the foreign currency control regime.
China’s currency could strengthen as its economy recovers
I hold the view that the China’s currency could appreciate as its economy improves. Outside of China, investors could invest in USD/RMB futures to hitch the economic hike.
To start the discussion, let’s first make some clarification to the confusing terms in the FX market. The USD/RMB exchange rate is quoted as the number of RMB per dollar. The current USD/RMB rate is 7.09, meaning each dollar could exchange for 7.09 RMB.
When the RMB appreciates against the dollar, the price quote would get lower, not higher. For example, the rate 6.50 means you now need 6.50 RMB to get one USD dollar. In RMB terms, this is 0.59 Yuan less than the current USD/RMB rate 7.09. In this scenario, the RMB gains value relative to the dollar.
While the RMB appreciation equates to the dollar depreciation, in charts, the lines representing USD/RMB and the dollar index should move in the same direction.
• For dollar index, the line moving up means dollar gaining value.
• For the USD/RMB, the line moving up means the dollar appreciating against the RMB.
• These two things usually occur at the same time.
In 2023, as China’s economy did not rebound after the end of the pandemic closedown, the RMB depreciated more than 10% against the dollar, sending the rate from 6.69 to 7.37.
In 2024, the two lines diverged due to different economic forces.
• Dollar index moves down with the market expectation of the Fed cutting rates, reducing the interest earned from holding dollar asset.
• The USD/RMB quote moves up because of the slowdown in China’s economy.
In my opinion, the two lines will converge again, both moving down in Q4. Dollar index will get lower as the Fed continues rate cuts. The USD/RMB quote will also go lower, as improvement in China’s economy would strengthen the country’s currency.
For someone with a bullish view of RMB, he could establish a short position in CME USD/Offshore RMB Futures ( NYSE:CNH ). Remember, shorting means the expectation of the quote to go lower, which actually means RMB appreciating against the dollar.
The contract has a notional value of $100,000. At Friday closing price of 7.061, each December contract (CNHZ4) is worth RMB 706,100. CME Group requires an initial margin of RMB 14,000 for each CNH contract, long or short, at the time of writing.
Hypothetically, if CNH bounced back to 6.70, its previous high in January 2023, the quote difference of 361 pips (=7061-6700) would produce a gain of RMB 36,100 (=0.361x100,000) for a short position.
The risk of shorting the CNH is that the Chinese government did not follow through with a fiscal stimulus, and the market rally is short lived.
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
Rmb
Dollar vs Yuan Divergence US Dollar vs Yuan or US Dollar vs Offshore Yuan, technically they are establishing divergence. Above chart is my projection in time to come.
When Dollar vs Yuan moves lower, this means we are seeing a weaker Dollar and a stronger Yuan. See the following link for its video version.
The Chinese yuan, also known as RMB, is the official currency of China. It is used both onshore in mainland China and offshore in international markets.
The offshore yuan, also known as the CNH (Chinese yuan - Hong Kong), is the version of the yuan that is traded outside of mainland China. It is traded in offshore financial centers, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and London. The offshore yuan is not subject to the same restrictions and regulations as the onshore yuan.
The main difference between the onshore and offshore yuan is that the onshore yuan is subject to capital controls imposed by the Chinese government, while the offshore yuan is not subject to these same restrictions. This means that the offshore yuan is more freely tradable and can be used for a wider range of international transactions, such as international trade and investment, while the onshore yuan is more restricted in its use.
Offshore Yuan -
Standard-Size USD/Offshore RMB (CNH)
Outright:
0.0001 per USD increment = 10 CNH
MICRO USD/CNH FUTURES
0.0001 offshore Chinese renminbi per USD
CNH Option
Google search:
USD/CNH Monthly Options Contract Specs - CME Group
Google search
Frequently Asked Questions: USD/CNH options - CME Group
Disclaimer:
• What presented here is not a recommendation, please consult your licensed broker.
• Our mission is to create lateral thinking skills for every investor and trader, knowing when to take a calculated risk with market uncertainty and a bolder risk when opportunity arises.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups in real-time 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
Trade Data Confirms Decoupling Well UnderwayCME: Offshore RMB ( CME:CNH1! ), Micro RMB ( CME_MINI:MNH1! )
On April 5th, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported the latest U.S. global trade data. For the first two months of 2023, total export and import were $328.9 and $489.7 billion, respectively. U.S. international trade balance was $160.9 billion in deficit.
Export growth was very strong, at 9.5% year-over-year, while import was up modestly (+0.5%). As a result, trade deficit was reduced by $25.8B from last year period.
My analysis focuses on Exhibits 14 and 14a of the report, which detail global trades by trading bloc and country in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Here are what I found:
• NAFTA: Canada and Mexico together have total trade (import plus export) of $245.6B. NAFTA is the largest US trading partner with a 30.0% share. So far in 2023, we see trading growth of 8.5% and 1.3% in share gain y/y.
• EU+UK: Total trade is $173.9B, up strongly +20.2% y/y. This is the second largest trading bloc with a market share of 21.2%, up 2.8% y/y.
• China+HK: Total trade is $98.6B, down sharply -14.5% y/y. Traditionally the largest US trading partner, China is now the 3rd largest, with a 12.0% share, down 2.6% y/y.
• India: Total trade $20.1B (-1.1% y/y) with a 2.46% share (-0.1% y/y)
• Vietnam: Total trade $19.1B (-3.0% y/y) with a 2.33% share (-0.2% y/y)
• Taiwan: Total trade $19.2B (+72.2% y/y) with a 2.35% share (+0.9% y/y)
Shifting of Global Supply Chain
The U.S. has determined to reduce its reliance on China for manufactured goods. Decoupling aims to shift global supply chain out of China. Where would they go to?
• On-shore: moving manufacturing back to the U.S. (Made-in-America);
• Near-shore: moving manufacturing to NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico;
• Moving to democratic countries with shared values, including the European Union, Asia (Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, Taiwan) and South/Central America.
Based on BLS nonfarm payroll data in March, total employment in manufacturing sector is 12.98 million. This is 600K more comparing to March 2017 level, before the US-China trade conflict. Manufacturing jobs are coming back to the U.S.
What does the strong growth in trading with NAFTA, EU and Taiwan tell us? It shows the shifting of supply chain. This growth comes at the expense of China, which is the only major US trading partner that suffered a decline in both trading volume and market share.
Implications of Decoupling
Shifting of supply chain has long-term implications.
Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. means job creation as well as consumption and taxes. Companies may receive government incentives to offset the cost of relocation. In the long run, getting out of the expensive cross-ocean shipping and the punitive Trump-era tariff would lower the cost of production. Near-shore production in Canada and Mexico also benefits from a more reliable supply chain and lower transportation cost.
Southeastern Asian nations have average labor cost at 1/3 or less comparing to workers of similar skills in coastal China. Vietnam and India prosper in recent years by taking production of clothes, shoes, toys, and low-end electronics away from China.
What is the implication of trade decoupling on exchange rate? It will result in devaluation of Chinese Yuan against the US dollar.
Firstly, currency exchange rate reflects the interest rate differential in the short-term.
• US Fed Funds rate is 4.75%-5.00%, and China Shibor is 1.374%;
• The Fed could raise rate again, while China’s central bank is easing to support the lackluster growth in economy. The widening US-China rate differential would cause RMB to devalue, holding all else constant.
Secondly, exchange rate represents the relative strength between two economies in the long run. Decoupling has a positive impact on US economy, but a really negative one on China.
Since China abandoned Zero-Covid policy last November, its economy has not rebounded as previously hoped. Export-oriented industries are seeing the horror of disappearing orders and clients. The housing sector, the bedrock of China’s economy, is suffering from a bust of real-estate bubble.
Dedollarization: Fact or Fiction?
Rhetoric about the pending doom of US dollar goes viral in recent weeks. While the Greenback is being challenged, no other candidate is capable of replacing it as global reserve currency.
According to the BIS, 88% of international trade was settled in US dollars in 2021. The Fed estimates that from 1999 to 2019, dollar settlement accounted for 96% of international trade in the Americas, 74% in the Asia-Pacific region, and 79% elsewhere.
IMF reports that the percentage of central bank reserve by currency in 149 countries is: US dollars, 59%; Euro, 20%; Japanese yen and pound sterling, 5% each; RMB, 3%; Others, 8%.
A global reserve currency could retain its status for well over 100 years before being replaced by another. British pound was the last reserve currency since the start of 1800s. It wasn’t until the establishment of Bretton Woods system in 1944 when the US dollar became its replacement. At that time, the U.S. has been the largest economy for forty years and held over 70% of the world’s gold reserve.
In a worst-case scenario, if an upstart currency were to successfully challenge the US dollar, its downfall would be decades away. If your investment horizon is months or years, this is not something stopping you from owning dollar.
Trade Idea
CME Offshore RMB (CNH) futures is settled at 6.8516 on Monday. The contract has a notional value of $100,000 and is quoted as the number of Chinese Yuan per $1.
The next Fed meeting is on May 2-3. According to CME FedWatch, futures traders are pricing in a 71% chance that the Fed would raise 25 basis points. If the Fed raises rate and China’s central bank does nothing, futures price shall go up by mechanical calculation.
Holding or selling 1 CNHUSD future requires HKEX:18 ,500 in minimum margin. If the exchange rate moves 1 tick, or $0.0001, the futures account would gain or lose 10 Yuan.
Micro RMB futures (MNH) is 1/10 of the standard size CNH contract with a HKEX:10 ,000 notional. Margin requirement is also 1/10 of the original, at HKEX:1 ,850.
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
Wandering Balloon Deflates the Rise of Chinese YuanCME: USD/RMB Futures ( CME:CNH1! )
US-China relations are arguably the most challenging bilateral relations in the 21st century. It has been in a free fall since the 2018 trade conflict. The competition has intensified and spread to investment, technology, among other arenas since then.
On November 14th, 2022, President Biden met with President Xi during the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. This was expected to be a turning point to stabilize the relations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned a follow-up trip to China, scheduled to depart on February 3rd. However, a massive balloon floating in the skies of Montana causes a diplomatic panic. The US alleges that it is a high-altitude military surveillance balloon from China, while China claims that it is a civilian airship derailed by wind, a force majeure accident.
Last Friday, Secretary Blinken announces the postponement of his China trip. The next day, U.S. military shoots down the balloon over the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina.
The drama between Washington and Beijing has significant impacts over the annual $700 billion bilateral trade. Tensions could be a nightmare for tens of thousands of US companies operating in China. Today, we focus on the most prominent market risk of all, USD/CNH, the US dollar – Chinese Yuan exchange rate.
The Rise and Fall of USD/CNH
In FX spot and futures markets, USD/CNH is quoted as Yuan per Dollar. When the quote of USD/CNH rises, CNH depreciates because each dollar can be exchanged for more yuan. Similarly, a falling quote represents dollar depreciation which in turn is yuan appreciation.
How is the USD/CNH exchange rate determined? Interest rate parity (IRP) states that the interest rate differential between two countries is equal to the differential between the forward exchange rate and the spot exchange rate. The formula for IRP is:
F0=S0×((1+ ic)/(1+ib)), where:
Forward Rate=Spot Rate × ((1+ Country C’s Interest Rate)/(1+ Country B’s Interest Rate) )
The 10-Year US Treasury Yield is currently quoted at 3.623%, higher than the 10-Year Chinese Government Bond Yield of 2.934%. Plug these into the IRP formula with a spot rate of 6.792, we will arrive at a forward rate of 6.837.
Examining the 1-year price chart of CME CNH futures, we find that Yuan lost 10,000 points between March and October last year, from 6.3 to 7.3. The trend closely correlates with the Fed rate hikes. This is a vindication of sound economic theory. While China’s central bank exercises control over its currency, in recent years it adopted open market operations and phased out strong-armed government directives.
The parallel trends diverged in November, as China ended its 3-year-long Zero-Covid policy. China’s reopening becomes the main driver of USD/CNH, which receded 6,000 points from 7.3 to 6.7 in three months.
Yuan’s strengthening has been interrupted last week as the Balloon incident hits the newswire. USD/CNH lost 900 points in two days, currently quoting at 6.792.
In my opinion, as the Fed tightening cycle enters the last inning, it no longer has an overarching impact over USD/CNH. Going forward, US-China bilateral relations take over.
Bilateral relationship between the countries will remain unpredictable. This is a developing story. Will there be a strong retaliation, or a mulled response? Different actions could swing the Yuan exchange rate from one extreme to the other.
Hedging for Currency Exposure Amid Unstable Relations
US importers, exporters, and US companies operating in China all face significant risks when the exchange rate is so volatile. Some of the cost may be in one currency, while the revenue is in another. Hedging net currency exposure is key to lock in the profit.
US-China trade has been very unstable in the past few years. But overall, a “decoupling” trend has already been under way. In 2017, China was the largest US trading partner. Bilateral trade accounted for 16.9% of all US foreign trade.
The most recent data for the first 11 months of 2022 shows a different story now:
• Canada is the No. 1 US trading partner with $733.1 billion and a 14.9% share
• Mexico is the 2nd largest, with $718.3 billion (14.6%)
• China is now only the 3rd largest with $639.5 billion and a 13.0% share
The US has become less dependent on China in its global supply chain. This is evident by the huge growth in bilateral trades with Vietnam (+122%), Taiwan (+102%) and India (+89%) in the last five years, while China trade only managed to grow 2%.
Short-term Trades May Prevail
In “Year of the Rabbit: Short-tailed Trading”, I discussed my preference for short-range trading this year over longer-term holding done in the past year. Market uncertainties pose more challenges in analyzing multiple moving targets with uncharted trajectories.
The Chinese currency is exactly what I am talking about. Just when you think China’s reopening would induce a secular bull run, a wandering balloon out of the blue sky deflates that hope. I would not be surprised if we have a repeat of the 2018 Trade Conflict. When the tension between the two superpowers intensifies, it could swing the market wildly.
For readers who have followed my stories, once again, we could leverage the game theory and event-driven strategy in response to this unexpected market event. In the past few years, I have deployed game theory and strangle options across a number of highly volatile and uncertain market scenarios, upon US-China Trade Conflict, the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, the Fed Rate Hikes, the US Midterm elections, and the US Debt Ceiling Showdown. Most of these ideas have been published on TradingView. You will find links to these stories at the end of this report.
While there isn’t an option contract available on the CNH, short-term trade on the currency futures contract may be considered.
Take the balloon incident as an example: Do you think Beijing will retaliate or merely protest in words? The former could worsen the US-China relations, and in my view, push the value of the Yuan down. The latter indicates the conflict can be managed without getting out of control, which is good news for the Yuan.
In summary:
• Hawkish response – Yuan value Down and CNH futures price Up;
• Dovish response – Yuan value Up and CNH quote Down
Once you form an educated opinion on which action is more likely, consider placing a long (hawkish) or short (dovish) futures position accordingly. Then hold on for the events to unravel. If history is any guide, the market often tends to over-shoot in response to overreaction.
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 trade set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, check out on CME Group data plans in TradingView that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
USDCNH LONG Flag patternHere are few points i am looking for this trade
1. Inverted head and shoulder pattern is formed
2. Price start to consolidate into the major resistant level (neckline)
3. Rising support in when price consolidating (buyer taking control )
4.Nice flag pattern for us to trade /weak pattern
5.We need to see a strong bull bar to entry this trade (momemtum bar)
6. Target (2 times flag pole )
The Rise and Fall of Chinese YuanCME: USD/Offshore RMB ( CME:CNH1! ), COMEX: Copper Futures ( COMEX:HG1! )
Two weeks ago, China abruptly overhauled its strict Covid policy that had been in place for nearly three years. Lockdowns, health codes, massive testing, and domestic travel restrictions are no longer enforced. “The world changed overnight,” said one of my friends.
From Zero-COVID to “Lying flat”, the literal translation of a Chinese term which means doing the bare minimum to get by, this is a 180-degree policy reversal. It brought overwhelming joy and fear at the same time. People rejoiced over a long-overdue normalization of life and work but feared for surges of widespread Covid infections. I am sending my prayers and hope that a weaker Omicron virus would result in less severe health issues.
China’s reopening could have significant implications to its economy and to financial markets. Today, I focus on its currency, its stock market, and the global commodities markets.
The chart above illustrates how the Chinese Yuan (aka RMB) has moved up and down during the 2-year trade friction and 3-year Covid:
• In 2018, President Trump imposed import duties on thousands of goods originated from China. This sparked a Tariff War that met with retaliation from China.
• As tension escalated and tariffs raised from both sides, the USD/RMB exchange rate depreciated 12%, from 6.28 in March 2018 to 7.16 in December 2019.
• After nearly two years, the two countries signed a First Phase Trade Agreement in January 2020. The Yuan rallied 4% to 6.87.
• Two weeks later, Covid broke out in Wuhan, the capitol city of Hubei Province in central China. It shocked the world. As the pandemic quickly spread all over China and to the rest of the world, RMB depreciated back to 7.16 in May 2020.
• As China’s Zero-Covid policy quickly restored its manufacturing, the “World’s Factory” ramped up exports to other countries which were still shut down by the pandemic. The Yuan rallied again, all the way back to 6.3 by February 2022.
• The citywide lockdown in Shanghai, China’s largest city, was a turning point. Yuan nosedived to a record low of 7.3.
• Finally, the opening of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s 20th Congress in October and November signaled a change of courses. With Zero-Covid ending a month after, the Yuan is now back up to around 6.95.
In my view, China’s relations with the West are the key driver of RMB/USD exchange rate. When China embraces the world, Yuan goes up. When it decouples from it, Yuan goes down. As the time of writing, RMB has rebounded 5% in 2 months. I expect Yuan to further appreciate in 2023.
China’s Stock Market
China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) index moved sideways. The five-year cumulative return is -7%. This highlighted the severe impacts delivered by both the Trade friction and Covid on the Chinese economy. By comparison, the S&P 500 yields +80% for the first four years. Even after the big selloff in 2022, its 5-year return is +45%.
We are witnessing initial chaos from reopening and Covid surges. After time goes by, I expect China’s stock market to rebound in 2023. For certain, the Chinese economy faces a lot of headwinds. However, massive bailout from the State is on its way. Next year is a year for stock picking. State-run enterprises are in a better position to receive government stimulus disproportionally. My suggestion is to follow the money. Keep an eye on industries and companies which benefit the most from State economic policy.
Commodities Will Get a Lifting
China’s reopening is welcoming news for commodities. Take CME Copper Futures (HG) as an example. Since the past summer, the base metal had been beaten down by 20% amid the market fear of recession. However, it moved above its 50-day MA in November, as the end of CCP’s 20th Party Congress signaled changing courses.
I am also bullish for agricultural commodities. With people going back to work and regaining income, consumption for corn, soybean, wheat, pork, beef, and poultry shall increase next year. This is good news for big exporters such as the US, Brazil, and Argentina.
Takeaways:
1) CME CNH Futures may continue to pull back due to US dollar softening and China reopening. Please note that CNH is quoted RMB per USD. If the Yuan appreciates against the Dollar, futures price would fall. Therefore, if you are bullish on Yuan, shorting CNH is the proper action.
2) SSE stock index may rebound, but we are better off picking individual stocks benefiting from government stimulus. For investors who can’t trade China’s stock market, you could search for Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong, or their American Depository Receipts (ADR) listed in the US markets.
3) Copper (HG) continues to weigh in between demand reduction from global recession and potential demand increase from China’s reopening. In my opinion, recession has already been priced in. The end of Zero-Covid would be an extra booster. Copper could erase its 2022 loss once China factories are pumping out products once again.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year.
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 trade set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, check out on CME Group data plans in TradingView that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Hawks vs Doves, the battle of CNH…CNH1!
Birds of different feathers are likely not to flock together! As policy divergence continues between the US Fed (Hawkish) vs the PBoC (Dovish), we expect the Dollar to strengthen against the RMB on a macro level.
On the technical side, we see a bullish RSI divergence (prices making lower lows while RSI making higher lows), suggesting that momentum is nearing the end and potentially reversing. We also note proximity to the long-term support level since 2014 as an additional bullish factor.
Entry at 6.355, stop at 6.2955. Targets are 6.580 and 6.720.
Disclaimer:
The contents in this Idea are intended for information purpose only and do not constitute investment recommendation or advice. They serve as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate fundamental concepts in risk management under given market scenarios.
EUR USD TO 1.5 - DUMP USD INDEX TO 80 - with 20% upside for RMBhey the dollar going down down down against these giant EUR and RMB . the rise of Asian currencies also help pushes the dollar lower.
when the banks WAKES UP tomorrow finding that the dollar vaults is the WORST PERFORMER ASSET OF THE YEAR they will dump the usd debt papers on the streets and causing the ugliest drop for usd, simply because its hugely oversupplied.. only real utilize is 10% from its total money/paper printed. and negative return. they will shift usd to other yielding currencies with good interest
##my experience 12 yrs of trading all sorts of paper assets.
The Biggest Head & Shoulder in History ?!! This is a new idea, two channels I'm closely watching on SSE.
Market Update – 25/10/20 | FCPO, Sb, Sbo Oil, FX & OtheWeekend Market Updates & Analysis 25 Oct 2020
Note: If you would like to receive this the latest updates immediately without 3 days release, please search for my site Palm Analysis.
Recap
1) Let’s start the report with a review of last week’s update and market conditions. You can read last week’s report by clicking here: Weekend Market Update – 18 Oct 2020 | FCPO, Soybean, Soybean Oil, Currencies and Others
FCPO
i. On Point 19, 20 i and ii, 30 ii and iia, I said that both the bulls and bears have credible setup, which is classic trading range price action, and bears will likely try to push the market lower, and should the bears fail to resume their second leg down the bull will assume their case has more merits and will buy the pullback for a second leg up to retest the highs of the trading range.
ii. We did see a very strong sell off on Monday, which failed the following day and bulls came back for the second leg up.
Soybean
iii. On Point 6 and 7, I said that Soybean is still in a tight bull channel with strong buying pressure and we will likely see another leg up to form the 3rd leg up for a wedge pattern and a final bull flag.
iv. On Point 30 iii, I said that I was monitoring if we see another leg up to complete the 3rd leg of the wedge pattern to retest the 1080-1100 top of the trading range. So far we got that.
Soybean Oil
v. On Point 10 i, I said we will likely see bears attempt to push below the low of last week and we got that on Monday. I also said that both the bulls and the bears have credible setup, which is classic trading range price action.
vi. On Point 30 iv, I said that I would be monitoring whether the sell of last week was merely just a 2 legged pullback, before the second leg up in Oct resumes and we got that.
Dollar Index
vii. On Point 30 i, I was monitoring if Dollar have another small leg down to create a double bottom at 93 before rallying – (if it rallies at all).
viii. We got that and Dollar fell further than 93 to close at 92.767.
ix. Take note that on my 4th Oct 20 report that you can read here (4 Oct Report), On Point 43 i and ii, I said “that sometimes the 3rd leg up can be very inconspicuous and may just be a 1 bar up and when that happens, the market will likely conclude that this bounce from Sept is likely just a bear rally, and will sell the bounce for a 3rd leg down to test 92 area (recent lows) and then 88-90 area.”
x. So far in the DXY, instead of a 1 bar, we got a 3 bar bounce on the 13th to the 15th, and price started to sell off to the 92 area after that.
What’s up ahead?
Soybean Monthly
2) So far, the monthly bar is a strong bull bar trading near its high at the 1080-1100 top of the multi year trading range.
i. There are 5 more trading days next week, and the bulls wants the bar to close as high as possible, while the bears wants the bar to close below the middle of the bar to reduce the bullishness.
ii. Currently we are looking at 3 strong bull bars on the monthly chart, and a tight bull channel which started in May/Jun period.
Soybean Weekly
3) So far on the weekly chart, the week closed as a bull bar closing near its high with a small tail above, and closed near the top of the multi year trading range of 1080-1100.
i. As I said in my report last week, we are likely looking at a wedge pattern forming, and the current bar has formed the 3rd leg up by breaking above last week’s high.
ii. By closing on its high, I think we are likely to see slightly higher prices next week.
iii. Secondly, looking at the range of the first leg up and the second leg, I think its likely we will see at least another bar up on the weekly chart too.
iii. The bulls wants to close strongly above the 1080-1100 range next week, while the bears wants the breakout to fail, and for prices to close back below the 1080-1100 range for a 2 legged pullback after a wedge pattern.
Daily Soybean
4) So far on the daily chart, price is still trading in a fairly tight bull micro channel.
i. The only noticeable selling pressure is the sell off at the end of Sept, and the 12 Oct 1 day pullback. Other than that, there hasn’t been much selling pressure and no strong consecutive bear bars.
ii. Price traded below the low of the prior day on the 22 Oct, but found more buyers instead of sellers which was expected in such a bullish market.
5) I think we should continue to see slightly higher prices in Soybean as price moves up to complete the wedge pattern and then a pullback after that.
i. We also have to look at the Dollar and other factors which we will cover below.
Soybean Oil Monthly
6) So far on the monthly chart, the bulls have been able to push higher after a failed break below Sept’s low earlier in the month.
i. We are approaching the final trading week of the month. The bulls wants the bar to close near the high and above the middle, while the bears on the other hand wants the price to close below the middle of the bar and as low as possible.
ii. Bulls are looking for a re-test of the recent highs and multi year top of the trading range around 35.50-36 area, and close strongly above it.
iii. The bears on the other hand are looking for prices to fail and close lower for the month.
ii. We will have to monitor how the monthly bar closes next week.
Soybean Oil Weekly
7) The weekly bar closed as a strong bull bar closing near its high with a prominent tail below which makes it likely we will see at least slightly higher prices next week.
i. This week started off by the bears selling below the low of last week, which failed and traded back up to close the week strongly.
ii. The bulls see the second leg up case has more merits at this point.
iii. Taking a measured move up of the first leg, the bulls would probably have a target around 35.25, which is very near to the multi year top of the trading range 35.50-36 area.
8) I’m slightly more favorable to the bull’s case for a second leg up and will be monitoring if they get their target of 35.25 next week.
i. While I’m slightly favoring the bull’s case, I want to also be alert to any possible failed breakout – meaning price breaks above this week’s high and then trade back lower and form a reversal bar.
ii. This would then form a double top setup with the Sept high for the bears.
Soybean Oil Daily
9) The bears tried to form the second leg down on Monday and failed, and prices reversed up higher.
i. I think its fair to say traders will be looking if the second leg up to 35.25 form as expected. If it forms, then its within expectations. If it fails, then it says a lot about the lack of strength of the buyers.
ii. With the buying pressure stronger than the selling pressure, I’m slightly more favorable to the bull’s case at this moment.
Dalian Palm Olein Monthly
10) So far on the Dalian Palm Olein, the monthly chart has a moderate bull body with tails on top and below the bar.
i. 5 more trading days to go next week until the monthly bar closes.
ii. The bulls wants the bar to close near the high of the bar, while the bears wants the bar to close below the middle as low as possible.
iii. Currently on the monthly chart, price is still trading in a tight bull channel, which is a sign of strength. We will have to see how the monthly bar closes next week.
Dalian Palm Olein Weekly
11) On the weekly chart, last week closed as a big doji bar, around the same area as the week before that.
i. We can see prices consolidating in a large trading range near the high of the multi year trading range between 6500 and 5700.
ii. In a trading range, traders buy low and sell high, and;
iii. When prices are in a trading range, traders reverse from buying to selling every few days, and credible setup tends to disappoint both the bull and bears.
iv. The production for CPO is lower this month so logically, we should see higher prices for Palm Olein too.
v. If we do not see this happen, this is a potential red flag for next week. Something to watch out for.
Dalian Palm Olein Daily
12) On the daily chart, after the strong move up, price seems to be forming a triangle pattern since the sell off at the end of Sept.
i. Last week, the bears attempted to resume the second leg lower on Monday and failed, and price has since reversed up.
ii. Traders now expect to see the second leg up from the 30 Sept to 15 Oct first leg form.
iii. If it forms and re-test close to the recent highs fo 6500, then it is within expectations, but;
iv. If it fails to form, that would tell us a lot about the lack of strength of the buyers.
FCPO Monthly
13) So far the monthly bar had a bull body which followed a failed breakout below Sept’s low with a tail above.
i. There are only 4 more trading days in the month due to the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad holiday next week.
ii. The bulls wants the monthly bar to close near the highs, while the bears wants the monthly bar to close below the middle of the bar.
14) So far, prices has been in a 2 month’s trading range between 3100-2680, consolidating near the highs of the multi year trading range.
i. In trading ranges, traders sell the highs and buy the lows.
ii. So I will be monitoring if we see selling come in again as we approach the highs closer to 3100.
Weekly FCPO
14) The weekly bar closed as a bull bar near the highs with a prominent tail below.
i. The bears attempted to resume the second leg lower on Monday and failed and prices reversed up.
ii. Currently, it looks like the bull’s case for a second leg up to a measured move around 3100 has slightly more merit.
iii. If price reach there, buyers will then want price to break above the top of the multi year trading range of 3150-3200.
iv. The bears on the other hand wants prices to fail near the top of the trading range for a Double Top with retest with the Sept highs.
15) With last week’s failed bear breakdown, and this week closing near the highs, we should see slightly higher prices next week.
i. I see a potential measured move to re-test the Sept highs around 3080-3100 on the weekly chart and will be monitoring if we get this next week.
Daily FCPO
16) On the daily chart, after the failed breakdown on Monday, we are now looking at the second leg up from the Oct 5 to Oct 13 first leg up forming.
i. This current leg up is more choppy with more overlapping bars as compared with the first leg. That tells me that the conviction of the bulls are maybe not as strong as the first leg.
ii. I see a minor second measured move up within the second leg with a target around 3050.
iii. Take note that the first leg high stopped around 3020, and the weekly measured move up is around 3080-3100.
iv. With so much measured target above, and prices trading near multi year trading range highs, I will be monitoring if we start to meet into some headwinds for prices. Just something to watch out for, especially if Dollar starts to strengthen next week.
Other issues effecting Palm Oil
17) i. Production should be coming in lower for the month between 5% – 10% for the whole of Malaysia
ii. Exports so far looks not bad. Even if it is slightly higher or lower than Sept, you have to remember Sept was up 12-13% against Aug.
iii. So far no rain and no floods.
iv. News in the media talked about emergency measure by the Govt, but I expect palm industry to operate as per normal except Sabah side.
Let’s look at the currencies.
Dollar Index – DXY
18) So far for the Dollar Index, price traded lower as I suspected it would, and broke below the 93 level.
i. So far, I still do not see it as super bearish, but probably a 2 legged pullback from the Sept 2 legged up move.
ii. What this means is that, we might still see a few more days lower for Dollar next week, but I will be monitoring if this 92-91.50 area holds.
iii. If it does, and price start reversing up after testing lower for a few more days, this is bad news for commodities like SB/SBO/Palm.
iv. What if 92-91.50 area fail to hold and prices continue to break down lower to 88-89 area? Then this would be supportive for SB/SBO/Palm prices.
USD/Chinese Yuan
19) The RMB strengthened against the Dollar earlier in the week and gave back most of it gains.
i. I would prefer to see the RMB continue to strengthen against the USD, but things are looking a bit overdone.
ii. I would be monitoring if we have a weakening of the RMB against the USD next week as this would not be good for commodities prices.
Indian Rupee/USD
20) The Indian Rupee also weakened against the USD last week and that’s not so favorable for palm purchase.
i. The INR weakened against the USD by 0.8% for the week. Luckily, MYR also weakened against the USD by 0.48% which offsets the weakness in INR by half.
ii. I would prefer to see a stronger INR against the USD and if this trend of weakening continues, it would be concerning to me.
USD/MYR
21) As I have said above, it was good that MYR also weakened slightly against the USD, which offsets the weaker Indian Rupee.
i. As an exporter nation, we want our buyers (Importing nations – China, India, Europe, Others) to have stronger currencies against a weaker local currency (MYR)
ii. If the our importing nation’s currency weakens, preferably, I would like to see ours weaken as much or more to offsets the price differentials.
iii. Otherwise, if the differentials grow too large, it might have an adverse effect on commodities purchases.
Other Factors to look at:
Crude Oil
22) Crude Oil traded lower last week.
i. In my past reports, I have said that I would have preferred to see higher crude oil prices as it reflects the health of the global economy.
ii. Higher crude oil prices indicate more cars on the road, more flying and more energy usage by industry for production.
iii. With the increasing Covid cases especially in the USA and Europe, this is starting to dampen the prices of crude oil as the expected demand drops due to lock downs and restrictions to business activities.
iv. If crude continues to trend lower, this would be a worrying trend for overall economic activities.
Other, Other Factors to look at:
Covid-19
23) USA just recorded a record amount of daily cases, almost 90k per day.
i. Remember we had a state election in Sabah and cases went haywire in Malaysia?
ii. Well, USA will be having a national election on the 3rd of Nov, and early election already in the process. I highly suspect this is going to drive up cases going into the fall/winter months – in line with what the experts have been warning us about.
iii. Cases in France, Spain and other EU countries are also ticking up with potential lock down in the UK.
iv. If cases continue to spike at an accelerating pace, we may see countries resort back to drastic measures like lock down once again and when that happens, it may also effect demand for Palm.
v. Can you imagine USA daily cases spike to 200k cases a day or more? Even if Biden wins, we might see a few weeks of lock down just for them to flatten the curve.
vi. Just something to watch out for.
USA Elections
24) I think we should also keep in mind of the USA election on the 3 Nov.
i. We may see a large move by the Dollar due to the election.
ii. If the Dollar spikes lower due to more stimulus expectation, then that’s fine, as that is supportive for commodities prices.
iii. But Dollar also has a tendency to strengthen like it did after Donald Trump won in 2016. That would be bad for commodities prices.
25) Why is this important?
i. Because we do not know how traders globally are positioning or whether they are hedging their positions.
ii. Would traders de-leverage and reduce their long positions in commodities prior to the election? or;
iii. Would they just hedge it?
iv. I honestly don’t know. But it is something we need to be aware off and to monitor if players in the industry start de-leveraging and reduce their positions ahead of the election less than 10 days from now.
Summary
26) I have covered a lot above, I suggest you to go through each of the section of the different products to get a better picture of what I am looking at because I’m afraid this summary may not do it justice or provide you with the clarity of my thoughts.
i. Soybean – I expect slightly higher prices for Soybean and will be monitoring if we get it.
ii. Soybean Oil – I am slightly favoring the bull’s case, but I also want to be alert to any potential failed break up or failed measured move up in SBO next week.
iii. FCPO – with production still tight, and rival commodities still strong, I also expect slightly higher prices next week to around 3020-3080-3100 area. Should we get there, good – within expectations. If we failed to get there? I would start to be careful because that means the sellers are potentially coming out to sell near the highs of the multi year trading near 3100.
iiia. If we do get to the measured target above, traders will then be looking if market can spike even higher, maybe towards the 3150-3200. I will take it 1 step at a time. Reach the targets first, then look at how the currencies are behaving and how the rival commodities are doing.
iv. Dollar (DXY) – the USD look weak, but it could potentially only be a 2 legged pull back only. That means, we might still see a few more days of down move. After that, I will be monitoring closely if we suddenly have a strong reversal up in DXY – if this happens, this is bad for commodities prices.
v. RMB – The Chinese Yuan continue to strengthen against the USD, but I feel like it is a bit overdone. I will be monitoring if there is a bounce there and RMB weaken slightly against the USD. If this happens, we might see some pullback in commodities prices especially the Soybean, Corn, Wheat products.
vi. INR – The Indian Rupee weakened against the USD, which is offset slightly by a weakening MYR/USD too. I would prefer to see a stronger INR. I will be monitoring accordingly.
vii. Important note – should prices move higher within expectation, I would want to be on the lookout for sudden strengthening of the Dollar which might cause prices to fall.
So far that’s all to this week’s report. If there are any major changes, I will update again accordingly.
Till next week.
Best Regards and trade safe.
Tech Trader
Weekend Update – 18 Oct 20 | FCPO, Soybean, Soybean Oil, FXWeekend Market Update – 18 Oct 2020 | FCPO, Soybean, Soybean Oil, Currencies and Others
Take note that the updates here are 2 days late. If you would like the latest updates, please visit palmanalysis dot com
Review
Let’s start the report with a review of the past 2 weeks.
1) In my last update on the 4th Oct, I expected:
On Soybean
i. On Point 13 ii, I favored slightly higher Soybean prices due to the relative strength, and we did see higher prices in the 3rd week of Oct, and prices had a pullback last week.
On Soybean Oil
ii. On Point 46 ii, for Soybean oil to complete its second leg down and if the support at 31-29 holds and to see the strength in the subsequent bounce
iia. Price found support at 31.50 and had a good bounce. It then had a slight pullback last week.
On FCPO
iii. On Point 46 iii, To see FCPO 2 legged pullback to 2800-2650-00, and then a re-test higher, and would want to see if the re-test of the highs is strong or weak .
iiia. Price found support at 2690, and the first leg of the re-test was quite strong going back up to 3000 by the 12/13th of Oct. It has pulled back slightly since then.
On RMB and INR
iv. On Point 46 iv, I want to see RMB and INR strengthen – We have that in RMB but INR is Flat
On Dollar Index
v. I expected the Dollar Index to find support around 93-93.50 – Price found support at 93 and had a bounce last week.
You can refer to the Weekend Updates – 4 Oct 2020 | CPO, Soybean, Soybean Oil & Currencies here.
What’s up ahead?
Soybean Monthly
2) In my last update On Point 6, I said that price would attempt to break above the highs of Sept and test the top of the trading range around 1080-1100.
i. Price tested very close with a high in Oct at 1079. Price has pulled back since and price is currently trading in the middle of the month’s range with another half a month to go.
3. i. Bears wants price to close below the middle of the month or as low as possible and to have a candle with a bear body.
ii. Bull on the other hand wants a strong retest of the 1080-1100 top of the multiyear trading range and break strongly above it to test the highs of 2016 around 1170-1200.
Let’s look at the weekly chart.
Soybean Weekly
4) So far prices is still in a tight bull channel which is strength in the buyers.
i. It looks to me that we are forming a spike and channel bull trend, and in the process of forming a wedge push up – with second Oct week push being the second push up in the wedge.
ii. If this is true, we could see another push up in the next 1-2 weeks – the bulls wants a strong close above the 1080 top of the multiyear trading range;
iii. The bears on the other hand wants price to fail at the top of the trading range and reverse down instead.
iv. The current bar is a bear bar but with a big tail below, which is a weak sell signal bar. If price trade below last week’s low, we may see more buyers than sellers below.
5) I do feel the overall global picture is a bit murky at this moment due the the following factors
i. If we have dollar start strengthening in the next 1-2 weeks, it is generally bad for equities and commodities.
ii. However we have to take note that in Sept, the Dollar strengthened and equities fell, but Soybean bucked the trend and went up instead, which is showing relative strength. The story behind the up move was strong demand from China.
iii. So we have to monitor whether a) Dollar continue to strengthen or weaken (weaken is good for commodities like Soybean/ Soybean Oil / Palm) or Strengthen, and b) if strengthen, will Soybean follow into weakness or buck the trend yet again like Sept?
6) For now, as price is still in a tight bull channel, I suspect we may see a little bit more pull back, and then a 3rd leg up to form for the wedge pattern.
Daily Soybean
7) On the Daily chart, we see price consolidating in a small sideways trading range between 1030-1080 in the last 1 and half week.
i. This potentially sets up a final bull flag – which if true, means there should be another small sideways to up leg from here.
8) We do see some bear bar, but no significant selling pressure as there were no consecutive bear bears since Oct started.
i. We will have to monitor on this point to see if selling pressure develops next week.
Soybean Oil Monthly
9) So far Oct is the first pullback following a 5 month micro bull channel. The monthly chart so far is a doji bar which means the bulls and bears are currently in balance around these prices.
i. Notice last month was also a doji bar which means balance around these prices of 32.70-33.30 range.
ii. The bulls wants the monthly bar to close above the middle of the bar, as high as possible, while the bear on the other hand wants prices to close below the middle of the bar and as low as possible.
iii. With 2 more weeks to go, the bars can look very different by the end of the month.
Soybean Oil Weekly
10. Last week closed as a bear bar, which is a sell signal bar for the bears.
i. I think it is fair to say we will see bears attempt to push prices below the low of last week to attempt the second leg down for Soybean Oil which started in Sept. Will they succeed? We have to look at a few other factors such as:
ia. The Dollar
1b. How strong soybean is holding up
ii. If the bears get their way, we may see SBO test back the 31.50.
iii. The bulls on the other hand wants to see the breakout below last week’s low to fail, and then reverse up for a second leg up which started in the second week of Oct.
Soybean Oil Daily
11) So far on the daily chart, it looks to me that the whole of last week was a 2 legged pullback against the stronger 2 legged bull leg which started in Oct 5 to Oct 9.
i. Price is currently consolidating around the 20ema area, which is the average price traders are looking at. Notice that the bounce during the end of Sept also tested this area of 33.
12) Both the bulls and bears look like they each have credible setup.
i. The bears have a double top second leg down sell setup, while;
ii. The bulls have a second leg up from the Oct 5-9 bull leg.
iii. With credible setup for both the bulls and bears, this is classic indication for trading range price action. Neither the bulls nor the bears have a strong edge at the moment.
iv. We will have to look at other factors to give us slightly more information which we will cover below.
Dalian Palm Olein Monthly
13) On the Dalian Palm Olein Chart, so far the monthly chart, price is trading near the lows after gaping up after the long holiday break.
i. Price has a prominent tail above, which also indicates profit taking towards the higher prices traded. Notice last month also had a prominent tail above. It indicates that prices are finding sellers near the high of the multiyear trading range.
ii. With 2 weeks to go, the monthly chart could still look very different from now.
iii. The bears wants price to trade lower and for prices to close with a bear body and a big tail above. That would setup a strong sell for Nov.
iv. Then bulls on the other hand wants the trend which started in May to continue as price is still trading in a bull micro channel.
Let’s look at the weekly chart.
Dalian Palm Olein Weekly
14) Last week closed as a doji looking bar with a small bear body with prominent tails above and below the bar.
i. So far, the bull channel is quite tight, but prices are trading near the top of the multi year trading range.
ii. Price is currently trading near in the middle of the 4-5 weeks sideways trading range which is a sign of balance.
iii. When prices are in a trading range, traders reverse from buying to selling every few days, and credible setup tends to disappoint both the bull and bears.
Not much clarity on the weekly chart too. Let’s see what’s up on the Daily Chart.
Dalian Palm Olein Daily
15) On the daily chart, last Friday traded lower, then back up and closed the day with a prominent tail below.
i. The bulls will be asking if this is the pullback from the Oct leg up, which will be followed by another leg up?
ii. While the bears on the other hand are asking if this is the continuation down for the second leg which started at 22 Sept?
16) I think we need another few more days price action to have more clarity on this.
i. Should price trade back up from here, traders will assume that the sell off from last week was simply a pullback which will be followed with a second leg up.
ii. If price continue to trade lower, then traders will assume that the second leg down from the Sept sell off is resuming.
17) With both a credible buy and sell setup, this is classic trading range price action – the price action disappoint the bulls and bears every few days.
i. I am slightly more leaning towards the bullish case due to the lower palm production this month.
Not much clarity here either. Let’s look at FCPO below.
FCPO Monthly
18) So far on the monthly chart, Oct traded below the low of Sept early in the month and found buyers there.
i. Price is still trading above its middle of the bar, and has a bull body with a tail above. Currently price still slightly favors the bulls.
ii. With 2 more weeks to go, the bar could look very different by the end of the month.
iii. Price still remained in a tight bull channel for now which is a sign of strength for the buyers.
Weekly FCPO
19) Price closed this week as a bear bar, which is a sell signal bar for next week.
i. The bears are looking at last week’s bear bar as the sell signal bar for a second leg down from a double top with Sept’s high.
ii. The bulls on the other hand sees last week’s pullback as the pullback for a second leg up.
iii. Both the bulls and the bears have a credible setup, which is classic trading range price action.
Daily FCPO
20) Price closed as a small bull bar with a prominent tail above.
i. The bears see the 15 Oct sell of as the start of the second leg down from the end of Sept sell off. Another few more day’s price action should give us the clarity we need to see if this second leg fails.
ii. The bulls on the other hand sees last week’s sell of as the pullback from the strong Oct 5 to Oct 12 leg up, and should the bears fail to resume their second leg down next week, the bull will assume their case has more merits and will buy the pullback for a second leg up to retest the highs of the trading range.
Other issues effecting Palm Oil.
21 i. Production trend looks like it is heading lower this month between the range of -5% to -10% or more. This is a bullish factor for the bulls.
ii. Exports for the first 15 days shows slightly down -2% to -3% against Sept, but you have to remember, Sept was up 12-13% against Aug. This means, the exports for Oct is not that bad if compared to Aug levels, just slightly lower than last month.
iii. So far, no significant rain nor flood effecting palm.
Let’s look at the currencies.
Dollar Index – DXY
22) So far the Dollar continued its pullback to 93-93.50 as we have expected. It then bounce last week, trading slightly above 93.50.
i. As I have said previously, a strong dollar is bad for commodities such as SB, SBO, Palm.
ii. Price is currently trading at the bear trend line and I will be monitoring if there is another leg down to test 93 again, before we have a big strong bounce up to 95-96 area, or,
iii. If prices continue to trade up from here. Remember, a strong Dollar is bad for SB, SBO, Palm.
23) In my last update on Point 47) I wrote that – is it possible where we see the Dollar Index strengthen but Palm prices still holds and not drop much?
Answer is yes, its possible. Why?
i. What if production levels drops off significantly? This is good for bulls.
ii. What if it starts to rain at any moment, we see severe flooding in ffb production states and disrupts harvest? This is good for bulls. (though there are no signs of this right now)
iii. What if exports figures are good? This is good for bulls. (So far exports are slightly lower than Sept, but still much higher than Aug)
iv. What if the Dollar index strengthen against other currencies, but remains weak against RMB and INR? This is also good for SB/SBO/Palm.
iv. So a strengthening Dollar Index does not necessarily equals lower Palm Prices. We need to see it in relation to the RMB, INR, local productions, demand and related factors.
So I will be monitoring the Dollar in conjunction with Point 23 above.
USD/Chinese Yuan
24) Happy note for Chinese Soybean buyers. The RMB continues to strengthen against the Dollar. This is supportive for Soybean purchases.
i. I would like to see the RMB continue to strengthen or at least stays flat and not weaken against the USD.
Indian Rupee/USD
25) The Indian rupee mostly traded sideways – flat.
i. I would like to see an INR that is strengthening or at least flat and not weakening against the USD.
USD/MYR
26) The Ringgit was mostly flat in the month of Oct, it strengthened very slightly.
i. I would like to see a Ringgit that is weakening or at least stays flat against the Dollar.
ii. If the Ringgit is strengthening against the Dollar, then I would like to see the RMB & INR also strengthening as much or more relatively.
Other Factors to look at:
Crude Oil
27) In my last update, I said that I would like to see Crude start ticking higher after testing support around 36 – 34 area.
i. Price held around the 36.60 area and didn’t trade lower and bounce from there.
ii. Price is trading around the 41 area which is the high of the recent trading range area.
iii. Price attempted to sell off 2 times on last Thurs and Friday, but reversed back up, with large prominent tail below.
28) I would like to see crude continue to trade higher as it indicates a stronger overall world economic conditions – more cars on the road, more flying, more energy usage for economic output. A weaker crude oil is generally not supportive for commodities prices such as SBO and Palm.
Other, Other Factors to look at:
28) There is a presidential election in the USA in the 3rd Nov.
i. We have to keep this date in mind because it could move the Dollar in either direction which will effect commodities prices.
28a. On Covid Cases.
i. The western world in heading into the fall/winter months which experts believe Covid cases will increase due to people spending more time indoors.
ii. We are already seeing spikes in cases in France, Spain and other countries.
iii. Remember we had a state election in Sabah, and cases in Malaysia just boomed?
iv. Well, the USA election is on the 3rd Nov. What if it happened like Sabah, and the election in USA caused cases to spike uncontrollably to 100k to 200k or more daily cases? Something to watch out for.
Summary
29) So far from the charts, this week, prices are much more murky and unclear than previous few weeks.
i. There are credible buy and sell setup for the bulls and bears, with each not having a large edge against the other.
ii. This is classic trading range price action – in trading range, people sell high, and buy low of the trading ranges.
iii. The currencies offer slightly better picture because RMB is strengthening against the USD, and we will monitor if this will support SB prices next week.
iiia. We have to also monitor if RMB can continue to maintain these levels or if it weakens back against the USD. A weakening RMB I think will not be supportive of Soybean Prices.
iv. Not much to see from Indian Rupee as it has been trading Flat against the USD – just slightly higher
v. Ringgit strengthen slightly against the USD also – I prefer to see a weaker Ringgit in the next 1-2 weeks.
30) What I am monitoring:
i. If Dollar have another small leg down to create a double bottom at 93 before rallying – (if it rallies at all)
ii. FCPO – Whether the selling price action from last week was merely just a pullback before a second leg up.
iia. With production being so tight, there is a chance of this happening – even against a strengthening dollar.
iii. Soybean – If we see another leg up to complete the 3rd leg of the wedge pattern to retest the 1080-1100 top of the trading range.
iv. Soybean Oil – whether the sell of last week was merely just a 2 legged pullback, before the second leg up in Oct resumes.
We should have more clarity with a few more day’s price action.
I am slightly leaning towards the bulls case for a small sideways to up move in the next 1-2 weeks. With more information, I may change this stance and will update accordingly.
From the above, it should more or less give you some context to the current state of the market conditions.
Should there be no major changes from my analysis above, I will update again next weekend.
Trade safe, and I welcome any feedback from you.
Best Regards,
Tech Trader
Chinese Yuan-- From 2008 to nowMeasured move shows the previous wave cycle was corrective, making the next cycle the impulsive wave.
*Since Yuan was introduced since 1955, there no use for making upward measured move target with incomplete data.
---
Fundamentals// that China is not willing to keep print money like before+ US printing $$$
USDCNH Weekly Candlesticks & Ichimoku ChartWith the Chinese economy strongly recovering, and the PBOC being one of the rare few central banks which is not printing like there’s no tomorrow, the outperformance of the CNH is just beginning.
USDCNH has closed below the weekly Ichimoku cloud convincingly. Any pullbacks to 6.93–94 will be a good opportunity to get short for a test of 6.70 and below!
Probable increase in Chinese government bond yieldsYields are still currently low based on the long-term regression trend.
What does it imply for RMB bonds if we expect a rate increase in the mid-term (independently of exchange rate movements)?
- Avoid long-duration RMB government bonds,
- Prefer short duration or floating-rate ones.
USDCNH Bullish Wedge with Long SetupThe Bullish Falling Wedge in the USDCNH pair has broken upwards, but in the overbought Long Signal.
Therefore, in order not to forget, I think the stop level should be kept a little wide.
Coronavirus is among the conditions that adversely affect the currency.
I hope this situation is taken in the name of control without further threatening the health of people.
This analysis may be more risk-free under the following parameters:
Risk/Reward Ratio : 1.32
Position Size < %1
Stop-Loss : 6.93151
Goal : 7.0551
Regards.
CNY-denominated gold will hit a new high in the future.
Only valid for Chinese people. If you want to keep your wealth. You need physical gold. I don't understand the macro economy. I think the trade war is long-term and he will exacerbate the devaluation of the renminbi. If you are a Chinese compatriot. I hope you are lucky.
Waiting for the pull back to get long on FirstRand.FirstRand Limited is a South African financial services provider which provides services through a portfolio of leading franchises including Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), First National Bank (FNB), Wesbank and Ashburton Investments.
With FirstRand shares listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Namibian Stock Exchange, the group is one of the largest financial institutions in South Africa, offering an all-ecompassing variety of financial services ranging from corporate, investment, retail, personal and commercial banking, to installment finance, insurance and investment management.
FirstRand operates in eight other African countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania and Nigeria. The group also has offices in India, China, Dubai and London. FirstRand has high levels of surplus capital for investment across the African continent, allowing it to expand its geographic reach and revenue streams, to the benefit of those who buy the shares.
Technical
I am expecting to see a reversal at some point soon for the completion of wave 3 to the downside. I am however not interested in the short at this stage and will wait for the low at the end of wave 1 to break before I will be looking for an entry to the upside.