Forexyard.com analysis - USD Weakens and World Economies Strengthen?

#31
Forexyard.com - USD Bearishness Set to Continue Today

Analysts expect the Dollar to fall further against its major currency crosses today, as the U.S. it expected to release some negative economic data, such as Unemployment Claims at 13:30 GMT. In the meantime, forex traders are advised to take advantage of market volatility as this week's trading session comes to an end.



Economic News

USD - Dollar Moves on Deteriorating Economy

The Dollar finished Thursday's trading session lower versus most of its major currency pairs, as fears about the viability of General Motors, and the U.S. and European banks sent shock waves through the forex and U.S. stock market. Some better-than-expected economic figures coming out of the U.S. yesterday failed to make up for the losses the Dollar suffered from the tumble on Wall Street. This may be due to Unemployment Claims figures still being over the 600,000 level, indicating that the U.S. still has a long way to go before it recovers from the current economic crisis.

The Dollar finished down about 60 pips vs. the JPY yesterday, pushing the currency pair to the 98.23 level. The Pound also made some gains against the greenback to finish up 21 pips at 1.4176. The USD, however, rose 38 pips against the EUR to finish yesterday's trading session at 1.2577. The 2 former results are notable, as the Interest Rates cuts in Britain and the economic troubles in Japan failed to push down the GBP and JPY vs. the Dollar yesterday. It is also likely that the Dollar's bearishness against several of its major currency pairs yesterday was partly owed to investors realizing that the Dollar was slightly over-valued, leading to a reversal in some of the greenback's recent gains.

Later today, there are several important economic data releases coming out of the U.S. These include the Non-Farm Employment Change, the Unemployment Rate, and the Average Hourly Earnings figures all at 13:30 GMT. All 3 of these are expected to be worse than the previous released figures. Therefore, if the actual results are the same as forecasts, then the Dollar may continue Thursday's bearish trend. However, better-than-expected results may push the Dollar higher against its major currency rivals, going into the beginning of next week's trading session.

EUR - EUR Tumbles on Rate Cut Decision

The European currency slid against most of its major currencies crosses during yesterdays trading session after the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its Interest Rate from 2.0% to 1.5%. Losses were also owed to large falls in European stocks. The rate cut marks a record low for the Euro-Zone, as the Euro-Zone's economic fortunes have gone from bad to worse in recent months. The EUR fell nearly 40 pips vs. the USD to 1.2577 from the1.2615 level yesterday. Against the Yen, the European currency tumbled by over 150 pips to close at 123.57. Additionally, the EUR dropped 40 pips against the GBP to finish yesterday's trading session at the 0.8870 level.

Following the rate cuts and recent economic events in the Euro-Zone, Investors now speculate that ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet may make additional rate cuts in the near future, as the economic slump deepens. This view is largely owed to Trichet's speech following the rate cut decision, in which he warned of a protracted economic slowdown. Moreover, analysts argue that deflation could reduce the possibility of a potential economic recovery in the Euro-Zone in the second half of 2009. Analysts argue that for conditions to improve, the ECB needs to follow the U.S. Federal Reserve's in tackling the recession. However, the latest ECB cut rate may turn out to be an effective decision that is likely to assist banks in upholding liquidity, and bringing more confidence to the markets.

Today, the Euro-Zone will be absent from the economic calendar. The EUR's trends are likely to be affected by news developments from Britain and the U.S. Analysts forecast that the EUR and GBP are expected to record a volatile trading session today, as the forex market continues to move on yesterday's rate cut decisions from both countries. Traders should keep a close eye on the news coming out of the U.S. and Britain as the economic news coming out of these 2 countries are likely to be additional factors in determining the EUR's movement today. This is the case especially with the release of the U.S. Non-Farm Employment Change and Unemployment Claims data later today.

JPY - Yen Bullishness Set to Continue as Economic Crisis Worsens

The Japanese currency experienced a bullish trading session yesterday, as it appreciated against most of its major currency pairs. The JPY gained about 40 pips versus the USD during yesterday's trading session, and closed at 98.23. Its gains against the EUR were more dramatic, as it gained over 150 pips to close at 123.57. This came about as the Euro-Zone economic woes continue, and on Thursday's rate cut decisions. The JPY also made large inroads of over 100 pips vs. the GPY as Britain to cut her Interest Rates to finish yesterday's trading session at 139.30. This result was also owed to the deepening bank crisis in Britain.

The Yen's strength yesterday was additionally owed to other important factors. Stock market indices all over the world fell by several percent yesterday on persistent worries about the deepening economic downturn, which has driven traders back to the safe-haven Yen. There are no economic data releases expected from Japan today. However, the JPY is likely to move on economic news events coming out of the U.S. and Britain. These releases are likely to determine the JPY's bullishness going into the middle of next week. Expect JPY bullishness to continue as traders pull their money out of riskier assets, and into more safe-haven ones.

Crude Oil - Crude Oil Plummets 5% as Global Recession Deepens

Crude Oil fell about $1 or 5% during yesterday trading session to close at $43.89. This came about as stock market indices throughout the world plummeted yesterday, raising fresh concerns about Oil demand as fears about a prolonged global recession and falling global demand of Oil return to the forefront. This comes about just a day after Crude Oil soared by 9%. Analysts foresee that if current economic conditions continue, then Crude Oil prices may stand at $40 by the end of next week's trading session.

It is important to note, however, that recently, the lower demand in Oil has fueled the heavy losses in the black Gold's value. The losses yesterday on Wall Street was the last thing that Crude prices needed, as investors previously believed that Oil prices may finish this week at as high as $50 a barrel. The release of the U.S. Non-Farm Employment figures at 13:30 GMT is likely to show a poor performance, adding additional downward pressure on Crude prices.

Technical News

EUR/USD
The pair is testing the very important key resistance level of 1.2615. The 4 hour chart is showing mixed signals with its Slow Stochastic fluctuating at the neutral territory. However, the Daily Chart's RSI is already floating in the oversold territory indicating that a bullish correction might take place in the nearest future. Going long with tight stops appears to be preferable strategy.

GBP/USD
The bullish trend is loosing its steam and the pair is consolidating around the 1.4180 level. The 4 hour chart's RSI is already floating in an overbought territory suggesting that a recent upwards trend is loosing steam and a bearish correction is impending. Going short with tight stops appears to be preferable strategy.

USD/JPY
The typical range trading on the daily chart continues. Both the RSI and Slow Stochastic are floating in neutral territory. The hourlies are also providing mixed signals with no specific direction. Good strategy might be to wait for a clearer signal before entering the market n this pair.

USD/CHF
There was a violent breach of the Bollinger Bands' lower border on the hourly chart, indicating a bullish correction may take place in the near future. In support of this, the pair also floats in the oversold zone on the 4 hour chart's RSI. Once the reversal takes place, going long with tight stops might be a preferable strategy.

The Wild Card

Gold
Gold prices rose significantly in the last week and peaked at $937.80 for an ounce. However, the 4 hour chart's RSI is floating in an overbought territory suggesting that a recent upwards trend is loosing steam and a bearish correction is impending. This might be a good opportunity for forex traders to enter the trend at a very early stage.

 
#32
Forexyard.com Analysis - Bernanke Speech to Impact Dollar

The Dollar is likely to go volatile during and following the speech by the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke today at 12:30 GMT. Meanwhile, forex traders are advised to take positions on trades, as a string of data releases coming out of Japan, Britain, and the Euro-Zone are likely to affect the greenback's main currency crosses.

Read the in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center

 
#33
Forexyard.com Analysis - NZ Poised to Slash Interest Rates; NZD Volatility Expected

With few economic indicators expected to be released today, all eyes have turned to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) as it positions itself to cut short-term interest rates by an expected 50 basis points. New Zealand currently maintains one of the highest global interest rates, but with the global recession cutting deeper into every major economy, the gap between the different interest rates is steadily being reduced, further weakening each nation's currency.



Economic News

USD - USD Volatility to Heighten from Today's Market Anxiety

The Dollar was little changed against most of its major counterparts during yesterday's trading session. Traders awaited Federal Reserve Board Chairman Bernanke's speech yesterday in which he urged a sweeping overhaul of U.S. financial regulations in an effort to smooth out the boom-and-bust cycles in financial markets. The USD began to stabilize as a result, ending yesterday at 1.2693 against the EUR and 1.3767 against the GBP.

Bernanke recommended that lawmakers and supervisors rethink everything from the amounts firms set aside against potential trading losses and deposit-insurance fees to protections for money-market funds. His remarks reflected a judgment that the U.S., just like emerging-market nations in the past, failed to properly manage a flood of capital over the past decade and a half.

Optimism in global markets was fueled by a memo from Citigroup's Chief Executive which said the troubled banking giant was profitable in the first two months of 2009 and he is confident about its capital strength after tough internal stress tests. The investors took the comments as a sign of improvement for the overall economy.

As for today, a few data releases are expected from the U.S. economy. These figures are expected to set the tone for the USD's pairs and crosses. Special attention should be given to the Crude Oil Inventory report which is expected to increase from its previous reading, signaling growth expectations in the largest energy consumer. Traders pay close attention to this figure as it has a moderate correlation with the value of the U.S. Dollar. Also today, the Federal Budget Balance is scheduled and should also have an impact on the market because if it delivers unfavorable figures it will validate a problematic U.S. market, and the USD is likely to weaken as a result.

EUR - Will the EUR Remain Bullish Today?

After a relatively negative news day, the EUR still managed to appreciate against most of its currency counterparts. The EUR gained about 100 points versus the Swiss Franc and closed at 1.4738. Against the USD and the JPY it mainly fluctuated within a small range.

The major economic event that came out of the Euro-Zone yesterday was the German Trade Balance, which was slightly lower than analysts had forecast. Exports from Germany dropped for a 4th consecutive month in January, pushing Europe's largest economy deeper into economic despair. Germany is battling its worst recession in more than 60 years as a global economic slump curbs exports, prompting companies to scale back output and eliminate jobs. The German economy has shrunk 2.1% this year alone, the most in more than 20 years, also marking the 3rd consecutive quarterly drop.

Looking ahead to today, the most important financial indicator scheduled to be released from Europe is the British Trade Balance. Analysts are forecasting this figure to increase from its previous reading. Traders will be paying close attention to today's announcement as a stronger than expected result may continue to bolster the EUR in the short-term.

JPY - JPY Holds Recent Strength; Japanese Economy Continues to Sinks

The JPY saw bullish results against most of its major currency rivals. The JPY has predominantly been influenced by the other major currencies' behavior lately, as only one major indicator was published from Japan. The JPY ended yesterday's trading up at 98.53 against the USD, and has continued to hold these gains through today's early trading hours.

Core Japanese private-sector machinery orders fell for a 4th consecutive month in January, the longest losing streak in at least 20 years, as exports crashed and profits evaporated. Japan posted its first current-account deficit in 13 years in January, leaving companies with less cash to invest in plant and equipment. Companies' project profits will slide 86% this fiscal year, and exporters will bear the brunt of the decline.

Sentiment among Japan's largest manufacturers fell significantly in the last year, signaling that companies are likely to cancel spending plans and cut more jobs, pushing the economy further into recession and weakening the JPY.

Oil - OPEC Production Cut Expected Next Week

Crude Oil fell again yesterday, after an early jump above $48 a barrel, as the market anticipated OPEC's meeting on March 15th in Vienna. If OPEC decides to make another cut to oil production, prices are expected to firm up and move higher in a short-term.

Looking ahead today, one of the more influential pieces of economic data will be the U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report. This inventories report has become more and more relevant over the last few months as the movement of the price of Crude Oil has become a major market mover. Expectations show a rise of 0.1M barrels from last month's decrease of 0.7M barrels. Traders can, and should, expect wide market volatility around the 14:30 GMT release of these inventories figures because of Crude Oil's importance in today's market.

Technical News

EUR/USD
This pair appears to be leveling off as all oscillators are giving off neutral signals. However, the Bollinger Bands on the 4-hour and daily charts are beginning to tighten, indicating a volatile price move may occur in the near future. With the recent trend, and momentum, pointing in an upward direction, the volatile movement may be upward. Going long with tight stops might be a wise choice today.

GBP/USD
This pair's recent drop in value continues to hold the price in the over-sold territory on the RSI of the 4-hour and daily charts, signaling upward pressure. While the momentum appears to remain downward, we may likely see a number of upward corrections throughout the day. Buying on the lows and selling on the highs of these fluctuations will be a good strategy today.

USD/JPY
The sustained upward movement of this pair has begun to push the long-term oscillators, such as the daily chart's RSI, into the over-bought territory. This appears to be putting downward pressure on the price of this pair as it has begun to level off. As momentum shifts into a downward posture, going short with tight stops might be a good strategy.

USD/CHF
The price of this pair is floating near the upper border of the Bollinger Bands on the hourly and 4-hour charts, signaling moderate downward pressure. With the price currently floating in the over-bought territory on the hourly chart's RSI, the notion of a downward correction appears to be getting stronger. Going short with tight stops might be a wise choice today.

The Wild Card

Gold
The price of this commodity has entered the over-sold territory on the RSI of both the 4-hour and daily charts, signaling an upward correction may be imminent. The recent drop in price has fallen within the range of the up-trend which goes back to October of last year and has now reached the lower limit of that range. The bullish cross on the 4-hour chart's Slow Stochastic supports the notion that an upward swing may occur in the near future. Forex traders have a great opportunity to either enter the bullish reversal after the swing occurs, or wait for the trend to be breached and go short to ride out the downward slide which may occur shortly thereafter.

 
#34
Forexyard.com - Crude Oil Plunges over $2 a Barrel; USD Weakens

During yesterday's early afternoon hours, Crude Oil received a hasty sell-off when investors unwound their positions for riskier assets. With a recent boost to equity markets, the USD has also found itself losing strength to a number of its currency rivals, particularly the EUR. If this stock rally can continue, we may see these trends persist throughout the rest of the week.



Economic News

USD - Equity Gains Reduce Demand for the Dollar


The USD traded significantly lower yesterday against most of its major crosses. The heavy selling of the Dollar continued for the second day in a row as a rise in risk-taking was seen when global equity markets rose from a 12-year low. However, when U.S. equity markets began to drop in the late afternoon, the Dollar showed a bit of strength, though it was not enough to counter the influx of additional risk taking.

U.S. equities made their largest gains of the year two days ago, spurring the selling of the Dollar. Positive market sentiment will hurt the USD. This has been a leading trend in the forex market; a reverse correlation between the USD and a higher level of risk.

The EUR/USD rose to a session high of 1.2862 from yesterday's closing price of 1.2666. The GBP/USD also was higher at 1.3837 from 1.3789.

The USD may to continue to show weakness in the short-term. Economic forecasts for both U.S. unemployment numbers and retail sales are grim. The economic indicators are set to be released today at 12:30 GMT. While these two reports may make a big impact on today's trading, the indicators are lagging. Therefore, traders should not forget about the monthly Business Inventories. This data may shed a better light on U.S. economic trends. If the report misses forecasts, the EUR/USD may return to the 1.3000 mark.

EUR - German Manufacturing Data Plummets

A report released yesterday showed that German manufacturing orders tumbled in the month of January as the global economic slowdown took its toll on Germany's exports. The manufacturing industry saw orders plunge 8% in the month of January. The mark was more than 4 times below the forecasted value by global economists.

It is apparent that the global recession is having a catastrophic effect on the German economy. As other nations slope into a recession, Germany's reliance on exports to fuel their economy has triggered a massive slowdown. Germany is the European Union's largest economy and many view it as a gauge for pan-European economic performance. These reports could begin to impact the trading of the EUR.

Traders will be anxiously expecting monthly German Industrial Production figures today. The report may not be the one to set the trend for today's EUR trading, however high price volatility will be expected during the time of the report's release. Forex traders may want to look for a continuation of poor manufacturing data from Germany to perhaps sink the EUR during inter-day trading.

JPY - Better GDP Numbers Helps the Yen Rise

The JPY gained strength for the second day in a row and continued its gains into the Japanese trading session. The release of Japanese Final GDP came out better than expected. This helped to increase the bullishness of the JPY. The USD/JPY was trading lower near the 96.20 level early this morning.

The updated 4th quarter GDP numbers were greeted with cheers. Japan's economy has been one of the most negatively impacted economies during the global recession. Any sign of positive news could provide a boost to the Yen which has seen considerable weakness the past month. Traders may want to run with the bullish correction of the JPY today as this may continue with the release of poor U.S. economic indicators later today.

Oil - Higher than Expected Inventory Data Sinks Crude

The price of Crude Oil dropped sharply yesterday as the demand for the commodity continues to fall. U.S. Crude Oil inventories posted a sharp increase in the amount of Crude stocks in storage. The report failed to meet market expectations, helping to drive the price of Crude lower. At the end of the trading day, the price of Crude Oil held at $42.64. The price was down more than $3 on the day.

The lack of any price appreciation has market participants forecasting further production cuts by OPEC later this month. The cartel is next scheduled to meet on March 15th. However some skepticism remains if more supply cuts will have any affect on current Crude prices due to bleak demand forecasts for global economic growth. Many see the fair market value of Crude Oil trading in the range of $45-$50.

Technical News

EUR/USD
The recent upswing seen in this currency pair has the price floating near the upper border of the Bollinger Bands on the 4-hour and daily charts, signaling moderate downward pressure. The recent bearish cross on the 4-hour chart's Slow Stochastic adds weight to the notion of an imminent downward correction. Going short with tight stops might be a wise choice today.

GBP/USD
This currency pair is currently giving off mixed signals. With the RSI on the hourly chart showing the price floating in the over-bought territory, there may be a downward correction in the nearest future. However, with the price floating in the over-sold territory on the daily chart's RSI, the longer-term movement will likely be in an upward direction. Capturing the imminent downward correction and then riding out the uptrend may be a wise strategy today.

USD/JPY
The price of this pair appears to be floating in the over-sold territory on the RSI of the hourly and 4-hour charts, indicating an upward correction to the recent downtrend may be imminent. There appears to be a bullish cross forming on the 4-hour chart's Slow Stochastic which supports this notion. Going long might be a good choice today.

USD/CHF
This pair appears to be consolidating to the price level of 1.1575 in anticipation of a volatile movement. The Bollinger Bands on all charts appear to be tightening, which supports this notion. With the RSI on the hourly and 4-hour charts hovering close to the over-sold territory, the sharp movement may be in an upward direction. Going long might be a wise choice today.

The Wild Card

USD/SEK
After the recent drop in value, the price of this pair appears to now be floating in the over-sold territory on the RSI of both the hourly and 4-hour charts, signaling an upward correction may occur in the nearest future. The recent bullish crosses on the 4-hour chart's Slow Stochastic heavily support this notion. As the Bollinger Bands on the hourly chart begin to tighten, a volatile upward correction may be occurring in today's early trading hours. Forex traders can take advantage of this imminent volatile movement by setting an early long position with tight stops.

 
#35
Forexyard.com analysis - G20 Summit on Economy Kicks-Off Today

The finance ministers and central bankers from the top 20 industrialized nations are set to begin another economic summit today in which a multitude of recent concerns about the economy will likely be addressed. These meetings, which can last days, have an indirect impact on the market and decisions reached during its meetings are typically implemented at a much later date. It is important for forex traders to follow any statements made regarding stimulus packages and interest rate cuts, however, as these will offer insight into future monetary policy decisions by the central banks.

Read the in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center
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#36
Forexyard.com analysis - USD Losing Strength Ahead of Interest Rate Announcement

After depreciating consistently over the past few weeks, the USD is now traded over 1.29 against the EUR, and over 1.40 against the GBP. This week on Wednesday, at 18:15 GMT, the Federal Reserve will deliver an Interest Rates statement, and is widely expected to leave it on 0.25%. However, Bernanke's speech from yesterday might hint that a rates hike is no longer taboo. Such decision could create mayhem for the leading currencies, and forex traders must be prepared.

Read the in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center
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#37
Forexyard.com Analysis - EUR/USD Hits Two Months' High

The European currency may gain further after Germany rebuffed a U.S. plan to increase fiscal stimulus to help pull the global economy out of recession. The fact the Euro-Zone nations avoided making any fresh commitments to extend spending, should encourage more investments in Europe and, as a result, to boost the EUR currency.

Read the complete in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center
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#38
Forexyard.com analysis - U.S Interest Rate Announcement on Tap

The technical correction continues to dominate the leading currencies, as both the EUR and the GBP have strengthened significantly against the Dollar lately. This could change today as the U.S Funds Rate will be announced at 18:15 GMT, and is forecasted to stay at 0.25%. However, any change that might take place is prone to sow disorder in the market, and forex traders should be ready for it.

Read the complete in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center
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#39
Forexyard.com Analysis - Sudden USD Weakness Shakes the Market

Investors fled the USD en masse yesterday after the U.S. Federal Reserve stated that it would begin quantitative easing - basically printing money - in order to revive the U.S. economy hopefully by the beginning of next year. After such a devastating loss in value, traders now have the opportunity to discover a new range for the value of the USD and will begin to do so throughout the rest of this week. Once stabilized, the USD may in fact begin to climb back up as it returns to safe-haven status in the coming weeks.

Read the complete in depth analysis of today at FOREXYARD News Center
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