AUD - ST - Where to next?The heat is on!!! Again, amazing moves!
Triangle formation, we have CPI coming tomorrow which is expected to be as strong as it is globally, keep an eye on Aussie break out to either direction. However, be careful of false break outs as well as that check HT frame for further confluence.
All the best,
TJ
Australiandollar
AUDCAD Testing the 1 year Support Zone!The AUDCAD pair dropped sharply yesterday, negating the gains of the past 5 days combined. In doing so, it touched again the Lower Lows zone trend-line that started after the July 30 2021 Low and has been supporting with rebounds ever since.
With the 1W RSI well within its own Buy Zone since July 01, this is a solid buy opportunity at least on the short-term towards the 1D MA50 (blue trend-line). A break above can see a buying extension to the 1D MA200 (orange trend-line). Long-term buy positions can only be taken after a weekly candle closing above the 1D MA200.
On the other hand, a break below the Lower Lows can be taken advantage with a sell hedge short-term, targeting the -0.5 Fibonacci extension.
Previous AUDCAD signal:
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AUDJPY breaking above its ChannelThe AUDJPY pair has been trading withing a Channel Down since the June 08 High and has found lately support on the 1D MA50 (blue trend-line). In 1D RSI terms, it appears to be replicating the October 20 2021 - January 28 2022 pattern, which eventually broke to the upside and reached its 2.0 Fibonacci extension. As a result, as long as the 1D MA200 (orange trend-line) holds, we are turning into buyers on this pair, targeting 97.900 initially.
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GBPAUD: Classic Bearish Setup 🇬🇧🇦🇺
Hey traders,
GBPAUD broke and closed below a solid horizontal structure support yesterday.
This night, we see its retest.
The price formed a double top on that and broke its neckline then.
I expect a further decline, at least to 1.746
❤️If you have any questions, please, ask me in the comment section.
Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
ASX 200 drills lower thanks to commodity stocksAustralia’s main share index, the ASX 200, closed lower on Wednesday by 0.5%. This fall could have been a lot worse If not for technology and financial stocks mitigating the rout in other major Australian sectors.
Australian Securities Exchange’s Metals & Mining Index fell by a massive 5.6%. Heavyweights in the mining sectors, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), Newcrest Mining (ASX: NCM), and Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) lead the way, falling by 7.4%, 6.6%, and 4.9%, respectively.
The ASX Energy Index also declined by 5.8% as crude oil prices plummeted 9% overnight Tuesday. Two of the most significant index drivers, Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) and Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC), slumped by 6.9% and 3.7%, respectively.
Virus and lockdown concerns appear to be the main factors suppressing commodity and energy stocks in Australia.
Domestic tech stocks did briefly push the ASX 200 into green territory intraday but were ultimately overcome by the strong headwinds of commodity stocks. The big tech winner of the day was Zip Co (ASX: ZIP), rising by a phenomenal 12.8%. Financials were also up by 0.9% as three of the "Big-four" seek to benefit from the Reserve Bank of Australia lifting its benchmark interest rate by another 50-basis points.
On the technical side, we can see on the daily chart that the ASX200 has been on a clear downtrend since April.
The index is currently moving in a tight range between 6700 and 6560.
A break above the resistance at 6700 could potentially retest the 6810-level area, creating a lower high of the downtrend before continuing to the downside. In consideration of the long-term scenario, a close below 6560, depending on market sentiments, could eventually drive the index down to the 6000 psychological support level.
The ASX 200 might struggle to maintain short-term upside movements. At least until China moves past its Covid concerns and lockdowns in the country no longer threatens to sideline its commercial operations and consumer demand.
AUDUSD: Your Trading Plan For Today 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Hey traders,
AUDUSD is currently trading within a peculiar zone of confluence:
we see a perfect match between a recently broken horizontal supply area and a falling trend line.
I expect a bearish accumulation within the underlined area.
Your confirmation to short will be a double top formation on 1H time frame.
0.6844 - 0.6854 is its neckline.
Wait for its bearish breakout (you need an hourly candle close below),
then sell on a retest.
Target will be 0.677
Stop will be 0.69
If the price breaks a yellow zone to the upside, the setup will be invalid.
❤️If you have any questions, please, ask me in the comment section.
Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
AUDUSD at the bottom of long-term Channel Down. Critical test!The AUDUSD pair has been trading within a long-term Channel Down pattern since the February 25 2021 market top. As we pointed out on our previous analysis on this pair, the trend remains bearish unless we get a candle closing above the 1D MA200 (orange trend-line):
In fact as you see, we got an emphatic rejection on the 1D MA200 instead, the 2nd within this 1.5 year long Channel Down pattern. Right now the price is on the Lower Lows (bottom) trend-line of this pattern, having marginally broken below the 0.67780 Gap. A closing below the Channel opens the way for the next Gap around 0.64000, in a similar sell-off fashion as the March 2020 break-down.
As a result, a tight SL buy here is most optimal with low risk, targeting the 0.5 Fib (middle of Channel Down) and then break-out but if we close above the 1D MA200. But if the SL gets hit be quick to reverse to a sell targeting the 0.6400 Gap but take no risk, constantly moving the SL on break-even/ then on profit.
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🦘Australian Rate Hikes vs European Risks Worsening 🔥💤Australia’s central bank hikes interest rates for the third month in a row.
AUD KEY POINTS:
Wrapping up its July policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted its cash rate by 50 basis points to 1.35%, marking 125 basis points of hikes since May and the fastest series of moves since 1994.
“The Board expects to take further steps in the process of normalizing monetary conditions in Australia over the months ahead,” said RBA Governor Philip Lowe in a statement.
The hike was widely expected in markets and the local dollar eased slightly in reaction to $0.6863 while futures narrowed the odds on another half-point hike in August.
EUR KEY POINTS:
Euro plunges to two-decade low vs dollar:
As expected and as mentioned here one too many times. Since our perfect short on EURUSD at 1.23
No surprise as we even called for parity more recently .
It will continue to be very difficult for the euro to rally in any meaningful way with the energy picture worsening and risks to economic growth increasing notably. Europe will pay the main bill for Ukraine!
Survey data showed business growth across the euro zone slowed further last month and forward-looking indicators suggested the region could slip into decline this quarter as the cost of living crisis keeps consumers wary.
Not to mention that if Biden indeed eases tensions with China, Australia could benefit greatly.
Definition of a Forex trade here and unlike EURUSD leaving less room for profit, EURAUD looks great.
One Love,
the FXPROFESSOR
AUS200 : DOWNTREND | PRICE ACTION ANALYSIS | SHORT SETUP ⚡️Welcome back Traders,
Detailed analysis from INDEX_INSIDERS Team.
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Traders, if you like this idea or have your own opinion about it, please write your own in the comment box . We will be glad for this.
Feel free to request any pair/instrument analysis or ask any questions in the comment section below.
Have a Good Day Trading !
AUD USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment, China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts, and more recently the big slump in key commodities (Iron Ore & Coal). China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG . However, the expected recovery in China has not been enough to keep key Australian commodity prices supported, and the big flush lower in those markets saw chunky downside for the AUD in the past week. The RBA that has finally starting their hiking cycle (fairly aggressively as well) should be supportive for the AUD, but as markets were well prepared for the RBA’s departure from their unnecessary dovish stance the pivot has not been very supportive. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is further virus concerns in China and further drops in commodities . As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and commodities continue to fall, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, which means any overly hawkish comments or actions from them in the week ahead could trigger some bullish reactions. Any catalyst that triggers some recovery in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding new ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers more downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. The RBA has just started their new hiking cycle, and we’ve recently already heard the same stubbornly dovish comments from the likes of Gov Lowe pushing back against aggressive tightening. Thus, any overly dovish comments from them in the week ahead can trigger bearish reactions in the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China and whether key commodities like Iron Ore and Coal can stop their recent bleeding. Until the covid situation improves materially and until commodities stabilize, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
USD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: BULLISH
BASELINE
Hawkish Fed policy remains a key driver for Dollar strength. With headline inflation >8%, the Fed has been pressured to tighten policy aggressively, hiking rates by 75bsp at their June meeting, and continuing with Quantitative Tightening. However, as a result of increasing fears of a growth slowdown (as evidenced by recent econ data), STIR markets have repriced lower, and now expects a terminal rate of 3.3% (versus >4% before the June FOMC meeting). As STIRs reprice lower, we are expecting that to act as a possible short-term negative driver for the USD. Even though lower STIRs should be negative for the USD, as a lot of hikes have been baked in, the growth concerns sparked further risk off concerns this past week, which supported the USD. The USD is usually inversely correlated to the global economy and trade, appreciating when growth & inflation slows and depreciates when growth & inflation accelerates (reflation). Further expectations of a cyclical slowdown and continued tight monetary policy expectations has seen investors shun risk assets and even bonds (usually considered a safe haven), and the USD has been a key benefactor of the rush to safety in recent weeks. Even though US bonds are considered safe havens, the current high inflation has seen a strong stock-to-bond correlation and has caused big bond outflows. With bonds not fulfilling its usual save haven role the USD has been the haven of choice.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As aggressive Fed policy has been supporting the USD, any incoming data (this week’s ISM Services and NFP) that sparks further aggressive hike expectations, or additionally any comments from FOMC members that signals even more aggressive policy could trigger bullish reactions in the USD. As the cyclical outlook for the global economy is very bleak, and the USD is considered a safe haven, it means incoming data that exacerbates fears of recession and triggers a big rush to safety could trigger bullish USD reactions. Further outflows in US bonds means more USD safe haven appeal. So, watching key triggers for further upside in bond yields like rising commodity prices, rising inflation expectations and upside surprises in inflation data could also trigger further USD bullish reactions.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Apart from this past week, the USD has reacted cyclically to incoming data which could suggest markets is shifting from safe haven focus to the rising risks of recession. The worse growth data gets, the higher likelihood of a ‘Fed Put’ in the months ahead. Thus, extremely bad ISM Services PMI or NFP data this week could trigger bearish reactions in the USD. Tactically the USD is trading at cycle highs, and aggregate CFTC positioning is close prior highs which acted as local tops for the USD. Thus, stretched positioning could make the USD vulnerable to mean reversion in the short-term. With a lot already priced for the Fed, it won’t take much for the Fed to disappoint markets on the dovish side. Any FOMC comments that suggests more concern about the economy than inflation could trigger bearish reactions in the USD
BIGGER PICTURE
The fundamental outlook for the USD remains bullish as long as the Fed stays aggressive and cyclical concerns put pressure on risk assets. But we do want to be mindful that lots has been priced for the USD, and as growth deteriorates, we are expecting that the weigh on the USD if markets start pricing in a higher likelihood of a less hawkish Fed due to higher recession risks. The opposite side to that though is that further concerns about the economy sees more safe haven inflows into the Dollar. Positioning is stretched, so we would prefer much deeper pullbacks for new med-term USD longs and would look for short-term catalyst that offer shorter bearish sentiment trades against the current strong bull trend.
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment, China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts, and more recently the big slump in key commodities (Iron Ore & Coal). China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG . However, the expected recovery in China has not been enough to keep key Australian commodity prices supported, and the big flush lower in those markets saw chunky downside for the AUD in the past week. The RBA that has finally starting their hiking cycle (fairly aggressively as well) should be supportive for the AUD, but as markets were well prepared for the RBA’s departure from their unnecessary dovish stance the pivot has not been very supportive. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is further virus concerns in China and further drops in commodities . As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and commodities continue to fall, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, which means any overly hawkish comments or actions from them in the week ahead could trigger some bullish reactions. Any catalyst that triggers some recovery in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding new ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers more downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. The RBA has just started their new hiking cycle, and we’ve recently already heard the same stubbornly dovish comments from the likes of Gov Lowe pushing back against aggressive tightening. Thus, any overly dovish comments from them in the week ahead can trigger bearish reactions in the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China and whether key commodities like Iron Ore and Coal can stop their recent bleeding. Until the covid situation improves materially and until commodities stabilize, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
CAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
BASELINE
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown and possible recession should deteriorate the growth outlook for Canada. Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market can negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise higher at aggressive speed. Potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid. However, despite the risks to the economy and the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly optimistic and hawkish. We’ve missed most of the move higher in the CAD as our bias has kept us cautious, but the risks are still present and with the currency close to 9-year highs (at the index level) we are looking for opportunities to trade it lower on bearish catalyst.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalysts that see further upside in Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD. With more market participants noticing cracks in the housing markets, a less dramatic decline in house prices could ease some of those concerns and provide some upside. Even though lots of tightening has been priced for the BoC , big enough upside surprise in CPI or incoming jobs data (showing the jobs market is holding up good) that triggers further hike expectations could provide some short-term upside.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage, less supply constraints) could be a negative catalyst for the CAD as well. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD. Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth, inflation or jobs) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD. In recent communication, Governor Macklem started to mention some hiccups in housing. Big downside surprises in house prices could trigger speculation of a less hawkish bank and trigger downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s moved much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of good news priced in for the CAD and yields, our preferred way of trading the CAD is lower on short-term negative catalysts.
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment, China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts, and more recently the big slump in key commodities (Iron Ore & Coal). China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG . However, the expected recovery in China has not been enough to keep key Australian commodity prices supported, and the big flush lower in those markets saw chunky downside for the AUD in the past week. The RBA that has finally starting their hiking cycle (fairly aggressively as well) should be supportive for the AUD, but as markets were well prepared for the RBA’s departure from their unnecessary dovish stance the pivot has not been very supportive. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is further virus concerns in China and further drops in commodities . As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and commodities continue to fall, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, which means any overly hawkish comments or actions from them in the week ahead could trigger some bullish reactions. Any catalyst that triggers some recovery in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding new ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers more downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. The RBA has just started their new hiking cycle, and we’ve recently already heard the same stubbornly dovish comments from the likes of Gov Lowe pushing back against aggressive tightening. Thus, any overly dovish comments from them in the week ahead can trigger bearish reactions in the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China and whether key commodities like Iron Ore and Coal can stop their recent bleeding. Until the covid situation improves materially and until commodities stabilize, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
CAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
BASELINE
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown and possible recession should deteriorate the growth outlook for Canada. Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market can negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise higher at aggressive speed. Potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid. However, despite the risks to the economy and the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly optimistic and hawkish. We’ve missed most of the move higher in the CAD as our bias has kept us cautious, but the risks are still present and with the currency close to 9-year highs (at the index level) we are looking for opportunities to trade it lower on bearish catalyst.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalysts that see further upside in Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD. With more market participants noticing cracks in the housing markets, a less dramatic decline in house prices could ease some of those concerns and provide some upside. Even though lots of tightening has been priced for the BoC, big enough upside surprise in CPI or incoming jobs data (showing the jobs market is holding up good) that triggers further hike expectations could provide some short-term upside.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage, less supply constraints) could be a negative catalyst for the CAD as well. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD. Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth, inflation or jobs) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD. In recent communication, Governor Macklem started to mention some hiccups in housing. Big downside surprises in house prices could trigger speculation of a less hawkish bank and trigger downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s moved much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of good news priced in for the CAD and yields, our preferred way of trading the CAD is lower on short-term negative catalysts.
AUD USD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment, China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts, and more recently the big slump in key commodities (Iron Ore & Coal). China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG. However, the expected recovery in China has not been enough to keep key Australian commodity prices supported, and the big flush lower in those markets saw chunky downside for the AUD in the past week. The RBA that has finally starting their hiking cycle (fairly aggressively as well) should be supportive for the AUD, but as markets were well prepared for the RBA’s departure from their unnecessary dovish stance the pivot has not been very supportive. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is further virus concerns in China and further drops in commodities. As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and commodities continue to fall, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, which means any overly hawkish comments or actions from them in the week ahead could trigger some bullish reactions. Any catalyst that triggers some recovery in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding new ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers more downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. The RBA has just started their new hiking cycle, and we’ve recently already heard the same stubbornly dovish comments from the likes of Gov Lowe pushing back against aggressive tightening. Thus, any overly dovish comments from them in the week ahead can trigger bearish reactions in the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China and whether key commodities like Iron Ore and Coal can stop their recent bleeding. Until the covid situation improves materially and until commodities stabilize, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
USD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: BULLISH
BASELINE
Hawkish Fed policy remains a key driver for Dollar strength. With headline inflation >8%, the Fed has been pressured to tighten policy aggressively, hiking rates by 75bsp at their June meeting, and continuing with Quantitative Tightening. However, as a result of increasing fears of a growth slowdown (as evidenced by recent econ data), STIR markets have repriced lower, and now expects a terminal rate of 3.3% (versus >4% before the June FOMC meeting). As STIRs reprice lower, we are expecting that to act as a possible short-term negative driver for the USD. Even though lower STIRs should be negative for the USD, as a lot of hikes have been baked in, the growth concerns sparked further risk off concerns this past week, which supported the USD. The USD is usually inversely correlated to the global economy and trade, appreciating when growth & inflation slows and depreciates when growth & inflation accelerates (reflation). Further expectations of a cyclical slowdown and continued tight monetary policy expectations has seen investors shun risk assets and even bonds (usually considered a safe haven), and the USD has been a key benefactor of the rush to safety in recent weeks. Even though US bonds are considered safe havens, the current high inflation has seen a strong stock-to-bond correlation and has caused big bond outflows. With bonds not fulfilling its usual save haven role the USD has been the haven of choice.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As aggressive Fed policy has been supporting the USD, any incoming data (this week’s ISM Services and NFP) that sparks further aggressive hike expectations, or additionally any comments from FOMC members that signals even more aggressive policy could trigger bullish reactions in the USD. As the cyclical outlook for the global economy is very bleak, and the USD is considered a safe haven, it means incoming data that exacerbates fears of recession and triggers a big rush to safety could trigger bullish USD reactions. Further outflows in US bonds means more USD safe haven appeal. So, watching key triggers for further upside in bond yields like rising commodity prices, rising inflation expectations and upside surprises in inflation data could also trigger further USD bullish reactions.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Apart from this past week, the USD has reacted cyclically to incoming data which could suggest markets is shifting from safe haven focus to the rising risks of recession. The worse growth data gets, the higher likelihood of a ‘Fed Put’ in the months ahead. Thus, extremely bad ISM Services PMI or NFP data this week could trigger bearish reactions in the USD. Tactically the USD is trading at cycle highs, and aggregate CFTC positioning is close prior highs which acted as local tops for the USD. Thus, stretched positioning could make the USD vulnerable to mean reversion in the short-term. With a lot already priced for the Fed, it won’t take much for the Fed to disappoint markets on the dovish side. Any FOMC comments that suggests more concern about the economy than inflation could trigger bearish reactions in the USD
BIGGER PICTURE
The fundamental outlook for the USD remains bullish as long as the Fed stays aggressive and cyclical concerns put pressure on risk assets. But we do want to be mindful that lots has been priced for the USD, and as growth deteriorates, we are expecting that the weigh on the USD if markets start pricing in a higher likelihood of a less hawkish Fed due to higher recession risks. The opposite side to that though is that further concerns about the economy sees more safe haven inflows into the Dollar. Positioning is stretched, so we would prefer much deeper pullbacks for new med-term USD longs and would look for short-term catalyst that offer shorter bearish sentiment trades against the current strong bull trend.
AUDUSD monthly chart warns of major toppingThe AUDUSD monthly chart appears to reveal the formation of a Head and Shoulders (H&S) top marking the end of a corrective rally from March 2020 to February 2021. That upswing saw a retest at the underside of a long-term rising trend that held unreached from April 2001 to December 2018. From here, the H&S setup implies a measured downside objective just above the 0.60 figure, which marks the 2008 Great Financial Crisis low.
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment and China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts. China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG . There was some news out this past week that China is looking to set up a centralized iron ore buyer to counter Australia’s dominance. Iron Ore has not taken this news well, along with global growth concerns, and will be an important one to watch as Iron Ore is Australia’s top export and 80% of it goes to China. The RBA finally woken up from their slumber and starting their hiking cycle fairly aggressively is also supportive for the AUD. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is the continued covid dilemma facing China right now. As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and China continues to lock down parts of the country due to their draconian covid-zero policy, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, and any catalyst that triggers higher hike expectations (RBA speak, inflation and wage data) could trigger a bullish response from the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers further upside in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding additional ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. With the RBA just recently shifting policy and hitting the ground running on hikes, there is more room for them to get more aggressive, but of course any RBA speak or info in upcoming meetings that talks down aggressive hikes could still be a short-term negative for the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China. The short-term covid issues have pushed back but not removed recovery expectations, but until the covid fog clears and the Chinese economy shows recovery signs, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
CAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
BASELINE
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown and possible recession should deteriorate the growth outlook for Canada. Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market can negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise higher at aggressive speed. Potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid. However, despite the risks to the economy and the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly optimistic and hawkish. We’ve missed most of the move higher in the CAD as our bias has kept us cautious, but the risks are still present and with the currency close to 9-year highs (at the index level) we are looking for opportunities to trade it lower on bearish catalyst.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalysts that sees further upside in Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD. With more market participants noticing cracks in the housing markets, a less dramatic decline in house prices could ease some of those concerns and provide some upside. Even though a lot of tightening has been priced in for the BoC , a big enough upside surprises in CPI that triggers further hike expectations could provide some short-term support.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage, less supply constraints) could be a negative catalyst for the CAD as well. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD. Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth or inflation ) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD. In recent communication, Governor Macklem started to mention some hiccups in housing. Big downside surprises in house prices could trigger speculation of a less hawkish bank and trigger downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s moved much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of good news priced in for the CAD and yields, our preferred way of trading the CAD is lower on short-term negative catalysts.
Economic view of the Australian dollarAs fears that a recession is just around the corner for the US, some economists are warning that Australia could follow suit.
Some, however, remain bullish on the Australian economy due to high household savings, strong commodity exports, accommodative government stimulus and a robust pipeline of residential building constructions.
Emerging from pandemic-induced recession
The Australian economy recorded its worst single quarterly economic contraction since the 1930s Great Depression in the second quarter of 2020. Like many countries, the economy was hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions in the first half of 2020.
The country emerged from that recession in the third quarter of 2020. Australia was among a few that managed to bounce back quickly as the government relaxed restrictions, fueling a recovery in consumption. Household spending contributed the most to the overall recovery as the easing of lockdown measures unleashed pent-up consumer demand.
Delta derails recovery
The economy continued on its recovery path until the third quarter of 2021 when Australia’s GDP contracted due to measures imposed to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Household spending was hurt by local governments’ move to reimpose curbs.
Australia rebounded in the fourth quarter as Delta-related lockdowns were lifted towards the end of 2021.
"Consumers enthusiastically returned to discretionary spending following the end of delta-related lockdowns,” Australia’s statistics official Ben James said at the time.
The Australian economy has swung from short periods of downturn to quick recoveries as soon as governments lift border restrictions and other curbs after containing local outbreaks.
But as global inflation shocks and interest rate hikes by other central banks prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to also take a hawkish approach to tame inflation, many experts are warning that the country could face another economic downturn.
Brace for more tightening
Earlier this month, the RBA raised its official cash rate by 50 basis points to 0.85%, surprising the market that had predicted the rate hike at 25 or 50 bp.
RBA Governor Philip Lowe last week warned of more tightening in the months to come as the monetary policy board believes the current rate is still “very low for an economy with low unemployment and that is experiencing high inflation.”
Australia’s unemployment rate remained at a record low of 3.9% in May, while the country’s first-quarter inflation rate accelerated to a 20-year high of 5.1% from 3.5% in the fourth quarter of last year.
Recession likely to happen
As commodity prices continue to skyrocket and as the central bank pursues a hawkish stance, BetaShares Chief Economist David Bassanese said there is a 40% chance that Australia could enter a recession within the next 12 months.
“When the US sneezes, we catch a cold. The local share market will not be immune to further Wall Street weakness, especially as we also face uncomfortably high inflation and likely aggressive RBA rates hikes in coming months,” Bassanese said in a recent note.
The economist noted that the local stock market will likely follow the US into bear market territory in the coming months.
AMP Capital economist Diana Mousina last week said the high inflation environment is adding to weakness in consumer spending. AMP Capital lowered its GDP growth expectation for Australia this year to 2.7% from 4%.
Mousina, however, said the strength in residents’ accumulated savings and supportive fiscal and monetary stimulus will likely keep the country’s economy from collapsing.
“A lot of positives”
This was echoed by RBA's Lowe last week when he played down worries over a looming recession in Australia, saying he doesn’t see a recession on the horizon.
"Australia has a lot of positives… But if the last two years have taught us anything, you can't rule anything out,” the RBA governor said.
AUD CAD - FUNDAMENTAL DRIVERSAUD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: WEAK BULLISH
BASELINE
Despite a decent recovery from the start of the year, the AUD has struggled in the midst underlying negative risk sentiment and China’s continued struggles with Covid breakouts. China’s economy is always a key focus for the AUD. While all major economies are expected to slow in 2022, China is expected to recover (monetary and fiscal policy very stimulative). The expected recovery is a key input for our bullish AUD bias. China’s recovery and planned infrastructure spending should support Australia’s terms of trade due to key commodity exports like Iron Ore, Coal and LNG. There was some news out this past week that China is looking to set up a centralized iron ore buyer to counter Australia’s dominance. Iron Ore has not taken this news well, along with global growth concerns, and will be an important one to watch as Iron Ore is Australia’s top export and 80% of it goes to China. The RBA finally woken up from their slumber and starting their hiking cycle fairly aggressively is also supportive for the AUD. The short-term problem to the current bullish bias for the AUD is the continued covid dilemma facing China right now. As long as the covid situation stays bleak, and China continues to lock down parts of the country due to their draconian covid-zero policy, the AUD might struggle to take advantage of positive drivers and makes it more sensitive to underlying risk sentiment.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
Positive Covid developments in China (easing restrictions, more fiscal or monetary stimulus, or letting go of the covidzero policy) could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the AUD. With the RBA just getting started with their hiking cycle, there is scope for them to turn more aggressive, and any catalyst that triggers higher hike expectations (RBA speak, inflation and wage data) could trigger a bullish response from the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers further upside in Australia’s key commodity exports (China stimulus, lifting covid restrictions, new infrastructure projects in China, higher inflation fears) should be supportive for the AUD.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
Negative Covid developments in China (increasing restrictions or adding additional ones) could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. As a risk sensitive currency, catalysts that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the AUD. Any catalyst that triggers downside in Australia’s key commodity exports (additional China restrictions, demand destruction fears, and additional news on recent centralized iron ore buyers) could be negative for the AUD. With the RBA just recently shifting policy and hitting the ground running on hikes, there is more room for them to get more aggressive, but of course any RBA speak or info in upcoming meetings that talks down aggressive hikes could still be a short-term negative for the AUD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the AUD remains positive for now, but that is largely dependent on what happens to China. The short-term covid issues have pushed back but not removed recovery expectations, but until the covid fog clears and the Chinese economy shows recovery signs, the AUD might struggle to maintain upside short-term momentum.
CAD
FUNDAMENTAL OUTLOOK: NEUTRAL
BASELINE
The CAD has enjoyed far more upside in the past few weeks than we anticipated. We’ve been cautious on the currency given Canada’s dependency on the US (>70% of exports) where the clear signs of a faster than expected slowdown and possible recession should deteriorate the growth outlook for Canada. Apart from that, the risks to the Canadian housing market can negatively impact consumer spending as interest rates rise higher at aggressive speed. Potentially damaging the wealth effect created by the rapid rise in house prices since covid. However, despite the risks to the economy and the outlook, markets still price in a very favourable growth environment for Canada, also supported by a big push higher in terms of trade due to the rise in commodity prices. Furthermore, despite clear warning signals, the BoC has chosen to ignore the negatives and has stayed surprisingly optimistic and hawkish. We’ve missed most of the move higher in the CAD as our bias has kept us cautious, but the risks are still present and with the currency close to 9-year highs (at the index level) we are looking for opportunities to trade it lower on bearish catalyst.
POSSIBLE BULLISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Catalysts that sees further upside in Oil (deteriorating supply outlook, ease in demand fears) could trigger bullish CAD reactions. The correlation has been hit and miss in recent weeks though. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk on sentiment could trigger bullish reactions in the CAD. With more market participants noticing cracks in the housing markets, a less dramatic decline in house prices could ease some of those concerns and provide some upside. Even though a lot of tightening has been priced in for the BoC, a big enough upside surprises in CPI that triggers further hike expectations could provide some short-term support.
POSSIBLE BEARISH SURPRISES
As an oil exporter, oil prices are important for CAD. Any catalyst that triggers meaningful downside in oil (deteriorating demand outlook, ease in supply shortage, less supply constraints) could be a negative catalyst for the CAD as well. As a risk sensitive currency, and catalyst that causes big bouts of risk off sentiment could trigger bearish reactions in the CAD. Since a lot of policy tightening has been priced into STIR markets, any negative catalysts that triggers less hawkish BoC expectations (faster deceleration in growth or inflation) could trigger outsized downside for the CAD. In recent communication, Governor Macklem started to mention some hiccups in housing. Big downside surprises in house prices could trigger speculation of a less hawkish bank and trigger downside for the CAD.
BIGGER PICTURE
The bigger picture outlook for the CAD remains neutral for now. Given the clear risks to the growth outlook due to the slowdown in the US, as well as rising risks to the consumer and the housing market, we remain cautious on the currency, even though it’s moved much higher than we anticipated. With a lot of good news priced in for the CAD and yields, our preferred way of trading the CAD is lower on short-term negative catalysts.