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Hang Seng Slips after New Disappointing Chinese DataLast week’s soft CPI report showed that China has not escaped deflationary pressures and today’s data reaffirmed the weak consumer demand environment, as retail sales rose just 2% y/y in June and the worst print since late-2022. Adding to the woes, the economy grew by 4.7% y/y in Q2 and the slowest pace in more than a year. HKG33 slips after the new disappointing data and remains in peril of breaching the ascending trend line from the 2024 lows and the 50% Fibonacci of the advance from that low (at around 17,200). That could open the door to further losses towards 16,000, but we are cautious around such moves. This week’s new disappointing releases may aggravate concerns around the economy, but also raise the chances of more stimulus by Beijing just as the Third Plenum kicks off, where officials will have the chance to discuss supportive measures. HKG33 can find renewed support as a result and last week it managed to gain ground, overcoming the poor inflation report. Although the upside remains unfriendly, the index tries to hold the initiative about the EMA200 (black line) that keeps it on track for 18,736, but sustained advance towards this year’s peak 19,794 does not look easy. Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”), previously FXCM EU Ltd (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com): Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com): Losses can exceed deposits. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website: Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
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by FXCM
GBP/USD hits 4-month high on strong GDPThe British pound has extended its gains on Thursday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2876 in the European session, up 0.22% on the day. The sun is shining in London today and there’s plenty to smile about besides the pleasant weather. England has punched their ticket to the final of the Euro football tournament and UK GDP was stronger than expected. The British pound headed higher and has hit its highest level since March 8. The UK economy is showing signs of a rebound after slipping into a recession in the second half of 2023. Annualized GDP jumped 1.4% in May, up from a revised 0.6% in April and beating the 1.2% market estimate. Monthly, GDP improved to 0.4% after zero growth in April and above the market estimate of 0.2%. The weather has played a significant role in the improved data. April was unusually rainy, which dampened consumer spending. May, however, was the warmest on record which revitalized retail sales. Inflation has declined dramatically, from 11.1% in October 2022 down to 2% in May, matching the Bank of England’s inflation target. This has raised expectations that the BoE will deliver a rate cut but the central bank remains cautious. The BoE meets next on August 1 and markets expectations are a 50/50 coin toss as to whether the Bank will hold or take the plunge and lower rates. In the US, Federal Reserve Chair Powell wrapped up two days of testimony before US lawmakers. Powell signaled that the Fed was moving closer to a rate cut decision but it was too early to declare victory over inflation and said “more good data” was needed before the Fed would feel confident lowering rates. GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2872. Above, there is resistance at 1.2897 1.2825 and 1.2800 are the next support levels
by OANDA
NZD edges lower ahead of RBNZ decisionThe New Zealand dollar is steady on Tuesday. NZD/USD is trading at 0.6115, down 0.16% in the European session at the time of writing. The New Zealand dollar looked sharp last week against the slumping US dollar, climbing 0.88%. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to hold its cash rate at 5.50% for an eighth straight time when its meets early on Wednesday. The RBNZ has been unwilling to shift away from its ‘higher for longer’ stance, despite the worsening economic downturn. The services and manufacturing sectors are both showing contraction and consumer and business confidence has been weak. The economy posted annual growth of only 0.3% in the first quarter after two quarters of contraction, which is a technical recession. The weak New Zealand economy badly needs a rate cut to kick-start growth, but the RBNZ’s first priority is to bring inflation back down to the target band of 1% to 3%, preferably around the 2% midpoint. Inflation eased from 4.7% to 4.0% in the first quarter but this is still above the target band. What can we expect from the central bank? With a rate hold widely expected at Wednesday’s meeting, the focus will be on the tone of the rate statement. At the previous meeting in May, the RBNZ projected that it wouldn’t lower rates until the third quarter of 2025 and the economy may have worsened since then, which could delay a rate cut even further. I expect that the message from Wednesday’s meeting is that rates will not drop before the inflation picture improves and the RBNZ could warn that rate hikes remain on the table. NZD/USD is testing support at 0.6114. Below, there is support at 0.6079 0.6180 and 0.6215 are the next lines of resistance
by OANDA
Euro eyes French inflationThe euro has gained ground on Thursday. EUR/USD is trading at 1.0707, up 0.26% on the day. The euro has stayed close to the 1.07 line for much of the week as it looks for direction. The eurozone releases the June inflation report next week. The French inflation release, which will be released on Friday, could be a precursor for the eurozone release. French inflation is expected to rise to 2.5% y/y, up from 2.3% in April. Monthly, CPI is expected to tick up to 0.1%, up from 0% in May. The European Central Bank will be hoping that inflation moves lower towards the 2% target. The ECB cut interest rates earlier this month and another rate cut will largely depend on the direction that inflation takes. Policy makers have long been concerned about an inflation rebound following a rate cut and an increase in eurozone inflation next week would dampen hopes of another rate cut in the near term. The ECB meets next on July 18th. It has been a relatively quiet week for the euro but that could change on the weekend, as French voters go to the polls in the first round of a parliamentary vote. French President Macron called the snap elections after the extreme right made sharp gains in the recent European Parliamentary elections. Macron is hoping to mobilize the center, but if his plan backfires and the extreme right gains ground, it will trigger uncertainty in France and the financial markets and the euro would likely take a tumble. The election drama could mean volatility from the euro on Monday. In the US, Final (third estimate) GDP posted a gain of 1.4% q/q, as expected. This was slightly higher than the 1.3% gain in the second estimate. The US economy has slowed down significantly in the first quarter, after a strong gain of 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Still, the Fed is yet to cut rates due to unexpectedly high inflation. EUR/USD is testing resistance at 1.0710. Above, there is resistance at 1.0740 1.0688 and 1.0658 are providing support
by OANDA
GBP/USD dips as UK growth stallsThe British pound has lost ground on Thursday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2760 in the North American session at the time of writing, down 0.29% on the day. The UK economy showed no growth in April, which was in line with expectations but below the March reading of 0.4% m/m. This was the weakest reading in four months, as manufacturing and construction declined, offsetting the rise in services. Yearly, GDP rose 0.6% in April, down from 0.7% in May and in line with expectations. April showers dampened consumer spending as the UK economy continues to struggle. With a national election taking place on July 4th, politicians will be monitoring and making use of every economic release. The ruling Conservatives are trailing badly in the polls and today’s weak GDP could well be another nail in the coffin for the Conservatives. The Bank of England meets next week but there is little chance a rate cut in the middle of an election campaign. The markets have priced in an initial rate cut in September, although an August cut is a possibility, when the BoE releases quarterly growth and inflation forecasts. The advantage of waiting till September is that the Fed may cut at its September meeting, which is a day before the BoE meets. If the Fed does trim rates, then a BoE cut would not have as much negative impact on the British pound. In the US, May inflation decelerated. The headline figure fell from 3.4% y/y to 3.3% and the core rate dropped from 3.6% to 3.4%. The Federal Reserve held the benchmark rate, as expected, but noted that inflation was moving closer to the 2% target. The Fed remains cautious and has signaled just one rate cut before the end of the year. The probability of a quarter-point cut in September is 61%, according to CME’s FedWatch. GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2796. Below, there is support at 1.2733 1.2862 and 1.2925 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
GBP/USD shrugs as UK unemployment rises, GDP nextThe British pound is drifting on Tuesday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2720 in the European session at the time of writing, down 0.08% on the day. The UK released the May employment report earlier today. Next up is GDP on Wednesday, with a market estimate of 0% m/m for April, following a 0.4% gain in March. Today’s UK employment report indicated that the labor market continues to cool down, with a notable rise in unemployment. Claimants for unemployment benefits jumped by 50.4 thousand in May, up sharply from a revised 8.4 thousand increase in April and higher than the market estimate of 10.2 thousand. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4% in the three months to April, up from 4.3% in the previous period and the market estimate of 4.3%. Job growth continued to slow, falling by 139,000. Wage growth in the private sector, a key gauge for the central bank, fell to 5.8%, its lowest level since mid-2022. The drop in wage growth was impressive as the government hiked the minimum wage by 9.8% in April and there were concerns that sharp increase would send wage growth higher. The job numbers will be a relief for the Bank of England, which needs to see a weaker labor market in order to start lowering rates. There won’t be a rate cut at the next meeting in June due to the national election on July 4th. The markets have fully priced a quarter-point cut by November and the employment report has raised the likelihood of a second cut before the end of the year to 40%, up from 20% on Monday, prior to the employment report. During the election campaign, BoE policy makers have cancelled all speeches and public appearances, which means there won’t be any feedback from the BoE about today’s inflation report and other key data over the next several weeks. GBP/USD is putting pressure on resistance at 1.2745. Above, there is resistance at 1.2795 1.2671 and 1.2621 are providing support
by OANDA
USD/JPY calm as GDP within expectationsThe Japanese yen is calm on Monday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.91, up 0.09% on the day at the time of writing. Japan’s GDP declines Japan’s economy contracted in the first quarter with a weak reading of -1.8% y/y, following a revised 0.4% gain in Q4 2023. This was slightly higher than the market estimate of -1.9% and the initial estimate of -2.0%. On a quarterly basis, GDP declined by 0.5%, in line with expectations. This followed a small gain of 0.1% in the fourth quarter. The weak GDP data follows a soft household spending release last week, which showed decline of 1.2% m/m in April. The Bank of Japan meets on June 14th and is not expected to raise interest rates, after a historic rate hike in March. This was the first rate hike since 2007 and a clear shift away from the BoJ’s ultra-loose monetary policy. There is speculation that the BoJ might discuss reducing its purchases of Japanese government bonds in an effort to unwind monetary policy in order to shore up the ailing Japanese yen. Strong US nonfarm payrolls boost US dollar Friday’s US nonfarm payroll report was hotter than expected and provided a boost to the US dollar against all the major currencies, including the yen. Nonfarm payrolls in May rose to 272 thousand, blowing past the market estimate of 185,000 and much stronger than the revised gain of 165 thousand in April. Wage growth accelerated in May and was also higher than expected. Surprisingly, the unemployment rate crept up to 4%, up from 3.9% in April and above the market estimate of 3.9%. The strong job numbers have helped cushion the impact on the economy of high rates and that has kept inflation stubbornly high. According the CME’s MarketWatch, the odds of a quarter-point cut in September have dropped to 46%, compared to 51% just one week ago. There is virtually no chance of a rate cut at this week’s meeting, but investors will be very interested in what the Fed has to say. There is resistance at 157.52 and 158.28 156.33 and 155.57 are providing support
by OANDA
USD/JPY steady despite soft household spendingThe Japanese yen is calm on Friday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 155.50, down 0.06% on the day at the time of writing. Japan’s economic activity has been sluggish and household spending, a key driver of economic growth, declined by 1.2% m/m in April. This followed a 1.2% gain in March and was well short of the market estimate of 0.2%. On a yearly basis, household spending rose 0.5%, up from -1.2% but short of the market estimate of 0.6%. Japanese households have been curbing spending as inflation is high and economic conditions remain gloomy. On Monday, we’ll get a look at Japan’s GDP for the first quarter and the forecast is not looking good. The economy is expected to have contracted by 0.5% q/q in Q1 after no growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. This would point to the economy barely avoiding a recession. On an annualized basis, the economy is expected to have declined by 2% after a gain of 0.4% in the fourth quarter. The Bank of Japan meets on June 14th and a weak GDP report could complicate plans to tighten policy. The BoJ has hinted that it will continue on the path to normalization but if the central bank doesn’t make any moves at the June meeting, the weak Japanese yen could lose more ground. In the US, the week wraps up with the nonfarm payrolls report for May. This release is one of the most important events on the data calendar but has found itself overshadowed by inflation releases. Still, nonfarm payrolls is a market-mover that can have a significant impact on the US dollar. The market estimate stands at 185,000 for May, little changed from the 175,000 gain in April. USD/JPY tested resistance at 155.81 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 156.21 155.19 was tested in support earlier. The next support level is 154.74
by OANDA
USD/JPY eyes household spendingThe Japanese yen is steady on Thursday after showing sharp swings throughout the week. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 156.27, up 0.10% on the day at the time of writing. Japan’s consumers have been holding tight on the purse strings as inflation remains high and economic conditions remain gloomy. In March, household spending declined to 1.2% m/m, down from 1.4% in February. The downswing is expected to continue, with a market estimate of just 0.2% for April. Japan releases GDP on Monday and the markets are bracing for some bad news. Japan’s economy is expected to have contracted in the first quarter, with a market estimate of -0.5% q/q, after no growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. Yearly, the economy is expected to have contracted by 2.0%, after a small gain of 0.4% in the fourth quarter. Private sector demand has fallen and exports are also down. A weak GDP release could delay any plans at the Bank of Japan to tighten policy. The BoJ meets on June 14th and has hinted that it will take steps on the path towards normalization. The Japanese yen remains at low levels and could lose more ground if the BoJ doesn’t change any policy settings at the meeting. The US wraps up the week with nonfarm payrolls on Friday and the report is expected to show that the US labor market is slowly cooling off. In April, nonfarm payrolls fell to 175,000 down sharply from 330,000 in March. This marked the weakest job growth in six months. Little change is expected in the May report, with a market estimate of 185,000. USD/JPY tested support at 155.75 earlier. Below, there is support at 155.01 156.86 and 157.60 are the next support levels
by OANDA
Potential Head & Shoulders Forming! - AUHere I have AUD/USD on the 1 HR Chart! Price so far has began to form what looks to be a Strong Reversal Pattern, Head & Shoulders! You can see a clear Left Shoulder falling down to the Support Zone creating our "Neckline" @ .6633! Followed by the creation of the "Head" being a rejection off the Falling Resistance back down to the "Neckline" and NOW finally to potentially finish the Right Shoulder! Based on the first shoulder, the Resistance Zone @ ( .6671 - .6665 ) and with the 38.2% Fibonacci Retracement Level matching the height of the Left Shoulder @ .66727, I am looking for Price to hit this very spot and then show rejection pushing price back down to the Neckline for CONFIRMATION OF PATTERN!!! INVALIDATION OF PATTERN comes in if price decides to Break and Close above .66727 and is unable to move back down! Fundamentally, AUD had GDP come in at a .2% decrease and with heavier news for USD later this week, this idea could come to life so lets keep an eye out!! **On Confirmation of Pattern, I will be looking for a Target Profit down at Support @ .66000
Short
by Novi_Fibonacci
AUD/USD slides on weak Australian data, GDP nextThe Australian dollar continues to swing sharply this week. AUD/USD is trading at 0.6641 in the North American session, down 0.71% on the day. The downswing has wiped out the Aussie’s gains of 0.55% on Monday. Australia posted weak data earlier today, which has weighed on the Australian dollar. Corporate profits declined 2.5% q/q in the first quarter after revised growth of 7.1% in the fourth quarter. This was well short of the market estimate of -0.9%. On an annualized basis, corporate profits plunged 8.6%, marking a fourth straight quarter of contraction. Australia also posted a current account deficit of AUD 4.9 billion in the first quarter, after a revised surplus of AUD 2.7 billion in Q4 2023. This missed the market estimate of a surplus of AUD 5.9 billion. The trade surplus fell as imports rose and exports declined, as metal ore prices fell. Today’s silver lining was an improvement in retail sales, which rebounded with a small gain of 0.1% m/m in April, after a -0.4% reading in March Australia’s GDP is expected to fall to 1.2% y/y in the fourth quarter, compared to 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023. GDP is expected to show weak growth of 0.2% q/q in the first quarter, unchanged from Q4 2023. Consumer spending has been soft as consumers grapple with high interest rates and stubborn inflation. The March GDP data is expected to indicate that Australia narrowly avoided a recession. Normally, such an economic landscape would likely result in the Reserve Bank of Australia lowering rates in order to kick-start the limping economy. However, with inflation stickier than anticipated, the RBA is likely to wait before easing up on interest rates and hasn’t ruled out rate hikes in order to keep a lid on inflation. The RBA meets next on June 18th. AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6641. Below, there is support at 0.6603 0.6692 and 0.6730 are the next resistance lines
by fisherkj4
EUR/USD climbs after US GDP, eurozone CPI nextThe euro has in positive territory on Thursday. EUR/USD is trading at 1.0840 in the North American session, up 0.37% on the day. The week wraps up with eurozone inflation on Friday. The market estimate for May stands at 2.5% y/y/, compared to 2.4% in April. The core inflation rate is expected to tick higher to 2.8% y/y, up from 2.7% in April. In Germany, the largest economy in the eurozone, inflation accelerated to 2.4% y/y in May, following a 2.2% gain in each of the past two months. This was the first time in five months that Germany’s inflation rate increased. On a monthly basis, inflation fell to 0.1%, a sharp drop from the 0.5% gain in April. The timing of the eurozone CPI release is significant, as it comes shortly before the European Central Bank rate meeting on June 6th. The ECB has strongly hinted that it will lower rates at the meeting and it would be a nasty surprise for the markets if the ECB changes its mind. With inflation under 3% and the eurozone grappling with sluggish economic activity, the conditions seems right for a rate cut. The ECB’s rate-tightening cycle has done a good job slashing inflation, and lower rates would provide some relief to households which are struggling with elevated rates and the high cost of living. In the US, second-estimate GDP was revised downwards to 1.3% y/y. This was below the 1.6% in the first estimate but higher than the market estimate of 1.2% and much weaker than the 3.4% gain in the fourth quarter of 2023. The drop in GDP was mainly attributable to weaker consumer spending, as consumers are yet to see any relief from the Fed’s high benchmark rate target of 5.25% to 5.50%. The Fed is concerned about stubbornly high inflation and FOMC members have been constantly pouring cold water on rate-cut expectations. The Fed has shown it can be patient and if the inflation picture doesn’t improve, it is conceivable that the Fed won’t lower rates before 2025. EUR/USD pushed past resistance at 1.0806 and is testing resistance at 1.0845 1.0765 and 1.0726 are the next support levels
by OANDA
GOLD (Summary + GDP result) Technical Analysis of Gold The price is expected to consolidate between 2327 and 2344 until a breakout occurs. Today, the GDP report will impact the market, with expectations being negative for the U.S. dollar. Depending on the results, the price may initially push up before starting to drop. However, if the GDP exceeds 1.2%, this outcome will likely be negative for gold. In summary, stability below 2327 will lead to a drop towards 2303, while stability above 2344 will support a rise towards 2354 and 2369. Pivot Price: 2344 Resistance Levels: 2354, 2369, 2388 Support Levels:** 2327, 2318, 2304 Today's anticipated trading range is between the support level at 2302 and the resistance level at 2369.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by SroshMayi
Strifor || GOLD-30/05/2024Preferred direction: SELL Comment: There are no changes for gold , as for metals in general. A downward movement is also expected in silver , which we wrote about earlier. At the moment, the deal is going more, of course, within the framework of scenario №2 , but we remember that this deal was considered in combination with scenarios №1 and №2 , therefore, in general, the short is activated and an approach to support is expected at the level of 2300 with the potential for a fall to 2250 . Additional comments on this trade will be provided as situation changes. Follow us! Thank you for like and share your views!
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Viktor_strifor_analyst
1
Strifor || GBPUSD-30/05/2024Preferred direction: SELL Comment: The British pound has almost the same setup for selling as the euro . For now, we are putting all purchases aside, and in the near future, a further fall is expected towards the level of 1.26000 , just above which we fix the target for this short. The most likely scenario №1 speaks of selling at current prices, one can try small stop losses, and it is better to re-enter. That is, this is an intraday trade. Scenario №2 involves shorting after a deeper pullback towards the 1.27500 level, but this is a very unlikely potential maneuver. Additional comments on this trade will be provided as situation changes. Follow us! Thank you for like and share your views!
Short
by Viktor_strifor_analyst
1
Strifor || EURUSD-30/05/2024Preferred direction: SELL Comment: The price did not approach the level of 1.09000 , at least in the first half of this week, and the euro quickly fell to 1.08000 . In the short term, the decline is likely to continue. An important point, of course, will be today's statistics from the US on GDP , the labor market, and so on. We consider two scenarios, which are depicted in the graph. Scenario №1 assumes a fall from the level of 1.08000 , below which the price is currently located. Scenario №2 - preliminary growth above the level of 1.08000 , the buyer’s attempt to gain a foothold above, and to sell it will be necessary to wait until it closes below the specified level again. The target for the fall is considered to be at the level of 1.07500. Additional comments on this trade will be provided as situation changes. Follow us! Thank you for like and share your views!
Short
by Viktor_strifor_analyst
1
Strifor || USDCHF-29/05/2024Preferred direction: BUY Comment: For the Swiss franc , the focus is on the level of 0.91424, from which buy-deal is expected, and at the same time the medium-term strengthening of the US dollar. The context for a long position has now been formed and one can look for an entry point. The best option would be to go long through a breakout, as shown in the chart. Scenario №1 and Scenario №2 in this case are precisely a long trade through a breakout. The growth target is fixed at the level of 0.92160. Additional comments on this trade will be provided as situation changes. Follow us! Thank you for like and share your views!
Long
by Viktor_strifor_analyst
1
Strifor || NZDUSD-28/05/2024Preferred direction: BUY Comment: For the NZDUSD currency pair, we have come close to the resistance level of 0.61670 , thereby fixing the previous long target. At this stage, short-term purchases continue to be relevant, and strengthening towards the level of 0.62175 is expected. Of course, overcoming the resistance at the level of 0.61670 will not be the easiest task for the buyer, but most likely, after a short accumulation, the instrument will begin to rise (scenario №1) . Also, as an alternative scenario, a preliminary rollback from this level and, after a small correction, another attempt to break up are considered (scenario №2). Additional comments on this trade will be provided as situation changes. Follow us! Thank you for like and share your views!
Long
by Viktor_strifor_analyst
1
EUR/USD steady as German Business Climate unchangedThe euro is drifting on Monday. EUR/USD is down 0.05%, trading at 1.0849 in the North American session at the time of writing. US markets are closed for Memorial Day, which will likely mean a quiet day for the US dollar. In Europe, German Ifo Business Climate stagnated in May and was steady at 89.3. This unchanged from the downwardly revised 89.3 in April and short of the market estimate of 90.4. The German economy, the largest in the eurozone, has struggled although they have been signs of recovery. GDP grew by just 0.2% in the first quarter, after contracting in the fourth quarter of 2023. The ECB meets on June 6th and its credibility is on the line if it doesn’t deliver a rate cut which would be the first since March 2016. ECB President Christine Lagarde said last week that there was a “strong likelihood” of a rate cut in June and stated that she was confident that inflation was under control. This sounded like a strong endorsement of a rate cut next week. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel also signaled that a rate cut was coming in June, dismissing concerns over wage growth, which rose from 4.5% to 4.7%. Nagel stressed that a June cut did not signal the start of a series of cuts, as ECB decisions will depend on incoming data. The eurozone releases the May inflation report on Friday, which isn’t expected to change expectations of a June rate cut. CPI fell to 2.4% y/y in April and is expected to tick higher to 2.5% in May. EUR/USD has weak support at 1.0845. Below, there is support at 1.0806 There is resistance at 1.0886 and 1.0925
by OANDA
GBP/USD steady despite plunge in retail salesThe British pound continues to have a quiet week in which it has stayed close to the 1.27 line. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2715, up 0.13% at the time of writing in the European session. UK retail spending slumped in April with a 2.3% m/m decline. This followed a revised 0.2% decline in March and was much weaker than the market estimate of -0.4%. It was the largest decrease in four months, driven by a sharp fall gasoline and non-food items. Most sectors reported a drop in sales volume as unusually rainy weather put a damper consumer spending. On an annualized basis, retail sales fell 2.7%, after a revised 0.4% gain in March and missing the market estimate of -0.2%. Is the UK economy fading? The economy performed well in the first quarter, with Q1 GDP rising 0.6% q/q, its strongest quarter in over two years. The weak retail sales could be indicative of a weaker second quarter, which would support the BoE lowering the current cash rate of 5.25% which is throttling economic activity. With inflation falling to 2.3% in April, the 2% target is within striking distance and speculation has risen that the BoE will start to lower rates as early as August. In the US, the services and manufacturing sectors showed improvement in May. Services PMI jumped to 54.8 in May, up from 51.3 in April and above the market estimate of 51.3. This was the highest level in a year and pointed to improving business activity despite high interest rates. Manufacturing remains weak but the PMI rose from 50.0 to 50.9, which shows very modest growth. The 50 level separates contraction from expansion. GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.2710. Above, there is resistance at 1.2736 1.2674 and 1.2648 are the next support levels
by OANDA
USD/JPY steady as Japanese PMIs mixedThe Japanese yen is slightly lower on Thursday. USD/JPY is trading at 156.70, down 0.08% on the day at the time of writing. Japan’s PMIs for April were a mixed bag and the yen didn’t show much reaction. Services PMI dipped to 53.6, down from 54.3 in March and just shy of the forecast of 53.8. This was the smallest growth in services since February. Manufacturing PMI showed improvement and rose to 50.5, up from 49.6 in March and above the market estimate of 49.7. This was the first growth since May 2023 as manufacturing has been in a prolonged slump. The 50 level separates contraction from growth. The Japanese economy is showing signs of improving after first-quarter GDP declined. Inflation has been easing, which could hamper the ability of the Bank of Japan to increase rates without reigniting deflation. With inflation falling around the globe, major central banks have been under pressure to lower interest rates. The central banks remain cautious, however, and the Fed minutes indicated that there was a discussion to raise rates at the May 1st meeting. Other central banks are also unclear about their rate path – the Reserve Banks of Australia and New Zealand held rates at their most recent meetings but also considered hiking rates. The FOMC minutes noted that policy makers are not confident about lowering rates at this stage and want to see more evidence that inflation will continue to drop and remain sustainable around the 2% target. This message is consistent with what we have been hearing from a host of Fed members, although the markets have priced in a September rate cut. USD/JPY tested support at 156.02 earlier. Below, there is support at 156.33 157.07 and 157.32 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
NZD/USD steady ahead of RBNZ rate announcementThe New Zealand dollar is almost unchanged on Tuesday. NZD/USD is down 0.06%, trading at 0.6102 in the European session at the time of writing. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has shown it can be patient, having held the cash rate at 4.35% for six straight times. The central bank is expected to maintain rates yet again at Wednesday’s meeting as inflation has remained stubbornly high. Inflation has been moving lower and fell to 4% in the first quarter, down from 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, this remains double the midpoint of the 1-3% target range and is too high for the RBNZ to start trimming rates in the near-term. At the same time, economic data for the first quarter was soft which should result in disinflation. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in the first quarter, private wage growth decelerated and GDP contracted by 0.1% q/q. The RBNZ had its mandate limited to inflation in December; previously, the central bank was mandated to maintain low inflation and full employment. Still, the strength of the labor market and wage growth will be eyed by the central bank as it determines its rate policy. The Federal Reserve continues to sound hawkish about rate policy and remains cautious about rate cuts. On Monday, Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said that it was too early to tell if the downtrend in inflation would be “long lasting”. Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Michael Barr said that first-quarter inflation data was disappointing and was not supportive of easing monetary policy. For a second straight day, there are no US economic releases and we’ll hear from a host of FOMC members, which could provide insights about the Fed’s rate policy plans. NZD/USD is tested support at 0.6089 earlier . Below, there is support at 0.6039 0.6185 and 0.6235 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA