$AAPL head and shoulders? 👁🗨️*This is not financial advice, so trade at your own risks*
*My team digs deep and finds stocks that are expected to perform well based off multiple confluences*
*Experienced traders understand the uphill battle in timing the market, so instead my team focuses mainly on risk management
!! This chart analysis is for reference purposes only !!
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Inflation
$DXY chart update 3/6 👁🗨️*This is not financial advice, so trade at your own risks*
*My team digs deep and finds stocks that are expected to perform well based off multiple confluences*
*Experienced traders understand the uphill battle in timing the market, so instead my team focuses mainly on risk management*
!! This chart analysis is for reference purposes only !!
Market conditions are supporting the continuation of strength in the dollar. Expect Bitcoin , Gold , and SPY to retrace during this period.
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Gold as an Inflation Hedge? Myth Busted!COMEX: Micro Gold Futures ( COMEX_MINI:MGC1! ) and Gold Options ( COMEX:GC1! )
Gold is often hailed as an effective hedge against inflation. It generally increases in value as the purchasing power of the US dollar declines over time. Does this still remain true? Since January 2013, the US Consumer Price Index increased 29.4% cumulatively, while the 10-year total return of Gold is only 11.3%.
Let’s demystify the gold myth. In fact, gold is by no means among the best-performing investment assets in the past decade! Let’s look at where investing $10,000 in different assets would take you in the past ten years:
• If you held $10,000 in cash, you still have $10,000, a 0% nominal return;
• If you bought a gold ETF fund, you would have $11,300, assuming it tracks gold price perfectly. However, after subtracting an average 0.5% a year in fund expense, you would end up with only $10,800, an annual return of merely 0.78%;
• 5-year bank certificate of deposit (CD) yielded 1.0%/APR in 2013 and 1.5% in 2018. If you put the money in CDs back-to-back, you would have $11,322 now;
• If you invest in a market index stock portfolio, the S&P 500 gained 159% in the past ten years. You would end up with $25,900;
• If you bought bitcoin at $4.43 each in January 2013, you would have amassed nearly $1.6 million from the original $10K, an astonishing 15943% return!
Actual data shows that holding gold, a non-yielding asset, underperformed other investable assets in the past decade.
Gold price endured a double-digit decline, from $1,600 per troy ounce, to as low as $1,000, during the low-inflation period of 2013-2018. It shot up in 2019 as the US-China trade conflict intensified. The outbreak of Covid pandemic pushed gold to a record high of $2,075 in August 2020. As US economy remerged from Covid in 2021, gold price fell back to $1,700. Then, the Russia-Ukraine conflict pushed it back up above $1,900.
However, when the Federal Reserve embarked on the path of rate increases, gold price fell sharply to $1,600. This was a period where US CPI raged between 7-9%, and gold completely failed as a defense against inflation.
US Dollar Is the Primary Price Driver
Gold prices rose on Friday as a rally in the dollar and bond yields paused. COMEX Gold Futures (GC) for April delivery closed up $14.10 to $1,854.60 per ounce.
The rise comes on expectations that higher interest rates are on the way as reports show that US economy is still running too hot to quell high inflation. Dollar index was down 0.35 points to 104.68, while the US 10-year note was paying 3.977%, down 8.4 basis points.
US dollar continues to call the shot for gold as investors assess the Fed's rate path. The above chart shows a perfect negative correlation between gold price and dollar index. When dollar rises, gold falls; and when dollar declines, gold advances.
Last month, the dollar's bounce had weighed heavily on gold. The dollar rallied as a run of hot U.S. labor and inflation data saw traders’ expectations for more aggressive Fed rate increases. A stronger dollar can be a drag on commodities priced in dollar, making them more expensive to users of other currencies.
In recent weeks, gold may have found some support on fears that an aggressive Fed could push the U.S. economy into recession, but a continued rise in U.S. Treasury yields, along with a relatively resilient dollar means limited upside . Rising Treasury yields raise the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets, like gold.
Short-term Trading Strategies
At $1,850, gold is neither too expensive nor too cheap by historical standard. As such, I am not in favor of an outright directional trade, one way or the other.
However, the market’s razor-thin focus on Fed rate actions will make a compelling reason for event-driven trades on Gold Futures and Gold Options.
March is a very active month for macro-economic data releases:
• March 8th, Fed Chair Powell will testify on the central bank's semi-annual monetary policy report to the House Financial Services Committee;
• March 10th, Bureau of Labor Statistics will release February employment report;
• March 14th, BLS will release the February CPI report;
• March 22nd, Fed will announce its interest rate decision.
Financial market tends to be sensitive to these data releases, as the latter could deliver huge shocks if actual data goes beyond market expectations.
If you expect an upcoming data release to be bullish on gold, you could express this view with a long futures position on COMEX Micro Gold Futures (MGC).
Each MGC contract has a notional value of 10 troy ounces. At $1,880, a June 2023 contract (MGCM3) is valued at $18,800. Initiating a long or short position requires a margin of $740. This is approximately 4% of contract notional value. In comparison, buying physical gold (i.e., gold bar or gold coin) and gold ETF fund requires 100% upfront investment.
If gold price moves up to $1,950, the futures account would gain $700. Relative to the initial margin, this would equate to a return of +94.6%, excluding commissions.
Alternatively, the same bullish view could be expressed by a call option of COMEX Gold Futures. Each COMEX Gold Future contract has a notional value of 100 troy ounces. At $1,880, a June futures contract (GCM3) is valued at $188,000. A call option on the 1,900 strike is quoted 37.0 on 3 March 2023. Acquiring 1 option requires an upfront premium of $3,700 (100 ounces per contract). If gold moves up to $1,950, the options account would be credited by $5,000 (=(1950-1900) x100), which represents a theoretical return of +35.1% from the original investment of $3,700.
If you are bearish on gold, a short MGC futures or a put option on GC would be appropriate. Futures and options account would gain in value if the price of gold falls.
Similar to investing in physical gold or gold ETFs, the biggest investment risk is betting the wrong direction. However, futures have a built-in leverage. In the case of MGC, each $1 movement in gold price translate into $10 variance in futures account balance. Options have a non-linear payout diagram. As the contract moves deeper in-the-money, options value grows exponentially.
Long-term Trading Ideas
After the active central bank action period is over, will gold price trend up or down? What would be the primary driver of gold price? Inflation, US dollar, interest rate, economic growth, or geopolitical crisis? All are possible, maybe a little bit of each.
My research reveals that gold price has a relatively stable relationship with WTI crude oil (CL). Over the past ten years, each 1,000 barrels of WTI (1 CL) sell at a price between 150 and 300 ounces of gold for about 80% of the time.
We could visualize an oil producer wanting to be paid by gold. When dollar fluctuates, he would adjust the dollar selling price to keep his gold acquisition stable. Therefore, whenever the price range is breached, gold price has a strong tendency of falling back in.
In the next writing, I would explore a convergence/divergence idea between GC and CL. Stay tuned!
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trade set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, check out on CME Group data plans in TradingView that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
GOLD : Benefits of Investing in GoldOANDA:XAUUSD
Gold has been an inconsistent inflation hedge, but there may still be benefits to holding a small amount of the yellow metal in your portfolio. Gold has historically had a low or even negative correlation to both stocks and bonds, suggesting it offers value as a tool of diversification.
Gold prices held up pretty well during the Covid-19 pandemic market sell-off in early 2020, for example. From Feb. 1 to April 1 in 2020, the S&P 500 declined 23% while the price of gold dropped less than 0.1%.
Demand for gold from investors, central banks, jewelers and tech companies is also growing. According to the World Gold Council, global gold demand increased 12% year over year to 2.189 tons in the first half of 2022.
Depending on your individual goals, there are several easy ways to invest in gold. Investors can buy gold bullion, physical bars or coins that can be kept in a safe or bank.
You can also buy physical gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold gold bullion on investors’ behalf. The most popular gold ETF is SPDR Gold Shares (GLD).
Investors looking to speculate in the gold market can trade gold futures contracts. These contracts provide significant leverage, allowing investors to control large quantities of gold with a relatively small amount of money.
Finally, investors can buy shares of individual gold stocks or a gold mining ETF. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) holds a diversified basket of 54 gold-related stocks, including Newmont Corp. (NEM), Barrick Gold Corp. (GOLD) and Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV).
Conclusion : GOLD IS SAFE HEAVEN TO INVEST IN IT .
GOLD : What Drives the Price of Gold ?OANDA:XAUUSD
Gold is highly sought after, not just for investment purposes and to make jewelry but also for use in the manufacturing of certain electronic and medical devices. As of February 2023, the price of gold was more than $1,870 an ounce. While down around $100 from a high posted in April 2022, it is still up considerably from levels under $100 seen 50 years ago.
But what factors drive the price of this precious metal higher over time ?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 Investors have long been enamored by gold, and the price of the metal has increased substantially over the past 50 years.
2 Not only does gold retain additional value, but supply and demand have a huge impact on the price of gold—especially demand from large ETFs.
3 Government vaults and central banks comprise one important source of demand for gold.
4 Gold sometimes moves opposite to the U.S. dollar because the metal is dollar-denominated, making it a hedge against inflation.
5 Supplies of gold are primarily driven by mining production.
Conclusion : Gold Is a high Value Asset , Which Can be Hedge Against Growing Inflation.
USD/JPY dips as Tokyo Core CPI slowsThe Japanese yen has gained ground on Friday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 136.17, down 0.44%.
There was some positive news on the inflation front, as Tokyo Core CPI for February slowed for the first time since January 2022. The indicator was expected to rise from 4.3% to 4.5%, but instead reversed directions and fell to 3.3%. The sharp drop was not a complete surprise, as it was driven by government subsidies, including a 20% reduction in household electricity bills, which took effect in February. Without the subsidies, it's likely that the Tokyo inflation figure would have come in around 4.5%.
It's unclear how long the government will continue these subsidies, which means that the inflation picture remains uncertain. The Bank of Japan has insisted that rising inflation is transient and is a result of external factors such as high commodity prices rather than domestic inflationary pressures. The central bank has insisted on maintaining its massive stimulus programme even though inflation has been on the upswing and is more than double the BoJ's target of 2%.
All eyes are on the Bank of Japan, as the changing of the guard looms ever closer. BoJ Governor-elect Kazuo Ueda will take over the helm from Haruhiko Kuroda in early April. Ueda has been careful not to make any waves at his confirmation hearings, saying that the central bank's current policy is appropriate. Still, the markets aren't convinced that Ueda will maintain Kuroda's ultra-loose policy, especially with rising inflation. The BoJ's yield curve control (YCC) policy has damaged the bond markets and there is speculation that Kuroda could make a grand exit at his final meeting on March 10 and tweak YCC in order to relieve pressure on Ueda.
There is resistance at 137.37 and 138.24
135.65 and 134.78 are providing support
Sweet Divergence Since the start of January, most leading macro markets have experienced a reversal around their 38.2% Fibonacci retracement levels. However, BTC has shown resilience and fought the cross-asset sell-off. This divergence is likely driven by the fact that there has been over $1 trillion in net liquidity added to the market since the bottom in October, primarily driven by the People's Bank of China and the Bank of Japan, helping to off-set the damage the Fed is doing to risk-on assets such as the crypto market. Considering BTC tends to be somewhat of a liquidity sponge, it tends to outperform other assets when there is a boost in liquidity. However, the jury is still out on whether BTC's performance indicates the end of the bear market for crypto or a temporary outlier. Despite BTC's recent outperformance, it's still catching up to significant rallies in other markets between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023. An important note is that the S&P 500 has never seen a bear market bottom before the unemployment rate began to rise, and this is yet to be the case. Furthermore, the yield curve is currently the most deeply inverted it has been since the 1980s, ultimately signalling that long-term interest rates are lower than short-term interest rates. An inverted yield curve has been a perfect predictor of the last seven recessions since 1960, ultimately implying that it's likely the market isn't out of the woods yet.
When yields and risk assets diverge, historical patterns suggest that other assets quickly catch up to the sell-off. Although yields have moved exponentially since last month's CPI data, markets expect them to stabilize at last year's high levels. It would likely take very hot inflation data and a significant rate hike following the next FOMC meeting on the 22nd of March to trigger the next leg lower for risk assets. Until then, BTC is expected to continue ranging, waiting for its next cue.
In other news, a recent article by Forbes threw Binance into the fire after they released an alleged hit piece on the exchange and its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). The article drew parallels between the exchange and the now-defunct FTX after Binance allegedly transferred $1.8 billion to hedge funds such as Tron, Amber Group and Alameda Research between August and December 2022. However, CZ then hit back at this, arguing that the article referred to some old transactions from Binance's clients. He then reiterated that the exchange always holds user funds 1:1 and that this can be referenced through Binance's proof-of-reserve system.
From a technical perspective, it is clear from the weekly chart that Bitcoin has been trading between two significant demand and supply zones. The bulls will be hoping for a weekly close above the $25,000 supply zone, which would light the way towards the massive $28,800 to $30,000 resistance, the Head and Shoulders neckline. An important contributor to the bullish scenario is that EMA20 and EMA200 are beginning to converge, with a potential cross in the coming weeks. The importance of this should be considered, as EMA20 crossing below EMA200 back in September accurately predicted short-term market direction. Bears will rejoice at the fact that many traders believe that a final Elliot Wave 5 sell-off is to come. This would likely result in a break below the $15,500 - $16,500 November market bottom.
As we advance, all eyes will be on the CPI data releases. U.S. CPI data on the 14th will likely dictate the outcome of the rate decision of the FOMC on the 22nd. Volatility will be high around these dates, so caution should certainly be exercised, especially in leveraged positions.
EUR/USD dips as eurozone inflation easesThe euro remains busy and is down 0.40% on Thursday, trading at 1.0624. This follows the euro gaining 0.90% a day earlier.
The euro's moves today and yesterday have in large part been dictated by inflation releases. Earlier today, Eurozone Final CPI came in at 8.6% for January, down sharply from 9.2% in December. Headline inflation eased for a third straight month, after hitting a peak of 10.6% in October. The core rate has not followed this downward trend and ticked higher to 5.3% y/y in January, up from 5.2% in December. The improvement in headline inflation eased worries that the ECB would have to deliver another 50-basis point hike in May, after the expected 50-bp increase at the March 16 meeting.
These concerns that the ECB would remain aggressive pushed the euro almost 1% higher on Wednesday after German inflation edged up to 9.3% in February, up from 9.2% in January and above the estimate of 9.0%. The usual suspects were at play in driving inflation higher - food and energy. The government has provided energy subsidies, but energy prices still shot up in January by 23.1% y/y, while food prices surged 20.2% in January y/y. In addition to the German inflation report, France and Spain also recorded unexpectedly strong inflation.
The eurozone data calendar will wrap up with German and eurozone Service PMIs, which have been showing improvement and are back in expansion territory, an indication of a pickup in economic activity. The German PMI is expected at 51.3 and the eurozone PMI at 52.3 points.
In the US, the Federal Reserve remains hawkish with its message that higher rates are on the way. Fed member Bostic reiterated this stance, saying that the terminal rate would be between 5% and 5.25% and have to remain at that level well into 2024. The markets have priced in a terminal rate of 5.50%, but worries over sticky inflation have led to some calls for rates to rise as high as 6%.
EUR/USD is testing support at 1.0655. Below, there is support at 1.0596
There is resistance at 1.0765 and 1.0894
EUR/USD Advances Towards 1.0700 After German Inflation Data The EUR/USD pair was boosted on Wednesday and advanced to fresh weekly highs following the release of higher-than-expected German inflation data. The pair's advance has also been underpinned by the rise in the German 10-year Bund yield, which reached the highest level in 12 years at 2.724%.
At the time of writing, the EUR/USD pair is trading at the 1.0670 zone, recording a 0.94% daily gain, having printed a one-week high of 1.0691.
Data released on Wednesday showed that the German annual rate of inflation, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), rose to 9.3% in February from 9.2% in January, surpassing the market's consensus of 9%.
The euro has strengthened amid expectations the European Central Bank (ECB) will continue tightening its monetary policy and raising interest rates longer than previously estimated. Recent inflation reports from Spain, France, and Germany support that case. Furthermore, Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Wednesday it is desirable reaching the terminal rate by September at the latest.
Investors are betting on a 50 bps hike by the ECB in March, while the terminal deposit facility rate is now forecasted at 4% from 3.5% previously (currently at 2.5%).
EURUSD Daily Chart
From a technical perspective, the EUR/USD maintains a slightly bearish short-term bias, although indicators on the daily chart are improving, hinting at a steeper upwards correction.
The pair is facing immediate resistance at the 20-day SMA at around 1.0690, and if broken, could pave the way to the next bullish target at the 1.0760 zone. On the other hand, the loss of the weekly lows at 1.0535 would worsen the short-term setup risking a retest of the 1.0500 psychological level and the 100-day SMA at 1.0473.
A brief history of DXY and the RSIThere are just some of the Key points on the chart but the real trick is to watch the RSI here ( the blue line above the US inflation index at bottom of chart)
The US inflation indicator shows RED after 1995, when inflation is above the 2% dictated by the FED as Good. Inflation peaks are marked on chart with thin solid vertical lines.
Compre these to RSI and PA levels
The USA was in an inflation explosion from 1979 to 1984 and it reached a height of 14% before turning down
The Thing to note here is the value of the $, as inflation rises, so does the value of the $, logically I suppose.
As inflation is fought with higher interest rates ,the $ becomes a money earner, for the banking industry and savers
Look at the RSI, See how it rises, Ranges and then eventually dips
Then RSI Ranges, as does the $ till we get to July 1995 and the Barings banks Saga.
This was a banking collapse and yet, Look. the $ GAINS value and RSI drives higher, Tops out and Drops,
Then again in 2008, another banking crash, this time Leman Brothers cause a Loan repayment Surge, bit like a bank run
Again, at a time of Stress, the $ Pushes up in value, RSI Runs high and Tops
Since then, RSI has remained mid / high and topped out again in July 2022
Since then, it has retraced and has recently tried turning again
But now, the $ has less demand globally as Countries around the world Stop using the $ as international trading currency, including Oil
So the question is, Where for the $ now
Technically, It has been up in the higher range RSI for a long time, inflation is High and as we can see from the past, PA tends to drop
Short eurusdHello everyone
I have shorted eurusd and added to my pos after the CPI data. I know the market is a bit in limbo and does not know what to do with the info because the report gave something for the bulls and bears but i think we are heading towards 1.05300 area. I have two trades that work here. This -> snipboard.io and another one taken all the way from the top that was opened on 2nd of February all the way from 1.010 area. See screenshot here ->https://snipboard.io/4oamvg.jpg .If you follow me these are the types of trades that we are taking. I am aiming for high quality trades that provide enough R's. If we are trending in one direction i usually add to my main pos and then cut making smaller profits.
Stay safe and trade accordingly because these are very volatile markets with big swings on each side.
Have a great day!
AUDUSD Outlook 1st March 2023Overnight, the AUDUSD fluctuated between the 0.67 and 0.6760 price range as the DXY retraced lower but recovered in strength toward the end of the trading session.
Early this morning, the AUD CPI was released at 7.4% (Forecast: 8.1% Previous: 8.4%) which was significantly lower than expected. This signals that the ongoing interest rate hikes from the RBA are taking effect in lowering inflation in Australia.
However, a cost of the significant rate increases is the slowdown in the economy as the Australian GDP slid to 0.5% (Forecast: 0.8% Previous: 0.7%).
The AUDUSD traded lower to test the 0.67 support level but rebound strongly to the upside, testing the bearish trendline.
If the price breaks above the trendline, the AUDUSD could see further moves higher toward the near-term resistance area of 0.6780 before continuing with the downtrend, retesting the 0.67 round number support level and breaking below that. Beyond 0.67, the next key support level is 0.6630.
AUDUSD retests 4H support after CPI dropHi, traders and TradingView community. Today we saw the AUDUSD retreat after Australian CPI data came in at 7.4, well below the 8.1% that had been expected. Unexpected data almost always has more impact on the market than expected, as it has shock effect.
7.4 is still a very firm number for inflation, and you might think, why is that a good thing? The drop is good, and it shows the RBA’s policy is working, and it also starts to put some doubt on the current rates outlook. But we’re wondering just how good it is. Yes, this could have an impact on the current rates policy, but we still feel that rates will have to continue higher to cut this figure back further.
The AUDUSD continues to fight back after testing .6700. Price at this point remains in its 4H consolidation pattern. Could the market be thinking it’s a good drop, but work still has to be done?
Will we see a retest of .6700 in tonight’s LON session? Buyers have .6752 resistance to beat, and sellers have .6700 to break. These are the 4H levels we are watching on the AUDUSD, and if one of them can be beaten, we will look to see if a new leg can develop.
What are your thoughts? Good trading.
COIN Responds to Higher Terminal Rate ExpectationsCoinbase NASDAQ:COIN has been responding to higher terminal rate expectations, which have risen dramatically in the past month. In December 2022 and January 2023, the August Fed Funds futures contract previously showed a terminal rate of approximately 4.70%. And the consensus had adopted the view of significant rate cuts into year end 2023. Now, that has changed, and the FF futures contracts show that the market's view of rates is coming into alignment with the US Federal Reserve's messaging. The December 2023 contract has moved up approximately 22% since mid-December 2022.
Coinbase has been falling rapidly today, over -8.00% after PCE (the Fed's preferred inflation gauge) came in hotter than expected. Retail sales for January 2023 also came in hotter than expected, and measures of the economy give the Fed room to keep rates higher for longer. Markets want to have their cake and eat it too—but that's not possible in an inflationary environment (sticky components especially). Stronger economic data coincides with more sticky inflation data for now, which gives the Fed incentive (and room) to keep rates higher for longer.
Coinbase is correcting at a minimum. One cannot rule out the possibility of a retest of lows or a new low altogether. But until critical support is reached (and breached), it's best to take this one level at a time.
1. Today, COIN breached the lows from earlier this week, specifically the low on Feb. 22, 2023, creating a bearish short-term structure.
2. COIN has been in a short-term downtrend since February 2, 2023 highs. That provides a good risk-reward entry spot for short-term traders. Caution is advised due to the volatility regularly seen by this stock. And the closer the entry is to the defined risk level, the smaller the risk is and the larger the position size can be without violating risk-management principles (but the more likely the stop is to be triggered as well).
3. A conservative target is $52.50-$54.13 in the shorter term, provided the downtrend line holds
4. A moderately aggressive target is $44.90 to 46.61. This target is not in effect until the conservative target is breached and held to the downside.
5. If COIN does not make significant progress in the next few days, the idea will be cancelled. Vanna and charm hedging flows as March OPEX approaches can start to boost markets if downward progress is not made quickly in the coming week.
6. The Bollinger Bands suggest a downside breakout could occur in the coming days or weeks.
Supplementary Chart A
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Author's Comment: Thank you for reviewing this post and considering its charts and analysis. The author welcomes comments, discussion and debate (respectfully presented) in the comment section. Shared charts are especially helpful to support any opposing or alternative view. This article is intended to present an unbiased, technical view of the security or tradable risk asset discussed.
Please note further that this technical-analysis viewpoint is short-term in nature. This is not a trade recommendation but a technical-analysis overview and commentary with levels to watch for the near term. This technical-analysis viewpoint could change at a moment's notice should price move beyond a level of invalidation. Further, proper risk-management techniques are vital to trading success. And countertrend or mean-reversion trading, e.g., trading a rally in a bear market, is lower probability and is tricky and challenging even for the most experienced traders.
DISCLAIMER: This post contains commentary published solely for educational and informational purposes. This post's content (and any content available through links in this post) and its views do not constitute financial advice or an investment or trading recommendation, and they do not account for readers' personal financial circumstances, or their investing or trading objectives, time frame, and risk tolerance. Readers should perform their own due diligence, and consult a qualified financial adviser or other investment / financial professional before entering any trade, investment or other transaction.
Looking ahead into March 2023 (DXY)In February, we saw the US Dollar Index (DXY) reject the 100.85 price area to climb strongly to the upside due to several key events
1) Federal Reserve hiked rates to 4.75%.
Although the initial reaction was a big drop to test the low of 100.85, the comments accompanying the rate decision indicated that further rate increases could be expected as inflation has eased but remains elevated.
2) Surprising Non-Farm Payroll (NFP)
A massive surprise to the market with a print of 517K (Forecast: 193K) this signaled that the US economy was still performing strongly, despite the ongoing interest rate increases. The DXY shot up to test the 103.75 price level over the next couple of days following the NFP release.
3) Elevated Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Markets were widely anticipating that US inflation growth should have slowed down from 6.5% to 6.2%. However, the CPI data was released at 6.4%, which indicated a slight slowdown (just not as much as anticipated). This played to the previous narrative from the FOMC that while inflation was easing, it was still elevated. With an increased likelihood that the FOMC would continue with its interest rate hikes, the DXY climbed steadily to the upside, breaking the 103.75 level to climb steadily up to the 105.50 resistance level.
Now as we head into March and the DXY is retracing from the 105.50 price level, where could prices head to?
In the lead up to the major news events, the DXY could continue to retrace lower to retest the 104 price level and support area.
1) Will we see a repeat surprise on the NFP?
It is probably unlikely that we'll get a massive surprise again for the NFP this month. However, any positive data release could see the DXY renew its climb to the upside.
2) Focus is on the CPI
As indicated above, February's CPI was released at 6.4% which was higher than expected. A similar release this month would pretty much cement the Federal Reserve's decision regarding a rate hike, bringing further upside to the DXY.
3) Federal Funds Rate
In the recently released meeting minutes, it was highlighted that while all members supported a 25bps rate hike, some would have supported a decision to raise rates by 50bps.
This shows a level of hawkishness within the FOMC, which could be crucial in the decision this month. Employment and CPI data would be the deciding factor between a 25 or 50bps rate hike.
However, remember that the terminal rate is 5.25% and with rates at 4.75%, we are very close!!
We'll have to pay attention to comments regarding a shift in the terminal rates and increased speculation about a pivot to come from the FOMC.
Based on the points discussed above, I am anticipating overall further upside for the DXY, but
Price could first retest the 103.75 to 104 support area.
If the support level holds, this could be a good base for price to rebound and trade back toward the 105.50 resistance area.
Beyond that, the next resistance level is at 107.
Alternatively, if the price breaks strongly below 104, then the next support level at 102.60 would come into play.
AUD/USD eyes CPI, GDPThe Australian dollar remains under pressure and has edged lower on Tuesday. AUD/USD dropped below the 0.67 line on Monday for the first time since Jan. 3.
Australian retail sales jumped 1.9% m/m in January, following an upwardly revised 4% decline in December and beating the consensus of 1.5%. The data indicates that consumer demand remains resilient despite rising interest rates and higher inflation.
For the RBA, the upswing in consumer spending is a sign that the economy can continue to bear higher rates. The central bank has hiked some 325 basis points since May 2022 in a bid to curb inflation. The cash rate is currently at 3.35% and the markets have priced in a peak rate of 4.3%, with four rate hikes expected before the end of the year - one more than what is expected for the Fed. The RBA meets on March 7 and is widely expected to raise rates by 25 basis points.
Wednesday could be a busy day for the Australian dollar, as Australia releases inflation and GDP reports. Inflation for January is expected to ease to 7.9% y/y, following an 8.4% gain in December. GDP for the fourth quarter is projected to slow to 2.7% y/y, after a robust gain of 5.9% in Q3. A decline in inflation and in GDP would indicate that high interest rates are having their intended effect and slowing economic activity. The question is whether the RBA will be able to guide the slowing economy to a soft landing and avoid a recession.
In the US, a recent string of strong numbers has raised speculation that the Fed could raise interest rates as high as 6%. The unseasonably warm weather in January may have played a part in the better-than-expected numbers and we'll have to see if the positive data repeats itself in February. The markets have shifted their stance from a final rate hike in March with rate cuts late in the year to pricing in three more rate hikes in 2023. If upcoming inflation, employment and consumer spending reports point to a weaker economy, we can expect the markets to revert to pricing in a dovish pivot by the Federal Reserve.
AUD/USD has support at 0.6656 and 0.6586
There is resistance at 0.6788 and 0.6858
Fundamental and Technical Analysis | FebuaryTable of Content:
1. Eurozone Inflation Data
2. US Economics Growth
3. NVDA
4. Commodities
5. Technical Analysis
1. Eurozone Inflation Data
The Eurozone's inflation for the month of January has exceeded the previously estimated figures, as reported by MarketWatch on February 23. It has been emphasized by policymakers that the economy is undergoing a disinflation process, and a soft landing has been achieved. However, the recent surge in inflation within the European Union implies a substantial escalation in interest rates.
2. US Economic Growth
The US economy experienced a less robust economic expansion than previously estimated in the fourth quarter, as evidenced by a downward revision in consumer spending. This adjustment has resulted in weaker economic growth (Bloomberg).
The total amount of outstanding credit card debt in the United States has reached $986 billion, with an average interest rate of 20%. This marks the highest level of credit card debt since the 1980s and translates into an interest payment of $200 billion per year. These figures do not include other forms of debt such as mortgages, student loans, and car loans, which are likely to exacerbate the situation. At the same time, the US government is paying over $200 billion in interest payments
The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index has risen from 5.3% to 5.4%, however, this data alone is insufficient to support the notion of disinflation. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been revised downwards from 2.9% to 2.7% (a decrease of 0.2%) from the preceding quarter. According to Bloomberg, the US economy experienced a weaker expansion than originally projected.
Revised fourth-quarter inflation figures have been adjusted upward.
Additionally, JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon stated that "The Federal Reserve has lost a little bit of control of inflation". He has been warning about the economy for a while and I believe that he knows something is cracking as we speak.
3. NVDA
The stock price of $NVDA experienced double-digit growth. The stock price has risen by 100% since the beginning of the year. Revenues and profits have both decreased by 21% and 52% respectively on a year-over-year basis, and every segment of the business has exhibited a decline over the same period. The CEO placed significant emphasis on the importance of Artificial Intelligence, yet he sold stocks worth over $100 million prior to the market's significant downturn and may presently be engaged in additional sales.
4. Commodities
The statement suggests an anticipated appreciation in the value of the US dollar, which is reflected in the downward movements of gold, silver, platinum, copper, and various grains such as corn, rice, and soybean. Conversely, energy commodities are experiencing an upward trend, with natural gas exhibiting a significant increase.
5. Technical Analysis
The 21-day weighted ratio of equity-only put-to-call options is suggestive of a preponderance of puts in the market and indicates a significant degree of buying pressure. This metric has demonstrated a high degree of efficacy in identifying market highs and lows by suggesting a move in the opposite direction to the put/call ratio. Notably, during the present bear market, the ratio has achieved a 100% success rate. Furthermore, the current volume of call options is the highest on record, and retail investors are contributing $1.1 billion daily to the market.
-Momentum indicators: RSI and MACD moving downwards and volume remain below average (bearish)
As previously stated, " I will take the opportunity of a rise in equity markets to short BTC at higher levels". I have now filled all my short position on BTC in a confident manner. Below is my BTC outlook
Conclusion:
The recent market rally, spurred by technical indicators, high-quantity puts, and government emphasis on disinflation, has led to a surge in retail investment. As a result, prices for some assets have skyrocketed, and the quantity of long positions in the market has reached alarming levels. This suggests an overabundance of buying and a lack of liquidity that could cause the market to dip and potentially result in retail closures, as inflation has proven to be more persistent than anticipated by governments. I remain committed to my long-term investment plan, I am acknowledging the growing fissures in some economies that could lead to a catastrophic downturn. It is essential to remain vigilant and prepare for potential market turbulence in the future.
As previously mentioned, my portfolio consists of short-term bonds, USD, SPX shorts, BTC Shorts, small quantity gold, and just acquired Natural gas contracts.
For personal records but feel free to discuss or argue.
However you slice it, real estate doesn’t look good.While it might not be the subprime/GFC “SELL” kind of situation, the real estate sector is undoubtedly facing headwinds.
With the most recent Fed’s preferred inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) printing higher than consensus, maybe it’s about time we take the Fed’s hawkish commentary more seriously. To review, let us look at interest rate expectations from a month ago vs today. Market expectations are now pricing in three 25bps hikes instead of one, and more importantly no more rate cuts in the second half of 2023. This rise in rates expectation has notably resulted in sideways action for equities, while the dollar strengthens. What a difference a month makes!
Mostly importantly, it’s not hard to see how higher rates will translate into higher mortgage rates. This is bad news for home buyers as borrowing becomes more and more unaffordable. In fact, higher mortgage rates have continued to weigh on the minds of Fed officials as underscored by the following statements in the latest Fed minutes, including “Participants agreed that activity in the housing market had continued to weaken, largely reflecting the increase in mortgage rates over the past year.” and “Participants agreed that cumulative policy firming to date had reduced demand in the most interest-rate-sensitive sectors of the economy, particularly housing.”
Existing home sales are now at a 12-year low, surpassing the 2020 lows. Only 2 other periods post-GFC, saw a lower print, and it’s worth noting that mortgage rates during those periods were at the same level or lower.
Home prices have also started to turn over, ending a 12-year run higher. Lower prices could indicate tepid demand in the housing market, which we will watch closely over the next few prints.
And forward-looking indicators all seem to point towards contraction. With US Building permits and NAHB Housing Market Index slightly off the covid low, while the MBA Purchase Index close to the 7-year low.
It does seem like however, we slice it, real estate looks pretty ugly now. One way to express the bearish view on real estate could be to use the CME E-Mini Real Estate Select Sector Futures which tracks the S&P Real Estate Select Sector Index. Looking at the sector futures alongside the 30-year Mortgage rates shows us the effect of the rising rates on the real estate sector.
On the technical front, we see the sector future breaking the short-term support established since October 2022, while the longer-term trend seems to point downwards.
Given our view that rates have further to go, negative home prices and sentiment measures across the board, and a technical break lower, we see the potential for the sector future to trade lower. We set our stops at 196, a previous resistance level, and the take-profit level at 163, with each 0.05 increment in the index equal to 12.5 USD.
The charts above were generated using CME’s Real-Time data available on TradingView. Inspirante Trading Solutions is subscribed to both TradingView Premium and CME Real-time Market Data which allows us to identify trading set-ups in real-time and express our market opinions. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Disclaimer:
The contents in this Idea are intended for information purpose only and do not constitute investment recommendation or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products or services. They serve as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate fundamental concepts in risk management under given market scenarios. A full version of the disclaimer is available in our profile description.
Reference:
www.cmegroup.com
www.federalreserve.gov
DXY Outlook 27th Feb 2023On Friday, the US Core PCE price index was released at 0.6% (Forecast: 0.4%). As the Core PCE price index is a key inflation indicator for the Federal Reserve, a stronger-than-expected change signals that we could see further interest rate increases from the FOMC.
This is also why following the news release, the DXY climbed steadily from the 104.65 price level up toward the 105.30 price area.
Currently consolidating above the 105 price level, look for the price to retrace briefly (possibly toward the 104.80 level (supported by the horizontal level and the upward trendline) before resuming to trade higher again, toward the next key resistance level of 105.80.
A Leading Indicator for US EconomyCME: E-Mini S&P Retail Select Industry Futures ( CME:SXR1! )
Last Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the latest Personal Income and Outlays Report. Personal income gained $131.1 billion (0.6%). Disposable personal income (DPI) added $387.4 billion (2.0%) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) grew $312.5 billion (1.8%) for the month of January.
Data shows that U.S consumer is resilient. Wage gains and inflation pushed spending growth to a two-year high. In the past decade, PCE gained 60% to $18 trillion. More recently, it surged 50% in the three years since the start of the COVID pandemic.
The hotter-than-expected data indicated that US economy was nowhere near a recession. Additional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed robust job growth in January and the lowest unemployment rate in half a century.
Wary of bigger and longer-lasting Fed rate hikes on the way, all major US stock indexes turned negative in the month of February. As of last Friday, Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 3.8% month-to-date, while S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and Russell 2000 recorded -2.6%, -0.8%, and -2.4%, respectively.
Consumer Spending Outlook
Consumer spending accounts for over two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. While PCE shot up more than expected last month, it is a lagging indicator and only confirms what happened in the past. Could U.S. consumers spend out of the peril of a recession?
Retailer stock prices are forward-looking and reflect collective market consensus of how much free cash flow the retailers could earn, discounted by their cost of capital. There are indications that the shopping spree may be ending soon.
Last week, Walmart said its U.S. consumer spending started the year strong, but that it expects households to back off through the year, producing weak fiscal-year U.S. sales growth of 2% to 2.5%. Home Depot said consumer spending is holding up, but that it expects a flat sales-growth year overall, with declining profits.
This is a troubling signal. Retailers are supposed to benefit the most from growing consumer spending, but their stock prices have been losing steam in February. As of Friday, Home Depot ( NYSE:HD ) has a year-to-date return of -6.1%, while Walmart ( NYSE:WMT ) is mostly flat (-0.8%). Other retailers with declining stock prices include Dollar General ( NYSE:DG ), -13.2%; Walgreens Boots Alliance ( NASDAQ:WBA ), -3.7%, and Casey’s General Stores ( NASDAQ:CASY ), -3.8%.
Walmart reported Q4 and FY2023 (ending January) revenue growth of 7.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Its operating income fell 5.5% and 21.9%, for the same periods. Digging deeper into Walmart’s earnings release, I find that it keeps sales growing by expanding its grocery business, but those sales are less profitable than general merchandise categories, where consumer spending is leveling off or shrinking.
In theory, the growth of the biggest US retailer could be attributed to one of the following:
• General growth of consumer spending (economic expansion);
• Good business strategy and market share growth (economic trend unknown);
• Consumer downgrades spending from department stores (economic downturn);
• Price increases (inflation).
My interpretation:
1. Consumers tend to keep up with the same living standards. When inflation hits, they maintain the same purchasing habit. Higher price drives spending growth.
2. As inflation deepens, consumers get fewer merchandises with the same budget.
3. Consumers downgrade purchases from department stores to discount stores, and switch to generic products from brand-named products.
4. In a downturn, higher-ended stores get hit first, and discount stores get hit last.
While Walmart manages to grow revenue by doubling down on grocery and online businesses, the weakness in general merchandizes uncovers the real trend of consumer spending leveling off. We may disagree on whether a recession will be coming, however, data from Walmart and Home Depot indicates that the U.S. retail sector is in trouble.
S&P Retail Select Industry Index
S&P Retail Select Industry Index may be a better benchmark for the U.S. retail sector, comparing to the lagging government data and company specified performance metrics.
The index comprises of stocks in the S&P Total Market Index that are classified in the GICS retail sub-industry. Total-10 constituents by index weight are:
• Carvana (CVNA)
• Wayfair (W)
• Sally Beauty (SBH)
• Stitch Fix (SFIX)
• Boot Barn (BARN)
• Children’s Place (PLCE)
• Qurate Retail (QRTEA)
• Leslie (LESL)
• EVgo (EV)
• Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF)
One-year chart above shows that CME E-Mini S&P Retail Select Industry (SXR) Futures tracks the trend of S&P 500 but illustrates higher volatility in the first two months of 2023.
Each SXR contract is notional at $10 times the index. At Friday settlement price of 7004, one March contract (SXRH3) is valued at $70,040. Each futures contract (long and short) requires an initial margin of $5,700. When the underlying index moves 1 point, trader’s futures account would gain or lose $10.
At present, I do not foresee a decisive trend of the S&P 500. It could trend up, go down or move sideways depending on how the Fed rate hikes, inflation, unemployment and geopolitical crises play out.
However, this does not prevent me from expressing a bearish view on the US retail sector. Establishing a SXR short futures position would be appropriate in the negative outlook.
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trade set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, check out on CME Group data plans in TradingView that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com