Meta
$META -Dangeours Place to Buy(30mins) - A buyers must take note that NASDAQ:META is at a very high risk place to be purchased !
Not only has a strong down-trend taken place, but there is plenty of room to the downside.
(-20% negative draw-down from here if price hits the green support trendline)
Despite today's bounce at a key-level and breaking the first trendline resistance on red,
it is currently trading just below 297.85$ key level mark after bouncing at 276.8$.
Even Breaking 297.85$ KL,
resistance marked on red rectangle @293$ welcomes the price to be slapped by it from
Sellers.
TRADE SAFE
*** Note that this is not Financial Advice !
Please do your own research and consult your own Financial Advisor
before partaking on any Trading Activity based Solely on this Idea.
✏️ $GOLD : New Week's Prediction of the Price (READ THE CAPTION)NEW Forecast of TVC:GOLD : By reviewing the gold in the 4 -hour frame time, we see The price finally reached the bearish Target! The price came up with a demand pressure after reaching the demand zone that shown on the chart and has been able to grow up to $ 1916! But be careful that the price stabilization below $ 1919 to $ 1916 can make the price fall even more , And maybe this week we can see the Targets below $ 1900! Note that today we don't have specific news in the market!
Don't Forghet To Push The Boost (Like) Button and Follow Me for more !
Best Regards , Arman Shaban
𝗡𝗮𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗾 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: $QQQ Daily. First real pullbackFirst real pullback in progress flagged by bearish divergence with RSI in July/August. Where does this end? Even the “crash callers” are looking for a bounce so maybe a little more to go before a B wave starts 🌊
$NQ_F TVC:NDQ NASDAQ:AAPL NASDAQ:MSFT NASDAQ:AMZN NASDAQ:META NASDAQ:GOOG NASDAQ:TSLA NASDAQ:NVDA NASDAQ:SOX $ES_F AMEX:SPY SP:SPX TVC:DXY NASDAQ:TLT TVC:TNX CBOE:VIX #Stocks 📉
Palantir - Fear Worshippers of The All Seeing EyeI have to say that Palantir is a really difficult chart to read. On the one hand, looking at monthly bars, it's the kind of pattern which indicates new highs are in store.
Weekly bars are about the same. Nothing about this says you can short.
And its only that there's some divergences on the daily. But those divergences are really meaningful.
However, at the same time, although it's up some 220%+ from the bottom, the bottom did take out the IPO low, which is not bullish.
And these high prices are coming at a time when the Nasdaq and the SPX may very well have topped, which I address in my latest call:
SPX - The Sound of a Shattering Iceberg
Palantir is a company that is ostensibly a key component of the panopticon surveillance network that underlines the International Rules Based Order's version of the Chinese Communist Party's social credit system.
At least, this is what rightists would tell you. If you asked the people behind the West's implementation of social credit, they would say they just seek to advance an enlightened society while keeping stability and security under control, and big data collection is crucial to that.
Well, if you ask CCP members, they would tell you the same thing, just coated in Marxist jargon.
And therein lies the problem. Mankind needs to return to its 5,000 year old traditions, which were reared and established over China's long dynasties, instead of trying to go Big Atheism and reinvent The Wheel.
Regardless of if Palantir at its current $37 billion valuation is a part of the future or a part of the past and gone with the wind, the last three months of trading have been totally one directional.
Which makes wanting to get short very deadly.
However, conditions for a short setup that is at least a scalp were formed with the July high on the 19th.
The reason for this is that price swept a key level and was met with a stiff rejection, taking a pivot.
All on its own, in the stock market with the way it just likes to go uppy or grind sideways, this makes shorting or puts hard, still.
But what we saw is daily candles double bottom at precisely $16.00, with Friday's trading session being yet another big green gainer on the back of such a bottom.
And so, as Buffet said, one should be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy only when others are fearful.
So the trade is to short somewhere between where we closed on Friday and over $18.
When another dump occurs, where it dumps to will tell us everything about the future.
If Palantir is truly bullish to more upside, it will preserve the June low at $13.56.
If it's really bullish, it should even preserve the July low at $14.62
If it's bullish, but is going to take until 2024 to go higher, we can expect prices under $12.
If it's bearish, prices under $11 are the target, with an all time low on deck and about to hit everyone on the face.
Which do I think is the most likely? Frankly, probably a dump under $15 and a new high in August.
There's no other way to put it or look at it at the moment.
For things to be different, you'd need something like a banking crisis to intervene in the markets, a prospect I undertake here:
Charles Schwab - The Harbinger Of The Next Crisis?
I believe that, all things considered, the risk side of the trade right now is people who are longing this top, regarding it as a dip to buy, expecting more highs.
Because people have capitulated, become greedy, and have taken their eyes off the clock.
You should remember that you're just standing in an equities bear market rally while central banks have their key rates pinned over 5% and no intention to cut.
This is bad news for stocks, and yet people are being told indexes are set to make a new all time high.
Repricing to the downside can come violently, aggressively, be gappy, and will give those on the wrong side of the trade no chance to get out.
Be very careful.
META Reversal Incoming (1D)META Daily
Price Chart
META has been in a relatively straight uptrend since bottoming out in November of 2022 but has recently just touched a level of high resistance with increased selling volume. This rally has come with the three gaps theory (Highlighted White) beginning with the breakaway gap in February 2022 and ending with the exhaustion gap back in July; both verified with increased volume. Following this theory the first sign of a reversal is the exhaustion gap being filled, which has just happened, however it's not a definitive sign. This is accompanied by another small break in the major trend line (Yellow Solid) and the first close below the 26-day EMA on 8/11 since the rally started. The EMA's are beginning to curve down (12-day) or flatten out (26-day and 50-day), so if we do get a 26-day / 50-day cross the targets below (Light Green Boxes) will cine into play.
Relative Strength Indicator
Most notably on the RSI is the recent bearish divergence (Aqua Solid), but this also occurred in the months prior and did not break down, why? Price action never broke below even the 12-day EMA and the RSI's second peak was above the 70 level while remaining elevated afterwards (Highlighted Aqua) indicating the strength of the trend; the higher the RSI the stronger the trend. The most recent bearish divergence saw the second peak of the RSI top out just below the 70 line and move lower to touch the 50 line; so do we break down? A bounce is definitely possible, which would also most likely push the price action to form a head and shoulders here, however this is the longest time in the history of META that RSI has remained above the 50; After checking, the only time it comes close is when multiple spikes below the 50 are present. The argument here is for a break below the 50 and strengthening the chance of a change in direction.
On Balance Volume
OBV has been in a upwards channel since March and has offset the prior bearish RSI divergence with using it's peak as support (Aqua Solid), which has just occurred again in the past several days. These small support levels also accompany a new a high made back in July, but has since fallen below it. If it does push higher it's technically in a "price discovery" environment, but with the factors above taken into consideration a signal of a reversal should be imminent; target supports (Light Green Boxes) are outlined below if this happens.
TDLR;
Why read the book when you can Google the sparknotes amirite? Seems Legit. Anyway, price action has completed a third gap (exhaustion) and has pushed lower to fill it (not a reversal conformation). EMA's are beginning to curve down or even out and the price has it's first close below the 26-day (on 8/11) since the rally began in Feb 2022. RSI has formed a another bearish divergence after previously failing to abide by the laws of bearish divergence; we swear it's going to work this time. It's also notable that this is longest length of time that the RSI has remained above the 50 level; like, not even a spike down, deng. OBV on the other hand is chugging along in it's channel like nothing is wrong using previous peaks as supports and has even made a new high.
What Seems Legit?
A reversal soon, if not from the most recent bearish divergence then possibly from a head and shoulders pattern. Basically looking for everything to break down at the same time, but a small is possible since the indicators are a bit mixed. The price is wrong Bob, come on down.
Chart Key
Yellow Solid = Major Trend Line
Red Solid = Major Support or Resistance
Aqua Solid = Divergences
Red Box = Resistance
Green Boxes = Supports / Target Areas
White Highlighter = Gaps
Aqua Highlighter = RSI divergence post peak comparison
META: Navigating the Path to a Trillion-Dollar ValuationCrossing the elusive trillion-dollar valuation threshold is no small feat. As it stands, only a handful of corporations globally have achieved this remarkable milestone. The anticipation surrounding which companies might ascend to join this prestigious club adds an extra layer of intrigue to the financial landscape. Among the contenders vying for a spot are familiar names: Berkshire Hathaway, Tesla, and Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook). With valuations ranging from $760 to $780 billion, these players are in the spotlight, each carrying its unique narrative.
In this exclusive race, I am resolutely bullish on Meta Platforms as a prime candidate to breach the trillion-dollar mark. While the company has grappled with its share of challenges, a calculated strategic shift and resilience in its core operations position it as an appealing investment opportunity. However, the question persists: should investors seize the moment and dive into Meta's stock? Let's embark on a closer examination.
Meta Platforms, undergoing a transformation from Facebook, occupies a distinctive niche in the market. A pivotal move in late 2021 saw the company rebrand as Meta, signaling a resolute pivot towards the metaverse. This strategic shift translated to hefty investments in its Reality Labs division. Yet, these endeavors have encountered turbulence. Since the fourth quarter of 2021, Reality Labs has generated a substantial $3.65 billion in sales. Unfortunately, this has been overshadowed by staggering operating losses amounting to an eye-watering $18.14 billion.
This concerning operating profit margin raises valid concerns, especially in light of the absence of evident signs of recovery. The most recent data reveals that second-quarter revenue in 2022 amounted to a modest $276 million, marking a notable low over recent years.
On a brighter note, the heart of Meta's revenue engine operates like clockwork. The Family of Apps division, encompassing Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and the emerging Threads, thrives on advertising revenue. In the second quarter, this segment exhibited a robust 12% year-over-year growth, surging to a substantial $31.7 billion. Notably, it achieved an operating profit of $11.2 billion, effectively mitigating the challenges faced by the beleaguered Reality Labs division.
So, how does Meta Platforms align itself to reach a trillion-dollar valuation? CEO Mark Zuckerberg has laid his cards on the table, spotlighting 2023 as the "Year of Efficiency" for Meta Platforms. This vision manifests in streamlined workforce strategies and resource reallocation from lower-priority initiatives. The results are palpable, reflected in Meta's improving operating margin across recent quarters. This impressive upward trajectory marks a resounding rebound from the depths of the fourth quarter of 2022.
Meta's meticulous focus on operational efficiency proves to be a catalyst in driving profitability, thereby propelling it towards the coveted trillion-dollar mark. Over the past five years, Meta has maintained an average price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 25. This figure serves as the foundation for our baseline valuation as Meta approaches the trillion-dollar milestone. As depicted in the chart below, the company's current positioning significantly surpasses this threshold. However, forward earnings projections, based on analyst consensus, hover just below this mark. This intriguing dynamic suggests Meta retains ample room for multiple expansions in the upcoming year, indicating potential for a significant valuation increase as operational efficiency drives improved financial performance.
Looking ahead to 2024, Wall Street analysts hold a consensus projection of $15.25 in earnings per share (EPS) for Meta. Presently, the company trades at a valuation roughly equivalent to 20 times the anticipated 2024 earnings. Should Meta realize the projected EPS of $15.25 and close the year with a valuation of 25 times earnings, this scenario points to a promising 25% surge from the present stock price.
Applying this projection to Meta's current market capitalization yields an estimated valuation of $981 billion by the end of 2024. While it might not yet breach the trillion-dollar mark, this projection creates a solid foundation for Meta to confidently surpass that milestone by 2025.
Moreover, with a projected 25% upside from the present until the conclusion of 2024, Meta emerges as a compelling prospect. Consider also the potential for Meta to exceed earnings expectations or command a higher valuation multiple. In these scenarios, Meta could feasibly achieve a trillion-dollar valuation as early as 2024. This underscores the allure of investing in Meta, driven by both projected growth and the possibility of positive surprises on the horizon. As Meta navigates its path forward, the prospects are tantalizing, inviting investors to join the journey towards a trillion-dollar valuation.
Meta - To Long, Or To Short?I have to say that Meta is one of the hardest charts that exist to read right now, mostly because for 9 straight months, an unprecedented feat in the history of Facebook, it has gone up in a straight line, and bigly.
You only see it clearly on the monthly:
And yet the problem with the bull thesis for a new all time high is the '22 bear raid took out all the sell side all of the way back to 2016.
Although you can have, and speculators and hodlers have been fortunate enough to have had, a significant retrace afterwards, stocks taking long term lows is usually kind of like when a person turns 50 and starts urinating blood.
It means something is wrong with an organ and the time they have left to live is not so long and not so bright.
Even the weekly is insanely one-directional
This stock will have attention tomorrow as post-market earnings have produced another $20 gain, but notably, as of time of writing, have brought the price only to $319, still underneath the July high.
Geopolitical risks abound in the markets right now. Much is happening with Mainland China and the International Rules Based Order. You can consult my previous calls, which are below, for my thoughts on the situation.
But the Cliff's Notes of it is that the 24-year persecution and organ harvesting genocide of Falun Gong by the Jiang Zemin faction and the CCP may soon be made public worldwide if President Xi weaponizes those sins to protect China, its 5,000-year-old culture, and himself from the IRBO intending a Maidan Revolution-style coup to replace him with someone from Taiwan that happens to be a fine lapdog to the global regime's interests.
What is the bull thesis for Meta? Facebook is something of a panopticon data collection system and advertising network rolled into the guise of a social media platform where people voluntarily disclose their location, interests, likes, connections, and spend time interacting with friends and family.
Meta's rebrand is to force the world into something of a Nintendo 64-level version of Second Life, where you're supposed to literally sit in your cube eating the cricket crackers under a bunch of blankets with the furnace/AC off with the VR headset strapped to your face while you do data entry all day.
It's really the kind of dystopian thing the Chinese Communist Party really likes, because it means you can be submissive and agreeable slaves that don't threaten its stability and still produce work.
If mankind's future is truly to return to tradition (it is), what place does Meta have in it?
Meta has very little place in the future, and that's a fundamental problem, really, for everything that revolves around people living chained to computers and phones.
A really notable thing is that the Chinese Government, especially under Xi Jinping since he took power in 2013, has not allowed Meta/Facebook to set up shop inside Mainland China.
The world's most notorious totalitarian regime and the creator of social credit and censorship does not want Meta/Facebook's influence impacting their citizens.
Ain't that something. And yet, you're supposed to be bullish on this... because it's going up.
You just want something to go up so you can buy it and feel pleased when you see green, not sell, and then feel sad when you see red, red, red, and are liquidated.
This is modern humanity.
So here's the question with Meta: is it a short, or is it a long?
The truth is that with Meta, it's gone up in the kind of straight line that makes Apple blush for 9 straight months.
When something trades like this, you can never say "it's a short."
Instead, you can watch for when it does become a short.
And we're in the zone. Although the biggest gap has been filled, the monthly candles show that the bodies of the winning streak's candles are still respecting the range created by the February of 2022 doom candle that ended the Party.
On the daily, the last five days of price action, which correspond with a Nasdaq that may very well have topped but an SPX that does not seem to have topped yet, are the most bearish they have been during the entire bull run.
And so, if you want to get long on open, I can only encourage you to exercise caution. You may really have upside as high as $343. But you may also have upside no higher than $325.
It may also gap up on market open and then sell off, and that kind of a sell off at this kind of a time may mean you are trapped.
To confirm a bull thesis, $343 needs to be broken and maintained
To confirm a bear thesis, the first thing we need to see after the earnings manipulation is for the $288.30 double bottom to be broken.
From there, if $258.88 is broken, the trend is over and will have reversed, even though you may see further upside in the interim.
A break over $325 and then a rejection under $288 would be the most bearish. If that unfolds, it's no longer a dip to buy. Instead, long term puts while the VIX is so suppressed might really be really, really valuable.
And the problem for both bears and bulls is the $40 range that "confirms" whether there's forever uppy or forever doom.
META: Potential Early Bearish C Entry on ABCD PatternMETA is showing heavy amounts of MACD Hidden Bearish Divergence and is Extremely Overbought on the PPO after making a 0.786 Fibonacci Retrace of the 2021 Highs and now it is potentially looking to end the BC Wave and begin a CD Wave, which would take it all the way down to the 1.272 Fibonacci Extension located at the $23.56 level.
Microsoft - Is The Top Already In?One of the key points to Microsoft is it is, in essence, a U.S. state-backed corporation, and one that is trading at more than $2.5 trillion market cap at present.
You're looking at a company that just set a new all time high while the overall market is not healthy and the macroeconomic fundamentals are actually bearish.
And so, we have to seriously ask ourselves if it's time to short God the top.
Microsoft's price action on the monthly is curious.
The price action is healthy and natural all the way from where it bounces to the top, and only becomes curiously strange when it gets to the top.
Why does a stock that bounces at the right place and forms a fully proper reversal pattern, which we see on the weekly:
Only sweep the All Time High?
Why doesn't it raid the ATH and run bigly larger like NVDIA did?
Well, the answer is actually quite clear when you overlay NVDA to MSFT:
In essence, NVDA at $480-450 is MSFT at $350. The difference in price action you see today is because NVDA was relatively weaker in the past, meaning MSFT was inordinately strong in the past.
Anything that reaches an extreme will reverse. If it reaches the extreme twice, it will reverse hard twice.
The geopolitical situation in the world is not healthy. There is a ton of sabre rattling between NATO and the Nation of China at the moment.
The western propaganda machine wants you to believe that Xi Jinping intends to invade Taiwan because he's very evil very super Mao Zedong++, but in reality it's more like the "International Rules Based Order" wants to use the fact that the Chinese Communist Party is rotten and unforgivable as a handle to depose Xi and have Taiwan invade the Mainland under the guise of international "aide".
Why this matters to you as a trader is because you're flirting with getting gapped down hard since Beijing daytime is New York night time.
If you want to be long right now you need to be hedged long volatility, or you're risking your life.
Moreover, Xi, in order to defend himself, his faction of Chinese nationalists, and China's 5,000 year history, can overthrow the CCP in a Gorbachev-style coup overnight, weaponizing the 24-year-long persecution and genocide of Falun Dafa by the faction belonging to former Chairman Jiang Zemin (it died this year).
The significance is major to traders because your beloved governments, banks, and corporations have stained their hands crimson flirting with the Jiang faction toadies in Shanghai (Babylon) in order to get all the benefits they desire.
Google the Neil Heywood story if you want to see a classic example of a British billionaire getting gibbed by the greatest evil of all time.
Much to do before the call's key points.
Before we continue, I examine the price action I expect to manifest in SPY (SPX Futures ETF) for the remainder of the month, which can serve as something of a compass for what lies ahead:
SPY - A Dip Is Coming. Maybe Buy It?
Back to MSFT:
This is a very hard setup to trade
Because the June high may have been a hard top, double and triple top or not (See TSLA July-September '22)
Lower lows lower highs indicates the dip is hard to buy
But the short may only take us to the $320 range.
Sweeping $300 is the key to a bullish continuation above the highs
Maintaining ~$280 is the key to continuing upwards at all.
Microsoft has a really notable catalyst in that its earnings are on July 25 postmarket, which means price action will manifest the morning of July 26, which just so happens to be when the next FOMC meeting is.
After July FOMC the next FOMC is deferred until September 20, 9 days short of quarter end, notable because of the notorious JPM Collar, which I discuss here:
SPX/ES - An Analysis Of The 'JPM Collar'
What I expect is we see a fairly violent correction on Microsoft back to the $300s before we can see any kind of further meaningful flirtation with a run over the $350 ATH.
But the June high may have been the top for the foreseeable future, as evidenced by the relationship between NVDA and MSFT.
Be careful. The time we have left for happy and normal days is so short you can almost count it on the fingers.
When things really emerge, Nasdaq 8,500 will be the least of your concerns, really.
✅ Daily Market Analysis - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2023Key News:
Eurozone - Deposit Facility Rate (Jul)
Eurozone - ECB Interest Rate Decision (Jul)
USA - Core Durable Goods Orders (MoM) (Jun);
USA - GDP (QoQ) (Q2;
USA - Initial Jobless Claims;
Eurozone - ECB Press Conference
USA - Pending Home Sales (MoM) (Jun)
On Wednesday evening, US stock futures exhibited a mixed trend following the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points, a move that was in line with market expectations. The major averages saw diverse trading patterns as investors closely monitored earnings reports from significant companies.
At 6:55 pm ET, Dow Jones Futures declined by 0.2%, indicating a slightly negative sentiment for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Meanwhile, S&P 500 Futures remained unchanged, suggesting a relatively stable outlook for the broader market represented by the S&P 500 index. On the other hand, Nasdaq 100 Futures rose by 0.2%, indicating a positive bias for the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index.
The mixed trends in the futures market reflect the uncertainty and cautiousness among investors as they digest the impact of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike and closely analyze corporate earnings reports. The Federal Reserve's decision to raise rates was widely anticipated, but the nuances in their accompanying statements and the economic outlook can still influence market sentiment.
NASDAQ indices daily chart
SPX indices daily chart
DJI indices daily chart
During extended trading, Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) experienced a significant 7% surge in its stock price following the release of its second-quarter earnings report. The company's Q2 earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.98, surpassing market expectations, which had anticipated earnings of $2.91 per share. Furthermore, Meta Platforms reported total revenues of $32 billion for the quarter, exceeding the projected revenue figure of $31.08 billion.
Investors responded positively to the strong financial performance of the company, driving its stock price higher in after-hours trading. The better-than-expected earnings and revenues indicated a robust performance during the quarter and suggested that Meta Platforms was outperforming market forecasts.
In addition to the impressive Q2 results, Meta Platforms Inc also provided optimistic guidance for the upcoming third quarter of 2023. The company forecasted revenues in the range of $32 billion to $34.5 billion for Q3, which surpassed the market's expected revenue of $31.2 billion. This positive outlook for the next quarter further contributed to the stock's increase in after-hours trading.
Overall, Meta Platforms Inc's strong Q2 financial results and optimistic guidance for Q3 have buoyed investor confidence in the company's performance and future prospects, leading to a notable increase in its stock price during extended trading.
Meta Platforms daily chart
After reporting its second-quarter earnings, eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) faced a decline of 4.8% in its stock value. The company's Q2 earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $1.03, slightly higher than the market's expectations of $0.99 per share. However, the company's Q2 revenues came in at $2.5 billion, slightly below the anticipated revenue figure of $2.51 billion.
The stock price decline indicates that despite beating earnings estimates, investors may have been disappointed with eBay's revenue performance for the quarter. The revenue miss could have raised concerns about the company's ability to drive top-line growth in a competitive market.
Looking ahead to the next quarter, eBay provided a positive outlook for its financials. The company projected EPS in the range of $0.96 to $1.01, surpassing the market's expected EPS of $0.92. Additionally, eBay forecasted revenues in the range of $2.46 billion to $2.52 billion, significantly higher than the market's expected revenue of $2.23 billion.
The optimistic guidance for the next quarter suggests that eBay management expects improved financial performance in the coming months. This outlook might have provided some reassurance to investors, preventing a steeper decline in the stock price.
Overall, the mixed reaction to eBay's earnings report reflects the complex interplay of various factors in the stock market. While beating EPS estimates and providing a positive outlook for the next quarter could be seen as positive signs, the slight revenue miss in Q2 may have tempered investor enthusiasm and led to the stock price decline. As with all earnings reports, market participants closely assess the financial metrics and guidance to form their investment decisions, which can result in varied reactions to the same set of results.
eBay daily chart
The Federal Reserve has implemented a 25 basis points increase in interest rates, bringing the range to 5.25% to 5.50%. This move marks the highest interest rate level observed in 22 years and aligns with the Fed's ongoing tightening campaign.
In their statement, the Fed expressed a positive outlook for economic growth, acknowledging that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. This represents a slight improvement compared to their previous description of growth as "modest." The focus on consumer prices remains a top priority for the Fed, as they emphasized that inflation continues to be elevated. Policymakers will closely monitor the risks associated with inflation, just as they have been doing in the previous months.
The decision to raise interest rates was widely anticipated by the market, as the Federal Reserve has been communicating its intention to address the inflation surge and gradually normalize interest rates in response to the economic recovery. By increasing interest rates, the Fed aims to curb inflationary pressures and maintain a balanced economic environment.
As the Fed continues to monitor economic developments and inflation data, future interest rate adjustments will likely be influenced by the pace of economic growth and the trajectory of inflation. The central bank will take a data-dependent approach to ensure that its monetary policy remains aligned with the evolving economic conditions.
US Dollar Currency Index
After the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates, the US dollar experienced a decline against various currencies. This weakening of the dollar resulted in a notable increase in gold prices. As a safe-haven asset, gold tends to perform well during periods of uncertainty and when the value of the US dollar is under pressure.
Investors are now closely monitoring key resistance levels for gold. The $1,973 level is seen as a minor resistance, and if gold surpasses this level, it could signal further upward momentum. Above that, the $1,978 level becomes significant, and a break above it might lead to additional gains for gold.
The central bank's indication of a data-driven approach to future rate hikes means that the pace of rate increases will depend on the economic data and developments. This stance has been interpreted positively for gold as it implies that the Fed may be cautious in its tightening measures, which can weaken the US dollar and boost gold prices.
Gold's strength in pushing further into the high-$1,900 an ounce territory indicates that investors are turning to the precious metal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. The lingering uncertainty in the financial markets and the ongoing focus on inflation by the Federal Reserve have contributed to gold's attractiveness as a safe-haven asset.
As global economic conditions and central bank policies continue to evolve, gold prices may remain sensitive to changes in the US dollar and market sentiment. Investors will closely follow economic data releases, monetary policy statements, and geopolitical developments to gauge the outlook for gold and make informed investment decisions.
XAU/USD daily chart
Despite showing some strength, gold remained stuck in a tight trading range for the past two weeks and struggled to break above the critical $2,000 an-ounce mark, which is often considered a significant level that could trigger further upward movement in the metal's price.
One exception to the overall trend in the currency market was the Australian dollar. It defied expectations and weakened after the release of data that indicated a slowdown in domestic inflation during the second quarter. The decrease in inflation reduced the pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to implement further policy-tightening measures.
The data revealed that Australia's consumer price index (CPI) rose by 6% during the second quarter. This represented a deceleration from the 7% recorded in the first quarter and fell below the market's expectations of 6.2%. As a result, the Australian dollar depreciated to approximately $0.676 against the US dollar.
The lower-than-expected inflation figures indicate that price pressures in Australia are not rising as quickly as anticipated, giving the RBA room to maintain a wait-and-see approach on monetary policy. A weaker inflation outlook reduces the likelihood of interest rate hikes in the near term, which can weigh on the currency's value.
Overall, the tight trading range for gold and the Australian dollar's depreciation following the inflation data release reflect the cautious and uncertain market sentiment amid ongoing economic and monetary policy developments.
AUD/USD daily chart
This week, the market's attention is not only on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision but also on upcoming rate decisions from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The ECB is widely expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points, while the BOJ is likely to maintain its ultra-low rates and continue with its dovish policies. However, traders are cautiously watching for a potential hawkish surprise from the BOJ, given inflation trending above its target.
The possibility of rising interest rates is generally considered negative for metal markets, and it is anticipated to limit significant gains in gold throughout the year.
In Thursday's trading session, several important economic indicators will be closely monitored, including fresh core durable goods orders, GDP data, pending home sales, and jobless claims. These data points can offer valuable insights into the health and performance of the US economy.
Furthermore, earnings reports from major companies such as Mastercard Inc, McDonald’s Corporation, Intel Corporation, and Nestle SA ADR will be in focus. These earnings releases can have a substantial impact on the respective company's stock prices and may also influence broader market sentiment.
Overall, this week's events are likely to play a crucial role in shaping market sentiment and direction, with investors closely analyzing central bank decisions, economic data releases, and corporate earnings reports to make informed investment decisions.