EUR/USD Explosion or Trap?EUR Futures
Asset Managers: Strongly net long and continuously increasing since December 2024 → a clear sign of institutional confidence in the euro.
Leveraged Money: Also rising, moving from net short to net long → sentiment reversal even from speculators.
✅ Interpretation: Both institutional categories are bullish on the euro, suggesting potential upward support for EUR/USD.
USD Index Futures
Asset Managers: Decreasing since the end of February → reducing long exposure on the dollar.
Leveraged Money: Recovering from net short, but still uncertain → mixed sentiment.
⚠️ Interpretation: The dollar is structurally weakening. This reinforces the bullish bias on EUR/USD.
🧠 Technical Analysis – EUR/USD Weekly Chart
Current price: 1.13150, right in the middle of a weekly/monthly supply zone, marked by upper wicks → clear seller presence.
Price has made a strong rally from 1.03600, breaking through all intermediate supply zones.
RSI: Slightly declining after previously reaching overbought territory.
📌 Key levels:
Major support: 1.1000–1.1080
Structural resistance: 1.1350–1.1450 (current zone)
🧠 Technical Scenario:
If price holds above 1.1250, we could see an extension toward 1.1500.
If it breaks below 1.1200, a pullback toward 1.1080–1.1000 is likely.
✅ Trade Summary:
COT bias: Bullish EUR/USD → strong EUR, weakening USD
Technical: Watch price behavior in the 1.1350 zone → if rejection continues, expect a technical retracement before potential continuation.
🎯 Potential Setups:
Long on pullback toward 1.1080
Breakout long above 1.1450 → targeting 1.1600
Short-term short if bearish price action appears in the current zone
Opec
GOLD heading to $3,450 or a bull trap ahead?XAUUSD has shown a strong bullish reversal from the key zone at $2,832, with a series of high-volatility, full-bodied weekly candles that completely absorbed the supply in the $3,050–3,140 area. The breakout of previous weekly and monthly highs confirmed a bullish structural shift, with a natural technical target around $3,450—its recent all-time high. Price reacted precisely to previously tested demand blocks, suggesting that buy-side pressure may still have room to expand.
However, a deeper look at COT data reveals a more complex picture: Money Managers’ net positions on GOLD have been declining sharply for months, diverging from price action. This may indicate a rally driven more by retail flows or ETFs than by institutional strength, making it potentially unstable. Additionally, the COT report on the Dollar Index shows growing net long positions among leveraged traders, signaling USD strength—historically a headwind for gold.
In summary, gold remains technically bullish with room to climb to $3,450, but COT data raises a red flag: if institutional positions don’t realign with the move, this rally could turn out to be a bull trap. From a trading perspective, there’s room for aggressive longs, but only with tight risk management.
Nasdaq on Thin Ice? Smart Money is Bearish!📊 COT Analysis – NASDAQ E-MINI Futures
Asset Managers → Consistently net long, but without accumulation: showing little conviction on new lows.
Leveraged Money → Confirmed aggressive shorts, a clear sign that smart money doesn't believe in the bounce.
✅ COT Conclusion:
Smart money is not buying the dip → fundamental bias = bearish.
🧠 Technical Breakdown + My Long Trade
📉 Structure:
Strong rejection from the 16,700–17,300 zone, with a long weekly wick = signs of accumulation.
Price formed a double bottom + weekly engulfing candle, right on the demand zone → confirming strong buyer pressure.
🎯 My Long Trade (LIVE SETUP):
Entry: After confirmation of bullish price action on the blue demand zone
Target: Supply zone 20,400–21,000
Exit: Closed just before the drop → perfect trade management, respecting structure and weekly resistance
📈 Post-trade context:
Price then rejected violently from that zone → we’re now back around 18,400, and if 18,000 breaks, the door opens toward 16,700.
🧭 What’s Next?
🔹 If price pulls back to 19,200–19,500, I’ll look for a short setup
🔹 If it breaks below 18,000 → clean path toward 16,700–16,500
✅ Trade Summary
🔥 Long from structural demand zone → exit at weekly supply
🧠 Setup based on price action + RSI and structural confluence
🐻 Now the bias shifts back to bearish: watch the 18k level closely
USD/JPY in Free Fall: What’s Behind the Break Below 140?🔍 Technical Analysis – USD/JPY
The weekly chart shows a sharp rejection in the macro zone between 155–158, where strong supply is present (highlighted in red). After brushing historical highs, USD/JPY experienced a vertical drop down to 140, decisively breaking through the key zone at 148–146.
Price has now broken the weekly structure and is approaching an area that previously triggered significant rallies (blue zone between 138–141). Monthly support is in danger, with the RSI deeply in oversold territory, but no clear reversal signals just yet.
📊 COT Report – USD Index
Asset Managers: Slight recovery on long positions, but still in neutral territory.
Leverage Money: Increasing net shorts, indicating speculative bets against the dollar.
The divergence between the falling USD Index and speculative positions confirms a growing lack of confidence in the greenback.
📊 COT Report – JPY Futures
Asset Managers: Strong increase in long positions on the yen since December 2024.
Leverage Money: Reinforcing long bias since February 2025.
This confirms that institutional players are accumulating yen, possibly anticipating BoJ interventions or a broader flight-to-safety.
💥 Trade Outlook
USD/JPY is in full bearish breakout mode. If the 140 level breaks decisively, the next technical targets are:
137.00 → historical mid-level support
134.00 → base of the 2023 structure
Keep an eye on the RSI: a bullish divergence with strong volume could trigger a technical rebound. But as long as the overall sentiment remains strongly risk-off, every rally is a selling opportunity.
USDCAD Ready to Collapse? COT Signals a Bearish Storm!🔎 1. COT Context – Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Asset Managers: Consistently net short for most of the period, but since January 2025, there's been a strong recovery—net positions have become progressively less negative. By mid-April, they’re still short, but significantly less so.
Leveraged Money: Also heavily short in December 2024, but showing a clear bullish reversal starting in early 2025, with net positions turning increasingly positive on CAD.
✅ Interpretation: There's been a clear sentiment shift from bearish to bullish on CAD starting late 2024. This adds downward pressure on USDCAD.
💵 2. COT Context – US Dollar Index (USD)
Asset Managers: Consistently long, but reducing their net exposure since late March 2025.
Leveraged Money: Opposite of CAD – heavily short in December 2024, now recovering, though without strong momentum. Positions are hovering around neutral.
⚠️ Interpretation: While CAD grows stronger, USD shows signs of indecision or profit-taking. This amplifies the bearish bias on USDCAD.
📉 3. Technical Analysis – USDCAD
Current Price: 1.38369, right near a strong demand zone between 1.3700 – 1.3830, which has already been tested multiple times.
The current weekly candle is forming a doji or pin bar, hinting at a potential technical bounce.
Key Resistance: 1.45215 (monthly high).
Key Support: 1.3700. A breakdown below this could trigger a move toward 1.3480.
RSI: Neutral to slightly bearish, no major divergences observed.
🧠 Technical Outlook:
If the 1.3700–1.3830 zone holds, we might see a corrective bounce toward 1.4000–1.4100.
If that zone breaks, expect a bearish continuation toward 1.3580–1.3480.
📊 Trade Summary
Fundamental Bias (COT): Bearish USDCAD → Strong CAD, weakening USD.
Technical Bias: Neutral to bearish, potential for short-term bounce before continuation.
🧭 Trade Plan
🎯 Short on pullback toward 1.4000–1.4100 with stop above 1.4150, targeting 1.3600–1.3500.
🎯 Breakout trade below 1.3700 → Enter on daily close confirmation, target 1.3480.
GBP/USD in terminal phase? This zone could flip everything!📊 Technical Analysis
Price is currently trading in a strong weekly/monthly resistance zone around 1.3390–1.3400, marked by a dense multi-layer supply area. Historically, this level has caused sharp rejections.
From the lows, price completed a steep bullish leg, breaking through several structures. However:
Momentum seems overstretched.
RSI shows potential overbought signals.
There's a likely bearish target zone between 1.2950 and 1.2850, which is a key demand area.
📌 Trade Setup:
I’m watching for exhaustion signals or bearish confirmations on H1 to short from the current resistance, targeting the grey and turquoise zones below 1.30.
🧾 COT Report – GBP
Large Speculators (Asset Managers) still hold a net short position, although they've reduced exposure in recent months.
Leverage Funds remain slightly long, but without strong conviction.
💵 COT Report – USD
Leverage Funds have turned significantly net long on the dollar (strong green line upward since March).
This supports a bearish view on GBP/USD, as USD strength returns.
📉 Summary:
Price is at a key decision zone. A technical correction is possible. COT data supports this view:
GBP remains weak on the institutional side.
USD is regaining strength.
EUR/NZD About to Explode? Traders Are Watching THIS Level!📊 General Analysis of EUR/NZD (Higher Timeframe)
1. 📌 Price Context
The price had a strong bounce from a demand zone (highlighted in light blue) around 1.85.
It then broke through multiple supply zones (gray and maroon) to the upside and is currently hovering near 1.91874.
🔍 Key Zones
🔵 Demand Zone (Support)
Range: 1.8430 – 1.8712
This zone has been tested multiple times, with long wicks to the downside → indicating strong buying interest.
A powerful bullish move originated from this area.
🔴 Supply Zone (Resistance)
Current resistance: 1.9187 – 1.9450
This is where the price is currently paused → potential rejection area.
Monthly upper zone (1M): 1.96 – 2.00
A strong long-term resistance. If reached, we might see profit-taking or even a reversal.
🕯️ Candles & Momentum
The large green candle represents a strong bullish breakout.
The weekly candle (labeled "1W") shows indecision → this could be a pause before continuation or the beginning of a pullback.
🔮 Possible Future Scenarios
✅ Bullish Scenario
If the price decisively breaks above 1.9187, the next target is 1.9600 – 2.0000.
⚠️ Bearish Scenario
If price gets rejected at current levels, it may fall back into the support zone 1.8712 – 1.8500, which has previously shown strength.
📈 Lower Indicator (Likely RSI or Wavetrend)
Currently bouncing from an oversold area.
No clear overbought signals → there’s room for more upside.
🧭 Conclusion
Current trend: Bullish (especially in the short to mid term).
Key levels to watch:
Resistance: 1.9187 and 1.96–2.00
Support: 1.8712 and 1.85
Crude Oil Holds at Key ResistanceFollowing a sharp rebound from the $55 low—mirroring broader market strength and gains in U.S. indices—oil is now hovering near a key resistance level at $64. Meanwhile, major U.S. indices remain below their respective resistance zones, awaiting confirmation of further uptrends.
A sustained break and hold above $64 could open the door for additional upside toward $66 and $70.
On the downside, if gains fail to hold and prices slip back below $64, support levels to watch are $60, $58, and $55.
A decisive break below $55 may trigger a steeper decline, potentially driving oil prices back toward the $49 per barrel region.
Written by Razan Hilal, CMT
GBP/CAD at a crossroads: this key level could trigger the drop!My visual analysis highlights a strong multi-timeframe resistance zone (weekly and monthly) between 1.8662 and 1.8779, where price has reacted sharply multiple times. This area, marked in dark burgundy, signals a significant supply zone.
Currently, price is trading back in the 1.8350–1.8400 region. Based on my note on the chart ("Looking for a short opportunity on H1"), I’m anticipating a potential short entry from lower timeframes—likely triggered by a structural break or bearish candlestick confirmation.
🔻 Bearish Scenario:
If I get a short confirmation around the current area, I’ll be targeting the 1.7900–1.7677 demand zone (highlighted in deep blue), which has previously shown strong bullish reactions.
The RSI is also showing signs of potential divergence or overextension, adding weight to the bearish thesis.
🟢 Alternative Scenario:
If price decisively breaks above the 1.8780 monthly resistance, we could see an extended bullish move towards levels not currently visible on this chart.
📌 Operational Note:
I’ll be looking for entry confirmations on lower timeframes (like H1), with valid reversal patterns or price action triggers, and will manage the position dynamically depending on how price behaves around the 1.79 zone.
EUR/USD at Key Decision Zone – Breakout or Smart Money Trap?🟢 Current Context
Price: 1.13820 USD
Trend: Strong bullish structure, with impulsive moves especially in April.
Main timeframe: Appears to be daily or weekly, with multi-timeframe zones (1W, 1M marked).
🧱 Key Zones
🔴 Supply Zone (1.13000–1.15000)
Well-defined area of historic selling pressure. Price reacted with a temporary drop but bounced right back into it.
🟦 Demand Zone (1.08500–1.10000)
Major order block where the current rally was initiated. Price used this as a base to launch higher.
⚫ Lower Supports
1.03600: Weekly support
1.02838: Monthly support
Broad accumulation zone (grey box) from which this trend began.
📈 Price Structure
Strong breakout above 1.10–1.11 resistance.
Currently pulling back inside the supply zone – the dashed arrows hint at potential liquidity sweeps before a continuation to 1.15+.
🔍 Momentum Indicator (likely RSI/CCI)
Currently elevated, but not yet in extreme overbought. No clear divergence. Momentum favors bulls.
📊 Scenarios
✅ Bullish:
Clean break above 1.14500–1.15000 opens the door to 1.1600 and 1.1800. Wait for a structural retest for safer long entries.
⚠️ Bearish (corrective):
Strong rejection from the supply zone → potential pullback to 1.10–1.0850 (blue zone).
Only below 1.0850 would a deeper bearish structure toward 1.03600 be confirmed.
🧠 Strategic Note
This is a zone of clear smart money activity: liquidity grabs on both ends.
Watch how this weekly candle closes – we’re either validating above 1.13 or setting up a trap for late longs.
SILVER at a CROSSROADS: Bounce or CRASH to $28?🔹 General Context
Silver has shown a strong bullish reaction from the lows around $28, later reaching a key monthly supply area between $34 and $35. However, this zone has once again been firmly rejected, leaving room for a potential deep retracement.
🟥 Key Zones
🔴 Monthly Supply Zone (34.00 - 35.00 USD): Strong resistance already tested multiple times. Candlesticks show strong rejections and long upper wicks.
🟥 Weekly Supply Zone (33.00 - 34.00 USD): Breaker block or mitigation area that triggered a strong bearish move.
⬛ Current Weekly Support Zone (32.00 - 31.90 USD): Price is currently testing this area. A new impulse could arise here — or we may witness a breakdown.
🟦 Monthly Demand Zone (28.20 - 29.20 USD): The last area defended by buyers in the mid-term. A realistic target in case of breakdown.
📊 Price Structure
The short- to medium-term trend remains bearish, with lower highs and strong rejection candles.
Current price action shows indecision, with lower wicks on recent weekly candles but smaller bullish bodies — a sign of potential accumulation... or just a pullback?
📉 RSI (Relative Strength Index)
RSI is in the neutral-high zone, not yet overbought, but in a downward phase → more room for downside if buyers don’t step in soon.
No clear divergences visible, but watch for signals on the daily timeframe.
🧭 Possible Scenarios
✅ BULLISH Scenario:
Condition: Support holds between 32.50 and 31.90 USD with a clear reversal candle.
Target: Move back toward the supply zone at 33.80 – 34.90 USD.
Confirmation: Break above 33.00 USD with increasing volume.
❌ BEARISH Scenario:
Condition: Weekly close below 31.90 USD → sign of weakness.
Target: Zone between 29.20 – 28.20 USD, a potential new institutional buy area.
Confirmation: Strong bearish break with follow-through and lack of buying reaction.
🧠 Operational Conclusion
Silver is at a critical decision point: bearish pressure from the monthly zones is evident, but as long as the 31.90/32.00 zone holds, buyers may still defend. A clean breakdown would open the door for a drop below $30.
OPEC Cuts Oil Demand Forecast While Increasing SupplyOil prices are feeling bearish pressure. OPEC was unable to increase production significantly last year to stabilize prices. High interest rates have kept global economies cool enough. However, starting in May, OPEC will begin unwinding its voluntary production cuts. The timing of this decision is questionable. Tariffs are expected to hit global economies hard, while the Fed is likely to hold rates steady for a few more months. Recession risks in the world’s two largest economies, the U.S. and China are rising.
OPEC has acknowledged this trend by lowering its oil demand forecast for 2025 and 2026 by nearly 10%.
If summarized:
Oil demand is expected to fall 10%, possibly more if the U.S. and/or China enter recession.
Trump is expected to boost U.S. drilling, increasing supply.
OPEC will start to unwind supply cuts, increasing supply.
Brent is likely to remain under bearish pressure throughout the year because of rising supply and falling demand. As long as the current fundamental outlook remains unchanged, upward moves should be viewed as selling opportunities. A downtrend channel has formed since mid-2023, with the lower boundary recently tested. There is now an upward reaction. If this continues toward the 68.25–70.70 zone—previously a demand zone, now a potential supply zone—traders may look for short entry setups, provided this zone holds, with nearby stop-loss levels.
Crude Oil Holds Rebound Above $55Crude oil's sharp rebound from the $55 support—aligned with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement of the 2020–2022 uptrend—faced immediate resistance at the long-standing support-turned-resistance zone around $63.80, established in 2021.
A decisive move above $63.80 may clear the way for further gains toward $66, $68, $69.60, and ultimately $73. On the downside, a drop below $58 would bring $55 back into focus.
A clean break below that level could trigger further downside toward $49 per barrel, which aligns with the lower boundary of crude oil's long-term uptrend.
With global powers competing for oil, key events this week include:
🔹 OPEC report amid tariffs and efforts to regain market share
🔹 US–China trade talks
🔹 Chinese GDP, IP, Retail Sales (Wed)
Written by Razan Hilal, CMT
XOM Analysis: Oil's Next Move & Policy ShiftsNYSE:XOM currently piques my interest, particularly with oil prices potentially stabilizing or rising further. Recent geopolitical developments and policy shifts under Trump’s administration—such as rolling back Biden-era energy regulations, reducing methane fees, and easing LNG export permits—could significantly influence the energy landscape.
My intuition suggests Trump’s "Mar-a-Lago Accord" might involve major global economies reducing holdings of US dollar assets, swapping short-term treasuries for century bonds. Such currency shifts and reduced drilling activity could lead to a tighter oil supply, benefiting prices. Additionally, a weakening US dollar could positively impact technology stocks, as investors rotate towards sectors less affected by traditional commodities.
Technical Analysis (Daily & Hourly Chart)
Current Price: Approximately $103.00
Key Resistance Levels:
Immediate resistance: $103.93 (L.Vol ST 1b)
Important resistance zone: $104.74 (118 AVWAP)
Critical resistance (Last week's high): ~$106.46
Key Support Levels:
Near-term support: $101.13 (Weeks Low Long)
Major support: $97.92 (Best Price Short)
Trading Scenarios
Bullish Scenario (Continued oil strength & supportive policy shifts):
Entry Trigger: Sustained breakout and close above immediate resistance at $103.93.
Profit Targets:
Target 1: $104.74 (AVWAP resistance)
Target 2: $106.46 (recent swing high)
Stop Loss: Below recent pivot around $101.00, limiting risk effectively.
Bearish Scenario (Oil price weakness or production surge):
Entry Trigger: Failure to sustain the above resistance at $103.93 or a breakdown below near-term support at $101.13.
Profit Targets:
Target 1: $99.00 (psychological & short-term support)
Target 2: $97.92 (strong support, ideal short target)
Stop Loss: Above $104.75 to control risk in case of a reversal.
Thought Process & Final Thoughts
Given the current geopolitical and regulatory environment, XOM appears poised for potential upside if oil prices remain strong and policy shifts materialize. However, caution is warranted, as oil companies seem hesitant to increase production due to profitability concerns. Clearly defined technical levels will help navigate trade entries and exits effectively around these evolving macroeconomic conditions.
Earnings Date: May 2nd—Keep positions nimble as earnings can significantly impact short-term volatility.
GBP/USD at a Crossroads: Imminent Breakout or Bull Trap?The weekly chart of GBP/USD shows a strong recovery following the late-April correction, which brought the price down to a key demand zone between 1.2550 and 1.2600. The bounce was sharp and decisive, but the pair is now facing resistance between 1.3000 and 1.3150 — a previously sold area marked by a visible supply block in red.
The current weekly candle reflects a bullish reaction, but the overall structure suggests a potential exhaustion zone for upward momentum. Price action reveals a series of lower highs in the short term, and while the RSI is bouncing, it remains far from overbought, hinting that this move may be just a technical rebound.
From a trading perspective, a confirmed weakness around the 1.3000–1.3150 zone could offer short opportunities with an initial target near 1.2700 and, if extended, down to 1.2550 — a key dynamic support area. On the flip side, a clean breakout above 1.3150 with strong volume and a weekly close would open the door for a new bullish leg toward 1.3300–1.3400.
Conclusion: GBP/USD is currently at a critical juncture. The next directional move will depend on how price reacts to this resistance zone: a confirmed rejection could trigger renewed selling pressure, while a confirmed breakout may reignite the bullish trend.
GBP/JPY at the Edge! Bounce or Breakdown? The weekly chart of GBP/JPY reveals a highly volatile scenario, with a recent bearish expansion pushing the price back toward a key support zone between 185.00 and 188.30 — an area that has been defended multiple times in the past. After an attempted recovery toward the supply zone between 194.00 and 195.00, the pair encountered heavy selling pressure, failing to break out and sharply reversing.
From a technical perspective, the move suggests a possible swing failure above local highs, with the current weekly candle confirming a return below resistance. Price action is now within a critical area: if the current support holds, we could see a technical rebound with interim targets at 191.40 and potentially back toward 194.00. However, a breakdown below 185.00 would open the door to deeper correction, with possible extensions toward 182.00 and 180.00 — both zones marked by previous accumulation.
The RSI, after dipping into oversold territory, is now attempting a reaction, indicating that buyers are trying to regain control, though the structure remains fragile. Strategically, this phase demands caution: aggressive longs may seek confirmation of reversal above current lows, while bearish traders should closely watch for a confirmed breakdown below support. The 188.30 to 191.40 price range will be key to monitoring the next directional move.
EUR/GBP: Monthly Resistance Test, Rising Risk of PullbackEUR/GBP has recently shown a strong bullish acceleration, breaking decisively above the consolidation zone between 0.8285 and 0.8480, and reaching the monthly resistance area around 0.8580–0.8600. This zone, highlighted on the chart with a marked red and grey band, represents a historically significant selling area—already tested earlier this month and revisited again today. The strong upward expansion has been accompanied by an RSI nearing extreme levels, indicating a possible and imminent loss of bullish momentum.
From a technical perspective, the current setup reveals an active supply zone that could trigger a pullback, especially if the price fails to close decisively above the weekly and monthly highs. Potential profit-taking may drive the pair back toward the intermediate balance zone around 0.8450–0.8480, which would serve as the first dynamic support level. Only a clear and confirmed breakout above 0.8600 would open the door for further bullish continuation, with targets toward 0.8650 and beyond.
Strategically, caution is advised at this stage: traders already long may consider scaling out near resistance, while those eyeing short entries could find opportunities on reversal signals or confirmation of rejection from the current zone.
Crude Oil: Volatility and Key Levels in FocusThe Crude Oil (CL1!) chart shows a recent phase of high volatility, with a sharp decline followed by a recovery attempt. After reaching the recent high around 80.77, the price underwent a significant correction, returning to the key support zone between 60.97 and 62.43. This price range represents an important accumulation level, previously tested multiple times in recent months and defended by buyers.
From a technical perspective, the area between 65.27 and 69.00 represents a dynamic resistance zone, whose breakout could pave the way for a recovery towards the critical 73.00 area. However, the recent bearish impulse has pressured lower levels, and a weekly close below 60.97 could indicate a structural trend change, with potential bearish targets around 57.00.
The RSI is currently in an oversold zone, suggesting a potential consolidation phase or a technical rebound attempt. However, selling pressure remains high, and sentiment is negative, partly driven by global economic uncertainties and concerns about oil demand.
From an operational perspective, a move back above 65.27 could indicate a recovery phase, with targets at 69.00 and subsequently 73.00. Conversely, a break below 60.97 would open negative scenarios with a possible extension towards the lower support at 57.00. Investors remain focused on macroeconomic data and OPEC+ decisions, as potential production cuts could trigger a new rally, while an unfavorable macro environment could increase selling pressure.
Crude Oil Week AheadFrom a weekly time frame perspective, oil prices have continued to respect the boundaries of a declining channel since the 2022 highs, reaching three-year lows in 2025, in alignment with the long-standing support zone between $64 and $66 that has held since 2021.
After recently rebounding from the $65 level, a decisive close below $63.80 would confirm further downside potential, opening the way toward key support levels at $60, $55, and, in more extreme scenarios, $49.
If the support zone holds, resistance levels within the declining channel may come into play at $70.80, $72.60, $74.30, and $76. A breakout above the channel’s upper boundary and a sustained hold above $78 could shift the outlook to bullish, with potential resistance at $80, $84, $89, and the $93–$95 range.
Despite a complex mix of OPEC quotas, U.S. policy shifts, Chinese economic dynamics, global growth uncertainty, renewable energy demand, and escalating geopolitical tensions, oil remains bearish and range-bound—awaiting a decisive breakout.
Written by Razan Hilal, CMT
USD/CAD: Rebound Above 1.4265 or Imminent Drop?📊 Market Context
The USD/CAD exchange rate has shown recent volatility with a significant surge followed by a retracement phase. The market is reacting to expectations regarding decisions from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada (BoC), as well as fluctuations in oil prices, a key factor for the Canadian dollar.
🔍 Technical Analysis
The chart analysis highlights the following key levels:
Main Resistance: 1.4521 → Located in the upper zone of the chart, this level could act as a barrier to further bullish movements.
Key Supports: 1.4333 - 1.4265 - 1.4239 → These levels have previously acted as bounce points and could provide a base for price recovery.
Market Structure: The price reacted with a strong green candle after testing the lower support area, followed by a correction phase.
Bullish Momentum: If the price holds above 1.4265, it could attempt another push towards 1.4521.
📌 Potential Bullish Scenario: If the price remains above 1.4265, we could see another push towards 1.45 and beyond.
📌 Bearish Scenario: A break below 1.4239 could trigger a sharper decline towards the 1.41 - 1.40 range.
🌍 Fundamental Analysis
Federal Reserve: The Fed is assessing the impact of its monetary policies, with markets speculating on a potential rate cut by mid-year.
Bank of Canada: The BoC maintains a cautious approach, monitoring inflation and the labor market.
Oil Prices: The CAD is correlated with oil prices, so an increase in crude oil could strengthen the Canadian dollar and push USD/CAD lower.
🎯 Conclusion
Main Bias: Bullish above 1.4265, targeting 1.45.
Trend Invalidation: Below 1.4239, a potential downward correction could occur.
Will Mixed Geopolitical News Limit the Downside of Oil Prices?Macro:
- Oil prices continued their decline following an agreement between the US and Russia to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, though without implementing a complete ceasefire.
- The market turned bearish amid expectations that Russian sanctions may be eased, potentially increasing the oil supply surplus.
- Uncertainty lingered as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East sent mixed signals. While the possibility of increased supply pushed prices down, fears of conflict disrupting oil production kept some upward pressure.
Technical:
- USOIL retested its descending channel's upper bound before rejecting the boundary and forming a bearish Engulfing Candlestick, which may provide a hint that bears are in control. The price is below both EMAs, indicating persistent bearish momentum.
- Breaking below the support at 65.80 may prompt another plunge to the 100% Fibonacci Extension at 64.00.
- Closing above 68.40 and breaking the descending channel's upper bound may shift the current structure sideways before retesting the following resistance at 70.20.
Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
USD/JPY Direction 151 After the BoJ📊 Market Context
As of March 18, 2025, the USD/JPY exchange rate stands around 149.38, reaching its highest level since March 5. This movement is driven by expectations regarding upcoming monetary policy decisions from both the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
🔍 Technical Analysis
The technical analysis of USD/JPY highlights the following key points:
Current Trend: USD/JPY shows a moderate recovery, with a 0.49% increase on March 17.
Key Resistance: The area between 150.00 and 151.00 represents a significant resistance level. A decisive breakout above this zone could pave the way for further gains.
Important Supports: Support levels are found at 148.00 and 146.50. A drop below these levels could indicate a deeper correction.
Technical Indicators: Moving averages and key oscillators suggest a short-term bullish trend.
🌍 Fundamental Analysis
Several fundamental factors are influencing the USD/JPY exchange rate:
BoJ Decision: The Bank of Japan recently raised its key interest rate from 0.25% to 0.5%, citing higher wages and rising inflation. However, for today's meeting, the BoJ is expected to keep rates unchanged while assessing the impact of global trade tensions on the Japanese economy.
U.S. Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates stable in the upcoming meeting, with the Fed Funds rate projected to remain between 4.25% and 4.5%.
Trade Tensions: U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration are creating economic uncertainties, influencing central bank decisions and currency markets.
🎯 Conclusion
USD/JPY is currently in a consolidation phase near recent highs. If the BoJ maintains an accommodative monetary policy and the Fed keeps rates stable, the dollar could continue strengthening against the yen, targeting the key resistance level of 151.00. However, uncertainties related to trade tensions and future central bank actions require close monitoring by investors.