NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 3/22/2024 SessionCME_MINI:NQM2024
- PR High: 18590.75
- PR Low: 18569.00
- NZ Spread: 48.75
Key economic calendar event
09:00 | Fed Chair Powell Speaks
Prev session closed virtually flat
- QQQ daily gap still unfilled
- Holding above prev session close
- Huge upper wick on prev session daily print
Evening Stats (As of 1:35 AM)
- Weekend Gap: N/A
- Gap 10/30 +0.47% (open < 14272)
- Session Open ATR: 258.68
- Volume: 27K
- Open Int: 251K
- Trend Grade: Bull
- From BA ATH: -0.6% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 18675
- Mid: 18106
- Short: 16963
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
BA: Back Adjusted
BuZ/BeZ: Bull Zone / Bear Zone
NZ: Neutral Zone
Powell
The FOMC meeting, rising wedge, and VIX dropYesterday’s FOMC meeting ended as widely anticipated, with no change to monetary policy. During the press conference, the FED’s chairman reiterated the central bank’s commitment to bringing inflation under control and outlined a strong economy and tight labor market. Jerome Powell also described inflation as being on a downward trajectory and explained the need to stay attentive to inflation rates. In addition to that, he acknowledged the emergence of some negative effects of high interest rates on the economy.
Markets reacted positively to Jerome Powell’s statements and rallied across the board. The SPX broke above $5,200 and established a new all-time high at $5,226. Simultaneously, the VIX experienced a significant drop that led to the distortion of its broadening structure on the daily chart. While the SPX remains over-extended above the upward-sloping channel, this drop could foreshadow the SPX’s move slightly higher, in the area between $5,300 and $5,350.
Particular things to watch out for in the following days include the next developments with the VIX, the rejection/success of RSI breaking above 70 points (on the daily time frame), the support at $5,180, and the pattern resembling a rising wedge (on the 4-hour time frame).
Illustration 1.01
Illustration 1.01 displays the VIX’s daily graph. The yellow arrow indicates a breakout below the lower trendline, distorting the structure with higher peaks and higher troughs.
Illustration 1.02
The picture above shows the 4-hour chart of the SPX. Yellow dashed lines highlight the pattern resembling a rising wedge formation.
Here are some of the most important statements from Jerome Powell’s speech:
“Inflation has eased substantially while the labor market has remained strong, and that is very good news. But inflation is still too high, ongoing progress in bringing it down is not assured, and the path forward is uncertain. We are fully committed to returning inflation to our 2 percent goal.”
“Our restrictive stance of monetary policy has been putting downward pressure on economic activity and inflation. As labor market tightness has eased and progress on inflation has continued, the risks to achieving our employment and inflation goals are moving into better balance.”
“Activity in the housing sector was subdued over the past year, largely reflecting high mortgage rates. High interest rates also appear to have weighed on business fixed investment. In our Summary of Economic Projections, Committee participants generally expect GDP growth to slow from last year’s pace, with a median projection of 2.1 percent this year and 2 percent over the next two years.”
“Over the past three months, payroll job gains averaged 265 thousand jobs per month. The unemployment rate has edged up but remains low, at 3.9 percent. Strong job creation has been accompanied by an increase in the supply of workers, reflecting increases in participation among individuals aged 25 to 54 years and a continued strong pace of immigration”
“We believe that our policy rate is likely at its peak for this tightening cycle and that, if the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year. The economic outlook is uncertain, however, and we remain highly attentive to inflation risks. We are prepared to maintain the current target range for the federal funds rate for longer, if appropriate.”
“We know that reducing policy restraint too soon or too much could result in a reversal of the progress we have seen on inflation and ultimately require even tighter policy to get inflation back to 2 percent.”
“ If the economy evolves as projected, the median participant projects that the appropriate level of the federal funds rate will be 4.6 percent at the end of this year, 3.9 percent at the end of 2025, and 3.1 percent at the end of 2026—still above the median longer-term funds rate.”
“Turning to our balance sheet, our securities holdings have declined by nearly $1.5 trillion since the Committee began reducing our portfolio.”
Technical analysis gauge
Daily time frame = Bullish
Weekly time frame = Bullish
*The gauge does not necessarily indicate where the market will head. Instead, it reflects the constellation of RSI, MACD, Stochastic, DM+-, ADX, and moving averages.
Please feel free to express your ideas and thoughts in the comment section.
DISCLAIMER: This analysis is not intended to encourage any buying or selling of any particular securities. Furthermore, it should not be a basis for taking any trade action by an individual investor or any other entity. Therefore, your own due diligence is highly advised before entering a trade.
THE KOG REPORT - FOMC The KOG REPORT – FOMC
This is our view for FOMC, please do your own research and analysis to make an informed decision on the markets. It is not recommended you try to trade the event if you have less than 6 months trading experience and have a trusted risk strategy in place. The markets are extremely volatile, and these events can cause aggressive swings in price.
Today’s FOMC may bring a curveball with it, so we’re going to use the extreme levels as usual, but, we’re going to say please play caution on the markets. The trade always comes after the event, patience will pay on this one!
We have the support level below 2150-55 as mentioned through the week, with resistance above 2175 which are both either side of range play at the moment. Our bias is still active, but, due to the volatility that may present itself, we’ll stick with the higher levels as potentials regions for a RIP. So, if price does carry up towards the 2175-85 region and we can see a clean set up, an opportunity to short the market back down initially into the 2155 levels and then on the break, below that 2148 and further down could be available.
Please note, that breaking above will invalidate this and we are likely to see higher pricing through the rest of the week. There was a level of 2210 in extension of the move, which is extreme volume enters is a possibility, so if you’re going to risk it, your risk model better be up to scratch!
On the flip. Rejection around this 2165 region, we can see price attempt the support 2145 and upon the break we will be looking for this to go lower, initially into the 2135 region and then below that potentially 2120! If we get that move to the downside, we will be looking to carry any open trades down into the given regions if we get a clean set up, and only long for the scalps and quick captures from the given levels.
In all honesty, right now thoughts are we would rather let this play out and let the take the price to where they want. We’ll still with the plan for now on the KOG Report which has worked well, but any trades should be protected and a majority taken.
Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated.
As always, trade safe.
KOG
THE KOG REPORT - NFP 08/03/24
The KOG REPORT – NFP
This is our view for NFP, please do your own research and analysis to make an informed decision on the markets. It is not recommended you try to trade the event if you have less than 6 months trading experience and have a trusted risk strategy in place. The markets are extremely volatile, and these events can cause aggressive swings in price.
For today’s NFP we’re going to keep the chart and idea clean and only look for extreme levels. Our daily bias and weekly bias targets are complete, yesterday we posted a higher level for our team and that was also completed this morning.
So now, we have the following levels in mind:
Resistance levels:
2173-5 and above that 2180-85. These levels we feel if price attacks could give us a reaction in price if rejected and not broken. For that reason, a test on the level is potentially available but we wouldn’t really want to long up into these levels unless we get a very deep pullback!
Support levels:
2150-47 unless broken can take us up into those levels before a reaction, however, with the volume that enters the markets, it can make this a difficult trade. Hence, the levels below 2140-44 can then bring us back into the order region to then start a small range. Below that have 2130, which if attacked is our ideal level for a tap and bounce, but only for the scalp.
Price breaks above the higher resistance, we're not interested and will come back next week.
We’re very likely not going to be trading this event, rather watching and letting the price settle before we decide on our move. It can be volatile and extreme and we need you to understand, if they break above that 2085 level they’re going to complete the structure without any pullbacks. New traders and those less experienced, please stay out of the markets, money in your account is a position in the markets!
Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated.
As always, trade safe.
KOG
Undervalued Dollar? Democrats' Influence on Rate Cut PlansUndervalued Dollar? Democrats' Influence on Powell's Rate Cut Plans
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to present his semi-annual monetary policy testimony to the House and Senate starting this Wednesday. The market will be looking for Powell to provide a more specific timeline for interest rate cuts.
Currently, the market is pricing in three interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year, with the first expected in June. However, the market is likely to be disappointed, with Powell keeping tight-lipped and echoing the sentiments of other Fed officials, suggesting that the first rate cut may occur "later this year."
Although the market might be disappointed by the lack of a clear timeline, it will likely take no news as good news though and have no reason to amend their forecast to any time later than June. This could be undervaluing the US dollar, as the market overlooks “higher for even longer”. When the market finally comes to terms with this, targets for a stronger USD could include those levels designated on the chart.
What could break Powell's tight lips is pressure from Democrats, who could advocate for interest rate cuts to support the strength of the economy in an election year.
How to make 20k in less then 5 daysWhat an impressive kickoff to the year! Despite the stock market's initial decline, largely attributed to tax harvesting and rebalancing, I still anticipate a substantial influx of funds returning to the market.
This year is poised to be another double-digit growth period for equities. If one selects the right stocks, the potential for triple-digit account growth remains on the table.
Turning to FX:EURUSD , the year started with the expected volatility, driven by a one sided trade, institutions short on the DOLLAR and favoring other currencies particularly the EURO. Any new data would cause an unwiding of their trade and more then average volatility.
In anticipation of potential market movements, I shared two trades with my community just before the market open on Monday night.
1. Trade Idea #1 (Rating: 2.5 out of 5)
Synopsis: The Fed minutes, scheduled just before the US close, may echo previous speakers' dismissal of imminent rate cuts.
Trade - SHORT (this is protection, we are not going to profit from this)
Position - 1.10300
Take Profit (TP) : NON
SL Break-Even, or 1.1100.
2. Trade Idea #2 Rating 3.5 out of 5
Synopsis We are looking to capture any weakness from technical and fears of any messaging from the minutes.
Trade - LONG, (ideally the size of this trade is equal to the short above, our risk is neutral until the Short BE hits)
Position - anywhere near low 1.09xx or anywhere in US Open. We will not force the trade. We then wait for Jobs data
TP - 1.15xx (we will add to our position in increments)
SL - NON - Our short will hedge our long, and will remain in this position until our short hits BE, securing our profits
These trades successfully capitalized on early-day volatile movements. The EUROZone PMIs on the 4th Jan further reinforced our short bias:
Ireland: 51.5 (2 months low)
Spain: 50.4 (5 months low)
Italy: 48.6 (3 months low)
Germany: 47.4 (2 months low)
France: 44.8 (3 months low)
However, positive monthly PMIs from France and Germany altered our outlook, ruling out a 'Deflation' scare. The Fed minutes, leaning towards a conservative stance with no mention of rate cuts, allowed EURUSD to hit 1.09100, aligning with our second trade idea and securing profits.
Analyzing the EURO volatility index (EVZ inverted) revealed volatility having peaked and reducing, indicating towards a stronger EURO.
On NFP day we remained focused on adapting our trades to incoming data.
Upon reviewing the data release, I observed that while the headline figure surpassed expectations, there was a revision of -71k jobs from the preceding months. If this trend persists, it could result in negative job growth in the upcoming months. Additionally, a cause for concern was the 4.1% increase in hourly average pay, attributed to the holiday season dynamics. The report acknowledged that individuals typically do not face job terminations before Christmas, and many receive one-time bonuses during this period, introducing significant noise into the analysis. As a consequence, the price action exhibited heightened volatility during this phase. Once the market understood the data, we saw a reversal in the price action.
Although my profits were secured, we had one more data released left for the day, and as per my plan I wouldn't hesitate to restructure my trades if new data contradicted my trade ideas.
The week's final data point, PMI services (ISM service: 50.6, Prior: 52.7), hinted at a soft side for the Dollar, reinforcing the bearish dollar stance. Services were on the brink of contraction, raising concerns about job sustainability at the current interest rates. The question i would put to the fed, at what point do employers continue to fund jobs through their savings or do they start cutting jobs to save their margins. I think the fed knows this answer!
In contrast to 2023, during which I accumulated trades and expanded my equity holdings, this year, my primary objective is to secure profits and minimize the holding period. The current market situation is marked by uncertainty, generating substantial volatility and potential drawdowns. Consequently, I am prepared to promptly close positions at a loss, prioritizing a data-driven approach to trades over reliance on technical analysis. I anticipate an almost 16% move on EURUSD this year, and this will be extremely volatile compared to the more subdued move of only 4.33% in 2023
As a reminder for new to the market, consistent explanation and adherence to a trading plan are crucial. If you follow traders who only give a buy or short signal with no fundamental explanation then this not sustainable way of trading and those follows should be avoided. As is overtrading, this is a detrimental habit and this is one of the single reason why retail traders incur more losses then they should, new traders should exercise extreme caution.
A final point to note; July is a crucial period for Powell and the fed, akin to NEMO. If they haven't finalized their entire fed cut by then, accusations of political interference favoring Biden and Yellen may surface. Powell has adeptly steered the economy from double-digit inflation to nearly 2%, all without causing a surge in unemployment. As the only Federal Reserve chair in history to achieve this feat, I believe Powell is unlikely to jeopardize his legacy to assist Biden's electoral prospects. Instead, his legacy will form a part of the establishment in the form of a library or a policy named after him. Historians will look to Powell for inspiration when they have to overcome future inflation. Well done Fed Chair!
As always, Links to my verified P&L and Community is available in my signature.
Good hunting traders
Macro Monday 25~The Feds Inflation Barometer – Core PCE Macro Monday 25
The Feds Favorite Inflation Barometer – Core PCE
The US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) are released this Friday 22nd December 2023. Currently Core PCE is the most important component to the Federal Reserve in making their interest rate decisions and thus it will provide a great insight into what lies ahead in terms of interest rate policy for Q1 2024.
Known as the Federal Reserve’s favorite gauge for inflation, Core PCE is a crucial economic indicator that provides insights into the general trend in consumer spending (it excludes the more volatile energy & food costs).
Jerome Powell
“I will focus on core PCE inflation, which omits the food and energy components.”
25th Aug 2023
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) compiles and publishes the Core PCE report which is considered a more comprehensive measure of general trends in consumer spending than some other indicators, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
We will briefly cover the differences between CPI and PCE which will eventually lead us to why specifically the Core PCE is the preferred barometer for inflation (over headline and core CPI and over headline PCE).
Stick with me here and lets have a look at CPI vs PCE first…
CPI Vs PCE - Main differences?
Consumer Price Index: CPI is a metric that follows a fixed basket of goods. This fixed basket of items is measured month to month providing a consistent “basket of goods” cost for the common urban consumer. This allows for the basket of items to remain relatively unchanged thus providing an indication of how costs may be increasing or decreasing for the common consumer using the said basket (the basket is updated but not a frequently as the PCE basket).
Personal Consumption Expenditures: PCE includes a broader range of goods and services, and it is based on more frequent updates to the basket of goods and services that represent consumer spending, thus PCE captures more of the trend or trend changes in consumer spending. PCE includes expenditures on durable goods (e.g., cars and appliances), nondurable goods (e.g., food and clothing), and services (e.g., healthcare and education). This breakdown provides insights into which sectors of the economy are experiencing changes in consumer spending. We covered Durable Goods in a prior Macro Monday (I will link same under the published version on my TradingView). The bottom line on PCE is that it is more broader and more consumer led report thus arguably providing a more accurate indication of the wider spending habits of the consumer
Headline Vs Core (for both CPI and PCE)
In general Headline CPI and Headline PCE have an all-encompassing basket of goods and services included whilst Core CPI and Core PCE focus on a subset by excluding the volatile components of food and energy.
Analysts and policymakers often consider both Headline and Core to gain a comprehensive understanding of inflation trends, however Core PCE in particular provides the deepest and broadest insights into consumer led spending habits and provides the true underlying inflation by removing volatile commodities (Food & Energy). Lets look at CORE PCE a more closely
What is the benefit of excluding food and energy from inflation figures for Core PCE and why is this so beneficial?
1. Reduced Volatility: Energy and food prices are known to be more volatile and subject to temporary fluctuations due to factors such as weather conditions, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions. By excluding these components, Core PCE aims to provide a more stable measure of inflation.
2. General Inflation Trend Focus: As noted above, the short-term volatility in energy and food prices can mask the underlying aggregate trend in other goods and services, so the PCE eliminates some of this short term noise from food and energy inflation figures.
3. Captures Persistent Underlying Inflation Forces: Core PCE filters out the impact of temporary shocks to energy and food prices. This can be valuable for assessing whether inflationary pressures are becoming ingrained in the economy in the general sense.
4. Long Term Planning for the Consumer and the Fed: Understanding the underlying inflation trend is crucial to knowing the base level of the cost trend. Core PCE can provide a more reliable gauge for long-term economic planning by smoothing out short-term fluctuations.This provides investors, consumers and the Fed with a sort of long term general expenditure based moving average (the Core PCE) for the underlying inflation burden that is trending in an economy. All three participants can make the necessary adjustments to cater to this long term trajectory and thus the metric is a powerful tool for all involved.
Now that we know why the PCE is such a useful metric we can have a look at the long term PCE chart and see how things have been trending.
For the record CPI already came out for the month of November as CPI is typically released mid-month whilst PCE is released towards the end of the month.
Remember we will have an update this Friday from the BLS on the November readings for Core and Headline PCE, so we can see how we are looking then.
The Core and Headline CPI Chart
This CPI chart illustrates the following:
▫️ You can clearly see how Core CPI is less volatile than Headline CPI. As discussed above, Core CPI removes the volatile food and energy expenditures to provide a more general view of underlying inflation (based on a fixed basket of goods)
▫️ It is clear that we are not at the Federal Reserves target of 2% which is also outlined on the chart (purple line). It is critical to understand that we are still not at or below the target 2% level regardless of the FOMC’s determination of a likely hold on interest rates and reductions to interest rates in 2024. Lets see can the target be met first.
▫️ You can see that since 2002 Core CPI has fluctuated one standard deviation above and below the 2% inflation level between 1% and 3%. It is clear that we are not back into this standardized zone between 1 – 3%.
The Core and Headline PCE Chart (SUBJECT CHART AT TOP PROVIDED TODAY)
(will be updated this with newly released figures this Friday 22nd Dec)
This CPI chart illustrates many of the same findings from the CPI chart above:
▫️ Core PCE provides the deepest and broadest insights into consumer led spending habits versus a more fixed and stringent basket of goods for CPI, making Core PCE the Feds favorite inflation barometer to watch.
▫️ You can clearly see how Core PCE is less volatile than Headline PCE. As discussed above, Core PCE removes the volatile food and energy expenditures to provide a more general view of underlying inflation (based on a fixed basket of goods).
▫️ It is clear that we are not at the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% which is also outlined on the chart (purple line). The Federal Reserve have advised that Core PCE is expected to decline to 2.2% by 2025 & finally reach its 2% target in 2026. Anything that happens to interfere with this between now and then will need to be addressed by the fed.
▫️ You can see that since 1991 Core PCE has fluctuated one standard deviation above and below the 2% inflation level between 1% and 3%. It is clear that we are not back into this standardized zone between 1 – 3%.
Summary
You can visualize on the charts why the Core CPI and Core PCE is more important to Chair Powell, both Core metrics on the charts are almost like a slower moving average providing an indication of the longer term inflation trend. Right now Headline metrics are diving down past the Core metrics and the Federal Reserve cannot just take that volatile headline figure to make long term decisions. The Core PCE/CPI provides the long term trend trajectory whilst the Headline can offer early/lead signals of the direction of inflation, however core must be observed to determine the resilience of the long term trend. Furthermore, Core PCE is perceived by the FED as having more value as it has its finger on the pulse of the consumers spending habits by covering a broader range of expenditures whilst also accounting for consumer led spending trends. The CPI basket of goods in more fixed/restricted in terms of the goods it accounts for. This is why the FED values Core PCE so highly as a versatile and all encompassing gauge of inflation.
Hopefully you’ve come away today with a greater understanding of why the Core CPI and PCE data is preferred by the Fed ahead of headline inflation and also why the Core PCE comes out ahead as the chosen long term inflation gauge.
Any questions or observations, please throw them into the comments and I will be onto them as quickly as possible,
Thanks for reading,
PUKA
Euro climbs to two-week high as ECB meeting loomsThe euro has extended its gains in Thursday trading. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.0925, up 0.45%. It has been a good week for the euro, which has climbed 1.5% against the US dollar.
The European Central Bank meets later on Wednesday and is widely expected to hold rates at 4.0% for a second straight time. The markets will be focusing on the rate statement and ECB President Lagarde's post-meeting remarks. Lagarde has been hawkish, stressing the need to maintain rates in restrictive territory for a prolonged period - "higher for longer".
The markets are more dovish and have priced in six rate cuts for 2024, with a first cut as early as the spring. The economic landscape in the eurozone could support the market's view. Inflation has fallen sharply and is at 2.4%, within striking distance of the Bank's 2% target. The economy has cooled due to high interest rates and a recession remains a possibility.
Will Lagarde push back against market expectations of rate cuts? Or will she set a more dovish stance and avoid ruling out rate cuts? The tone of the rate statement and Lagarde's comments could have a strong effect on the movement of the euro today.
The Federal Reserve maintained the benchmark rate at a target range of 5.25%- 5.50% for a third straight time. That was not a surprise but Fed Chair Powell provided plenty of drama as he pivoted from his usual hawkish rhetoric. There had been expectations that Powell would push back against growing speculation that the Fed would trim rates in 2024. Powell not only failed to push back, he signalled that the Fed expected to cut rates three times next year.
Powell's dovish message sent equities flying higher and the US dollar tumbling. Just two weeks ago, Powell said it would be "premature" to speculate about the timing of rate cuts and that the door was still open to further hikes. There is still a deep disconnect between the markets and the Fed, as the markets have now priced in six rate cuts in 2024.
There is resistance at 1.0964 and 1.1033
1.0862 and 1.0793 are providing support
Get ready for the FOMC and Jerome PowellWith the SPX trading just about 3.8% from its all-time highs, all eyes will be on the Federal Reserve, which is scheduled to announce a monetary decision later today, followed by a press conference. We do not anticipate any change to the FED Funds Rate as we expect the central bank to take additional time in order to assess the lagging effects of previous rate hikes. During the press conference, we expect Jerome Powell to outline a surprisingly strong labor market and resilient parts of the economy in spite of rising living costs and debt servicing. In some remarks, the chairman will likely admit that a great deal of a job has already been done, but there is still more to do, with inflation being far from the 2% target. Overall, the conference’s tone will likely be carried in the well-known fashion of “higher for longer” and lack of clarity on steps toward easing. We will provide a review of what was said after the conference.
Please feel free to express your ideas and thoughts in the comment section.
DISCLAIMER: This analysis is not intended to encourage any buying or selling of any particular securities. Furthermore, it should not be a basis for taking any trade action by an individual investor. Therefore, your own due diligence is highly advised before entering a trade.
Post FOMC AnalysisDid the federal reserve just set the tone for 2024?
- done with the rate hike regime
- wait for a bit more evidence on inflation
- switch rate cut policy
With a decision in March/May still looking the most likely for now, are we going to see more downside on the DXY
In the technical aspect
- Price reversed from resistance of 104.30
- Currently resting along support of 102.50 which coincides with the 61.8% fibonacci retracement level
- Next major support level at 99.75, with interim support at 101
NZD/USD slips ahead of GDP, Fed meetingThe New Zealand dollar is sharply lower in Wednesday trade. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.6095, down 0.61%.
US inflation ticked lower in October as expected and the release was a non-event for the markets, which slightly reduced their rate-cut pricing. Headline CPI climbed 3.1% year-on-year in November, down from 3.2% in October and in line with the market estimate of 3.1%. Core CPI, which is considered a more reliable gauge of inflation trends, climbed 4.0% year-on year in November, unchanged from October. This matched the market estimate of 4.0%.
On a monthly basis, both CPI and Core CPI ticked higher. CPI came in at 0.1%, up from 0.0% in October and the core rate also rose from 0.2% to 0.3%. Both readings matched the market estimates. A decline in gasoline prices helped pull down inflation. However, a wide range of goods and services experienced price increases, suggesting that underlying inflation remains sticky.
Today's FOMC meeting could provide clues as to what the Fed has in mind in the New Year. The markets have priced in a pause today at close to 100%, so the focus will be the rate statement and Jerome Powell's post-meeting press conference. If Powell is hawkish and pushes back against rate cuts, it could force the market to again reduce rate cut expectations.
New Zealand releases GDP for the third quarter on Thursday, with expectations for a weak gain of 0.2% q/q, compared to a sharp gain in Q2 of 0.9%. On an annualized basis, the market consensus stands at 0.5%, following a 1.8% gain in the second quarter. An unexpected reading could have a strong impact on the direction of the New Zealand dollar.
NZD/USD is putting pressure on support at 0.6076. Below, there is support at 0.6031
There is resistance at 0.6150 and 0.6195
THE KOG REPORT - NFPKOG REPORT – NFP:
This is our view for NFP tomorrow, please do your own research and analysis to make an informed decision on the markets. It is not recommended you try to trade the event if you have less than 6 months trading experience and have a trusted risk strategy in place. The markets are extremely volatile, and these events can cause aggressive swings in price.
Quick NFP Report today with the levels to look for a reaction in price. Would say we're only looking for one move, that's down into the support regions before capturing a potential tap and bounce back up. If price does go up, we'll be sitting and waiting for the order region to break and then assess the price action over the weekend before then making a plan which we will share on the KOG Report.
Key levels:
Support – 2000-05 and below that 1975-80.
Resistance – 2035 and above that 2055, break above we’ll be on for targeting that wick.
Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated.
As always, trade safe.
KOG
AUD/USD slips ahead of RBA decisionThe Australian dollar has started the week in negative territory. In the European session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6648, down 0.40%. The Australian dollar is coming off a strong week, with gains of 1.38%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold rates at 4.35% at its Tuesday rate meeting. The central bank has paused for four straight months and the markets don't expect any further hikes. Still, the RBA could send a hawkish message along with the pause to dampen speculation about a rate hike in 2024, with inflation still high at 4.9%, which is well above the 2% target.
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell spoke on Friday, and his split message sent the US dollar sharply lower against most of the majors, including the Australian dollar which jumped 1.06%.
Powell noted that monetary policy is "well into restrictive territory" and that inflation is "moving in the right direction". The markets interpreted these remarks as signals that the Fed is done with rate tightening. Although Powell warned that it was premature to assume that the Fed had achieved a "sufficiently restrictive stance", investors viewed the remarks as dovish and the US dollar fell sharply.
The futures markets have priced in a rate cut in March at 59% and in May at 87%, according to the CME FedWatch tool. The Fed clearly doesn't share this stance, as most Fed members who spoke last week supported the case for holding rates at current levels for some time.
This disconnect between the Fed and the markets is likely to continue as the Fed is unlikely to discuss rate cuts while inflation remains above the 2% target. The markets are looking at a rate cut in late 2024, but a lot could happen until then. If the economy cools more quickly than expected, the RBA would have to give thought to cutting rates in order to boost growth.
AUD/USD tested support at 0.6639 earlier. Below, there is support at 0.6603
0.6712 and 0.6748 are the next resistance lines
USD/CAD eyes Canadian job data, US PMIThe Canadian dollar continues to gain ground against a slumping US dollar. In the European session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3529, down 0.23%.
The Canadian currency is poised to post a third straight winning week against the greenback and soared 2.25% in November. It is a busy Friday, with Canada releasing the employment report, the US publishing the ISM Manufacturing PMI and Fed Chair Powell speaking at an event in Atlanta.
Canada's labour market has softened but remains in good shape and has shown expansion for three straight months. The economy is expected to have added 15,000 jobs in November, slightly lower than the 17,500 reading in October. The market consensus for the unemployment rate stands at 5.8%, compared to 5.7% in October.
This week's GDP report was another reminder that the economy remains weak. Third-quarter GDP declined by 0.3% q/q, below the revised o.3% gain in Q2 and the first decline since the second quarter of 2021. High interest rates have cooled the economy and exports were down in the third quarter as global demand remains weak. On an annualized basis, GDP slid 1.1% in the third quarter, compared to a revised 1.4% gain in Q2 and shy of the market consensus of 0.2%.
The US wraps up the week with the ISM Manufacturing PMI. The manufacturing sector has been in a prolonged slump and the PMI has indicated contraction for twelve consecutive months. The PMI is expected to improve to 47.6 in November, compared to 46.7 in October. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.
Investors will be listening closely to Jerome Powell's remarks today, looking for hints about upcoming rate decisions. Powell has stuck to his script of a 'higher for longer' rate policy, but the markets have priced in a rate cut in May at 84%.
USD/CAD tested resistance at 1.3564 in the Asian session. Above, there is resistance at 1.3665
1.3494 and 1.3434 are providing support
NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 12/1/2023 SessionCME_MINI:NQZ2023
- PR High: 15966.75
- PR Low: 15950.00
- NZ Spread: 37.25
Key economic events
10:00 | ISM Manufacturing PMI
- ISM Manufacturing Prices
11:00 | Fed Chair Powell Speaks
Maintaining weekly range
- Failed to hold inventory below 15830 zone
- Vol spike expected for Powell
Evening Stats (As of 2:55 AM)
- Weekend Gap: N/A
- Gap 10/30 +0.47% (open < 14272)
- Session Open ATR: 202.13
- Volume: 26K
- Open Int: 281K
- Trend Grade: Neutral
- From ATH: -5.0% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 15247
- Mid: 14675
- Short: 13531
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
Nasdaq100 Ahead Of Fed- The Nasdaq 100 index declined 2.60% last week, yet closed above the 14,000 major weekly support.
- Ahead of the Fed, quarterly bond sales plan and Apple's earnings; the mentioned support (represented in both: the 50-EMA and the downward channel's lower boundary) would play an important role in deciding the market's path on the short/medium-term.
- The technical indicators suggesting an upward rebound targeting: 14,520- 14,700 resistance levels.
GBP/USD calm ahead of UK GDPThe UK economy has been struggling and Friday's GDP is expected to indicate negative growth, with a market consensus of -0.1% q/q for the third quarter. In Q2, GDP showed a small gain of 0.2%. August GDP is expected at 0.0% m/m, after a 0.2% gain in September. A soft GDP report will raise speculation about a recession and could weigh on the pound.
Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill appeared to backtrack earlier today after saying on Wednesday that market pricing of a rate cut in August 2024 was "not totally unreasonable". Pill stated on Thursday that the BoE expected to maintain restrictive rates for an extended period, but would not make any promises. On Wednesday, Governor Bailey dismissed the possibility of rate cuts in the short term, and Pill may have wanted to put to rest any speculation that his remarks contradicted Bailey's comments. The BoE maintained rates at 5.25% last week and holds its next meeting on 14 December.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell didn't discuss monetary policy in public remarks on Wednesday, and the markets will again be looking for some hints about monetary policy when Powell speaks later in the day.
Earlier this week, two Fed members sounded hawkish about inflation. On Wednesday, Philadelphia Fed President Harker said he expected rates to stay higher for longer and there were no signs that the Fed would trim rates in the near term. This followed Dallas Fed President Logan, who said that inflation remains too high and looks to be trending towards 3% rather than the Fed's 2% inflation target. Logan warned that the Fed would have to maintain tight financial conditions in order to bring inflation back to target.
1.2287 is a weak resistance line. Above, there is resistance at 1.2340
There is support at 1.2214 and 1.2175
NZD/USD edges higher ahead of manufacturing PMIThe New Zealand dollar is in positive territory on Wednesday. In the European session, NZD/USD is trading at 0.5926, up 0.26%.
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has been in decline for seven consecutive months and little change is expected from the October PMI, which will be released on Friday. The market consensus stands at 45.0, compared to 45.3 in September, which marked a 2-year low. Business activity in the manufacturing sector has been dampened by weak global demand and elevated borrowing costs have exacerbated the prolonged slump.
China has been struggling with a significant slowdown, which is bad news for the New Zealand economy, as China is New Zealand's number one trading partner. China is grappling with deflationary pressures, and the October inflation report was softer than expected due to a sharp decline in the price of pork.
Inflation in China fell by 0.2% y/y in October, down from 0.0% in September and lower than the market consensus of -0.1%. Monthly, CPI declined by 0.2%, versus a 0.2% rise in September and below the market consensus of 0.0%. If deflation continues, it could cause a downturn in inflation expectations that could dampen consumer spending.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell didn't discuss monetary policy in public remarks on Wednesday, and the markets will again be listening carefully as Powell speaks later today. Earlier this week, two Fed members sounded hawkish about inflation.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia Fed President Harker said he expected rates to stay higher for longer and there were no signs of rate cuts in the near term. This followed Dallas Fed President Logan, who said that inflation remains too high and looks to be trending towards 3% rather than the Fed's 2% inflation target. Logan warned that the Fed would have to maintain tight financial conditions in order to bring inflation back to target.
NZD/USD continues to test support at 0.5929. The next support line is 0.5858
There is resistance at 0.5996 and 0.6069
No such thing as a Hawkish pause? USD overrated? Has the market adopted the term “hawkish pause” to bolster USD bids? It could be possible that, in an attempt to drag out USD strength just a little bit longer (euro has weakened –4.20% in past 6 months), the term Hawkish Pause has been thrown around with not-enough criticism.
Not many people have confidence in the US Fed to really make the hard decisions (transitory inflation anyone?), including being able to start up the rate hiking engine again (this year or next) after a few pauses. If they do, will they do it in a timely manner?
Jerome Powell, this morning noted in his public address that the committee hasn’t discussed what it might plan for its December decision but dismissed the idea that it would be difficult to start hiking again (if the conditions in the market require such an action). There are two more inflation readings and two more labor market readings before the last decision of the year.
Maybe investors have shrugged off the hawkish pause rhetoric this morning though. The Australian dollar is pumping, up 0.94% at last look, while the dollar has fallen more than half a percent against the yen. The euro is only up 0.16%.
Market Update - October 20th
False ETF news gives bitcoin a boost: Crypto markets were frenzied on Tuesday after Cointelegraph posted an unconfirmed tweet that the SEC had approved a spot bitcoin ETF. Bitcoin prices jumped over $2,000 USD in minutes before the news was deemed false.
GBTC discount to NAV continues to tighten: The discount between shares of Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and the net asset value of the fund is at its lowest level in almost two years. After starting the year at a nearly 50% discount, GBTC’s discount has moved to ~13%, reflecting increased expectations that a bitcoin spot ETF will be approved in the near future.
Uniswap introduces 0.15$ swap fee: The move was described as an effort to “sustainably fund operations.” UNI is trading about even over the past seven days following the news.
The European Central Bank moves closer to a digital euro: The bloc’s central bank announced that it had moved from the investigation phase to the preparation phase of its digital euro project. ECB president Christine Lagarde tweeted that they “envisage a digital euro as a digital form of cash that can be used for all digital payments.”
Treasury yields continue upward trajectory, and Powell sees continued strength in the US economy: US treasury yields have continued to put pressure on equities, with the 10-year treasury touching 4.98% for the first time since 2007. Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the continued strength of the US economy may warrant further tightening, but didn’t foreshadow an immediate policy shift.
🏖️ Topic of the Week: Liquidity Pools
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