Saturday, April 30, 2011

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Next Weeks Webinars May 2nd-6th 2011

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 11:04 AM PDT

register-fxdd-live-training-feb-20111

Next Weeks Webinars May 2nd-6th 2011

Week ahead in trading Monday 9:30am - Register

Forex Basics Monday 4pm - Register

Traders Course Lesson 01 Tuesday at 4pm - Register

More Webinars…

Weekly Wrap up Rebroadcast

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 10:51 AM PDT

forex-wrap-up

Weekly Wrap up with Greg and Shawn from April 29th 2011 Watch the Rebroadcast (Video Pending)

Canada Flaherty says GDP still on track for strong gains in 2011

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 09:20 AM PDT

Although GDP was weak today, the 2011 GDP is still on track for 2.9-3.0%.

Rebroadcast of the FXStreet webinar

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 07:49 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0073

To review the rebroadcast of the FXStreet webinar on FEAR in Trading click on the following link:

http://www.fxstreet.com/webinars/sessions/session.aspx?id=703a7087-4d36-477f-b617-286f20d4fd48

Friday, April 29, 2011

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Gold moving back higher. Reverses the dollars gains

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 07:10 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0070With

Gold making yet again new highs the dollar correction slows.

fxdd_picture0071

The longer term next target comes in at 1571.54. 

fxdd_picture0072

University of Michigan final revision comes in at 69.8 vs 70.0

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 07:08 AM PDT

Meanwhile the April NAPM came in at 68 vs 63.0 expected. Although stronger this does not carry the weight of other regional indices.

EURUSD breaks trendline support

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 06:45 AM PDT

The downside trendline was broken in the EURUSD and should lead to further corrective pressure. The trendline will now be resistance for the pair. That level comes in at 1.4757.

fxdd_picture0069

The Chicago PMI has come out at 67.6 vs expectation of 68.2. This should lead to a lower dollar. If the EURUSD is to continue to correct, staying below the trendline is needed.  The next targets is the 1.4798 and the 1.4769 levels

USDJPY holds 81.12 and moves higher

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 06:28 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0068

The USDJPY tested the low levels from the post Central Bank intervention period and has moved higher.  The holding of this level should solicit some covering action from the sharp two day fall in the pair. However, the comments from the Fed/Bernanke continue to weigh on the dollar longer term so be aware for limited upside potential. The  81.62 and 81.74 where the 100 hour MA and the 38.2% of the move down is located.

The JPY is a special currency in that the economic situation is likely to be weak over the 1H of 2011 as the country rebounds from the effects of the earthquake/tsunami devastation.  A stronger JPY is not what the BOJ was looking to achieve.  The good news is exporters in Japan, had the opportunity to sell USDJPY at higher levels on the move up to the 85.50 area. This allowed them to repatriate funds at rates that were congruent with the highs going back to August 2010. They had a chance and it appears that the move down from the high was just that…

It is unlikely the BOJ wants the USDJPY to move too quickly to the downside but the intention of the buying may  have served its purpose and it is up to the market to decide now.

fxdd_picture0067

NZDUSD surges higher after failing to satisfy the shorts

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:59 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0065

The NZDUSD has moved back higher after holding support against the November 2010 low.  The move to the low also breached the 200 hour MA (see green line in the chart below) but quickly rejected the move.  Today,the pair has found good buying that has taken the pair back above the 100 hour MA (blue line in the chart below).  The next target is the 0.8082 and the 0.8104 level.

fxdd_picture0066

Personal Spending as expected, Income better. Canada GDP weaker. USDCAD rises.

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:35 AM PDT

Personal Spending caem in at 0.6% vs 0.9% last month while Personal Income came in at +0.5% vs +0.4% last month.  The Income data was better than expected and is good news for consumers.

In Canada GDP for the month came in weaker at -0.2% vs expectations of unchanged.

fxdd_picture0064

The USDCAD has move higher on the news and looks to move through the 100 hour MA at the 0.9514 level. The 200 hour MA is close by at the 0.9526 level. The CAD has been supported (lower USDCAD) by higher oil prices

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-April.29.2011

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:22 AM PDT

bob-slade-forex-trading-7-150x200Good Morning:

London markets were closed today-as the UK takes a national holiday for the Royal wedding.

In EZ news the German Retail Sales data was very weak-as consumers in the regions largest economy slowed down on their spending, as the high price of energy takes a bite out of their discretionary income.  This data may put into question the speed that the ECB will continue to increase interest rates.
CHF was strong again-as data suggested that the economy is operating smoothly, and growing.

The continued USD weakness is due in part to the Fed’s monetary ploicy staying on hold, and the economy limping ahead, not really gaining any significant traction. 

Asian and European equity markets are mixed-and US Futures are higher at this time.

Oil continues to soar-along with gold.

Oil:$113.22                                      Gold:$1539.20         

 

TIME FOR EST. PRIOR
8:30A.M. EMPLOYMENT COST INDEX 1Q 0.50% 0.40%
8:30A.M. PERSONAL INCOME MAR. 0.40% 0.30%
8:30A.M. PERSONAL SPENDING      MAR. 0.50% 0.70%
8:30A.M. PCE DEFLATOR YoY MAR. 1.90% 1.60%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE MoM MAR. 0.10% 0.20%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE YoY MAR. 0.90% 0.90%
9:45A.M. CHICAGO PURCHASING MANAGER APRIL 68.2O      7O.6
9:55A.M. U. OF MICHIGAN CONFIDENCE  APRIL F       7O.O 69.6O
10:00A.M. ANNUAL REVISIONS:RETAIL SALES      

HAVE A GREAT DAY-WEEKEND & GOOD LUCK

US Dollar reaches 3 year low at 72.869

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:17 AM PDT

The dollar index is a weighted basket of currencies (FXDD does not quote it as a  traded instrument). The basket is weighted so the EURUSD has a high weight in the index.  Although currencies like the USDJPY are well above the lows, other currencies like the EURUSD, GBPUSD, AUDUSD, NZDUSD and USDCHF are at extreme levels. The combination is what has the index at the lows.

USDJPY: The USDJPY reached new week lows today with the 80.96 level on being the next target support on the daily chart below. The pair is down to the non-trending area after the concerted central bank intervention.  The low for that consolidation was 80.69, while the high was at 81.30.

fxdd_picture0062

EURUSD: The pair is pushing yesterday’s high at 1.4881 with support along trendline at 1.4855. The market has to make a choice.  Does it break higher after consolidating, or crack the trendline and look to correct lower?

fxdd_picture0063

US Core PCE expected to come in at 0.1%

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:12 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0061

Canada GDP expected to come in flat this month

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:07 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0060

Personal Income and Spending due at

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 05:02 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0059

 

fxdd_picture0058

Swiss KOF barometer 2.29; better than expected.

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 02:31 AM PDT


Eurozone CPI

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 02:10 AM PDT

E/Z CPI Flash Estimate y/y came in at 2.8%, stronger than the 2.7% expected.

Eur/Usd is making new highs, currently trading at 1.4864.

E/Z economic confidence and consumer confidence weaker than forecast

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 02:08 AM PDT

E/Z Economic confidence for April came in at 106.2, weaker than the 107.0 forecast.

Consumer confidence came in at -11.6, weaker than the -11.4 expected.

Eur/Usd trades at 1.4860.

Euro-zone money supply/private loans

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 01:01 AM PDT

  • M3 Money Supply (y/y) - Survey: 2.2%   Actual: 2.3%   Prior: 2.0%
  • Private Loans (y/y) - Survey: 2.9%   Actual: 2.5%   Prior: 2.6%
  • Italian Monthly Unemployment - Survey: 8.4%   Actual: 8.3%   Prior: 8.4%

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Gold continues surge to new record highs

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 07:06 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0046

The flight into gold has continued today as it trades at a fresh record. Yesterday the price moved above channel trendline and today the price tested the trendline, found buyers and moved to the new highs.

fxdd_picture0047

Targeting levels becomes more difficult.  Staying above the channel trendline is the stop for new longs in the market and represents the risk in the volatile market. On the topside, the next key target is centered around the 1570 area where the trendline and the 138.2% Fibonacci extension is found.  This extension is from the move in the chart above from A to B (Jan low to the Feb high)

The move higher in Gold is pushing the dollar back lower. The EURUSD has moved through the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5  minute chart and moved toward the 1.4850 trendline level.

fxdd_picture0048

Pending Home Sales stronger at +5.1%

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 07:02 AM PDT

The prior month was revised lower however to 0.7% from +2.1%. Nevertheless with the stronger gain (vs 1.5% expectation), the data is good news for the housing market.

FXstreet Webinar with Greg Michalowski 11am TODAY

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:49 AM PDT

fxstreet-april-28-2011

Join Greg for a live training today at 11am Reserve your seat now

EURUSD tests 100 and 200 bar MA

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:43 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0045

The EURUSD has moved back higher after consolidating above and below the 38.2% retracement level. The pair is testing the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart which have converged (Threes a Crowd). What we look for is the market to move away from this level. The market is testing the resolve of the bulls. The EURUSD has had a sharp run up. I would not be surprised to see a correction. However, I will listen to the market as well and if the MA levels are broken, the bulls might wrestle control back again.

The NY Morning Forex Call for April 27th

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:37 AM PDT

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-April.28.2011

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:40 AM PDT

bob-slade-forex-trading-5-150x200Good Morning:

Fed Chairman Bernanke’s press conference added to the woes of the greenback in overnight trading. The Euro, GBP, and Aussie all set 2011 highs, as the Fed Chairman reaffirmed the Fed’s accommodating monetary policy.  Chairman Bernanke gave no indication as to when he is considering a change in policy, except that he will change it’s course until the employment picture and economic growth show significant traction.
Japan’s economic data was disappointing, but not completely unexpected, after the March 11 earthquake.  Household spending, industrial production  contracted at a record pace, with auto production cut in half.

Gold climbed to a record high overnight, as investors seek alternative investments-with precious metals on the top of the list.
Oil traded off it’s 31 month high-as speculation that slow US growth will hamper demand for crude.

Jobless claims rose 25K, and Advance GDP came in at 1.8% versus 2.0% that was widely expected.

Asian and European equity markets traded mixed-and US Futures are lower at this time.

Oil:$112.67                                                                   Gold:$1529.50

TODAY’S RELEASES
TIME FOR EST. PRIOR
8:30A.M. CHICAGO FED NAT ACTIVITY INDEX MAR. -O.O4
8:30A.M. GDP QoQ 1Q A 2.00% 3.10%
8:30A.M. PERSONAL CONSUMPTION      1Q A 2.00% 4.00%
8:30A.M. GDP PRICE INDEX  1Q A 2.30% 0.40%
8:30A.M. CORE PCE QoQ 1Q A 1.40% 0.40%
8:30A.M. INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS 23-Apr 395K     403K
8:30A.M. CONTINUING CLAIMS 16-Apr 3680K    3695K
10:00A.M. PENDING HOME SLAES MoM MAR. 1.50% 2.10%
10:00A.M. PENDING HOME SALES YoY MAR. -9.30%

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK 

GDP 1.8%. Initial Claims bad at 429K

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:32 AM PDT

GDP 1.8% . Consumption a better at 2.7%.  The Core PCE rose 1.5% vs 1.4%

Contributions to GDP
Personal Consumption: 1.91%
Investment: +1.01%
Net Trade: -0.8%
Governement: -1.09T

Within those contributions, inventories at just 0.93% after substracting -3.42% in the 4Q.  Exports rose 0.64% while imports contributed a -0.72%

Initial Claims rose to 429 vs expectations of 390-395k. This is going the wrong way with the last 3 weeks being back above the 400K level.

The dollar is dipping on the data with the worry being the jobs it seems and the realization that GDP at 1.8% is not all that great.

fxdd_picture0044

ECB Juncker Greece restructuring not an option

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:30 AM PDT


GBPUSD. Watching 1.6625 below

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:25 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0043

The 1.66256 level in the GBPUSD is the 38.2% of the move up from the low yesterday to the high today. The pair moved higher in the Far east session but came off during the London morning. Looking at the chart, the price dipped below the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart, found some intraday buyers against the 200 bar MA, but has dipped below in early NY trade.  A continuation move below the 38.2% would continue the corrective momentum in that direction. Traders who sold or took profit above, have risk on a move back above the turning 100 and 200 bar MAS now.  The 200 bar MA comes in at 1.6672 and the 100 bar MA (blue in chart above) comes in at 1.6683.

EURUSD tests 38.2% Fibo level pre US GDP

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:06 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0041

Event risk is increased pre GDP.  However, the pair is currently testing the 38.2% of the move up from the pre-Bernanke low.  That level comes in at 1.4786.   The GDP is expected to come in at 1.8% to 2.0% but the 1st cut of GDP can be quite volatile as the Commerce Department uses estimates for some of the data which has not yet been reported.   So the number is subject to revisions. Interestingly enough there are rumors in the market the data will be weaker than expected.  That should keep the US dollar pressured. Yet the dollar is more bid pre number.  

Another downside target should momentum to the downside continue would be the 1.4732 level where the 38.2% of the move up from the weeks low is found.  Below that level 1.4718.

fxdd_picture0042

On the topside the 200 and 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart would provide bullish clues for the market (see chart above). The 200 bar MA (green line), is 1.4824 and the 100 bar MA (Blue line) comes in at the 1.4839 level.  A move above each would be positive.  However, do note the 100 bar MA has started to dip to the downside. This could be indicative of a more cautious/profit taking market.  So watch for sellers against the levels with stops above.

Pending Home Sales expected to show a 1.5% gain

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:03 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0040

The March Pending Home sales will be released at 10:00 AM and are expected to show a gain of 1.5%.  The

Initial Claims and Continuing Claims expected to move back below 400k

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:59 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0039

The last few weeks has seen the Intial Claims move back above the 400k figure. This puts into question the job recovery as economists like to see the number below the 400K as a benchmark for job growth. This week the expectation is for a move back below the 400 K value.

The Continuing Claims are expected to fall to 3680k from 3695K last week.

US GDP due out at 8:30 AM ET

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:55 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0038

Although the expectation for the GDP for this survey says 1.7%, the estimate has been ratcheted up as a result of some better Durable Goods and an overall more positive assessment. The market would not be surprised with a 2% number today.

Consumption is expected to reise by 2% vs 4% last quarter. GDP Price index is expected 2.3% with Core PCE at 1.4%.

German unemployment fell 37,000 in April.

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:56 AM PDT


German Unemployment Change @ 3:55

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:37 AM PDT

4-28-german-empl

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

USDCHF tests 38.2% Fibo retracement level

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 06:26 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0024

The USDCHF fell sharply in the early Asian session but has since enjoyed a trend-like move to the upside.  The step by step progression higher (see 5 minute chart above) initially found resistance against the 100 bar MA (blue line). After it broke above that, it paused at the 200 bar MA (green bar).  It broke through that and then tested the MA level on the correction. The ability to find buyers against the level and push higher has led to increased momentum with a high so far of 0.8795.

On a trend type move, it is not uncommon for the 38.2% retracement to play a more important role. That retracement can be on shorter legs as well. Remember..trends are fast. Trends are directional.  So waiting for a correction of the entire move can never occur.  As a result, I will target the shorter 38.2% of the most recent legs higher. If the level holds, this often gives the longs added confidence for the trend to continue. That level comes in currently at the 0.87729 level (see chart above). Stay above that and the bulls remain in charge.

Where are we going?  On the topside, the move has reached a key level on the hourly chart that needs to broken to encourage more buying (see chart  below). That level is the 38.2% retracement of the move down from the April 20th highat the 0.8799 level. A break above this level and then a  move above the 100 hour MA (blue line in the chart above)  at the 0.8813 level will give bulls the needed boost for a move higher.  However, don’t be surprised to see some profit taking against the key levels as well with stops above.  

fxdd_picture0023

Overall, the days trend remains in tact (above 0.87729) but don’t be surprised to see willing sellers on a next move higher as the market awaits Bernanke with 0.8799 and 0.8813 as key levels to breach.

EURUSD inches lower in cautious trade ahead of FOMC/Bernanke

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:48 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0021

The EURUSD is inching lower in cautious trade. The better than expected Durable Goods data led to a small move to the downside but the pair continues to find buyers on dips. The highs from yesterday betwen 1.4646-56 represent the support target that cannot be broken.  Above the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart (see above) are converging at the 1.4673 level. This is congruent with a balanced market. 

Of course we have the hyped FOMC decision at 12:30 PM ET followed by Chairman Bernanke’s first ever press conference at 2;15 PM ET. So perhaps the neutral stance near the highs is warranted.  The chairmans comments of late suggest he is in the camp of keeping rates low for a while which would favor the lower dollar.  However, with QE2 ending in June, he could surprise with detailed comments on it.

fxdd_picture0022

Looking at the daily chart a move above the 1.4673 level should look to target the topside channel resistance once again. The channel trendline has been tested no fewer than 8 times including earlier today at the 1.3711 level (high was 1.3712).  Once again seller came in against the level and the price rotated down. Keep this level /trendline in mind post the FOMC decision and comments. It should give clues to traders. A break should be bullish and lead to further upside momentum. If the level holds (or fails on the break) I would expect the sellers to start lining up to push the price back lower.   It is a key level on the upside today.

Durable Goods come out at 2.5%

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:30 AM PDT

Ex Trans +1.3%.

Revisions also higher. Was -0.6%, revised up to +0.7%.

This is better data and should be good for 1st quarter GDP.

The USDJPY is toying with the 200 hour MA at the 82.28 level.  A move above and confirmation through the 82.35-40 level should open the door for further momentum higher. 

fxdd_picture0020

US Durable Goods due at 8:30 AM ET

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:17 AM PDT

fxdd_picture0018

fxdd_picture0019

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-April.27.2011

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:14 AM PDT

bob-slade-forex-trading-6-150x200Good Morning:

Risk was back on center stage overnight-as Australian CPI data posted better than expected-pushing the Aussie through the 1.08 handle.
In the UK-GDP printed at .5%, which showed that the UK economy is fairly robust, even with their austerity measures and weak consumer sentiment.  The GBP rallied as many investors were anticipating weaker data.

Markets will be waiting for 2:15 PM this afternoon-which will signal the end of the FOMC meeting-and will feature Fed Chairman Bernanke’s press conference.  Markets are not expecting any interest rate increase at this time-but they are looking for any signal of when the Fed’s QE policy will be coming to an  end.

S&P cut Japan’s sovereign rating outlook to negative.  Costs for rebuilding the country after the March 11 earthquake will no doubt hurt the countries ability to produce products for export, which is the backbone of Japan’s economy.

Asian equity markets were mixed-Europe and US Futures are higher at this time.

Oil:$112.40                                                                 Gold:$1508.90

  TODAY’S RELEASES
TIME FOR EST. PRIOR   REVISED
7:00A.M. MBA MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS 22-Apr 5.30%
8:30A.M. DURABLE GOODS ORDERS MAR. 2.00% -0.90% -0.60%
8;30A.M. DURABLES EX TRANSPORTATION      MAR. 2.20% -0.60% -0.30%
12:30P.M. FOMC RATE DECISION
2:15P.M. FOMC PRESS CONFERENCE         

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

The FXDD Opening Forex Call for April 27th

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:03 AM PDT

Euro-area Feb. ind. new orders rise 0.9%; worse than expected.

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 02:03 AM PDT


Euro-area industrial new orders @ 5

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 01:51 AM PDT

4-27-eu-new-orders

Orphanides says Greek restructuring is a “bad idea”.

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 01:49 AM PDT


U.K first quarter GDP rises 0.5%.

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 01:33 AM PDT

Morgage approvals were 31.7K; better than expected and index of services was as expected at -0.3%. Sterling made gains against all of the major currencies.

See below, the pound advanced nearly 100 pips against the USD immediatley following the release after trading continually lower the fast few hours.

 4-27-hourly1

 

The U.K. treasury says it is goodnews that the economy has returned to growth and added that manufacturing is growing strongly.

Coming up in 5 minutes…

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 01:26 AM PDT

4-27-index4-27-uk-gbp

4-27-uk-mortgage

USD Making Gains After Receding Earlier

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 11:33 PM PDT

We are currently seeing some strength in the USD against all of the major pairs after losing strength earlier as investors reduced their USD exposure as the market awaits the U.S. federal funds rate decision/FOMC statement in roughly ten hours from now. The central bank will conclude its meeting today with a press conference with Ben Bernanke; the market will be hunting for clues in regards to whether the Fed will continue its accommodative monetary policy. Forecasts anticipate that rates will be left unchanged at 0.25%.

With regards to the USD versus the JPY, we see the pair currently testing the 81.83 level where we find the 100 hour moving average converging with the 50.0% fibo line on the move from April 25th highs to today’s lows. Continued upward momentum could see the pair head towards the 82.00 figure, but resistance found here could bring us back towards 81.697; the 38.2% retracement level.

4-27-hourly

German GfK consumer climate 5.7; worse than expected.

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 11:07 PM PDT

Euro sold on the release.

4-27 Economic Calender

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 09:04 PM PDT

4-27-calender

Australian CPI Comes Out Better Than Expectations

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 06:40 PM PDT

Consumer Prices (QoQ): Survey: 1.2%   Actual: 1.6%  Prior: 0.4%

1Q 2011 vs. 4Q 2010
Goods Component: 1.6% vs 0.5%
Services Component: 1.4% vs 0.3%
Tradables Component: 1.8% vs 0.3%
Non-Tradables Component: 1.4% vs 0.4%

Consumer Prices (YoY): Survey: 3.0%   Actual: 3.3%   Prior:  2.7%