Thursday, November 4, 2010

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Ivey PMI comes in much weaker. Give USDCAD a boost

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 07:12 AM PDT

Canada Ivey Purchasing Manager Down

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 07:04 AM PDT

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ECBs Trichet gives his views and the lower dollar continue

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 06:53 AM PDT

ECB’s Trichet on the Wires:

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 06:40 AM PDT

  • ECB Interest rates are appropriate
  • Economic uncertainty still prevailing
  • Inflation pressures remain contained over medium term
  • Inflation expectations remain firmly anchored
  • Firm anchoring of inflation expectations of ‘essense’
  • ECB policy will be adjusted as appropriate
  • Government council will monitor all  developments closely
  • Inflation will remain at current levels
  • Risks to inflation outlook titled to upside
  • Domestic price pressures remain contained
  • Credit data suggest turning point earlier this year
  • Challenge remains to expand bank credit
  • Its essential that nations pursue credible plans
  • Countries must implement consolidation plans
  • Any positive fiscal development must be exploited
  • Major reforms needed in high-deficit countries.
  • Doesn’t think U.S. is pursuing weak dollar policy

Bernanke’s Washington Post Op-ed

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 05:47 AM PDT

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/03/AR2010110307372.html

FOMC Chairman’s Op-Ed in the Washington Post (click on the link above) explains his/the Feds reasoning for the increased QE conducted yesterday.  As discussed during our webinar on Tuesday, the Fed remains concerned about the low inflation/high employment that has persisted since reaching the abyss of the recession. Typically, unemployment moves lower, faster, after a steep recession and this in turn supports prices as businesses look to recoup from the recesssion.

 That has not occurred.  PCE fell to 1.2% YoY this week with MoM showing no change.  Next month, a 0.3% gain from a year ago, drops out of the calculation which should lower the PCE below 1% YoY.  Unemployment at 9.6% from 10.1% is not improvement.

The resulting effect from “this times” dead cat bounce, is lower incomes and expectation for lower prices (i.e. deflation or disinflation).  The Feds hinting of additional QE over the last month or so, has led to lower mortgage rates and could be spurring on some growth in that sector as a result.  However, judging from the change in interest rates on the longer end post the announcement yesterday, the effects on mortgage rates might have already seen the good news.  Today we saw Unit Labor Costs declining for the 3Q which is not good news for future spending. Workers need more money to spend more money. However, that is also now in the rear view mirror.

What we and the Fed will be looking at is the road ahead. Will the stimulus from the increased purchases find its way into the hands of businesses and ultimately in the consumers pocketbooks.  Will the resulting lower dollar lead to increased investment from abroad - even in housing?  Will exports of services from the likes of IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, lead to a more balanced trade picture and higher growth.  That is the road we will be looking at ahead.

For those worried about too much money being printed, it may be, but Bernanke feels he has no choice. However, be aware that if the Fed sees an increase in lending activity. If they start to see an increase in the velocity of money. If they see deleveraging slow. iIf they see job gains. They will tighten and take back fast.  When will that happen?  Time will tell, but indications remain that it will not be soon.

Productivity up but what good is it? Initial Claims disappoint too

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 05:34 AM PDT

Non Farm Productivity was stronger at +1.9% for the quarter erasing the -1.8% decline last month but what good is it when Unit Labor Costs FELL by -.1%.  Workers are working harder for less pay.  Less pay means less spending. 

Meanwhile the US Initial Claims gains from last week were erased today.  The 457 K number is a disappointment.  It may be influenced by Columbus Day but…Lower dollar

Jobless Claims Rise Again

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 05:31 AM PDT

Nonfarm Productivity:        Survey: 1.0%         Actual:  1.9%        Prior:  -1.8%       

Jobless Claims:     Survey: 442K    Actual:  457K   Prior: 434K    Revised: 437K   

Continuing Claims:      Survey: 4378K    Actual: 4340K    Prior: 4356K    Revised: 4382K

Unit Labor Costs:           Survey: 0.6%         Actual:  -.1%         Prior:  1.1%        Revised: 1.3%

BOE keeps their rate and QE unchanged

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 05:02 AM PDT

Bank of England maintains banchmark interest rate at 0.5%. They also kept the Asset Purchase Program steady at 200 billion pounds. This is as expected.

The BOE has to struggle with better data of late but high inflation (above 3% upper target). The other wild card is the effects of the austerity program in the future with higher VAT and less government fiscal stimulus. This may lead to an increase in QE in the 1st quarter of 2011. But until then, the BOE will be happy to see if the inflation can find a way to dip down.

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The GBPUSD is higher and that helps lower import inflation, but with the GBP weaker vs the EURGBP and GBPJPY (at least from a broader picture), the question is could the currency use some more strength.

EURGBP is higher over the last few months, and GBPJPY rallying off the lows but still near the lows longer term, the currency may need a little more strength against those currencies.

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The FOMC fireworks are over. Leads to weak dollar

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 04:52 AM PDT

With the FOMC over, the dollar has voted to the downside. For now at least. In today’s NY Opening Forex Commentary, I look at the EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF, EURJPY, USDCAD and the AUDUSD.
Free forex webinar today at 4PM ET. To register go to http://forex.fxdd.com

US Nonfarm Productivity & Jobless Claims data at 8:30AM

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 04:31 AM PDT

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Eurozone PPI inline at 0.3%

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 03:05 AM PDT

Eurozone PPI m/m came in at 0.3% inline as expected and stronger than the 0.1% prior reading.

Eur/Usd currently trades at 1.4255.

Eurozone Final Services PMI

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 02:02 AM PDT

Eurozone Final Services PMI was revised to 53.3 from 53.2.

Eur/Usd continues to look bid currently trading at 1.4210.

Swiss CPI

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 01:29 AM PDT

Swiss CPI came in at 0.5%, weaker than the 0.7% expected.

This number did not create much of a market effect as the strength of the Euro and the possibility of Jpy intervention remain at the forefront.

Euro continues to show strength

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 01:25 AM PDT

Eur/Usd continues its grind higher, as the pair has jsut made a fresh high of 1.4180. It has not gained a sufficient stronghold above 1.4170, which was an earlier high made after yesterdays FOMC meeting. If the pair does not break above a pullback to 1.4140-45 is likely. A break above should bring us to 1.4210-15 , where there may be light resistance.

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UK Halifax HPI stronger than expected

Posted: 04 Nov 2010 01:02 AM PDT

Halifax HPI m/m came in at 1.8%, stronger than the 0.4% expected and -3.5% prior reading.

Gbp/Usd is trading slightly firmer, currently 1.6153.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

US Factory Orders & ISM Both Higher

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 07:01 AM PDT

ISM Non-Manf. Composite:    Survey: 53.5         Actual:  54.3            Prior: 53.2

Factory Orders:      Survey:  1.6%   Actual: 2.1%    Prior: -0.5%     Revised:  0.0%

FXDD free forex trading webinar Thurs Nov 4th

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 06:49 AM PDT

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FXDD free forex trading webinar Thurs Nov 4th 4pm New York Time 1pm Pacific 20:00 gmt- Click here to register

US ISM & Factory Orders due at 10AM

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 06:21 AM PDT

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NY Morning Forex Commentary:The EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY and USDCHF are covered

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 06:11 AM PDT

Feds Krozner quoted on newswire

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 06:04 AM PDT

The Fed’s main focus is to prevent deflation.

The better ADP report has the EURUSD on the defensive

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:37 AM PDT

Bobbys Corner-Market Open-Nov.3.2010

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:26 AM PDT

bob-slade-forex-trading-3-150x200Good Morning:

Early US election results show that the Republicans took control over the House of Representatives, made gains in the Senate, and in various state houses.

We will wait and see what the shift of power in the House of Representatives will mean to the average American, but for certain, this was a call to the administration that the voters are not happy with the current “State of the Union”. 

The USD weakened a bit as investors flocked to higher-yielding currencies ahead of today’s Fed announcement.
Speculation that the Fed will start to purchase bonds again to spur the economy, is widely anticipated.
Japan was on holiday last night, so the Asian session was extremely quiet
GBP rose on the heels of positive UK PMI data.

All eyes will be on the Fed announcement this afternoon at 2:15 PM (EST) . 

Worldwide equity markets were higher-as are US Futures. 

Oil:$84.77                                   Gold:$1362.20

TIME FOR EST. PRIOR
07:00AM  MBA MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS   OCT 29    —— 3.20%
07:30AM CHALLENGER JOBS YoY JOB CUTS YoY   OCT   ——- -44.10%
08:15AM ADP EMPLOYMENT CHANGE  OCT   20K   -39K
10:00AM ISM NON-MANUF. COMPOSITE  OCT    53.5O   53.2O
10:00AM FACTORY ORDERS  SEPT 1.20%   -O.5%
  02:15PM FOMC RATE DECISION  NOV 3  O.25%   O.25%

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

ADP Showing Improvement in the Job Front

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:17 AM PDT

ADP employment change went to 43K from a survey of 20K and a previous figure of -39K revision come in at -2K showing great improvement. Jobs rise 43,000 in the month of October.

The better ADP report has the USDJPY moving above the 80.84-80.88 level

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:16 AM PDT

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The 80.84-88 level was a key level for the USDJPY.  The next target is the 200 hour MA at the 80.97 level. A move above targets the 81.12.  Support at the 80.84 level now.

Rebroadcast of FXDD webinar Nov 2 2010

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PDT

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Rebroadcast of FXDD webinar Nov 2 2010- Click here to watch

NY Opening Forex Commentary:Election over. FOMC and other data ahead

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 04:56 AM PDT

The EURUSD fell through the 1.4004-10 support but found support against the 38.2% retracement of the trend move up from yesterday.  This gave the bulls another opportunity to buy and they took the price up to the highs from yesterday.  As NY enters the support will be eyed at the 100 and 200 hour MAs at the 1.4026. 

The GBPUSD was boosted by the better than expected PMI Services.  The pair moved to new highs for the week at the 1.6088 level and the high price from Ocotber at 1.6106. These levels will be support for today.

The USDJPY developed a solid floor near the 80.60 level and moved higher toward the 80.84-88 resistance level.   A move above will next target resistance at the 200 hour MA at the 80.97 level.  Watch for support at the 100 hour MA at the 80.70 level

For a detailed look at these pairs and more, click on the following video link.

US ADP Employment Change Data at 8:15

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 04:46 AM PDT

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UK Services PMI stronger than expected

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 02:33 AM PDT

UK Services PMI came in at 53.2, stronger than the 52.4 expected.

Gbp/Usd has made new session highs upon release, trading at 1.6110.

Swiss Retail Sales

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 01:18 AM PDT

Swiss Retail Sales y/y came in at 3.8%, stronger than the 1.4% expected and prior reading of 0.1%.

Not much market reaction on news in a very slow trading session. Usd/Chf and Eur/Chf are unchanged trading at .9783 and 1.3733 respectively.

11-2 Economic Calendar

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 08:55 PM PDT

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

USDJPY rises to resistance, then falls to support

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 07:16 AM PDT

EURUSD holds 1.4010 support. Targets 1.4063

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 06:48 AM PDT

Forex Morning Report- Nov 2

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 06:30 AM PDT

Forex Morning Report- Nov 2

GBPUSD shoots up to test key intraday resistance at 1.6033

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 06:01 AM PDT

EURUSD shoots higher. Eyeing support at 1.4004-10 now

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 05:42 AM PDT

Bobbys Corner-Market Open-Nov.2.2010

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 05:41 AM PDT

bob-slade-forex-trading-8-150x200Good Morning:

Today is mid term election day in the US.  With the entire US House of Representatives, 37 Senate seats and 37 state governor houses up for re election-tomorrow we will most likely wake up to a new political “face” in the US Congress and 37 states. 

Also congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for winning the World Series (their first since 1954).

Now to the markets: The USD lost ground overnight, and stock markets rose ahead of the Fed’s QE2 announcement tomorrow afternoon.  The Fed is expected to start a new round of stimulus tomorrow.  Speculation is that part of that plan will be the purchase of at least $500 mil USD of long term securities.
This new round of stimulus, along with election results, will most probably keep the greenback under pressure.

In a surprise move the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) raised their benchmark interest rate 25bps.  This move took the markets off guard.  Their concerns include the chance of inflation rising over the long term, and they look to stem that by acting accordingly and early.

World equity markets rose, as are US Futures.

Oil:$83.98                                                  Gold:$1357.80

No Major Data due out today.

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

NY Opening Forex Commentary:US Election and FOMC to dominate

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 04:54 AM PDT

The EURUSD has resistance at the 1.4004 to 1.4010 level.  Support at the 1.3943 level. The pair was propelled higher on the back of better PMI data today. With the US focused on QE and the ECB looking to keep rates where they are, the bias remains positive. 

The GBPUSD has suffered after the worse than expected PMI Construction.  Support comes in at 1.5951.  The 100 hour MA is approaching that level as well. On the topside staying below the 1.6005-07 level should be resistance.

USDJPY squeezed higher but ran against resistance at the 100 hour MA at 80.92 level. The 38.2% of the move down from the October 27th high comes in at the 80.91 level.  A move above targets 81.12.  Belwo 80.84 is close support but key support for the pair.

AUDUSD moved higher after a surprise increase in rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia to 4.75 from 4.5%.  The pair moved above parity to a new high of 1.0011 but found profit takers. A break higher targets 1.0070. Support comes in at 0.9962 and 0.9943.

We do have a webinar today at 4PM ET.  To register go to http://forex.fxdd.com/92814/misc/fxdd-webinar-tuesday-nov-2nd-2010

UK Construction PMI weaker than expected

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 02:53 AM PDT

UK Construction PMI came in at 51.6, weaker than the 53.1 expected.

Gbp/Usd came off considerably on news , currently trading at 1.6015.

Eurozone Final Manufacturing PMI

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 02:08 AM PDT

Eurozone Final Manufacturing PMI was revised stronger by 0.5 to 54.6.

Eur/Usd has made new highs on the heels of news, currently trading at 1.3973.

Aussie fails to break above 1.0000, possible pullback

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 12:49 AM PDT

Aud/Usd failed in its first attempt to trade above 1.0000. The pair has given back about 25 points of its recent gains. The 38.2% fibo retracement of move up from .9814 to 1.0001 lies at .9929. This level should act as support if this pullback continues. A clean break above 1.0000 -  1.0010 may send pair considrably higher, so proceed with caution using tight stops.

 

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11-2 Economic Calendar

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 08:54 PM PDT

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RBA Comments:

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 08:38 PM PDT

  • Early modest tightening prudent on “balance of risks”.
  • Sees risk of inflation rising again over medium term.
  • Exchange rate risen significantly.
  • Higher aussie dollar will help contain inflation pressures.

RBA raised cash rate 25 basis points to 4.75%

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 08:31 PM PDT

The AUD/USD made a new session high of .9979 following the release.

Aussie rate decision at 11:30 est

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 08:22 PM PDT

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FXDD quoted in www.bloomberg.com and www.Reuters.com articles today

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 06:37 PM PDT

Bloomberg

“Dollar Strengthens Against Euro as U.S. Manufacturing Advances” by Allison Bennett and Catarina Saraiva

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-01/dollar-yen-fall-as-china-s-manufacturing-buoys-demand-for-risker-assets.html

Reuters

“FOREX-Dollar cheered by ISM data, but gains fleeting” by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0143002220101101

Monday, November 1, 2010

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

ISM Manufacturing sends the dollar higher

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 07:04 AM PDT

ISM comes in stronger than expected and the dollar moves higher. The ISM came in at 56.9 from 54.4 last month.  The expectations was for a fall to 54.0.   The Employment component rose to 57.7 from 56.5, New Orders rose to 58.9 from 51.1 and the Production index rose to 62.7 from 56.5.  All are nice increases and above the 50 dividing line between expansion and contraction.

US ISM Higher & Construction Spending Both Higher

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 07:04 AM PDT

ISM Manufacturing:    Survey:  54.0       Actual:  56.9           Prior: 54.4

ISM Prices Paid:    Survey: 70.0         Actual: 71.0           Prior: 70.5

Construction Spending (MoM):     Survey: -0.5%         Actual: 0.5%       Prior:  0.4%      Revised: -.2%

EURUSD tries rotation to the upside.

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 06:57 AM PDT

The EURUSD held support against the 200 hour MA on 4 separate occassions over the last 20 or so hours. It will be watched as support going forward.

ECB Bini Smaghi on the newswires

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 06:33 AM PDT

  • Debt creation is anything but orderly
  • Flow of credit to private sector is rebounding
  • ECB to remove QE measures as conditions improve
  • Eurogroup failed to enforce stability pact
  • Debt restructuring is anything but orderly

Comments are in line of recent comments by ECB members. No reaction in the EURUSD.

Meanwhile the Dow is opening up 50 points.  Nasdaq is up 12 while the S&P is up 6 points.

Oil is up over $2.00.

Weaker US data keeps USDJPY down. Other pairs mixed

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 06:23 AM PDT

US ISM & Construction Spending Data at 10AM

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 06:18 AM PDT

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The data is weak for the US

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:42 AM PDT

PCE Core, a favored inflation guide for the Fed, was unchanged for the month. The YoY measure is a scant 1.2%, down from a revised 1.3% (was 1.4%).

The Personal income fell by -0.1% while spending increased by 0.2%. Both were less than expected. The Savings Rate fell to 5.3% from 5.6%. The YoY Income rose by 3.1%. Personal Consumption rose by 3.7% YoY. So although there is talk of increased savings, consumption has still outpaced income and the savings rate has fallen from 5.7% to 5.3%.

This data overall is a vote for more stimulus.

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The USDJPY has moved back below October 22nd low at 80.41 and looks set to close once again below the 1995 low of 80.73 today. Friday was the lowest close since that time. The pair closed at 80.46.  In the chart above, staying below the 100 and 200 bar MA at the 80.44-48 levels keeps the bias down today for the pair.  The low at 80.24 is the next target for the pair. The April 1995 lows came in at 80.10 and 79.75. These too become targets for the pair.

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Bobbys Corner-Market Open-Nov.1.2010

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:40 AM PDT

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

The markets opened in Asia as the JPY moved 100 pips on the open-but settled down to the Friday NY closing levels by the time Europe woke up.
The FX markets then stayed fairly stable as market participants have their eyes on Wednesday’s all important Fed meeting.
The Fed new QE2 policy will be announced, and results from the US mid term elections will also be posted by Wed AM.
PMI data from both China and the UK were promising for both economies-thus showing that the global economic recovery continues to maintain pace-even though not as fast as some would like.

Tommorrow is election day in the US.  It is mid term elections and the entire US House of Representatives is up for re election-as are  37 Senate seats and 37 State Governor slots.  We will see if the Democtares can keep their majority in Congress.

The equity markets enter November on a positive note-after the the best Sept-Oct performance since 1998.
Asian equity markets were mostly higher-Europe and US Futures are higher at this time.

Oil:$82.11                                             Gold:$1358.40

 

TIME FOR EST. PRIOR
8:30A.M. PERSONAL INCOME SEPT 0.30% 0.50%
8:30A.M. PERSONAL SPENDING SEPT 0.40% 0.40%
8:30A.M. PCE DEFLATOR YoY SEPT 1.40% 1.50%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE MoM SEPT 0.10% 0.10%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE YoY SEPT 1.40% 1.40%
10:00A.M. ISM MANUFACTURING  OCT. 54.O     54.4O
10:00A.M. ISM PRICES PAID OCT.       7O.5     70.5O
10:00A.M. CONSTRUCTION SPENDING MoM SEPT. -0.50% 0.40%

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

US Personal Income Falls Along with Spending, While PCE Stays Flat

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:31 AM PDT

Personal Income:           Survey: 0.2%         Actual: -.1%        Prior: 0.5%         

Personal Spending:        Survey: 0.4%         Actual: 0.2%         Prior: 0.4%       

PCE Deflator:    Survey: 1.4%         Actual: 1.4%         Prior: 1.5%        

PCE Core(MoM):     Survey: 0.1%         Actual: .0%         Prior: 0.1%      

PCE Core(YoY):    Survey: 1.3%         Actual: 1.2%         Prior: 1.4%    

Personal Income and Spending Report that was released is showing chain consumption up in Q3 along with current consumption. Goods data fall from 3.4 in Q2 to 2.8 in Q3 from chain consumption, and Goods rises within current consumption from -0.3 in Q2 to 3.8 in Q3.

NY Opening Forex Commentary-Dollar weak as Key Events loom

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:10 AM PDT

Personal Income, Spending & PCE Data due at 8:30AM

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 05:03 AM PDT

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UK Manufacturing PMI

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 02:30 AM PDT

UK Manufacturing PMI came in at 54.9, stronger than the 53.2 expected.

Gbp/Usd rose about 40 points thus far on news, currently trading at 1.6085.

11-1 Economic Calendar

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 08:54 PM PDT

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China PMI Manufacturing

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 06:53 PM PDT

The official October PMI Manufacturing indicator from China beat expectation at 54.7, better than the survey of 53.8 and the prior reading of 53.8. The news revived a light USD bid in the market but it has since subsided.

UK Hometrack Housing Survey

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 06:48 PM PDT

The UK Housing Price Index declined further, down -0.9% for the month and -0.1% on a year over year basis. This represents a fourth straight decline in the index and the largest decline since January 2009. The deflationary reading did not help the Pound.