Friday, December 25, 2009

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Happy Holidays from the entire FXDD trading team

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:30 AM PST

wreath

We would like to wish you happy holidays from the entire trading team at FXDD. We will resume Forex commentary on Monday. Enjoy this time with your family and we will see you next week.

GBP/USD testing major support near 1.5920

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 07:52 AM PST

dec24_2009_gbpusdd

GBP/USD has been testing major support near 1.5920 for the past three days. A break below this level could send the pair down to the test the 38.2% retracement level at 1.5689. This is considered to be an area of high price activity and one that traders will place more significance on. Above the current price, is the 200 day MA (green line) at 1.6025 which will act as resistance.

dec24_2009_gbpusd1

Looking to the 1 hour chart for further clues, the GBP/USD can be seen testing support 3 times since Dec 21 2009, at the 1.5920 level. Below this as seen on the Daily chart is the major support level at 1.5689. There is a good chance that the market will push to this level for at least a test in the next few weeks.

As always be more cautious trading around holiday timeframes due to increased volatility.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Dec 24 2009 Forex Market Update

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:30 AM PST

New Video Pending - Click here to watch the video

U.S. Durable Goods orders rise 0.2% for November

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 04:37 AM PST

U.S. Durable Goods orders rise 2% for November excluding transportation, almost double against the forecasts of 1.1%. Adding in the transportation sector took the number down to 0.2% due to slumping personal aircraft sales, this was below estimates of 0.5%. Durable goods orders in October fell 0.6 percent, after a revised 2.2 percent rebound in September.

US initial jobless claims fall 28k last week to 452k

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 04:31 AM PST

The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits last week declined to the lowest level since September 2008. US initial jobless claims fall 28k last week to 452k. The prior number was 480k in the previous week. The four-week average continues to come down, now at 465,250 for a 2.7k decrease. Continuing claims also continue to come down, 127k lower in the December 12th 2009 week to 5.076 million.

USD/CAD nearing support at 1.0415 after failed move higher

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 04:28 AM PST

dec24_2009_usdcadd

USD/CAD nearing support at 1.0415 after failed move higher on December 18th 2009. The pair bounced off of the 100 day MA (blue line) at 1.0677. The USD/CAD has been in a short term trend to the downside since then and is now approaching the 1.0415 level. Below this, lows for 2009 come into focus at the 1.0205 area.

dec24_2009_usdcad1

On the top side resistance will be found at the 1.0490 level, above that at 1.0530, 1.0677, and long term at 200 day MA (green line) at 1.1143. Traders will start to use caution as we go into the Christmas holidays today so we may encounter increased volatility.

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-Dec.24.2009

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 04:03 AM PST

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

The USD lost ground overnight as speculation that the FED will keep their stimulus measures in place to act as a  driving force to revive the US economy.

World equity markets rose. Expectations that the global economic recovery is gaining traction has investors looking to continue the world wide equity rally.

Oil, Gold and commodities in general all rose.  Copper is this years metals leader with a 132% increase in 2009.

Oil:$76.35                                  Gold:$1102.20

  TODAY’S RELEASES
TIME FOR  EST PRIOR
8:30A.M. DURABLE GOODS ORDERS NOV. 0.50% -0.60%
8:30A.M. DURABLES EX TRANSPORTATION NOV. 1.10% -1.30%
8:30A.M. INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS DEC.19 470K 480K
8:30A.M. CONTINUING CLAIMS DEC.12 5170K 5186K

HAVE A GREAT DAY-GOOD LUCK &  HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Shirakawa Speaks in Tokyo

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 01:11 AM PST

In speech given at a Keidanren meeting in Tokyo, BOJ governor Shirakawa made the following statements:

  • The global economy has much to overcome before recovering.
  • Global economy has improved since the spring.
  • Japan’s economy is picking up.
  • The momentum for a self sustained recovery is weak.
  • Funding conditions for large firms is improving.
  • Comapnies still cautious about funding.
  • Pace of Japan’s recoery may slow early next year.
  • He doesn’t expect the recovery to be cut short.
  • pace of price declines will gradually slow down.
  • Must boost demand to stem price declines.
  • The economic recovery is driven by policy stimulus.
  • He is ready to act promptly, decisively when needed.
  • BOJ price view will help stabilize markets.

12-24 Economic Calendar

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 07:31 PM PST

region_forex_00016

Japan’s Q4 Manufacturing Index (USD/JPY)

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:08 PM PST

The Japanese BSI Q4 Manufacturing readings came in worse quarter over quarter, however the market has had no reaction ahead of the Christmas holiday as the markets are lacking participants. The readings were as follows:

BSI Large All Industry (QoQ) - Actual:-1.9%   Prior:0.3%

BSI Large Manufacturing (QoQ) - Actual:13.2%   Prior:15.5%

The USD/JPY pair has been grinding higher since the lows made in late November below the 85 handle, not seen since the summer of 1995. The move has been orderly and could have some correlation with the calendar year-end and some profit taking. Another catalyst has been speculation over the last few months of the BOJ’s intervention when the pair was at the lows, although the rhetoric from the BOJ has not corroborated that speculation.

usdjpy2

Dec 23 2009 Forex Evening Report

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 12:01 PM PST

USD/CAD fails to break above the 100 day MA

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 10:25 AM PST

dec23_2009_usdcadd

The USD/CAD has failed to break above the 100 day moving average (1.0680), and has moved lower off of weaker US data this morning. The pair may move to test support at 1.0415, this level was the floor in November 2009 and acted as a both a ceiling and a floor in July and August of 2008. Institutional shorts may be looking to push the pair back into the long term down term trend and a test of 2009 lows may follow if the 1.0415 level is broken. Lows for the year come in at 1.0205 made in October of 2009.

On the top side well above the 100MA (1.0680) is the 200 MA at 1.1143, but this is 700 pips away from the current price and may not be a factor at this time. We are also going into Holiday trading into the end of this week and traders may be looking to square up before then.

Dec 23 2009 Forex Midday Report

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 09:31 AM PST

GBP/USD bouncing off of support at 1.5920 area

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 06:48 AM PST

dec23_2009_gbpusd1

The GBP/USD bounced off of support at 1.5920 and was unable to move lower this morning. Similar to the Yen, the reversal may have been triggered by the US data at 10am. The mid trend is bearish and trendline resistance is just above the current price at 1.5995. There are two directions that the pair can go, first to break above the trendline and head for a test of the 100 MA at 1.6076 and the 200MA above that at 1.6173. If the pair fails to break above the trendline, a break will have to occur through the current support at 1.5920 area. Below this level is major long term support areas at 1.5689.

USD/JPY encountering heavy resistance at the 91.75 level

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 06:16 AM PST

dec23_2009_usdjpy1

The USD/JPY has hit a hard ceiling at the 91.75 area. The pair has been above both the 100MA and 200MA since Dec 18th 2009. The pair put the brakes on and failed to break above this area, possibly spurred on by weaker US homes sales data at 10am. Look for a possible test of the 100 MA at 90.82 if the current sentiment continues. Below that is the 200MA at 90.04

US New Home Sales down sharply for November 2009

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 06:01 AM PST

US New homes sales for November are down sharply from the estimate of 440k, to 355k actual. Supply at the current sales rate fell to 6.7 months, compared to September’s 7.4 months and compared with 11.1 months a year ago.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Dec 23 2009 Forex Market Update

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:30 AM PST

New Video Pending Click here to watch

EUR/USD in consolidation between major moving averages

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 04:23 AM PST

dec23_2009_eurd

The EUR/USD is in a period of consolidation as it looms just above the 200 day MA (1.4196). The pair has been running sideways unable to break below mid term support at the 1.4235 area. Above this the 100 hour moving average is pressuring the pair at 1.4312. This gives traders two targets to break through to help with trading descisions this morning. There are also a slew of economic releases due out at 8:30am and this may spur the pair to action.

If the pair moves to the downside, expect a test of the 200 MA and volatility at this level. Long term support areas below this level are seen at 1.4005 and 1.3750. Failure to move lower, could seen the pair higher and resistance levels will be seen at 1.4300 and at 1.4445 areas.

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-Dec.23.2009

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 04:08 AM PST

bob-slade-forex-trading-4-150x200Good Morning:

As speculation mounts that the US is exiting  from the worst recession in 60 years, the USD has continued to rally.
With good U.S. data, investors are buying the greenback prior to the year end.  With interest rates at near zero the USD may come under pressure again in 2010.

World wide equity markets rose, and US Futures are pointing to a higher opening this morning.  Continued speculation that  world economies are recovering from the  global recession have lead the equity markets to post positive returns the past few months.
Oil and copper rose, Gold is range bound.

Oil:$74.81                                          Gold;$1088.20

  TODAY’S RELEASES
TIME FOR  EST PRIOR
8:30A.M. PERSONAL INCOME NOV. 0.50% 0.20%
8:30A.M. PERSONAL SPENDING NOV. 0.70% 0.70%
8:30A.M. PCE DEFLATOR YoY NOV. 1.60% 0.20%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE MoM NOV. 0.10% 0.20%
8:30A.M. PCE CORE YoY NOV. 1.50% 1.40%
10:00A.M. U. OF MICHIGAN CONFIDENCE  DEC.F 73.8O     73.4O
10:00A.M. NEW HOME SALES  NOV.       436K     430K
10:00A.M. NEW HOME SALES MoM NOV. 1.40% 6.20%

HAVE  A  HAPPY FESTIVUS for the rest of us!
GOOD LUCK & HAVE A GREAT FESTIVUS!

Dec 22 2009 Rebroadcast of the FXDD Online Training

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:55 AM PST

Dec 22 2009 Rebroadcast of the FXDD Online Training click here to watch. Note: Please give it a minute to buffer and load

UK MPC Meeting Minutes

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 12:38 AM PST

The UK’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously (9-0) to keep interest rates at 0.5% in December. It was also decided that they will keep their bond plan at 200 bln for December, but different bond plan sizes are still justified. The details of the minutes are as follows:

  • Growth has yet to gain from inventory stabilization.
  • News wasn’t enough to change views on CPI outlook.
  • Money supply growth has been disappointing.
  • The mix of demand signals in Q3 has caused greater momentum buildup.
  • Labor market is more resilient than expected.
  • Greece and Dubai are reminders of petential shocks.

Immediately following the release the GBP fell 10 points, but after further reading of the statements it has climbed back 20 points and peaked at the 1.5950 handle.

UK Mortgage Approvals/Index of Services

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 12:28 AM PST

Mortgage approvals in the UK came in better than previously recorded and expected for December, but the Index of Services came in worse than anticipated. The details are as follows:

  • BBA Mortgage Approvals - Survey: 43.3K   Actual: 44.7K   Prior: 42.4K
  • Index of Services 3m/3m - Survey: 0.3%   Actual: -0.2%   Prior: -0.1%

Italian Retail Sales

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:59 PM PST

The market showed minimal reaction to Italy’s Retail Sales which came in equal to it’s prior reading of 0.0%; lower than its forecast of 0.2%.  Currently, the EUR trades at 1.4254 against the USD.

French Consumer Spending

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:25 PM PST

French Consumer Spending m/m came in at -0.1%, weaker than the 03% expected and prior reading of 1.0%.

Not much change in Euro on news, as Eur/Usd continues to trade in tight trading range of 1.4245-65.

12-23 Economic Calendar

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 07:22 PM PST

region_forex_00015

New Zealand GDP release below expectations

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 01:00 PM PST

New Zealand GDP release below expectations, at 0.2%, below the 0.4% forecast. The previous number was -0.2%. So the number was positive, but less than expected and may cause short term weakness in the NZD/USD pair.

AUD/USD holding below the 100 day moving average

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST

dec22_2009_audd

For the second day in a row the AUD/USD has held below the 100 day moving average. The 100MA comes in at 0.8859. The pair currently at 0.8872. For the first time since early March 2009 when it broke above the 100 day MA, is in a position where a change in the long term trend could take place. Below the current price are some area of support with significance. Starting first with the 0.8585 level, which was a factor in September of 2009 and then below that at the 0.8475 level which was the ceiling through out most of August 2009. Below this the 200 day MA comes in a long way off at 0.8258. In the near term the pair could correct back to the 100MA at 0.8859 which is now acting as top side resistance.

USD/CHF between the goalposts, resistance up ahead

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:01 AM PST

dec22_2009_usdchfd

The USD/CHF has been inside the 100MA and 200MA goal posts since Dec 15th 2009, with upside targets at 1.0500 and 1.0537 which is a remembered price level from back in late August 2009, and further back in December of 2008. Above this level the pair will be heading toward the 200 Day moving average at 1.0699, this coincides with the 38.2% retracement of the move down from March of 2009. If the pair fails to move higher, key support will be found below the current price at the 100 day moving average at 1.0334. Below this area, further support will be found at the 1.0300 level and then near the 1.0165 price level.

Dec 22 2009 Forex Midday Report

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 08:14 AM PST

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sign up for the online training today at 4pm, presented by FXDD here

US Existing Homes sales for November beat expectations

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 06:05 AM PST

US Existing Homes sales beat expectations at 10am this morning with an actual number of 6.54 million homes. Expectations were for a 6.250M increase. November 2009 sales are likely to come off of the October 2009 surge in sales.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

Dec 22 2009 Forex Market Update

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 05:40 AM PST

New Video Pending

EUR/USD hitting a hard floor after US GDP release

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:45 AM PST

dec22_2009_eur1

The EUR/USD which has been in consolidation since Dec 18 2009, hit a hard floor this morning near the 1.4280 area (38.2% Fibo level) with a low of 1.4261, seen last Friday. This may act as a turning point for the pair after weaker than expected Q3 US GDP temporarily put the brakes on a move to the down side. Above the current price, the 100MA (blue line) is currently at 1.4369 and becomes the key short term, upside target.

dec22_2009_eurd

Looking at the Daily chart the EUR/USD has been trading between the 100MA and 200MA goal posts for some time. The 1.4280 area is the long term 38.2% Fibo level from April 20, 2009 to the high at 1.5141. Below this the 200MA comes into focus at 1.4192. On the top side, we look to the 100 hour moving average for the next level of resistance at 1.4369 (1 hour chart). Above this and a long way off is the 100 day MA at 1.4651 (daily chart)

US GDP for third quarter at 2.2%, weaker than consensus

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:29 AM PST

US GDP for third quarter at 2.2%, weaker than consensus estimate of 2.8%.

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-Dec.22.2009

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:17 AM PST

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

The FX markets continue to speculate on any interest rate increase from the FED.  Some investors are now wondering if the FED will raise rates as quickly as originally thought.  With the economy still not on firm ground, the FED should not be in any hurry to raise interest rates until they see a true increase in economic activity. 

JPY was weak in overnight trading, falling against the 16 most widely traded pairs, as the BOJ reiterated that it will keep interest rates near zero.

Asian equity markets were mixed, Europe is higher, and US Futures are pointing to a higher opening this morning.

Oil:$73.21                                             Gold:$1088.00

  TODAY’S RELEASES
TIME FOR  EST PRIOR
08:30AM GDP QoQ (Annualized)  3 QT 2.80% 2.80%
08:30AM PERSONAL CONSUMPTION  3 Q T 2.90% 2.90%
08:30AM GDP PRICE INDEX  3 Q T 0.50% 0.50%
08:30AM CORE PCE QoQ  3 Q T 1.30% 1.30%
10:00AM RICHMOND FED MANUFACT.INDEX  DEC  4.O    1.O
10:00AM HOUSE PRICE INDEX MoM  OCT 0.20% 0.00%
10:00AM EXISTING HOME SALES  NOV     6.25M      6.1OM
10:00AM EXISITING HOME SALES MoM  NOV 2.50% 10.10%

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

GBP/USD testing major 200 day moving average

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 04:04 AM PST

dec22_2009_gbpd

The GBP/USD is currently testing the 200 day moving average at 1.6009. A break below this level may see the pair move to test the 38.2% fibonacci level at 1.5689. On the top side if the pair is unable to break this level, the 100 day moving average is currently at 1.6381, above that 1.6460 is the next level of resistance.

dec22_2009_gbp5

Traders will likely see numerous attempts to break the 200 day MA and will want to see a clear break before looking to enter. US releases at 8:30am NYT will also have an effect on the direction of the Pound, especially if the current US dollar sentiment from overnight continues. If support proves too strong and the pair changes direction, short term resistance will be seem at 38.2% Fibo of the days range at 1.6023 and at 1.6038 (50% level)

As with any test of the major moving average, there is typically increased volitality and action around key levels. Short term support is seen at 1.5975 and is currently acting as the floor for the day.

FXDD Online Training Tuesday Dec 22 2009 4pm

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 03:45 AM PST

webinar-banner-03

Shawn Powell will host the next FXDD Online training on Tuesday Dec 22nd 2009 at 4pm New York Time Register Here

The training topic will be on Trading philosophy and the correct mindset for trading. Be sure to register in advance. There will also be ample time to ask questions.

UK GDP/Current Account

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 12:29 AM PST

The GBP appreciated across the board on the release of a much better than expected Current Account balance for Q3, which came in at -4.7B versus the forecast of -8.2B and prior release of -11.4B. Also released was GBP both m/m and y/y, which came in worse than expected. Here are the details:

  • GDP (QoQ) - Survey: -0.1%   Actual: -0.2%   Prior: -0.3%
  • GDP (YoY) - Survey: -4.9%   Actual: -5.1%   Prior: -5.1%

BOJ Gov Shirakawa Speaks

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 10:33 PM PST

Speaking in Tokyo today at the Securities Analysts Association of Japan, Gov Shirakawa made the following comments:

  • Global financial instability would hurt Japan’s banks.
  • Short-term prices shouldn’t set policy.
  • Easy policy can fuel bubbles if they are prolonged.
  • Ensuring financial stability is a goal for the BOJ.

Swiss Trade Balance

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 10:15 PM PST

Switzerland’s trade balance for November came in at 2.14B; lower than its prior release of 2.46B and forecast of 2.79B. Additionally, here are the rest of the details:

  • Exports real SA (MoM) - Actual: 1.6%   Prior: 0.1%
  • Imports real SA (MoM) - Actual: 0.6%   Prior: 0.6%

GfK German Consumer Climate

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 09:59 PM PST

The market was unaffected by the slightly worse than expected release of the German GfK Consumer Climate number which came in at 3.3 versus its forecast of 3.6 and prior reading of 3.7.  Currently, the EUR trades at 1.4296 against the USD.

Australian Conference Board Leading Index

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 02:03 PM PST

The Aussie Conference Board Leading Index was released worse for October than September, coming in at -0.3% (+0.3% prior) and evoking a limited reaction in what continues to be a thin market in Asia.

New Zealand Current Account Balance

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 12:44 PM PST

The New Zealand Current Account Balance and its ratio to GDP came out better than expected, giving the Kiwi a light bid after taking a hit to start the week. The readings were as follows:

Current Account Balance  -Survey:-2.03B   Actual:-1.413B   Prior:.124B

Account Deficit - GDP Ratio - Survey:-3.5%   Actual:-3.1%   Prior:-5.9%

nzdusd

NZD/USD is approaching what has acted as a support level above the 70 cent handle. A break could bring the mid-summer highs into play.

Dec 21 2009 Forex Evening Report

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 12:40 PM PST

Click here to view the embedded video.

Live online training tomorrow at 4pm with Shawn Powell

NZD/USD hovers along support near 0.7055

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 10:36 AM PST

dec21_2009_nzdd

Heading into afternoon trading in the US session, the NZD/USD is trading along the 0.7050 level. The pair is inside the 100MA (0.7135) & 200MA (0.6614) goalposts; below the 100MA (0.7135). As such the bias is to the downside with the next level of longer term support coming into play near the 0.6960 area.

dec21_2009_nzd1

A closer look at the NZD/USD pair, reveals that it has been in consolidation since Friday Dec 18th 2009. A failure to break below the 0.7050 level could signal a bounce, sending the pair back to test the 100MA (blue line) at 0.7135. Above that the 200MA is seen at 0.7188 on the 1 hour timeframe.

GBPUSD moves to test Friday’s lows. A break looks toward 200 day MA at 1.6000

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 09:31 AM PST

gregmike-05998

The GBPUSD has continued it’s track to the downside and looks to test the low for the day and the low from Friday at 1.6054 and 1.6051 respectively.  A break of the level continues to confirm the bearishness of the pair since breaking through the 100 day MA and the 1.6158 level which was a key low for the pair for most of the summer months. 

gregmike-05997

On the downside the 200 day moving average remains the target.  That level comes in at the 1.6000 level today.  I would expect profit taking buyers against the level. However, longer term, a move down to 1.5689 can not be ruled out as long as the price remains below the 1.6158 level and the intermediate and shorter term technicals remain bearish.  This level is the 38.2% retracement of the move up from the  January 2009 low of 1.3502.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Forex Market Updates & Commentary

Link to Forex News and Commentary by FXDD

$USDJPY looks toward 100 day MA resistance at 91.01

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 05:46 AM PST

gregmike-05991

The comments by BOJ Shirakawa (see prior post) has the USDJPY moving back to the upside.  The key level on the upside is the 91.01 level which is the 100 day MA. The USDJPY has been below the 100 day moving average (blue line in the chart above) since August 11th.  A move above this level should solicit additional buying interest for the pair.  Note the pair has additional resistance at the 91.15 level where the 38.2% retracement is found.  A move above here should confirm the upside momentum for the pair.

Watch for support at the 90.66 level.  IF this level can hold, it would be positive for the pair. I expect intraday buyers against the level with stops on a move below. 

gregmike-05992

Dec 21 2009 Forex Market Update

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 05:30 AM PST

New Video Now Pending

BOJ Shirakawa on newswires

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 05:18 AM PST

Says BOJ to keep rates at preactically zero persistently but also comments that low interest rates can also be harmful. The USDJPY has moved higher on the news.

Bobbys Corner-Open Market-Dec.21.2009

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 05:09 AM PST

bob-slade-forex-1-150x200Good Morning:

We start the week out with over 1 foot of snow that feel in the New York Metro area over the weekend.  Parts of New Jersey and Long Island got 2 feet of snow.  If the weather cooperates- the Northeast US will have a white Christmas.

The USD stayed strong as signs that the economic recovery is getting traction.  Also concerns about the sovereign debt of some EU countries has boosted the demand for USD.

Asian equity markets were mixed-European equity markets are higher-and US Futures are also pointing to a higher opening.

Oil:$73.43                                Gold:$1117.60

HAVE A GREAT DAY & GOOD LUCK

Canada Retail Sales come in as expected. USDCAD pressured today after failing at 100 day MA

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 04:54 AM PST

The Canada Retail Sales rose by 0.8% for October and by 0.2% Ex Autos.  This was on the back of a 1.1% gain last month and +0.9% in August.  The three month.  Retail Sales have now risen in 5 of the last 6 months and 8th gain in the last 10 months.

gregmike-05988

The USDCAD has suffered today on a softer dollar and the failure of the USDCAD to maintain the price above the 100 day moving average. Last week, the USDCAD closed for the first time above the 100 day moving average on Thursday. However, on Friday, the price closed below the level.

Today, the price moved back above the 100 day moving average briefly at 1.0683, but failed once again (see red area in the chart below). The move back below the key longer term level intensified selling in the pair and the momentum pushed the price to the downside.

gregmike-05989

The price is stalling near trendline support at 1.0560.  Additional support comes in at the 1.0535 level which is the 61.8% retracement of the move up from the December 1st low.  I would expect buyers at the level. with stops below..

gregmike-05990

On the topside, look for resistance at the 1.0601 level where the 38.2% retracement of the days reange is found.

On the wires: More challenges for Dubai World

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 04:32 AM PST

On the wires this morning, Dubai World, which is seeking to restructure about $22 billion of debt, did not present a standstill offer to lenders at a meeting in the emirate today, said a company spokesman. The main issue appears to be in the sheer complication of restructing the deal. Over 100 bankers attended the meetings this morning.

The EURUSD finds some profit takers today. Support at 1.4333/37 today.

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 04:26 AM PST

gregmike-05985

The EURUSD is finding some profit takers today after opening lower, extending lower through support at 1.4300/1.4304 but bouncing back above that level. 

The 1.4304  level was the low on December 17th and 18th.  On Friday, the market pushed through this floor, but  moved back above this level in the NY afternoon.  Today the opening hour saw the price move to a low of 1.4300 and bounce.  Later, another move below took the price to a low of 1.4280 but that move also found buying interest.   The level was then used as a springboard for the move to the highs (high reached 1.4372 so far today).

gregmike-05987

Topside targets would include the high from Friday at the 1.4411 level now and the 100 hour MA at the 1.4428 level currently and moving lower. 

gregmike-05986

On the downside, look for buying support against the 1.4333/37 level where the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart is found (blue and green line), the 38.2% of the move higher today (at 1.4337) and the close from Friday at the 1.4335 level.  With the EURGBP moving higher, and with the pair being battered of late, a correction is certainly not unusual.  Look for buyers on dips at the key support area today at the 1.4433-37 area.

EURGBP moves higher. Controlling the EURUSD and GBPUSD moves today.

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 03:48 AM PST

gregmike-05983

The EURGBP moved sharply higher in the last hour after breaking above trendline resistance and then the 100 hour MA(blue line in the chart above)  for the first time in a week.  The 100 hour MA came in at 0.8899. After testing the level first, the next move to the area, sent the pair sharply higher (See chart above). 

The move has the EURUSD and the GBPUSD moving in opposite directions today.  The EURUSD is up on the day while the GBPUSD is lower from Friday’s close.   Normally, the dollar moves in the same direction against these currencies but not today.  SO take note that the dyanamics of each are being pushed and pulled by the EURGBP.

On the topside for the EURGBP, the correction is now targeting the 38.2% retracement line at the 0.8943 level.  Also near that level is the key 100 day MA at the 89.39 level today. Look for sellers against this level today.  The high has come in at 0.8927 today (blue line in the chart below).

gregmike-059841

The EURUSD has been sold of late on the back of the downgrade of Greece and risk for similar downgrades in other countries going forward.  As a result, it has been steadily sold since December 9th.  The move higher today is largely a correction after consolidating near the bottom for the last two days.  Look for sellers against the 0.8939/43 area to limit the upside.  This may help reverse the EURUSD and GBPUSD moves today.   Watch the pair for clues.

EUR/CHF Rebounding

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 06:31 PM PST

After gapping lower on the open in a very thin market the EUR/CHF has been steadily rebounding off its lows. The pair has now found some resistance at the trending 21hr moving average that has resisted the pair since the middle of last week.

eurchf1

Japan’s November Trade Balance

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 02:49 PM PST

Japans November Trade Balance came in better than expected, particularly on the export side which was already expected to improve significantly. Although the readings remain negative year over year the USD/JPY pair has a mild bid to start the trading weak, although trading off early session highs.

Merchandise Trade Balance Total  - Survey:300B   Actual:373.9   Prior:807.1

Adjusted Merc Trade Balance Total  - Survey:268B   Actual:492.4   Prior:419.1

Trade Exports (YoY) - Survey:-6.8%   Actual:-6.2%   Prior:-23.2%

Trade Imports (YoY) - Survey:-17.9%   Actual:-16.8%   Prior:-35.6%