The dollar rose in NY trading Thursday on speculation the Federal Reserve will hike the discount rate before its next regularly scheduled FOMC meeting and worries about Greece’s sovereign debt crisis. US economic figures indicate the US economic
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The dollar gained ground versus the euro and most other major rivals Thursday, turning up from the lowest levels in about a month, amid signs of increasing tensions within Europe over an aid plan for the debt-strapped Greek government.
U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) had a mixed day losing ground against the Risk currencies but holding its own against the two biggest currency pairs the Euro and the Yen. February PPI dropped -0.6%m/m it’s biggest drop in 7 months as energy costs fell. In US stocks, DJIA +47 points closing at 10733, S&P +6 points closing at 1166 and NASDAQ +11 points closing at 2389. Looking ahead, February CPI forecast at 0.1% vs. -0.1% m/m. Also released, Weekly Jobless Claims are forecast at 455k vs. 462k previously.
European Euro
The Euro (EUR) failed above 1.3800 and pulled back for the rest of the day as profit tacking on EUR/JPY weighed. EUR/JPY tested Y125 but this proved too much for the single currency as the recent run up has been fairly quick. Attention remains on Germany’s internal debates concerning the bailout of Greece. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.3638 and a high of 1.3725 before closing at 1.3819. Looking ahead, January Current Account.
Japanese Yen (JPY)
The Japanese Yen (JPY) had a knee jerk reaction to the BOJ meeting as the expansion of special funding by 10Trn as widely expected but was voted for by only a 5-2 majority. Yen strength was short lived however as the risk environment trumped and stocks around the globe enjoyed solid gains. AUD/JPY and GBP/JPY led the crosses higher. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 90.01 and a high of 90.74 before closing the day around 90.30 in the New York session.
Pound Sterling (GBP)
The Sterling (GBP) popped above resistance at 1.5270 as Jobs data beat expectations. February Unemployment fell 32k vs. a rise of 8k forecast. GBP/JPY rallied to Y139 briefly and EUR/GBP crashed through the Key 0.9000 level. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.5207 and a high of 1.5385 before closing the day at 1.5340 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Public Debt forecast at 14bn vs. 4bn previously.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
The Australian Dollar (AUD) finally broke above resistance at 0.9200 as AUD/JPY buying propelled the pair higher in Europe. Weak Gold and Euro capped gains. Earlier in the Day Assistant RBA Governor Debelle stated that further interest rates hikes were on the way. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.9172 and a high of 0.9254 before closing the US session at 0.9230.
Oil & Gold
Oil & Gold (XAU) failed above $1130 and fell back to lower $1120’s support. Overall trading with a low of USD$1118 and high of USD$11 before ending the New York session at USD$1127 an ounce. Continued to be well supported by the strong risk appetite. Crude Oil was down $1.20 ending the New York session at $82.90.
Technical Analysis: Euro Failed Above 1.3800
Euro (EUR)
Euro – 1.3720 : Initial support at 1.3640 (Mar 15 low) followed by 1.3621 (Mar 11 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.3839 (Feb 9 high) followed by 1.3903 (Feb 4 high).
Yen (JPY)
Yen – 90.35 : Initial support is located at 89.99 (Mar 16 low) followed by 89.63 (Mar 9 low). Initial resistance is now at 90.74 (Mar 16 high) followed by 91.09 (Mar 12 high).
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Pound – 1.5310 : Initial support at 1.4979 (Mar 16 low) followed by 1.4855 (Mar 2 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.5422 (Feb 25 high) followed by 1.5477 (Feb 24 low).
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Australian Dollar – 0.9220 : Initial support at 0.9096 (Mar 15 low) followed by the 0.9056 (Mar 4 low). Initial resistance is now at 0.9252 (Mar 17 high) followed by 0.9280 (Jan 18 high).
Gold (XAU)
Gold – 1122 : Initial support at 1108 (Mar 16 low) followed by 1094 (0.5 of 1044.85-1144.98). Initial resistance is now at 1137 (Mar 8 high) followed by 1161 (Jan 11 high).
Oil
Oil – 82.60 : Initial support at 80.00 (Intraday Support) followed by 78.00 (Intraday Support). Initial resistance is now at 83.20 (Intraday Resistance) followed by 85.00 (March High).
BRITISH jobless claims unexpectedly fell last month at the fastest pace since 1997, data showed yesterday, suggesting the economic recovery is strengthening as Britons prepare for a general election within weeks.
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