Global stocks were noticeable mixed during trading on Monday as bullish investors took a break from the Trump fueled market rally. Asian shares casually floated between losses and gains, pressured by a resurgent Dollar and rising US rate hike expectations that could spark further outflows from emerging markets. European stocks were contaminated by the lack of direction in Asia with the absence of momentum potentially trickling into Wall Street later today. It is becoming clear that market participants have digested the Trump reality with most waiting for further news relating to Trump’s economic team which could provide additional clarity on how he plans to lead the U.S economy.

Dollar bulls unstoppable

The market shaking Dollar appreciation has highlighted how the combination of Trump’s presidential triumph and heightened hopes of a US rate hike in December can provide the foundation needed for bulls to attack incessantly. Sentiment towards the Dollar is extremely bullish and the optimism towards Donald Trump’s presidency bolstering US economic growth has ensured the greenback remains buoyed. With economic data in the States repeatedly pointing to economic stability and Fed officials all singing a similar hawkish chorus, the Dollar has become a buyers dream. Much attention may be directed towards Wednesday’s FOMC meeting minutes which could provide the final piece of clarity needed to cement expectations of a US rate increase in December.

From a technical standpoint, the Dollar Index is bullish on the daily timeframe as there have been consistently higher highs and higher lows. Previous resistance around 100.50 could transform into a solid support which could provide bulls encouragement to send prices back towards 102.00.

Sterling bears here to stay

The ongoing Brexit episode may have irritated traders with the battle of words between financial heavyweights on how to handle the hard Brexit scenario adding to the nasty cocktail of uncertainty. Sterling remains heavily weighed down by this anchor known as Brexit with steeper declines expected if buying sentiment towards the currency continues to deteriorate. With expectations rising over the Fed raising US rates in December, the bearish combination of Sterling weakness and Dollar strength could spark a sharp decline on the GBPUSD. The weekly close below 1.240 on the GBPUSD may have sealed the deal for bears to drag prices lower towards 1.220.

WTI commences the week positively

WTI Crude staged a miraculous rebound during trading on Monday with prices rallying to $47 as expectations were revived over OPEC members securing a freeze deal at the November 30th formal meeting. Comments from Iran’s oil ministers and Russian President Vladimir Putin on their optimism of OPEC agreeing to a proposed supply cut coupled with the Trump effect has renewed some investor attraction towards oil. While the abrupt short-term gains are undeniably impressive, WTI still remains dogged by the overwhelming oversupply woes. The current technical bounce could act as an opportunity for sellers to pounce if OPEC repeats the events of Doha at the formal November meeting.

Currency spotlight – EURUSD

The EURUSD descended deeper into the abyss last week with prices closing below 1.060 as a dovish Draghi coupled with concerns revolving around political instability in Europe swiftly haunted investor attraction towards the Euro. Expectations remain elevated over the ECB extending its monetary policy amid the uncertainty while a strengthening Dollar from rising US rate hike expectations continues to enforce downside pressures on the EURUSD. Mario Draghi is due to testify before the European Parliament in Strasbourg today with any further dovish hints potentially leaving the Euro vulnerable to further losses. From a technical standpoint, the EURUSD is heavily bearish on the daily timeframe as there have been consistently lower lows and lower highs. Previous support around 1.075 could transform into a dynamic resistance which could re-open a path back below 1.060.