OPEC Expects Oil Prices to Rise

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Crude Oil rose by the most in 6-weeks on a weak USD and a stock market rally in the U.S. As a result, this boosted investor’s confidence that energy demand will increase significantly in the coming months. Crude Oil closed at $79.46 from an opening of $77.22. Crude was helped as traders bought-up the commodity as an alternative investment, due to the mass sell-off of the USD.

It seems that traders are optimistic about the U.S. and global economy. This has really helped Crude prices. However, the commodity may only rise significantly above $80, if we see more impressive data and significantly higher demand too. It seems that the Organization of Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is happy with the current prices levels. They expect prices to rise in the very near future.

Dollar Jumps on Disappointing U.S. Data

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The U.S. Dollar made some significant gains today, following a string of poor results from the world’s largest economy. This behavior is opposed to yesterday’s weak USD, which dropped on increasing optimism. The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 0.3 %, as opposed to the forecasted 0.6 % increase. The Core PPI unexpectedly declined, and the Industrial Production figures were worse than forecast too. This led to a buy-up of the safe-haven USD.

The EUR/USD pair rose by 120 pips today, as it currently stands at the 1.4847 level. The USD also reversed some of yesterday’s losses against the British currency, as the GBP/USD cross fell by 35 pips today to the 1.6786 mark. The U.S. Dollar also made some inroads into the JPY, as the USD/JPY cross has risen by 20 pips so far today. As late night trading kicks in, it is recommended that you continue buying into USD positions, as today’s trends are expected to continue.

US Retail Sales gain, beat forecasts in October. US Dollar falls in Forex.

By CountingPips.com

U.S. Retail Sales increased by more than expected as consumers picked up the spending pace in October according to a report by the U.S. Commerce Department released today. Advance estimates of retail sales showed that sales increased by 1.4 percent to $347.5 billion in October and surpassed market forecasts that were expecting a 0.9 percent increase for the month. September’s results were revised lower from an original RetailSales200x150estimate of a 1.4 percent fall to a decline of 2.3 percent.

On an annual basis, October sales were 1.7 percent below the October 2008 sales level following September’s annual decline of 6.3 percent. Core retail sales, excluding automobile sales and parts, increased by 0.2 percent in October after a 0.4 percent gain in September.

Boosting the retail sales numbers in October was a gain in automobile sales which rose 7.4 percent for the month. Gas station sales were flat for the month after a 15 percent decrease in September. Also contributing to the increase in retail sales were gains in food services & drinking places, nonstore retailers, miscellaneous stores retailers, general merchandise stores and health & personal care stores.

US Dollar falls in Currency Trading today.

Today’s currency trading has seen broad based US dollar declines against the major currencies as positive retail sales data and better GDP data (4.8% annual growth) out of Japan contributed to a risk taking environment. The dollar has lost ground to the euro, British pound, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Japanese yen at 4:12 pm EST according currency data by Oanda.

The US stock markets had a positive session today with the Dow Jones gaining by 136.49 points, the Nasdaq increasing 29.97 points and the S&P 500 showing a 15.82 point gain.  Oil has traded higher to $78.86 while gold rose by $22.50 to $1138.60 per ounce.

AUD/USD Chart – The Australian Dollar gaining today versus the US Dollar in Forex Trading. The AUD/USD marked a new 2009 high today as the pair broke through the 0.9400 level for the first time since July 2008.

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Gold Shines as it Sets Fresh 2009 Highs

By Fast Brokers – Gold is shooting higher again after rallying from $1100/oz on Friday.  Today’s positive performance stems from a strong EUR/USD and GBP/USD.  However, the real gold movers are the AUD/USD and S&P futures, which are both headed for new 2009 highs.  Therefore, it seems the risk trade is finally taking a cue from gold’s incredible rally as of late.  Now it seems gold’s positive correlations are leading the way, sending the precious metal beyond $1130/oz.  The S&P’s charge past its highly psychological 1100 level could prove to be a key move for the risk trade since the S&P futures have buckled under the pressure of 1100 for the past month.  Such a movement would likely serve as a positive catalyst for gold since stronger equities have been resulting in a weaker Dollar.  Since gold is also negatively correlated to the Dollar, the precious metal may be in for further near-term gains.  Hence, investors should keep an eye on the EUR/USD and its interaction with 1.50 and previous November/October highs (refer to EUR/USD commentary).  Any key topside breakout in the EUR/USD could serve as another positive indicator for gold.  Meanwhile, the U.S. will release some important pricing data tomorrow.  Therefore, the markets could remain in a volatile state for the next 24-48 hours.

Technically speaking, we’re still unable to install a downtrend line on our chart due to a lack of historical perspective.  Therefore, it’s difficult to find any topside technical barriers besides gold’s potentially psychological $1150/oz level.  As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with intraday lows and the psychological $1100/oz level.

Present Price: $1130.45/oz

Resistances: $1131.19/oz $1133.16/oz

Supports: $1127.24/oz, $1124.42/oz, $11122.54/oz, $1117.87/oz, $1114.39/oz, $1110.59/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz., $1150/oz.

Market Commentary provided by Fast Brokers.

Disclaimer: FastBrokers’ market commentary is provided for information purposes only and under no circumstances should be regardedneither as an investment advice nor as a solicitation or an offer to sell/buy any financial product. FastBrokers assumes no responsibility or liability from gains or losses incurred by the information herein contained.

Risk Disclosure: There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and foreign exchange. Please carefully review all risk disclosure documents before opening an account as these financial instruments are not appropriate for all investors.

USD/JPY Drifts Lower After GDP Tops Expectations

By Fast Brokers – The USD/JPY is drifting lower today following stronger than expected Prelim GDP data from Japan.  Furthermore, although the headline U.S. Retail Sales data topped expected, the Core number underperformed.  Altogether, this could be a negative catalyst for the USD/JPY.  The outperformance of Japan’s GDP could lead investors to favor the Yen over the Dollar considering America’s data continues to roll in negatively mixed.  Furthermore, the positive headline Retail Sales figure could bode well for Japanese automakers, thereby benefiting Japan’s economy and consequently the Yen.  However, the S&P futures are currently climbing past previous 2009 highs as investors take the mixed U.S. data in stride.  Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the USD/JPY reacts to both positive Japanese data along with a bullish technical move in U.S. equities.  There’s a possibility the two developments could counterbalance one another and leave the USD/JPY around its highly psychological 90 level for the time being.  However, we’ll just have to wait and see how the session pans out.

Meanwhile, the USD/JPY still has our 1st and 2nd tier uptrend lines serving as technical supports along with 11/11, 11/02, and 10/14 lows.  Therefore, the USD/JPY has quite a few technical cushions in place should conditions deteriorate.  As for the topside, the USD/JPY is still mired in its long-term downtrend and faces multiple downtrend lines along with 11/12 and 11/06 highs.  Furthermore, the psychological 90 level serves as both a technical cushion and barrier.  Therefore, the USD/JPY may need a sizable jolt to proceed in a more definite direction.

Present Price: 89.47

Resistances: 89.54, 89.68, 89.83, 89.98, 90.07, 90.20, 90.39

Supports:  89.41, 89.26, 89.15, 88.99, 88.85, 88.73, 88.58

Psychological: 90, November and October Lows

Market Commentary provided by Fast Brokers.

Disclaimer: FastBrokers’ market commentary is provided for information purposes only and under no circumstances should be regardedneither as an investment advice nor as a solicitation or an offer to sell/buy any financial product. FastBrokers assumes no responsibility or liability from gains or losses incurred by the information herein contained.

Risk Disclosure: There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and foreign exchange. Please carefully review all risk disclosure documents before opening an account as these financial instruments are not appropriate for all investors.

GBP/USD Aims for Previous November Highs

By Fast Brokers – The Cable is perking up this morning as the S&P futures fight to break loose of their psychological 1100 level.  The GBP/USD has benefitted from a relatively quiet data wire from Britain since the CCC number beat expectations.  However, the news flow will pick up tomorrow with the release of both CPI and RPI data points.  Furthermore, the BoE will release its anticipated Inflation Letter.  Since the BoE’s target inflation rate is 2%, any disappointing numbers concerning inflation could spark investor speculation that the BoE will inject more liquidity into its QE fund.  After all, Governor King recently left the door open to future alternative liquidity measures if deemed necessary.  Meanwhile, an inflation reading topping analyst expectations could boost the Cable beyond previous November highs and would support why the BoE opted to inject 25 billion Pounds at its last meeting instead of the anticipated 50 billion.

The U.S. will release pricing data of its own tomorrow along with TIC Long-Term Purchases, Capacity Utilization Rate, and Industrial Production.  As we saw today, the U.S. data flow continues to print negatively mixed.  Regardless, investors are snapping up equities and looking to send the S&P futures to fresh 2009 highs.  If the S&P futures should experience a topside breakout, the Cable may follow suit since the two investment vehicles are normally positively correlated.

Technically speaking, the Cable faces thin topside obstacles in the form of our 3rd and 4th tier downtrend lines along with previous November highs.  Since our 4th tier downtrend line runs through these November highs, a pop past our 4th tier on sufficient volume could indicate a more extensive near-term breakout towards August highs and the highly psychological 1.70 level due to a relative lack of historical resistance.  As for the downside, the GBP/USD has our 1st and 2nd tier uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 11/12 and 11/05 lows.  Furthermore, the psychological 1.65 level could work in the Cable’s favor should it be tested.

Present Price: 1.6741

Resistances: 1.6761, 1.6790, 1.6808, 1.6828, 1.6849, 1.6875

Supports: 1.6730, 1.6694, 1.6666, 1.6643, 1.6615, 1.6598

Psychological: 1.65, 1.70, November and August Highs, November Lows

Market Commentary provided by Fast Brokers.

Disclaimer: FastBrokers’ market commentary is provided for information purposes only and under no circumstances should be regardedneither as an investment advice nor as a solicitation or an offer to sell/buy any financial product. FastBrokers assumes no responsibility or liability from gains or losses incurred by the information herein contained.

Risk Disclosure: There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and foreign exchange. Please carefully review all risk disclosure documents before opening an account as these financial instruments are not appropriate for all investors.

EUR/USD’s Rally Tops Out Just Below 1.50

By Fast Brokers – The EUR/USD staged an encouraging rally on Friday, bouncing off our 2nd tier uptrend line as both gold and the S&P futures headed higher despite weaker than expected EU GDP data along with a disappointing UoM Consumer Sentiment number.  However, the bounce has stalled at what is now our 2nd tier downtrend line and the EUR/USD is confronting the highly psychological 1.50 area once again.  Hesitation in the EUR/USD comes in reaction to mixed U.S. Retail Sales data along with a weak reading from the Empire Index.  The continuation of a negatively mixed data flow from the U.S. is deterring investors from sending the EUR/USD beyond 1.50 and the S&P futures past 1100.  As a result, the EUR/USD appears stuck in a trading range between previous November highs and lows.  That being said, the EUR/USD has technical forces at work on both sides.

Technically speaking, the EUR/USD still faces our 2nd and 3rd downtrend lines along with the highly psychological 1.50 level and previous November highs.  However, the topside barriers are wearing thin, and a breach beyond our 3rd tire downtrend line could result in a retest of November and October highs with the possibility of more accelerated immediate-term gains.  As for the downside, the EUR/USD has built up a solid support system considering the rally since November lows.  Therefore, the EUR/USD has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 11/12 and 10/27 lows.  Meanwhile, investors should keep an eye on the S&P’s interaction with its psychological 1100 level because a topside breakout in the S&P could bring the EUR/USD along for the ride due to their positive correlation.

The EU will be relatively quiet on the data side, leaving tomorrow’s action up to British and American pricing data.  The EU released CPI data in line with expectations today, yet investors have shown a muted reaction to the data release thus far.

Present Price: 1.4962

Resistances: 1.4967, 1.4992, 1.5011, 1.5019, 1.5046, 1.5060

Supports: 1.4952, 1.4937, 1.4924, 1.4904, 1.4883, 1.4856

Psychological: 1.50, November Highs and Lows

Market Commentary provided by Fast Brokers.

Disclaimer: FastBrokers’ market commentary is provided for information purposes only and under no circumstances should be regardedneither as an investment advice nor as a solicitation or an offer to sell/buy any financial product. FastBrokers assumes no responsibility or liability from gains or losses incurred by the information herein contained.

Risk Disclosure: There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and foreign exchange. Please carefully review all risk disclosure documents before opening an account as these financial instruments are not appropriate for all investors.

Why Spot Gold Continues to Set Record Prices

By Russell Glaser – Gold continues to consistently rise above its record prices from the previous weeks as a slumping dollar has boosted prices for the commodity. Trading during today’s Japanese session pushed the EUR/USD up as the pair is closing in on the psychologically important 1.5000 mark. An explanation for the dramatic rising price may also be reasons for the prices to continue their upward trend.

The price of spot gold increased as the dollar fell against both the euro and the yen today. During the afternoon trading session in Japan, the dollar was trading at a daily high of 1.4992 against the euro while falling to a low against the yen at 89.40.

During this time spot gold touched a new record high of $1132.07. Last week’s trading had the commodity climbing over 2%. Pushing the commodity higher is a weak dollar, fears of higher future inflation, and the large purchases of gold bullion by central banks.

The EUR/USD is up 1.8% this month as risk aversion is dissipating in the financial markets and traders are seen as being bullish on an economic recovery. However, due to the continued dovish monetary policy by the leading central banks in the world, fears remain of higher inflation. The lack of interest rate tightening and the scaling back of programs designed to inject liquidity into the financial markets make gold an attractive investment. Gold is typically known as a hedge against inflation.

Also the purchase of 200 tons by the Reserve Bank of India from the IMF at the beginning of the month has highlighted not only traders appetite for the commodity, but also the major institutional economic powers who feel gold may be a good investment and a way to diversify their holdings away from the dollar.

The major trend that began more than one year ago has continued at an unbridled pace. Despite the news reels and highlights the commodity has received in the press, spot gold trading has not shown signs yet of a correction in the price.

Forex Market Analysis provided by Forex Yard.

© 2006 by FxYard Ltd

Disclaimer: Trading Foreign Exchange carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. There is a possibility that you could sustain a loss of all of your investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with Foreign Exchange trading.

Gold Continues to Rise, Reaches $1,129 an Ounce!

Source: ForexYard

The strongest trend in the market appears to be the bullishness of gold. Gold continues to break new records on a daily basis, and with a week packed with publications from the U.S economy entering, the main question is, can gold reach higher?

Economic News

USD – Dollar Continues to Weaken Following Disappointing Data

The Dollar continued to weaken during last week’s trading session. The Dollar extends its slow yet steady slide against the Euro, and the EUR/USD pair is reaching towards the 1.50 level again. The Dollar also depreciated against the Yen and the Pound.

The main reason for the Dollar’s drop appears to be the disappointing data published from the U.S economy. The U.S Trade Balance, which measured the difference in value between imported and exported goods and services during September, dropped to -36.5B, much lower than the -31.8B expected. This has both positive and negative sides. From one hand, the American citizens are consuming more, stating that the economy is recovering. However, on the other hand, it also states that the export industry fails to reach its levels prior the recession. It seems that investors have focused on the negative view of this publication. Also last week, the Preliminary Consumer Sentiment failed to reach expectations for a 71.1 figure, and reached merely 66.0, its lowest result in 4 months. This shows that the U.S consumers still prefer to hold on to their funds, and are not hurry to spend them. In other words, American people still don’t have enough confidence in their financial security.

As for the week ahead, many interesting publications are expected from the U.S economy. Traders should focus on the Retail Sales reports, the Producer Price Index, the Consumer Price Index, the Building Permits and the weekly Unemployment Claims. As for today, traders are also advised to follow the speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, which is expected at 17:15 GMT. Lately his speeches had an instant impact on the market, and traders should take advantage of the opportunities that may arise as a result.

EUR – Euro Sees Mixed Results against the Majors

The Euro saw a volatile session against the major currencies during last week’s trading. The Euro managed to strengthen against the Dollar, yet saw mixed results against the Yen and the Pound.

Despite the weak Dollar, the Euro didn’t manage to strengthen against the major currencies. Usually, when the Dollar is so weak, the Euro gets stronger, yet last week this axiom failed to exist. The main reason that the Euro didn’t strengthen appears to be the negative data released from the German economy. German Economic Sentiment dropped in November to its lowest result in 4 months, reaching merely 51.1, far less than the expected 55.2 figure. This states that the German economy’s pace of recovery might be a little slower than expected. In addition, the German Preliminary Gross Domestic Product failed to reach expectations for a 0.9% growth, and rose by only 0.7%. These two leading indicators have created hesitations among investors regarding the Euro-Zone’s recovery, and by so have weakened the Euro.

As for this week, a batch of data is expected from the Euro-Zone. The most impacting publications look to be the European Consumer Price Indices, the European Current Account, and especially the German Producer Price Index. Following the recent disappointing data from the German economy, further negative data could have an extremely negative impact on the Euro. Considering that this is the most significant data from the German economy this week, traders are advised to follow its result.

JPY – Japan’s Interest Rate Announcement Expected this Week

The Yen continued to see volatile trading against the major currencies during last week’s session. The Yen rose a little against the Dollar, but mainly ups and downs against the Euro and the Pound.

The Yen’s volatility came as a result of the mixed results from the leading publications of the Japanese economy last week. Both positive and negative data was released, and this has created range-trading for the Yen’s leading pairs and crosses. The most significant negative data came from the Current Account report, which showed the difference in value between imported goods and services failed to reach expectations for 1.53T, and reached 1.34T. Japan’s economy relies greatly on its exports, and thus the lower-than-expected figure has weakened the Yen. On the other hand, a surprising surge in the Core Machinery Orders has created optimism that the Japanese economy might be on its way to recover. As a result of the uneven results, the Yen didn’t see a clear direction during last week’s session.

Looking ahead to this week, the most intriguing publication from Japan is clearly the Overnight Call Rate on Friday, which is in fact the Japanese interest rate announcement for the upcoming month. Analysts forecast the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will leave rates at 0.10%. However, if the BoJ will surprise traders with a rate hike, the rate change may have the potential to boost the Yen. Traders are advised to follow the result of the announcement.

OIL – Crude Oil Drops on Weak U.S. Energy Demand

Crude oil saw a bearish trend during last week’s trading session. Crude oil dropped to $75.60 a barrel, its lowest value in a month. Furthermore, ever since crude oil was trading at $82.0 a barrel, it saw a slow, yet coherent downtrend.

The main reason for the drop in oil’s value seems to be speculations that the U.S demand for energy has declined. The slide began on Thursday as Crude Oil Inventories surprisingly rose to 1.8M barrels, well above expectations for a 0.8M result. In addition, the negative data from the U.S. economy on Friday has increased concerns for a reduced energy demand. The combination of high supply and low demand could have only one result – crude oil reached a month low.

As for this week, traders should follow the main publications from the U.S. economy. Traders should bear in mind that currently investors interpret positive data as a good sign for energy demand and vice versa. In addition, traders should also focus on the Crude Oil Inventories report on Wednesday, as this publication usually has an immediate impact on crude oil trading.

Technical News

EUR/USD

The bullish trend has continued for the past two trading sessions with a strong uptrend intact. The charts are showing no sign of weakening this trend as the pair is once again flirting with the significant 1.5000 price level. This pair could continue its uptrend, climbing potentially to the 1.5070 level by the end of today’s trading session.

GBP/USD

The 4-hour chart is showing the potential for bearish trading today. The chart displays the Relative Strength Index is trading in the overbought zone, indicating the potential for a downward correction. Traders may prefer to be short on this pair today.

USD/JPY

The pair could see some upward movement today as a bullish cross has formed on the 4-hour chart’s Slow Stochastic Oscillator, indicating the potential for some upward movement. It appears the pair has been consistently trading within the lower boundary on the daily chart’s Bollinger Bands, lending to a possible appreciation to the 20 day average.

USD/CHF

Traders may notice the 4-hour chart’s Bollinger Bands. The pair has bounced off the upper Bollinger Band and has crossed the 20 day average line, indicating the lower band could be the next price target. This may give traders the incentive to be short on this pair and continue to ride the long term downward trend.

The Wild Card – Gold

The commodity has reached an all time high yesterday at $1129.72 and has continued its. The uptrend is not showing definitive signs of slowing. The daily chart shows the pair has consistently traded in the upper half of the chart’s Bollinger Bands. This may indicate a strong uptrend. Until we see the commodity cross the 20 day average line suggesting the trend is weakening, forex and gold traders may want to continue to be long on gold.

Forex Market Analysis provided by Forex Yard.

© 2006 by FxYard Ltd

Disclaimer: Trading Foreign Exchange carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. There is a possibility that you could sustain a loss of all of your investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with Foreign Exchange trading.

Forex Weekly Market Review Nov 16, 09

 

The equity markets headed northbound, making new highs for 2009 last week, as solid earnings and encouraging economic news pushed investors back into riskier assets.  The large cap S&P 500 closed the week up 24 points or 2.25%. The S&P 500 Index created a new high for 2009, hitting 1,105 and the DJIA kept its pace, reaching 10,342 points. Equities moves were mainly affected by the currency market last week as large cap multinational stocks that are often affected by Forex fluctuations, led the way higher.

The markets started off on a solid note on Monday, after the G20 showed minimal concern with regards to the weakness in the US dollar.  US equity markets surged, with DJIA and S&P up 2.0% and 2.2%, respectively.  Financials and industrials outperformed which lead the markets higher. The main message from the weekend G-20 meeting was that governments would maintain and back strong stimulus efforts to those economies which are now moving in the right direction to deal with the current recession.

On Wednesday there was a plethora of economic data out of Asia which stimulated confidence that global growth was on the mend.  The impressive retail sales figure (up 16.2% y/y vs. 15.7% expectations and 15.5% in Sept) and industrial production (which accelerated from a 13.9% y/y pace in Sept to 16.1% in Oct vs. 15.5% expectations) helped bolster hopes China will help the global economy to gain further traction.  This, combined with the better than expected Japanese machine orders which grew more than twice as fast as expected in Sept, reinforced faith in the recovery. Orders were up 10.5% m/m, much more than the 4.1% expected.

The Equity markets continued to hold onto gains for the week as market participants awaited the Jobless Claims number out of the US, which was scheduled on Thursday.  The U.S. Labor Department said in its weekly report that initial claims for jobless benefits fell by 12,000 to 502,000 in the week ended Nov. 7. That was the lowest level since Jan. 3. The previous week’s level was revised to 514,000 from 512,000.  Although analysts were expecting a drop to 510,000, optimists were hoping for a fall below 500,000.  The result disappointed and resulted in some profit taking, which caused the equity indices to drop and the dollar to rise.

On Friday, the EMU released its GDP which came out slightly worse than expected.   Euro-zone gross domestic product grew 0.4% in the third quarter, after dipping 0.2% in the second. This was the first quarterly expansion since the first quarter of 2008. On an annualized basis, the contraction in GDP eased to 4.1% from 4.8% in the second quarter. Economists were expecting the first estimate of third-quarter GDP to show that the economy had expanded 0.6% on a quarterly basis and contracted 3.9% on an annual basis.

Forex:

Even though the Dollar showed relative strength last week, it failed to present any major moves, appearing to be running out of steam.  The euro lost ground after failing to sustain gains above $1.5000 and dropped towards the end of the trading week. Even though traders preferred to cash in on recent gains, the currency managed to stay above the $1.4875/85 area (around the 20-day moving average and 38.2% retracement of the recent rally).  The Euro zone industrial production data was somewhat disappointing, and increased by only 0.3% m/m in Sept (0.5% exp). On the upside, economic data also showed that Germany’s output jumped 3% in Sept and contributing to the slightly smaller than expected contraction in Germany’s GDP result for the third quarter.  Spain’s GDP also showed a better than expected result at -4.0% y/y vs. -4.1%. From a technical point of view, the Euro is now in danger of forming a double top, struggling advance above $1.50.  One must note that break below 1.48 could create a downdraft for the EUR/USD and lead to additional selling pressure.

The Australian dollar hit new highs for the year touching 93 cents against the US dollar.  Australian home approvals climbed by the most in six months in September, giving the RBA justification to hike rates in coming months. Though the central bank has pointedly used the word ‘gradual’ to describe the movement of interest rates in coming months, improving data continues to underpin speculation of sharper tightening.  The AUD/USD finished the week just under multi-year highs.

The pound came under pressure after the BoE’s King, commented after the release of the Quarterly Inflation report. The bank Governor talked about the benefits to the economy of a weaker pound and mentioned that it could help economic growth.  He also said he has an “open mind” on bond purchases, suggesting the BoE has not necessarily reached the end of Q/E.  The BoE said inflation is still expected to come in below the 2% target for most of the next 3 years before edging higher.  The Dovish comments had a negative impact on the sterling sending the cable down after posting hefty gains. Even though, fundamental data is pointing to further weakness, technical levels could hold strong, especially as the Sterling is now trading around prior resistance.

The week Ahead

Next week, a wave of data is going to be released, some of which will have a major effect on the intraday sessions.  On Monday the week will start off with US Retail sales and Business Inventories.  On Tuesday the market will need to absorb UK CPI and US PPI, Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization. During the week Australian Wage Price Index will be released, followed by UK BOE minutes and the closely watched US CPI figure. The number will be scrutinized by investors to make sure that inflation isn’t showing signs that could hurt economic growth. On Friday the BOJ will announce their interest rate decision. The bank is expected to hold at current levels of 0.1%.

Daily Forex Market Analysis provided by eToro

Disclaimer: Trading in the Foreign Exchange market might carry potential rewards, but also potential risks. You must be aware of the risks and are willing to accept them in order to trade in the foreign exchange market. Don’t trade with money you can’t afford to lose.

© 2009 eToro Blog.