Currency Pairs Market Analysis

[Solid ECN]

Czech Republic's Unemployment Hits 4% in January 2024

Solid ECN - In January 2024, the unemployment rate in the Czech Republic climbed to 4%, slightly higher than the expected 3.9% and an increase from 3.7% the month before. This rate is the highest since April 2021, with the unemployed population rising by 16,319 from the previous month to 295,546, up 12,487 compared to last year. At the same time, job openings fell by 5,006 from December, reaching 266,783, which is 14,358 fewer than in January of the previous year.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Gold Price Stable as Fed Rate Cut Chances Dip

Solid ECN - Gold's price stabilized above $2,030 per ounce on Thursday, supported by decreases in dollar and Treasury yields. This situation arose as investors waited cautiously for upcoming talks from US Federal Reserve officials, looking for hints about future monetary policy directions. However, the expectation for a reduction in interest rates was tempered by unexpectedly strong US employment and services data and strong statements from Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

In a recent interview, Powell confirmed that a rate decrease in March is not likely, echoing his earlier remarks following the FOMC meeting. He also mentioned that the Federal Reserve plans to reduce rates more slowly than investors might anticipate. Currently, the likelihood of a rate cut by the Fed in March is perceived to be below 20%, a sharp decline from the two-thirds probability expected at the beginning of the year.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Silver Prices Dip Amid Fed Rates & Demand Outlook

Silver prices fell below $22.5 for each ounce, marking the lowest point in two weeks. This drop was mainly because the hope for lower Federal Reserve interest rates diminished. Jerome Powell and other officials emphasized that any reduction in interest rates would be gradual and unlikely to start in March. Furthermore, recent U.S. jobs and services data, which was better than expected, suggested that the cost of borrowing might remain high until late spring. This situation made investments that don't produce income, like silver, less attractive.

However, silver did see some positive momentum from the anticipation of more support for China, the biggest consumer of silver, and the forecast of rising demand throughout the year. The Silver Institute's latest report predicted that the global demand for silver would hit 1.2 billion ounces in 2024, making it the second-highest demand level ever recorded, mainly due to industrial purchases.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Canadian Dollar Falls Amid US Economic Strength

The Canadian dollar dropped beyond 1.35 against the US dollar in early February, reaching its lowest point in over four weeks. This decline was influenced by solid economic reports from the US and firm statements from the Federal Reserve, which suggested that high interest rates in the US might persist, boosting the US dollar's strength. The ISM PMI indicated that service sector activity in the US was more substantial than expected in January, with high inflation levels, aligning with Federal Reserve Chair Powell's remarks that it's too early to claim success in controlling inflation.

On the other hand, Canada's PMI data showed its private sector shrinking, highlighting the need for the Bank of Canada to adopt a more supportive monetary policy. Additionally, oil prices were low due to speculation about a possible ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which lessened worries about oil supply issues and decreased the flow of foreign currency, weakening support for the Canadian dollar, also known as the loonie.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Brazil's Currency Hits 3-Month Low Amid Economic Woes.

Solid ECN - The Brazilian Currency fell to 5 against the US dollar in February, hitting its lowest point in three months due to weak economic indicators showing that not much foreign money was coming into the country. The trade surplus for January was decent, but it didn't meet the expectations and was the smallest in almost a year. Moreover, the foreign direct investment in Brazil went down unexpectedly in December, when it was anticipated to rise, making the situation tighter for foreign money inflow.

At the same time, China is experiencing its worst deflation in 14 years as of January, leading to worries about reduced international demand for Brazil's main exports, such as iron ore, oil, and soybeans. Despite expectations, inflation in January decreased to 4.51%, slightly more than what the central bank aims for in 2024. This situation puts the market's expectations for rate reductions by Brazil's central bank at risk.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Euro Rises Amid Rate Cut Cautions: ECB & Fed Update

Solid ECN - The euro experienced a slight increase, going over $1.075, following a drop to a low of $1.072 on February 5th. This happened as the major central banks in Europe and the US took a careful stance on reducing interest rates. During a Financial Times interview on Wednesday, Isabel Schnabel, a member of the ECB's board, stressed the need for patience in deciding on changes to interest rates.

She pointed out the risk of inflation rising again as a concern. Additionally, ECB survey results showed that Eurozone consumers expect inflation to be at 3.2% over the next year as of December, the lowest expectation since February 2022. In the US, the anticipation for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates soon diminished. This change in outlook was influenced by cautious remarks from Federal Reserve officials and the emergence of robust economic data.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Pound Steady Amid UK, US Rate Cut Speculations

Solid ECN - The British pound remained stable at $1.26, recovering from a seven-week low of $1.2515 on February 5th. This stability comes as investors recalibrated their expectations for imminent interest rate reductions in the UK and the US, prompted by careful comments from officials in both nations. Sarah Breeden, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, hinted at a new approach focusing more on maintaining the current interest rate levels instead of planning further hikes, suggesting the bank is not hurrying to lower rates.

Huw Pill, the chief economist, mentioned that no potential rate decrease is expected soon, highlighting that the decision to ease monetary policy will depend on timing. Recent RICS and Halifax data show the UK's housing market is strong. Earlier in the month, UK officials decided to keep interest rates at their highest in nearly 16 years, with hints that reductions might be considered later in the year.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Euro Stability Amid ECB Rate Cut Speculation

Solid ECN - The euro stayed near $1.077, avoiding a recent low of $1.072 from February 5th, as market expectations for early European Central Bank (ECB) rate reductions cooled. This shift followed cautious statements from several ECB officials about easing financial policies. The likelihood of an ECB rate cut in April dipped below 50% after key figures like Philip Lane, the chief economist, and Pierre Wunsch, the head of the Belgian central bank, stressed the importance of confirming that inflation is moving towards the 2% goal before slashing interest rates.

Moreover, ECB member Robert Holzmann mentioned the possibility of not cutting rates at all this year or the end. On another note, the US dollar strengthened from jobless solid claims data, suggesting the Federal Reserve might proceed cautiously with any policy changes.​

 

[Solid ECN]

EU Gas Prices Drop to New Low Amid Warm Winter

Solid ECN - Natural gas prices in Europe fell to a new low of €26 per megawatt-hour, marking the lowest point since July, after dropping 7.5% the week before. This decrease is due to warmer weather predictions, high levels of stored gas, and more gas being supplied by Norway. Also, as the cold season in Europe is ending, gas prices are dropping even further.

By February 10th, the European Union had 67% of its gas storage complete, with Germany at 73%, Italy at 61%, and France at 54%. Norway's gas deliveries to Europe and Britain increased following a temporary halt at the Nyhamna gas plant. Additionally, market watchers are paying attention to an upcoming vote in the US House of Representatives that might undo a pause on approving liquified natural gas (LNG) exports set by the Biden administration.​

 

[Solid ECN]

UK Pound Stays Firm Amid Rate Cut Speculation

Solid ECN - The British pound remained stable at $1.26, recovering from a seven-week low of $1.2515 on February 5th, after investors adjusted their early predictions for interest rate reductions in the UK and US. This change followed cautious comments from officials in both nations. Bank of England's Deputy Governor, Sarah Breeden, suggested that the bank is now more focused on how long to keep interest rates stable instead of lowering them. This indicates that the bank is not in a hurry to cut rates.

On the other hand, Chief Economist Huw Pill mentioned that any rate reduction might not happen soon, pointing out that deciding when to ease monetary policy is crucial and not guaranteed. Furthermore, recent economic reports from RICS and Halifax show that the UK's housing market continues to be strong. Earlier in the month, UK officials decided to keep interest rates at their highest in nearly 16 years, hinting at the possibility of a decrease later in the year.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Aussie Dollar Low Amid RBA Rate Decision Speculation

Solid ECN - The Australian dollar stayed around $0.65, close to its lowest point in twelve weeks, as market players considered the recent remarks from the central bank. Michele Bullock, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, mentioned that bringing inflation down to 2.5% isn't necessary to reduce the cash rate.

Yet, she also noted that the RBA hasn't dismissed the chance of raising interest rates further, nor has it confirmed such a move. Analysts at CBA have predicted a total of 75 basis points in rate cuts for this year, with more expected in 2025. This comes as the RBA kept interest rates unchanged during its February meeting but indicated that rates might still go up if inflation stays high. The central bank pointed out that inflation dropped more than anticipated in the last quarter of the year, yet it's still unclear when inflation will fall back into the desired range of 2-3%.​

 

[Solid ECN]

NZ Dollar Drops Amid Rate Hike Speculation

Solid ECN - The New Zealand dollar dropped to approximately $0.612, losing some of its recent gains as investors became wary before an upcoming speech by the central bank, which might impact future interest rate decisions. Adrian Orr, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, is set to speak on Friday. Last week, the Kiwi saw a 1.4% increase amid thoughts that interest rates might increase due to persistent inflation and a strong job market.

ANZ analysts predict the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will raise interest rates by a quarter point in February and April, bringing the policy rate to 6%. Investors also note a worldwide trend among major central banks to delay expected rate reductions, particularly in the US and Europe. According to traders, there's about a 44% probability that the RBNZ will hike rates on February 28.​

 

[Solid ECN]

Oil Prices Steady at $77 Amid Global Tensions

Solid ECN - WTI crude oil prices are stable at about $77 per barrel after rising 6.3% last week due to tensions between countries. Meetings in Beirut hinted at possible improvements in the Gaza situation, but the Houthi group in Yemen announced a new ship attack on the Red Sea, showing ongoing dangers. At the same time, Israel launched air attacks in Gaza's Rafah, rejecting a ceasefire offer from the previous week.

However, an ample supply of oil worldwide and doubts about demand, especially from China, have limited any further increase in oil prices.​

 

[Solid ECN]

FTSE MIB Hits 14-Year High; Tod's Shares Surge

Solid ECN - On Monday, the FTSE MIB index increased by roughly 1%, reaching 30,920, a level it hasn't seen since May 2008, inspired by positive developments from Wall Street. Investors were mainly watching the quarterly earnings reports, especially from companies in the manufacturing sector, while also paying attention to the future direction of monetary policy as they awaited inflation figures from the US.

In Milan, the luxury shoe brand Tod's shares jumped 18% after the announcement that private equity firm L Catterton plans to purchase a 36% stake from the Della Valle family to take the company personally. Other notable gainers included Saipem (up by 5.9%), Telecom Italia (up by 2.9%), and Brunello Cucinelli (up by 2.8%). Conversely, Saras, an oil refining company, saw its shares fall almost 4% following the news that commodity trading giant Vitol intended to buy out the Moratti family's share and take the company private, with the share price falling below the offer price of 1.75 euros per share.​

 

[Solid ECN]

US Inflation Rate Drops to 2.9% in January 2024

Solid ECN - It's likely that the US's yearly inflation rate dropped to 2.9% in January 2024, marking the lowest rate since March 2021, after a short rise to 3.4% in December. Expectedly, the cost of consumer goods might increase by 0.2% from December, which aligns with the adjusted growth seen in the last two months.

Furthermore, the yearly rate of core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, is predicted to decrease to 3.7%, the smallest since April 2021, down from 3.9% in December. The monthly core inflation rate is expected to stay constant at 0.3%. This comes as inflation continues to decrease from its peak of 9.1% in June 2022, the highest since the early 1980s.​

 

[Solid ECN]

USDJPY Bullish Trend Continuation

Solid ECN - The USDJPY pair is trading above the 23.6% Fibonacci level, around 149.54. The bulls have broken above the 148.8 resistance, signaling a continuation of the bullish trend. The Awesome Oscillator bar turned green in today's trading session, and the RSI indicator also signals bullishness by hovering above the 50 level. Therefore, it is likely that the USDJPY price will see further gains, with the next bullish target potentially being the 151.9 resistance.

The 38.2% Fibonacci level supports the scenario mentioned above. If the USDJPY price falls below this level, the scenario should be invalidated accordingly.

This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.​

 

[Solid ECN]

EURUSD Technical Analysis: Bears Failed to Crosse the Cloud

Solid ECN - The EURUSD currency pair is trading below the Ichimoku cloud, with the price at 1.076 at the time of writing. The bullish momentum that started from 1.072 could not extend beyond the 50% Fibonacci resistance level, the 1.0805 mark. Interestingly, the technical indicators are bearish, with the RSI indicator hovering below the 50 level, and the Awesome Oscillator bars are in red and on the verge of flipping below the signal level.
According to the technical data we receive from the EURUSD 4-hour chart, it is likely for the pair's price to decline and return below the bearish flag. If this scenario comes into play, the first target could be the recent lower lows, the 1.07228.

Conversely, suppose the bulls stabilize the price above the 50% Fibonacci. In that case, the bearish scenario should be invalidated, and the EURUSD price could climb to %78.6, in conjunction with the upper line of the bearish channel.


This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.​

 

[Solid ECN]

AUDUSD: Bearish Trend Continuation or Bullish Breakout?

Solid ECN - The AUDUSD price currently ranges inside the bearish wedge pattern below the Ichimoku cloud. As of this writing, the pair trades at 0.651. The technical indicators suggest a continuation of the downtrend, which aligns with the primary AUD/USD direction. The Relative Strength Index is crossing below the 50 level, and the Awesome Oscillator bars are in red and about to flip below the signal line.

From a technical standpoint, as long as the currency pair remains below the Ichimoku cloud, the downtrend is valid, and the price will likely test the last lower lows, 0.64678.

Conversely, the bearish trend line (in blue) and the 0.6542 level are pivotal in the bearish and bullish bias. Therefore, if the bulls stabilize the price above the said level, the uptick momentum that began in early February could extend to the January high, 0.6623.

This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.​

 

[Solid ECN]

US Stocks Fall as Inflation Surprises Market

Solid ECN - On a recent Tuesday, the three extensive US stock indexes - the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq - all fell. The S&P 500 dropped more than 1%, the Dow Jones went down over 300 points, and the Nasdaq decreased almost 2%. This happened because the inflation rate in the US was higher than what people thought it would be. This made investors think twice about whether the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates in March and May. The yearly inflation rate dropped to 3.1%, but people thought it would drop even more to 2.9%.

Also, the yearly core inflation was 3.9%, higher than the expected 3.7%. Consumer prices increased by 0.3% compared to the month before, and the core rate went up to 0.4%, both more than expected. The real estate and tech sectors both went down about 2%. Stocks of big tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Alphabet also dropped nearly 2%. But, Coca-Cola did well and went up about 2% after they reported earnings that met expectations and revenue that was higher than expected.​

 

[Solid ECN]

BTCUSD Enters Consolidation Phase

Solid ECN - Bitcoin's price has declined after reaching as high as $50,374 in today's trading session. As of writing, the digital gold trades around the $48,700 mark, near the 25 simple moving average. According to the technical indicators, the relative strength index has exited the overbought area, while the awesome oscillator shows a minor divergence. This could signal that Bitcoin might be entering a consolidation phase.

From a technical standpoint, if the BTCUSD price falls below the 25 simple moving average, the phase mentioned above might extend to the $23.6 Fibonacci support level, followed by the $46,877 resistance.

We suggest waiting for the bitcoin price to stabilize above the $46,000 level before adding new or more bids to the bullish market.​