Post306

India Insider: Reserve Bank of India Intervention is Limited

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

India Insider: Reserve Bank of India Intervention is Limited

After weeks of steady appreciation due to Reserve Bank of India intervention on the 15th of October, the Indian Rupee has now returned to the same 88.72 levels against the USD before the policy action was enacted. The RBI’s recent offensive against speculators may have calmed the market temporarily, but it reflects a reactionary and short-term approach to deeper structural pressures facing India’s external administrative policies regarding the USD/INR.

Post306
USD/INR Three Month Chart as of 5th November 2025

Despite the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to influence the cash forward market, where Dollar shorts rose by 6 billion USD in September to $59 billion, fundamentals suggest that Rupee weakness is not purely speculative. It is a rational market adjustment due to rising trade barriers amid U.S tariffs on India’s merchandise exports. The added uncertainty regarding trade caused the Rupee to naturally absorb external shocks. Merchandise exports to the U.S fell 12% in September year on year, according to official India data, prompting some calls for government relief.

India’s Foreign Remittances & H1-B Visa Fee Hike

According to World Bank data, India received about 137.7 billion USD in personal remittances from abroad in 2024. From that amount, around $40 billion is coming from the United States. The Trump administration raised the cost of H1-B visa fees from below 10,000 USD to nearly $100,000. And there is now also an increased likelihood of measures aimed at limiting digitally delivered software services to the U.S from India. These combined measures would substantially reduce Dollar receipts via exports of technology driven software and IT services, as well as remittances from a reduction of workers on temporary U.S visas providing on site services to U.S clients. USD inflow has been crucial for India’s balance of payment’s stability.

Reduction of USD reserves when the trade deficit is already rising because of hikes caused by tariffs on India’s exports would widen the current account deficit. Concerns about a decrease in remittances leading to a potentially significant decline of India’s USD reserve ability is possibly discouraging the India Reserve Bank to voluntarily expend reserves to support the Rupee.

Service Exports Cushion India’s Balance of Payments:

India’s total service exports touched 400 Billion USD over the past year with a predominant amount coming from the U.S. In other words, India has had a $202 billion in services trade surplus over the last 12 months, which covered almost 114% of India’s merchandise trade deficit in 2024-25.

India’s goods trade deficit is matched by a services surplus, plus net foreign personal remittances. This USD equation is under threat because of prolonged paralysis from stubborn US and India trade negotiations debating Russian Oil usage and the U.S demand to allow agricultural products into India.

Foreign Investors Selling Indian Equities

In addition, the Indian Rupee is not getting support from investment portfolio inflows. A shortfall of AI related avenues in the nation’s tech sector, and perhaps because of valuations considered too rich, foreign Investors have pulled 17 billion USD so far this year. This sum is more than any other emerging market, which is eating away at the Reserve Bank of India’s FX reserves too.

Global and India-specific uncertainties spurred by the Trump administration’s actions are setting off a retreat of footloose portfolio capital invested into India’s equity and bond markets. If the Reserve Bank of India was confident that inflows of foreign capital would replenish reserves it would likely help the Indian Rupee, and thus investor confidence coming from abroad.

Policy Irony and the Limits of Intervention

The U.S. remains India’s largest export market, but new levies of 50% tariffs are hurting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, and gems & jewelry.

While concerns about imported inflation are valid, the benefits of a weaker Rupee should not be overlooked. A mild depreciation could boost India’s service exports, improve the balance of payments, and partly offset the effects of U.S. tariffs on merchandise exports.

A material improvement in U.S and India trade relations is needed. Until a restoration is achieved in relations and a merchandise surplus is possible, alongside healthy services and remittance inflows occurring again, the Rupee’s weakness is likely to persist. In the meantime, Reserve Bank of India interventions could prove to be a short term tactic that proves vulnerable mid-term to the influence of market forces known and unexpected.

postR197.1

Return to Normal Market Conditions and a Trump Outlook

by with No Comment AssetsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

Return to Normal Market Conditions and a Trump Outlook

Retail speculators can now expect a return to calm and clear financial market outlooks, knowing that potential influences from new U.S policies will start to be considered. With the U.S elections in the rear view mirror and a Trump mandate delivered by many U.S voters, global financial institutions and traders will again be able to focus on a combination of technical perspectives, current behavioral sentiment and outlook.

postR197.1
USD Cash Index Six Month Chart as of 10 November 2024

Some technical traders may believe behavioral sentiment has nothing to do with the long-term prospects of studying charts, but price action last week in FX and equities clearly showed why traders must be attuned to storms created by human emotions. Risk adverse trading has been prevalent since the end of September. A glance at the six month USD Cash Index demonstrates the extent of behavioral sentiment causing volatility the past handful of months. After believing the U.S Federal Reserve was going to become dovish which propelled the USD lower in many Forex pairs in early July, financial institutions expressed concerns about political outlook the past handful of weeks as a lack of clarity started to shroud their perspectives. USD centric positions have powered Forex.

And now that there is a Trump administration coming, and the U.S Fed has remained cautiously dovish this past Thursday, financial institutions may exhale with relief. The election on November the 5th has delivered a clear message regarding the potential for changes to U.S administration mandates regarding trade. Whether a stronger U.S economy is attained because of these hopes is not the question, it is the perception new policies will be initiated which try to deliver results which have been promised. Yes, promises can be broken.

However, the ability to believe changes are coming will affect behavioral sentiment. The Trump soundbites may prove to be rather weak in the future, but there is a chance he will also get things done regarding stronger trade agreements which protect U.S business enterprise and manufacturing. Folks can argue until they are blue in the face regarding the prospects of all things, but the U.S major equity indices rising like a rocket ride in the middle of last week is clear evidence that many believe the prospects for U.S corporations is better. No matter if it is only hopes about tax laws changing, less regulation, and better U.S trade agreements, investors are clearly betting on optimistic outlooks for the mid-term.

postR197.2
Dow Jones 30 One Month Chart as of 10 November 2024

Improved attitudes are great for the prospect of financial institutions, but traders still have to certainly protect their positions against volatility developing. Markets should start to return to tranquil conditions in the days ahead. U.S data will come this week which will be important via the CPI numbers on Wednesday and PPI figures this Thursday – the combination of these inflation reports will be important. Friday will see Retail Sales from the States.

The return to data as a guideline for financial institutions teamed with the Fed’s rate cut this past Thursday may be an ointment for retail traders who seek a return to normal conditions. Nervous behavioral sentiment could remain a factor in the coming days as people adjust their outlooks to a Trump White House, but the coming week should be relatively quiet regarding surprises.

It isn’t a question of liking or disliking the outcome of the U.S election, it is a question about how behavioral sentiment will now be affected. While some bring up potential tariffs as a major risk for the U.S and global economy, we have been down this road before with Trump. The risk of inflation if trade disagreements flourish should be taken seriously, but Trump has dealt with China in the past and both sides did find a way to do business in many respects. China is probably worried about Trump being in the White House again, but they likely have a gameplan for the tough business discussions ahead. The experience of having dealt with President Trump before allows China and others to know what they may face this time and empower them to be prepared.

It should be noted that Trump has shown in the past a tendency to enter negotiations with a difficult offer and permitting the other side to counter. Trump then might turn down a proposal, but often shows he is open to discussing things further and reaching a compromise. And that is the crucial word – compromise. It is about business and geopolitics. Financial institutions have dealt with a Trump White House before. This time around there is a hope Trump’s naming of a White House cabinet will not be as messy an affair as it was the first time.

The naming of Susie Wiles as the White House Chief of Staff last week looks like a good first step, also having strong Republican leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives may make things easier. While some are worried about a slew of loud rhetorical stances by Trump, perhaps pragmaticism will be practiced. And based on that rather optimistic viewpoint, retail traders may also feel businesslike conditions are ahead and that the financial markets will be a safer place to pursue speculative wagers again in the near and mid-term.

postN51

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Spiders for the 1st of March 2024

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Spiders for the 1st of March 2024

postN51

10. Palystes: Huntsman spiders known in South Africa as ‘rain spiders’ are nocturnal and visit indoors, sometimes causing horror for those stumbling through hallways in the middle of the night. But it is better than a baboon entering the house.

9. Victor Wembanyama: Last night’s stat line included 28 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 3pts made, 7 assists, 2 steals in less than 33 minutes played. The rookie is already one of the best NBA players. Btw, the Spurs beat the Thunder also.

8. Tech: Chinese cars are now in the crosshairs of U.S politicians who are worried the ‘smart’ vehicles can collect sensitive data from Americans.

7. Crypto: Bitcoin above 61,000.00 USD, Ethereum over 3,300.00, and Binance Coin testing 400.00 even as the company remains under U.S legal shadows. How much air can the balloons withstand?

6. Putin’s Nuclear Threats: In a world with escalating geo-political tension, the Russian leader remains determined and energetic while playing ‘war poker’ against Europe.

5. U.S Data: Core PCE Index numbers yesterday met expectations, but the previous month’s outcome was revised downwards. Today a Consumer Sentiment reading comes from the University of Michigan. This week’s U.S data has mostly been pleasantly ‘weaker’.

4. Central Banks: Fed ‘watchers’ are likely feeling more comfortable this morning regarding the possibility of a late spring ‘thaw’ in U.S interest rates. Jerome Powell will testify in front of the Senate next Thursday. The ECB will release their Monetary Policy Statement on the 7th of March also. Next FOMC pronouncements will be on the 20th of March.

3. Gold: The precious metal is near 2050.00 USD, this after yesterday’s U.S inflation report, gold could remain volatile today. Some speculators may be looking for additional value to develop.

2. Forex: FX has been a constant battle the past two months, but patient traders with mid-term perspectives may be anticipating their weaker USD targets to trend more steadily.

1. Equities: Many global stock indices are achieving record levels as bullish behavioral sentiment creates upwards momentum. S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and the Composite, Dow 30, Nikkei 225 and the DAX Index are flirting with higher values.

postN94.1

Thin Holiday Markets Await FX Speculators

by with No Comment Behavioral SentimentCommoditiesFeatured Highlights

Thin Holiday Markets Await FX Speculators

Traders who want to pursue speculative positions this week need to understand that market conditions will be extremely thin. While the USD has certainly taken on a ‘softer’ dimension and financial institutions are demonstrating solid risk appetite, this week’s trading could produce lackluster choppy conditions.

Economic data will be light this week due to the ongoing Christmas celebrations, and the New Year’s holiday which will come next Monday. Forex markets can produce trading opportunities in the near-term for folks who want to wager on changes of direction, but some of the trajectories may be dubious and reversals could loom. Entry orders are urged for participants because spreads between bids and asks will likely be wide.

postN94.1
Gold Three Month Chart as of 26th December 2023

Gold remains within its higher price boundaries as the USD produces weakness, but betting on the precious metal this week could also be dangerous. Gold has certainly been trending upwards, but short-term speculative positions by large players could make the commodity agitated the next handful of days if they try to take advantage of light volumes. Day traders without significant bankrolls should be careful.

While economic data will be released, it is doubtful how much impact the reports will have on the broad markets. Active traders should monitor the coming statistics, but they should stay ‘more’ alert for possible outside influences which could shake confidence and shadow the rather optimistic behavioral sentiment which is currently being demonstrated.

News via international shipping should be given attention as the Houthis and Iran rattle their swords. While experienced traders will not be flustered by noise, the potential for escalating violence should be given attention.

postN94.2
USD/JPY Three Month Chart as of 26th December 2023

Tuesday, 26th of December, Japan Core CPI via the BoJ – inflation data from Japan has been published today and the Consumer Price Index came in below expectations. The USD/JPY remains on a downwards trajectory and should be given consideration.

Wednesday, 27th of December, U.S Richmond Manufacturing Index – this report being ‘highlighted’ shows the minimal amount of data being published this week. A decline versus the previous month’s negative outcome is expected. The likelihood that significant trading will be ignited via the results of this publication is almost nil.

Thursday, 28th of December, U.S Pending Home Sales – the data is expected to show a gain of 1.1%. However, it is next month’s report which will get more attention, this as investors look to see if the Fed’s soft monetary policy stance which was heard in mid-December, helps boost the housing market in the coming weeks. This immediate report however is likely to be met with a rather quiet reaction.

Friday, 29th of December, U.K Nationwide Home Price Index – this economic report like yesterday’s U.S housing numbers is destined to have little influence on short-term trading results. The GBP/USD will not be affected by this report in any great manner.

postN83.1

FOMO Potential Could Fuel FX and Equities with Calm Winds

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

FOMO Potential Could Fuel FX and Equities with Calm Winds

Traders should not run towards their trading screens as the week begins, steady attitudes and risk taking tactics will be needed. Yet, there may be reasons to get excited. The return of full market volume as U.S financial institutions open and employees get back in their offices after the long holiday weekend needs to be monitored. The term ‘FOMO’ – fear of missing out – may be heard this week if U.S equity indices continue to shine, Forex demonstrates additional USD weakness and U.S Treasury yields decline further. There will be a whirlwind of economic data and opportunities for ‘official’ rhetoric in the days ahead.

Day traders should ask questions about the results which were seen technically via their charts last week, assets all struggled to find momentum last Thursday and Friday. And earlier in the week many Forex pairs produced choppy results. But here’s the thing, behavioral sentiment was rather muted as large speculators and financial institutions understood that trading volumes would be light – this caused strong bursts and sudden reversals early – but by the end of the week rather calm waters.

Many trading houses could increase their speculative positions this week based on their outlooks. Financial institutions clearly have believed the USD had been overbought and the ability of the GBP, EUR and JPY to gain in the past two weeks are possible signs large ‘players’ remain positioned for further USD weakness.

Equity markets have done well in November, but the major indices including the Dow 30, S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Composite all started to garner strength in the last week of October. Mid-term highs are being achieved in U.S indices. The parade of buyers may not be done quite yet.

Economic data results are vital for day traders to understand because they provide insights into the thinking of financial institutions regarding their outlooks. It is not the trading of small speculators that moves markets, it is the power of large cash positions which drives results. Questions regarding where the cash is going and the allotments financial institutions are pursuing is a key to understanding how the markets are going to react. This information is not readily available for day traders, instead smaller speculators need to try to comprehend outlooks regarding positioning and timeframes of larger players.

Part of the FOMO factor could develop as financial institutions begin to question how much money they will hold in money market accounts for their clients. While the practices of large investors are always comforted by the notion they are making guaranteed returns, the pursuit of better results and the desire for risk appetite does drive behavioral sentiment when bullish markets are being exhibited.

This week will be intriguing as full volumes return to the marketplace today and tomorrow. From today until the 13th of December FOMC Statement from the U.S Federal Reserve, results in the financial markets could be speculative. Financial markets are starting to signal that optimism is creeping back into the mindsets of large investors who may believe mid-term economic scenarios have improved.

postN83.1
EUR/USD Six Month Chart as of 27th November 2023

Monday, 27th of November, E.U. ECB President Lagarde – the European Central Bank leader will deliver thoughts regarding monetary policy to the European Parliament. While the E.U still is sufferning from recessionary numbers, economic data last week came in slightly better than estimated. However, the EUR/USD remains in a USD centric mode and this will continue this week.

Tuesday, 28th of November, U.S Consumer Confidence via the Conference Board, the numbers are expected to be slightly weaker than last month’s outcome. U.S economic data has been showing signs of being weaker than expected, last week’s Core Durable Goods Orders report followed this trend.

While this may be read as bad news by some people, day traders should note – particularly Forex speculators – that slightly weaker U.S economic data currently is music to the ears of many financial institutions because they believe the Federal Reserve will have to shift their rhetoric from aggressive to neutral.

Tuesday, U.S Federal Reserve Officials – a slew of FOMC members will be speaking at various events during the day. The Fed likes to give clues to the financial markets regarding their outlooks and perceptions regarding interest rates. The Federal Reserve has certainly paused their interest rate hikes.

The question now is if the U.S central bank will start to say while they remain diligent regarding inflation, that they now see signs of a ‘soft landing’ emerging within the U.S economy. If the Fed speakers begin to sound not only neutral, but offer hints of becoming potentially dovish by the spring of 2024 regarding monetary policy, this could spur USD selling.

Wednesday, 29th of November, Germany Preliminary Consumer Price Index – the inflation results are expected to be slightly weaker than last month’s outcome. German economic data has been recessionary, financial institutions know this, what large traders would like to see is stable results that are not wildly surprising.

Wednesday, 29th of November, U.S Preliminary Gross Domestic Product – the growth numbers are expected to show a slight increase. Equity markets, Forex and commodity markets will react to these results. The U.S economy has been surprisingly strong regarding growth. A slight slowdown regarding the GDP numbers would not be the worse thing, if growth numbers did come in below the estimate this could fuel additional USD weakness.

But traders should not get overly ambitious and bet against the GDP numbers. If the expected outcome of 5.0% is delivered, equity markets could use this as additional fuel. The number is sure to be a talking point, but unless their is a massive divergence it may simply be a way to create noise for ‘talking heads’, when in fact behavioral sentiment regarding risk appetite remains optimistic.

Thursday, 30th of November, China Manufacturing PMI – the result is forecast to show a slight improvement. China economic numbers remain a concern, particularly from the real estate sector which is suffering and is causing cascading troubles on other sectors within the nation. Global demand for products, as an example from European countries, that are suffering recessionay pressures also is slowing China’s manufacturing. A slight improvement would be welcomed by global investors participating in China financial assets.

postN83.2
WTI Crude Oil Six Month Chart as of 27th November 2023

Thursday, 30th of November, OPEC and JMMC Conference – the oil producers will certainly make their policies known and energy markets will react to the news and rumors. Commodity traders should note that WTI Crude Oil, Brent, Natural Gas and Unleaded Gasoline markets have been under price pressure and important mid-term cash support levels are in sight.

Thursday, 30th of November, U.S Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index – this inflation reading is important and should be watched. The result is expected to be weaker than the previous month. If the outcome matches the anticipated reading of 0.2% or less, this could spur additional USD weakness. The Core PCE Index is an important reading for the U.S Federal Reserve regarding its inflation insights.

Friday, 1st of December, U.S Fed Chairman Jerome Powell – the Fed leader will be speaking at a college event in Atlanta. Traders should remember that about ten days before the Fed’s pause in November regarding its FOMC Statement, Powell delivered a large hint regarding monetary policy. The Fed Chairman’s comments will come late on Friday and could cause a reaction early next week if Powell’s remarks fuel more Forex speculation.

Additional note – the U.S jobs numbers will not be released this Friday, the Non-Farm Employment Change and Average Hourly Earnings results will be published on the 8th of December.

post10

Central Bank Capitulation led by Federal Reserve

by with No Comment Federal Reserve, Interest RatesMajor Global Equity Indices

Central Bank Capitulation led by Federal Reserve

The 21st and 22nd of September were potentially important signals for traders as the Federal Reserve admitted they remain reactive to inflationary pressures, and other global central banks countered with acts of their own.

While it is difficult and often foolish to believe the markets can be timed, this past Wednesday may have been an important moment for speculators in Forex. Many traders may have veered off into cryptocurrencies or into equities as day traders the past few years, but FX still remains a place that offers volatility and where wagers on price direction can be made.

The Federal Reserve raised their interest rate 0.75% again, and importantly issued a loud admission that the U.S central bank is caught in a reactionary mode. Other global central banks have begun to protect their own currencies too. Jerome Powell, the U.S Federal Reserve Chairman, said he believes the current interest rate is likely at the low end of the spectrum regarding where it has to be to have an affect on current inflationary pressures.

The USD has been strong against many major currencies with a rather unforgiving bullish trend. Raising the Federal Funds rate from 0.25% to 3.25% the past year in the U.S has made short term purchases of U.S debt attractive to many financial institutions. On Wednesday, Jerome Powell made it clear other hikes will be delivered and it is not farfetched to believe the U.S is looking at a potential rate of 4.50% and higher in the spring of 2023. This doesn’t mean the Fed’s policy is correct, it is simply an outlook for the potential Federal Funds Rate based on rhetoric.

  • A Federal Funds Rate in the U.S of 4.00% is likely by early this winter, per the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook.

  • Global central banks have reacted to the U.S Fed’s recent interest rate hike, by enacting methods to try and safeguard the value of their own domestic currencies.

The USD surged ahead slightly before the rate announcement from the Fed, while many other currencies lost value. However, on Thursday the Bank of Japan intervened by starting to buy Japanese Yen against the USD. The Bank of Japan said it will not raise interest rates yet, but its action showed it clearly does not want the JPY to lose additional value to the USD, via the USD/JPY Forex pair. Whether the BoJ’s actions work mid-term remain to be seen.

Global Central Banks feel they must counter the U.S Federal Reserve’s Actions

Other central banks started to act too. The Bank of England and Swiss central bank both raised interest rates yesterday. Speculators who have been watching the USD dominate Forex the past year, may now have to consider that the last two day’s of action via global central banks is a signal an attitude change has taken place, which may begin to affect Forex long term. Traders need to understand opportunity also means there are risks.

Inflation remains high and governments have reached a point where they have had to admit they will have to risk slowing their economies and potentially suffer recessionary pressures to curb price increases. Many central banks likely feel they have to match the hike increases by the U.S Federal Reserve within their own systems to protect the value of their currencies.

post10

BoJ Intervention on the 22nd of September

End of the Dominant USD Bullish Cycle in Forex?

While Japan for the moment refuses to raise borrowing rates, the BoJ’s buying of JPY effectively signals the USD has become too strong and is starting to hurt the Japanese economy. The the Bank of Japan will be interesting to study long term, to quantify if Japan’s lack of raising rates proves to actually be correct in the current environment.

Philosophical differences and central bank maneuvering is complex and has a long history of debate. Having said that the Bank of Japan has been largely scorned by many other central banks the past three decades for its methods, but while Japan has never recaptured the growth numbers it attained in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the nation remains one of the world’s richest.

The action of the BoJ and other global central banks means that speculators may want begin to look at Forex and tinker with the notion that the bullish trend of a dominant USD may start coming to an end. The cycle has been strong and again, it is difficult to say today is the day. Timing the market is often proven wrong, but the messaging from global central banks that they will start to shadow and react to the U.S Federal Reserve’s actions may mean that they will try to curtail the decreasing values of their own domestic currencies with more robust methods.

Day Traders need to understand a Complex Puzzle is Ahead

Forex markets can produce dramatic changes of value abruptly and cause costly losses to traders who bet wildly. The use of too much leverage and a lack of efficient risk management frequently destroys value quickly. However, now may be the time to contemplate testing Forex with the notion the USD may start to incrementally loss value. A lot has to happen. There are plenty of risk events ahead which could lead to wildly unforeseen results. In other words there are no guarantees.

Global equities led by the U.S indices appear very fragile and if the major stocks loss more value, this could also cause a stronger USD. Why? Because the USD would have to be purchased to buy U.S stocks by foreign investors who want a safe heaven. While it may seem contradictory to think U.S equities would be bought in downturns, this is what has historically happened when global financial institutions seek safe havens and believe other places are too dangerous to invest.

Remember financial institutions are not supposed to be day traders, they are supposed to be long term investment vehicles. Meaning if global equities suffer, even if U.S indices suffer too, the U.S is likely to remain the choice of investment houses as the place to seek shelter if they have to purchase equities as part of their mandates.

Yes, Forex will always be a complex puzzle for short term traders seeking to take advantage of the daily gyrations in the global markets. If a speculator insists on participating with wagers in the market place, they must consider that financial storms are always brewing because trading is seldom easy.