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Risk Appetite: Forex and Equities and Cautious Optimism

by with No Comment Behavioral SentimentEconomic CalendarFeatured Highlights

Risk Appetite: Forex and Equities and Cautious Optimism

Day traders can clearly see that risk appetite has taken hold of behavioral sentiment early this week. USD centric price action has created highs for the British Pound, South African Rand, Singapore Dollar and a host of other major currencies paired against the USD. Yesterday’s poor showing via the CB Consumer Confidence reading in the U.S poured additional fire onto the notion the U.S economy is not doing as well as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell expressed last week, which means caution should be used when looking at the broad markets. Speculators who only make short-term wagers cannot let blind optimism be the guiding light.

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USD/SGD Three Month Chart as of 25th Sept. 2024

While today will be thin with economic data, Thursday’s Gross Domestic Product results could prove to be another ignition switch for market impetus. The quarterly Final GDP result is widely expected by analysts to produce a gain of 3.0%. The Final GDP Price Index statistics are anticipated to show a 2.5% ratio. If the growth and inflation numbers miss their marks this could set off a momentary storm in the markets. A good example of trading that has already been baked into the cake regarding values and mid-term outlook is the USD/JPY, which while maintaining its bearish stance has clearly found a price realm financial institutions are now maneuvering carefully within as equilibrium is battled.

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GBP/USD Three Month Chart as of 25th Sept. 2024

Yet, many financial institutions have clearly leaned further into their optimistic stances particularly via the U.S major equity indices and day traders are likely trying to follow the momentum being generated. Yes, New Home Sales will be published in the U.S today, but these numbers carry a lot of complex considerations which analysts tend to dissect in a myriad of ways, meaning that while they will get some attention, the largest players will stay focused on tomorrow’s growth and inflation data coming via the U.S GDP outcomes.

USD/ZAR Three Month Chart as of 25th Sept. 2024

Forex traders should keep an eye on U.S Treasury yields, yesterday’s slight climbs early in they day were mostly met by reversals lower later on. There is also the knowledge that the yields are traversing long-term depths and there is an assumption they don’t appear ready to see a large shift in momentum. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut the Federal Funds Rate again in November by another 0.25%. Numbers via reports like tomorrow’s GDP statistics, and Friday’s Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index will shake existing behavioral sentiment and the Fed’s outlook. The Core PCE number has an estimate of 0.2% per its monthly reading, the last three reports have met expectations.

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USD/JPY Three Month Chart as of 25th Sept. 2024

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will speak tomorrow at the U.S Treasury Markets Conference in New York, but his remarks will have been pre-recorded and presented via video. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will also speak afterwards at the meeting. However, their thinking is widely known and they are expected to sound rather tame. It also needs to be added that both Powell and Yellen are fully aware the U.S Presidential election is approaching. Neither one of them is going to risk saying something that can be interpreted as economically defiant.

Traders should expect the potential of volatility developing tomorrow as financial institutions and larger market participants position for the GDP reports, but if the numbers are within sight of expectations, it is likely current price equilibriums will continue to reflect current risk appetite dynamics. Proper risk management and the use of conservative leverage should be fully practiced. Retail traders should also begin to start considering that Non-Farm Employment Change data that will come from the U.S on Friday, October the 4th. The jobs numbers next week could pose a significant threat.

The Fed last week made it clear they believe there was reason to lower the Federal Funds Rate (while playing catch up) and there is the potential to enact further dovish actions in the months ahead. However, Jerome Powell also insisted – paraphrasing – the U.S economy is rather strong and added this is being reflected in solid growth statistics and a jobs market which may be weaker but remains stable.

Given the Fed’s propensity for a conservative approach, they have crawled out a rather precarious limb regarding their rather positive attitude. The coming economic data will certainly be noteworthy tomorrow and Friday, and via next week’s job numbers. Will optimistic equilibrium in Forex prevail over the next week? The major currency pairs will certainly be tested.

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Reactions and Risks as Trading Clarity Remains Hard to Grasp

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

Reactions and Risks as Trading Clarity Remains Hard to Grasp

While many U.S government officials try to shrug off the downgrade of U.S Treasuries by Fitch Ratings last week, a warning shot has been fired regarding U.S spending and the nation’s growing deficit. Janet Yellen and others may believe the downgrade should not have happened, but the prospect that the U.S golden goose is going to stop eventually producing enough eggs is a realistic viewpoint from Fitch. Risk adverse trading on the news was seemingly sparked from the U.S Treasuries downgrade, while many prominent figures including Warren Buffet have claimed they are not worried. However, one thing that the downgrade did was certainly create more clouds for financial institutions which have already been suffering from a lack of clarity the past three weeks.

U.S economic policy remains troubling regarding its spending, and while the government believes its bonds will remain the best in the world for the foreseeable future, it would certainly help matters if responsible ‘adults’ would be allowed a voice regarding stimulus, expenditures and debt ceiling concerns. The U.S has been warned, but with a major presidential campaign approaching on the horizon, more promises to the U.S public will likely carry greater long-term costs.

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Gold One Week Chart as of 8th August 2023

While the USD did get stronger across Forex and gold finished last week near lows, some major currencies finished Friday with slight reversals higher against the USD before going into the weekend, based on the weaker than anticipated Non-Farm Employment Change outcome. However, Average Hourly Earnings came in slightly higher. The rise in wages for employees wasn’t expected, but the gains via the inflation number may not have been considered significant enough to cause a panic.

Day traders trying to navigate through the news of the ratings downgrade and the mixed jobs numbers from the U.S may have gotten ripped apart from the volatility late last week. Forex brokers likely had a good week if the majority of their speculators were ‘B’ book – virtual – traders. Survivors of last week’s dynamic price action should be aware that financial institutions do not have the best of outlooks for global central banks. This week’s coming data may help a bit, but trading could also remain rather dangerous and churn volatility.

Global Outside Influence to Give Attention:

Although Niger may seem like a world far away for most day traders, they should keep an eye on the developments of the African nation. A military coup has gotten the attention of global powers and there are threats of military intervention rattling. France, the U.S and Nigeria and other ‘Western’ leaning nations have a stake in the Niger drama, on the other side is Russia and its Wagner affiliated mercenaries. The potential for a war to to start in this landlocked northern African nation appears to be growing. A conflict in Niger could include a wide range of competing sides and create loud rhetoric and hyperbole. It could also cause uncomfortable feelings at the BRICS summit scheduled to begin on the 22nd of August in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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GBP/USD One Month Chart as of 8th August 2023

Monday, 7th of July, U.K Halifax Home Price Index – this data is expected to remain rather stable, but the past three results have been negative. Mortgages are getting expensive in the U.K and the pressure added from higher interest rates is not helping. The GBP/USD could react briefly to this outcome.

Monday, 7th of July, E.U Sentix Investor Confidence – the reading is anticipated to be worse than last month’s outcome regarding investor outlook. The past three months have been negative. The E.U is certainly facing recessionary pressure. Oddly enough, a poor outcome could spur on the belief the ECB may have to become less aggressive regarding their higher interest rates. The EUR/USD may see a flurry of reactions from this report.

Tuesday, 8th of July, China Trade Balance – the results will get plenty of attention because recent economic data from the nation has been troubling. Export demand is important for China’s economy.

Tuesday, 8th of July, Germany Final Consumer Price Index – the result is expected to match the forecast of a 0.3% gain. This inflation report will be watched by EUR/USD, but if expectations are met this could create rather consolidated trading until Thursday for the currency pair.

Wednesday, 9th of July, China CPI – the inflation data from the nation will be watched by global investors. Recent statistics from China have signaled concerns about ‘deflation’. An outcome of minus -0.5% is expected. Economic issues are shadowing China, this as it remains active in global affairs.

Last week Argentina announced China helped facilitate a ‘bridge loan’ for the South American nation so it could make a repayment to the IMF. Rising economic concerns in China could start to squeeze its ‘cash power’ as it tries to gain influence globally by pumping Yuan (CNY) into international finance. China has certainly been bold and is playing a ‘long game’, because its choice of Argentina as a nation to help can certainly not expect to produce short-term financial gains.

Thursday, 10th of July, U.S CPI – Consumer Price Index results from the States will cause potentially dynamic broad market movement. Inflation is expected to match last month’s rise of 0.2% via the broad and core numbers. However, traders should note that some analysts have voiced concerns rising energy prices the past month will hit the inflation numbers, if this occurs it could spark a volatile USD. Higher Crude Oil prices combined with a streak of U.S hot weather may create an intriguing outcome. Risk management should be used by day traders who are wagering in the markets as the CPI readings are released.

Friday, 11th of July, U.K GDP – the Gross Domestic Product numbers will be important immediately for the GBP/USD. Although last month’s outcome was slightly stronger than anticipated it was still negative with a minus -0.1% reading. The growth number this time around is expected to gain 0.2% per the monthly report.

Friday, 11th of July, U.S Producer Price Index – economic numbers from the States have been mixed recently. These inflation numbers are expected to show a slight rise, if the outcome meets expectations – the broad markets may remain calm. However, if inflation is stronger than expected, the result could set off fireworks if the outcome sets off fears about the U.S Fed maintaining it hawkish rhetoric.

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USD/INR: Narrow Price Range as Nervous Sentiment Exhibited

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

USD/INR: Narrow Price Range as Nervous Sentiment Exhibited

The USD/INR has delivered a rather narrow price range the past four days of trading as the currency pair awaits impetus from crucial U.S risk events.

The USD/INR is trading near the 82.7000 ratio as of this writing. While the currency pair over the past month has seen a rather incremental climb higher, the past handful of days has seen rather sideways price range emerge. Talk about Reserve Bank of India intervention has been discussed widely and this has caused speculative caution too. However, risk events from the U.S which will be delivered soon are also a catalyst for conservative trading in the USD/INR and broad Forex markets globally.

Trading Tip Regarding Bias that Forex Speculators should try to Avoid

A very important aspect for USD/INR traders to consider is that they should remove any bias they may feel personally regarding the Indian Rupee. Traders closely connected to the currency they are trading, particularly if they are citizens of the nation; tend to believe their national currency should always be stronger no matter the circumstances. This notion of bias does not always work out well for traders with a nationalist leaning.

The Indian Rupee is no different regarding its ability to maneuver against the USD like many other major currencies. While the Indian Rupee certainly has its own financial capabilities, the USD remains the dominant currency on the block and affects most outcomes. If a trader can remove their bias and love of their nation from their trading sentiment, this often makes it easier to have a more realistic viewpoint about potential price direction in the short-term and long-term. The Indian Rupee is an important global currency, one that will grow in stature, but traders should remember current circumstances too.

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USD/INR Five Day Chart as of 24th May 2023

U.S Debt Ceiling Concerns and the Upwards Drift of the USD/INR Causing Problems

Concerns are being voiced regarding the failure of U.S debt ceiling talks, the inability to not find an agreement in the U.S Congress is problematic. June 1st is supposedly the date the U.S government must reach a conclusion. The past week has seen signs from Democrats and Republicans acknowledging the importance of finding a settlement, but political rancor still is making a mess of the situation. Trading institutions are certainly not happy about the loud debate and could ‘punish’ financial assets more over the short-term until a debt ceiling compromise is reached.

The move higher in the USD/INR has likely caught many speculators by surprise the past month. However, the drift upwards has correlated to the broad Forex markets the past couple of weeks, this as the USD has turned stronger against many major currencies. The USD/INR essentially went from 82.1200 to its current price since the 15th of May. The Forex pair was trading near 81.6000 on the 4th of May. The temptation to sell the USD/INR the past couple of weeks has likely been strong as traders flirted with the notion technically that the currency would have to reignite its downwards path, but that clearly has not happened.

Today and the remainder of the week, the U.S has important risk events on the calendar. U.S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will be speaking and will certainly be asked to state her opinion on the debt ceiling talks. She will likely try to offer a neutral tone and not scare the financial markets. However, she can certainly be counted upon to say it is important to reach an agreement so the U.S can continue paying its financial obligations.

Perhaps more important than Treasury Yellen’s talk this afternoon, will be the U.S Federal Reserve’s FOMC Meeting Minutes publication later in the day. Financial institutions globally are nervous about the Fed’s interest rate outlook regarding its June Federal Funds Rate decision. Many analysts have predicted the U.S central bank will halt interest rate hikes and not increase on the 14th of June. Yet inflation data from the U.S remains problematic. Today’s FOMC Meeting Minutes text will provide insights regarding the Federal Reserve’s last meeting and give an inside look towards its leanings for a potential hike or pause.

USD/INR traders should also be aware that important Gross Domestic Product data will come tomorrow which will offer details regarding U.S growth. On Friday the U.S will release Core Personal Consumption Expenditure statistics and this will provide inflation results, and the outcome will certainly influence the U.S Federal Reserve’s June interest rate decision.

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FOMC Meeting Minutes and Key Growth Data Coming this Week

by with No Comment AMT MarketsBehavioral SentimentFeatured Highlights

FOMC Meeting Minutes and Key Growth Data Coming this Week

Monday the 22nd of May, Japan Core Machinery Orders – which will likely have very little impact on the markets – not even the USD/JPY should react too much. Although it should be noted last month’s figure was negative and this month’s result is expecting a better outcome.

Monday the 22nd of May, E.U Consumer Confidence – forecast to produce a negative number, but this statistic doesn’t usually get much of a response in the financial markets unless there is a shocking result.

Tuesday the 23rd of May, E.U French and German Manufacturing and Services PMI, along with the broad E.U results – the manufacturing statistics from France and Germany are expected to come in slightly better than last month’s results but remain in negative territory.

Tuesday the 23rd of May, U.K Manufacturing and Services PMI – traders will watch these results after the bad GDP numbers from Britain almost two weeks ago.

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GBP/USD Three Month Chart as of 21st of May 2023

Tuesday the 23rd of May, U.S Flash Manufacturing and Services PMI – the reports could prove of interest and cause a bit of a tremor in the market, but unless there is a big surprise investors will remain cautious as they anticipate the next day’s potentially big risk events.

Wednesday the 24th of May, U.K Bank of England Governor Bailey – will be speaking at two events and could stir the GBP/USD with his comments on the British economy and inflation.

Wednesday the 24th of May, U.S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen – will be speaking at a Wall Street Journal event, where she will be listened to for any comments on the ‘U.S debt ceiling” crisis. Yellen is a ‘trained’ speaker and she will try not to scare financial institutions who will have some leaders in attendance.

Wednesday the 24th of May, U.S FOMC Meeting Minutes – the report which will outline the U.S Federal Reserve’s thinking regarding its recent interest rate hike and what it might be considering regarding June could impact the marketplace. The report is published late in the day, but financial institutions will certainly wait for the publication and react. While the FOMC paper is sometimes considered ‘noise’, this report will be important because of the nervous sentiment which exists in markets like Forex and equity indices as they deal with a lack of clarity.

Thursday the 25th of May, U.S Preliminary Gross Domestic Product – the growth (or lack of growth) numbers from the States will be watched intently. A muted projected gain of 1.1% is anticipated by some analysts.

Thursday the 25th of May, U.S Preliminary GDP Price Index – this report will deliver insights regarding inflation in the U.S and should be given some attention by traders.

Friday the 26th of May, Core PCE Price Index – the inflation numbers should be watched. Any surprise above the anticipated 0.3% forecast could cause an affect in the financial markets.