Headline SMEI edged down 0.3pts to 50.4 in November; credit conditions continued to improve. Performance and expectations sub-indices both retreated into contractionary territory. Manufacturing remained stable; services SMEs reported further declines in sales, price and profitability. Bank credit remained favourable for SMEs; CNY depreciation expectations picked up, Standard Chartered’s economists Hunter Chan and Shuang Ding note.
“Our proprietary Small and Medium Enterprise Confidence Index (SMEI; Bloomberg: SCCNSMEI <Index>) moderated to 50.4 in November from 50.7 in October, staying in expansionary territory for a second straight month. That said, the performance and expectations sub-indices both fell below 50 to 49.6 and 49.8, respectively, suggesting a m/m softening after the October rebound.”
“Manufacturing performance remained relatively resilient; sales and production sub-indices rebounded to above 50 in November. Both domestic and external demand stayed solid ahead of the year-end holidays, supporting new orders. Cross-border e-commerce sales picked up again this month. Meanwhile, non-manufacturing SMEs continued to face headwinds, with the sales, investment and profitability sub-indices stayed in contractionary territory for a sixth straight month. Real estate, construction, and retail sales and wholesale remained key drags. Expectations among non-manufacturing SMEs deteriorated again after recovering in October.”
“The credit sub-index stayed at 51.7 in November as banks remained supportive to SME lending. SMEs’ cost of funding was relatively stable, and liquidity conditions were steady, with the cash surplus indicator no longer lingering below 50. More surveyed SMEs expect the CNY to depreciate against the USD in the coming three months compared to last month, while overall exchange rate expectations remained stable.”
AUD/USD has formed an interim trough near 0.6440 last week and has staged an initial bounce, BBH analyst note.
“Daily MACD is attempting cross above its trigger line denoting receding downward momentum. Ongoing bounce could persist towards upper band of a steep descending channel at 0.6590.”
“The 200-DMA and recent pivot high at 0.6630/0.6685 is key resistance zone. In case the pair fails to hold 0.6440, the decline could extend towards ascending trend line drawn since October 2023 near 0.6360/0.6340.”
The Dollar Index (DXY) rose 0.7% to a high of 106.92 on geopolitical risks before better tech earnings fuelled a late US stock market rally and lowered the DXY to 106.65 overnight, DBS’ Senior FX Strategist Philip Wee notes.
“The S&P 500 Index initially fell 1% but ended the overnight session unchanged at 5917. The US Treasury 2Y yield rose 3.4 bps to 4.31%, its highest level since November 12.”
“After the FOMC meeting on November 6, the futures market has reduced the odds of another 25 bps cut in December from 80% to almost 50%. The US Treasury 10Y yield has risen 70-80 bps to early July levels despite two rate cuts totalling 75 bps in September and November.”
“The Fed and other central banks are still looking to reduce monetary policy restrictions but have turned cautious on growth/inflation uncertainties over Trump’s policy pledges and heightened geopolitical risks.”
Anyone who thought that the significant downward surprise in September's UK inflation figures would be repeated seamlessly in October was disappointed yesterday. Not only was the headline rate slightly higher than expected (which can still be explained by the one-off effects of household energy bills), but services inflation, and hence the core rate, also surprised on the upside, Commerzbank’s FX analyst Michael Pfister notes.
“Two facts are unlikely to please the Bank of England. On the one hand, the rather low figure for services inflation in September compared with the previous month appears to have been an outlier, distorted by volatile travel prices. In October, the components settled back into line at around their levels of previous months. On the other hand, goods prices rose again.”
“We have warned in the past that these should not be a permanent drag on core inflation to such an extent, and we therefore feel vindicated by the latest development. As for the Bank of England's upcoming meeting in December, the figures suggest that a pause is now almost a foregone conclusion. Even the rate cut in February is being called into question.”
“We still believe that the next rate cut will take place then. The argument in favour of this is that monetary policy is still likely to be seen as quite restrictive and policymakers will certainly want to avoid falling behind the curve. However, if the upcoming inflation figures also surprise on the upside, the discussions are likely to intensify.”
Turkey’s central bank (CBT) is scheduled to meet today for a rate decision: it is unanimously expected that the central bank will leave its key rate unchanged at 50%, Commerzbank’s FX analyst Tatha Ghose notes.
“CBT’s language had to change decisively towards more hawkish after September and October inflation surprised by its stubbornness; inflation projections were revised up further in the latest Inflation Report. CBT’s commentary also confirms that the CB prefers to use liquidity sterilisation or other quantitative measures if necessary, but is unlikely to change the key rate – in either direction – within coming months.”
“President Tayyip Erdogan, however, has been making risky comments recently, which are unhelpful to the cause of inflation and could spook the FX market. Earlier this month, he re-stated his belief that interest rates and inflation could begin to decline together. On this occasion, he was probably not demanding that CBT cut rates to lower inflation. There will be no one to clarify finer points if and when the FX market or the media misinterpret Erdogan’s remarks – this is especially a risk because of the long history involved.”
“In a similar development yesterday, Erdogan stated that minimum wage hikes will outpace inflation during 2025. This was an unhelpful comment, which was repeated and debated by media outlets. Such messages are more capable than others of producing a self-defeating outcome if they were to trigger a lira rout. Today’s CBT rate decision will likely pass without event. But the same cannot be taken for granted, as far as the market’s perception of monetary policy over coming month is concerned.”
Oil prices have been somewhat insulated by the growing tension between Russia and Ukraine. However, natural gas prices have been more sensitive to these developments, while Gold, as one would expect, has benefitted from safe-haven demand, ING’s commodity analysts Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey note.
“Oil prices edged lower yesterday despite growing geopolitical risks related to Russia and Ukraine. Having fired a US made missile into Russia earlier in the week, there are reports that Ukraine has now fired British made missiles into Russia. For oil, the risk is if Ukraine targets Russian energy infrastructure, while the other risk is uncertainty over how Russia responds to these attacks.”
“EIA weekly data yesterday showed that US commercial crude oil inventories increased by 545k barrels over the last week with stronger crude oil imports (+1.18m b/d WoW) almost offset by stronger crude exports (+938k b/d WoW). For refined products, gasoline stocks increased by 2.05m barrels, while distillate stocks fell by 114k barrels.”
“European natural gas has been unable to escape the rising tension between Russia and Ukraine. TTF settled almost 2.5% higher yesterday on the back of this growing geopolitical risk, while the market is also keeping a close eye on Russian pipeline flows to Europe after Gazprom halted supplies to OMV. However, up until now Russian pipeline flows via Ukraine remain stable. Meanwhile, European gas storage has fallen below 90% and is also now just below the 5-year average of 91% for this time of year.”
Scope for the US Dollar (USD) to rise to 7.2630; the major resistance at 7.2800 is likely out of reach. In the longer run, momentum is beginning to slow; a breach of 7.2000 would mean that USD is not rising further, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “Yesterday, we indicated that USD could weaken further. We were incorrect. Instead of weakening, USD rose to 7.2556, closing at 7.2501 (+0.24%). Upward momentum has increased, albeit not much. Today, there is scope for USD to rise to 7.2630. The major resistance at 7.2800 is likely out of reach. The mild upward pressure is intact provided that 7.2370 is not breached (minor support is at 7.2440).”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “After expecting a higher USD for more than a week, we indicated on Monday (18 Nov, spot at 7.2350) that ‘momentum is beginning to slow, and if USD breaks below 7.2000 (‘strong support’ level) would mean that USD is not rising further.’ USD traded in a relatively quiet manner of the past few days, and our view remains unchanged.”
The USD/CHF pair consolidates in a tight range below 0.8850 in European trading hours on Thursday. The Swiss Franc pair trades sideways as investors look for fresh cues about whether the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates again in the monetary policy meeting in December. Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) holds its Wednesday’s recovery and aims to break above the fresh yearly high.
Traders doubt Fed rate cuts next month as market experts believe that price pressures in the United States (US) region could rebound amid expectations that President-elect Donald Trump will raise import tariffs and lower taxes, a move that will boost employment, economic growth, and consumer spending.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, the likelihood of the Fed cutting interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.25%-4.50% has diminished to 59% from 72% a week ago.
Going forward, investors will focus on the flash S&P Global PMI data for November, which will be released on Friday. The preliminary PMI data will help investors to project the next move in the US Dollar.
On the Swiss Franc (CHF) front, investors await Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel’s speech, which is scheduled for Friday. In his last speech at an event organized by Raiffeisen Bank in Cham, Switzerland, on October 29, Schlegel emphasized the need for interest rate reductions to maintain price stability.
USD/CHF bounces back after a mild correction to a 50% Fibonacci retracement around 0.8800. The Fibo tool is plotted from a May high of 0.9225 to a September low of 0.8375. Upward-sloping 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near 0.8770 suggests that the near-term trend is bullish.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) oscillates in the 60.00-80.00 range, indicating a strong bullish momentum.
The asset could rise to near the July 5 low of 0.8950 and the psychological resistance of 0.9000 after breaking above the November 14 high of 0.8918.
In an alternate scenario, a downside move below 38.2% Fibo retracement at 0.8700 could drag the asset towards the October 23 low of 0.8650, followed by the November low of 0.8616.
Martin Schlegel became the Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chairman in October 2024. Schlegel was previously the Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of the SNB and he worked at various positions in the Swiss central bank. As head of the SNB. Schlegel remarks can significantly alter the value of the nation's currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF)
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Given South Africa's exposure to China, the rand has been hit hard by the US election result and what it will mean for the Chinese economy and world trade next year, ING’s Chris Turner notes.
“Unlike some other EM economies, however, South Africa has less of an inflation problem with both headline and core inflation largely within the central bank's target range. This is allowing the South African Reserve Bank to ease interest rates in an orderly manner and the market is expecting another 25bp rate cut today. This would take the policy rate to 7.75%.”
“Were it not for the threat of Trump 2.0, we would be a little bullish on the rand. Relatively high real interest rates in South Africa and some improvements in the domestic economy – better electricity supply is helping business confidence – should be helping the rand.”
“Currently, USD/ZAR is trading above the one-month 17.75 target we outlined in our recent FX Talking publication. But we still have some hope for the rand.”
Last month (17 Oct), the European Central Bank (ECB) slashed interest rates, lowering policy rates by 25bps. While ECB President Christine Lagarde received several questions on the ECB’s path, she revealed little, emphasizing that the ECB will be completely data dependent and will remain on a meeting-to-meeting basis, UOB Group’s economist Lee Sue Ann notes.
“We now look for the European Central Bank (ECB) to cut rates by 25bps again when policymakers convene on 12 Dec for the final time this year. Thereafter, we look for the ECB to go on a quarterly cadence towards neutral.”
“Uncertainties stemming from a second Trump presidency regarding upcoming tariffs, and the US’ support for Ukraine might weigh on economic sentiment for Europe.”
“The broader inflationary outlook remains one of moderating cost pressures, although we think that ECB officials probably expect inflation to sustainably meet the central bank’s target only next year.”
The US Dollar (USD) could pull back further; any decline is likely limited to a test of 154.35. In the longer run, USD is expected to trade in a range, likely between 153.30 and 156.50, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “We did not anticipate the sharp rise in USD that reached 155.88 (we were expecting range trading). USD pulled back from the high, closing at 155.43 (+0.50%). The pullback in deep overbought conditions suggests that USD is unlikely to rise further. Today, it could pull back further, but given that downward momentum is not strong, any decline is likely limited to a test of 154.35. The major support at 153.30 is not expected to come into view. On the upside, resistance levels are at 155.50 and 155.90.”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “On Monday (18 Nov, spot at 154.20), we highlighted that ‘The current price action is likely part of a pullback that could extend to 153.20.’ We also highlighted that ‘should USD break above 155.80 (‘strong resistance’ level), it would mean that the current downward pressure has eased.’ USD fell to a low of 153.28 on Tuesday. Yesterday, it rose to a high of 155.88. The breach of our ‘strong resistance’ level at 155.80 indicates downward momentum has eased. From here, we expect USD to trade in a broad range, likely between 153.30 and 156.50.”
European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras said on Thursday that “trade tariffs are likely to provoke a response. And a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut in December is the right response.”
We should cut every meeting until rates reach 2%.
The neutral rate on average is about 2%.
It's too soon to say if ECB needs to go below neutral.
At the time of writing, EUR/USD is testing intraday lows at 1.0515, down 0.25% on the day.
The Central Bank of Turkey (CBT) is expected to leave rates unchanged at 50% today. The main focus will be on the central bankers' tone and forward guidance for the first rate cut, ING’s Frantisek Taborsky notes.
“In the latest inflation assessment, while acknowledging slower-than-expected disinflation so far, the CBT pointed out a deceleration in underlying inflation last month, driven by lower core goods inflation and a more pronounced loss of momentum in services excluding rent.”
“We think that the CBT will wait to see further inflation data, however, given the dovish signals contained within the latest inflation report release. Yet chances of a December cut have increased, in our view. The lira saw a significant sell-off earlier in the week and a spike in the borrowing rate indicating some closing of carry trades and probably fears of an overly dovish CBT today.” “However, the market quickly returned to normal and after moving up to 34.600 USD/TRY the market returned to 34.455 yesterday. Even though the first rate cut is imminent, we believe the carry trade will remain a popular position here with us expecting 35.000 USD/TRY at year-end.”
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) could retest the 0.5865 level before a rebound is likely; the strong support at 0.5850 is unlikely come under threat. In the longer run, provided that NZD remains above 0.5850, it could rise gradually to 0.5960, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “Our view for NZD to edge higher yesterday was incorrect, as it dropped to a low of 0.5864, closing at 0.5877 (-0.58%). There has been a slight increase in momentum. Today, NZD could retest the 0.5865 level before a rebound is likely. The strong support at 0.5850 is unlikely to come under threat. Resistance is at 0.5895, followed by 0.5910.”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “We continue to hold the same view as yesterday (20 Nov, spot at 0.5910). As highlighted, upward momentum is beginning to build. From here, provided that NZD remains above 0.5850 (no change in ‘strong support’ level), it could rise gradually to 0.5960.”
Silver price (XAG/USD) appreciates to near $31.10 per troy ounce during the European hours on Thursday. The daily chart analysis suggests a possible shift in momentum from bearish to bullish as the pair attempts to break above the upper boundary of the descending channel pattern.
Furthermore, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently positioned just below the 50 level, indicating the potential for a momentum reversal. A decisive break above the 50 mark would confirm the development of a bullish bias.
In terms of the upside, the Silver price tests a key resistance zone near the upper boundary of the descending channel, which aligns with the 14-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $31.27. A decisive break above this region could trigger the bullish bias, paving the way for a move toward the psychological resistance of $32.00.
On the downside, the Silver price may find support around its “throwback support” at the psychological level of $30.00. A break below this level could deepen bearish sentiment, potentially driving the price lower toward the descending channel's bottom boundary at $28.50.
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
Silver prices (XAG/USD) rose on Thursday, according to FXStreet data. Silver trades at $31.05 per troy ounce, up 0.67% from the $30.85 it cost on Wednesday.
Silver prices have increased by 30.50% since the beginning of the year.
| Unit measure | Silver Price Today in USD |
|---|---|
| Troy Ounce | 31.05 |
| 1 Gram | 1.00 |
The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, stood at 85.87 on Thursday, broadly unchanged from 85.88 on Wednesday.
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
(An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
EUR/CHF remains on the low near 0.93, ING’s Chris Turner notes.
“In August we had felt that EUR/CHF would stay offered for the rest of the year and recent events only add to that conviction.”
“What interests us is whether the Swiss National Bank will take rates below 0.50% in this easing cycle (we think not). And spread compression should weigh on EUR/CHF as the ECB cuts rates 150bp into next summer.”
“Expect EUR/CHF to grind towards 0.92 – with the main risk now probably being an SNB official saying the policy rate could go negative again after all.”
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is expected to trade between 0.6485 and 0.6535. In the longer run, current price action is part of a rebound that could reach 0.6560, possibly 0.6600, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “We expected AUD to ‘rise further to 0.6560’ yesterday. However, AUD pulled back sharply from a high of 0.6545 to 0.6485, before recovering to close at 0.6506 (-0.40%). The current price movements are likely part of a range trading phase. Today, we expect AUD to trade between 0.6485 and 0.6535.”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “Our update from yesterday (20 Nov, spot at 0.6530) remains valid. As highlighted, ‘the current price action is part of a rebound that could reach 0.6560, possibly 0.6600.’ We will maintain the same view as long as AUD remains above 0.6460 (no change in ‘strong support’ level).”
EUR/USD remains vulnerable above the psychological support of 1.0500 in European trading hours on Thursday. The major currency pair faces selling pressure due to the Euro’s weak performance on expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) could accelerate its policy-easing cycle.
The ECB is widely anticipated to cut its Deposit Facility Rate again by 25 basis points (bps) to 3% in the December meeting and is expected to head towards the neutral range faster in 2025 as market participants worry about the Eurozone’s economic outlook.
Investors expect the European Union (EU) to go through a rough time when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office and implements his economic agenda, which would lead to a potential global trade war, especially with the Eurozone and China. In his election campaign, Trump mentioned that the euro bloc will "pay a big price" for not buying enough American exports.
ECB officials are also worried about growing risks to Eurozone economic growth and want the central bank to continue reducing the degree of monetary policy tightness through interest rate cuts. ECB policymaker and the Governor of the Bank of France François Villeroy de Galhau said on Wednesday in a speech in Tokyo, “The balance of risks on growth and inflation is shifting to the downside.” Villeroy added that the pace of future ECB rate cuts should be guided by "agile pragmatism". However, he ruled out the significant impact of US tariffs on the Eurozone’s inflation outlook.
To know about the current status of economic health and forward demand, investors will focus on the flash HCOB Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for November for the Eurozone and its major nations, which will be released on Friday. Flash readings are expected to show that the overall private business activity remains at the expansionary borderline.
EUR/USD strives to hold the key support of 1.0500. The outlook of the major currency pair remains bearish as all short- to long-term Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) are declining.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) oscillates in the bearish range of 20.00-40.00, adding to evidence of more weakness in the near term.
Looking down, the pair is expected to find a cushion near the October 2023 low at around 1.0450. On the flip side, the round-level resistance of 1.0600 will be the key barrier for the Euro bulls.
The Euro is the currency for the 19 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
The Mexican Peso (MXN) consolidates in its most-heavily traded pairs during the European session on Thursday. This follows the Peso’s average half-a-percent fall in its key pairs on Wednesday, which marked an end to a five-day winning streak.
The factors leading to the Peso’s weakness on Wednesday include comments from the Governor of the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, the voting through by the Mexican Congress of controversial reforms to autonomous bodies, and heightened geopolitical risk from Russia’s decision to lower the bar for its use of nuclear weapons. Higher geopolitical tensions tend to disproportionately disadvantage risk-sensitive emerging market currencies such as the MXN.
The Mexican Peso consolidates on Thursday ahead of the release of key Mexican Retail Sales data for September. Economists expect the figures to show a 0.1% MoM rise, unchanged from the previous month. On a yearly basis, sales are foreseen plunging by 1.2% from the 0.8% decline previously.
Although the data is lagging – it is for the month of September – a better-than-expected result could support MXN in its pairs whilst a lower-than-expected reading might result in further weakness. A lower figure could stoke concerns the Mexican economy is slowing down.
In its accompanying statement to the last policy meeting, Banxico said it saw the balance of risks for economic growth as leaning to the downside, and weak Retail Sales data would fuel this conclusion, with negative implications for the Peso.
Further, it would support comments from Banxico head Victoria Rodríguez Ceja that the central bank plans to continue reducing its benchmark interest rate, citing progress in lowering inflation. Lower interest rates are negative for a currency as they reduce foreign capital inflows.
On Wednesday, the Mexican Congress voted through a controversial reform scrapping or replacing five of Mexico’s independent regulatory bodies, according to El Financiero. The move probably contributed to the Peso’s weakening on the day.
It is one of a number of reforms, including a radical overhaul of the judiciary, that have raised concerns among investors, and were responsible for the MXN’s 10% decline following the election in June. Critics of the reforms say they will remove another important check and balance to the power of large organizations and the state, whilst proponents say the autonomous agencies are riddled with corruption and thus unnecessary.
One of the most controversial bodies to be dissolved is The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Data Protection (INAI), which “has the authority to require government agencies, political parties, labor unions, or other public bodies to comply with freedom of information requests from individuals or organizations,” according to Human Rights Watch. The international NGO flagged concerns after previous President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador decided to block the election of commissioners to fill vacant seats at INAI, disabling its ability to make decisions. INAI also gives Mexican citizens the right to safeguard their personal data.
The move is likely to inflame relations with the US government, which under Trump’s upcoming leadership is threatening to place tariffs on Mexican imports. This might be seen as another risk to investors because it will raise fears the government and other large organizations in Mexico may not be properly held accountable for their actions.
USD/MXN may be unfolding a possible “C” wave higher (see chart below) as it completes a Measured Move pattern. These patterns are composed of three waves, in which the first and the third are of a similar length.
USD/MXN appears range bound in the short term as it oscillates between the 19.70s and 20.80s. The extension of wave C would correspond to an up leg unfolding within this sideways consolidation towards its ceiling (green dashed line).
The (blue) Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has crossed above its red signal line, supporting evidence that the pair is unfolding higher. As yet, price action has not rallied sufficiently higher, however, to provide confirmation such a leg is unfolding.
EUR/USD looks to have been buffeted by events in Ukraine this week. The war is going through a period of escalation as both sides seek to gain ground ahead of potential ceasefire discussions early next year, ING’s Chris Turner notes.
“That the Biden administration is providing more support before year-end warns of a more aggressive Russian response – a development which is weighing on European currencies and starting to show up in higher natural gas prices. Europe's gas inventories are now fractionally below their five-year average for this time of year. We all recall the spike in gas prices in 2022 and the damage they did to European currencies.”
“At the same time, we have the ECB publicly debating the potential inflationary impact of Trump's impending tariffs and what they mean to the easing cycle. Hawks think the tariff effects could be meaningful, but the doves disagree.”
“On today's agenda, we have the full range of doves and hawks speaking and collectively they perhaps will not move the needle on the 30bp of easing priced for the December ECB meeting. This leaves EUR:USD swap differentials very wide in the dollar's favour, and combined with the threat of some soft flash November PMI numbers across Europe, tomorrow should keep EUR/USD subdued in its 1.05-1.06 range today.”
The AUD/USD pair attracts some dip-buyers on Thursday and sticks to its modest intraday gains, around the 0.6520 area during the first half of the European session. The uptick is sponsored by a softer tone surrounding the US Dollar (USD), though lacks bullish conviction and warrants some caution before positioning for an extension of the recent bounce from a three-month low touched last week.
The USD bulls opt to move to the sidelines and look for more clarity on US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed policies before placing fresh. Moreover, the initial reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval to lower the threshold for nuclear strikes on Tuesday turned out to be short-lived after comments from Russian and US officials eased concerns about a nuclear war. This, in turn, remains supportive of the upbeat market mood, which further seems to undermine the safe-haven buck and benefits the risk-sensitive Aussie.
Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) hawkish stance offers additional support to the Australian Dollar (AUD). In fact, the minutes of the November RBA meeting released earlier this week indicated that the board members remained vigilant to upside inflation risks and stressed the importance of maintaining a restrictive monetary policy. Meanwhile, expectations for a less dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) should continue to act as a tailwind for the USD and hold back traders from placing aggressive bullish bets around the AUD/USD pair.
In fact, the markets are now pricing in just over a 50% chance that the US central bank will lower borrowing costs by 25 basis points in December amid expectations that Trump's taunted tariffs and tax cuts could reignite inflation. The outlook remains supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields and supports prospects for the emergence of some USD dip-buying. This, in turn, should contribute to capping the upside for the AUD/USD pair. Traders now look to the US macro data and speeches by influential FOMC members for a fresh impetus.
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the Euro.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 0.11% | 0.08% | -0.66% | -0.12% | -0.20% | 0.07% | -0.14% | |
| EUR | -0.11% | -0.03% | -0.76% | -0.23% | -0.30% | -0.04% | -0.25% | |
| GBP | -0.08% | 0.03% | -0.72% | -0.20% | -0.29% | -0.00% | -0.22% | |
| JPY | 0.66% | 0.76% | 0.72% | 0.54% | 0.47% | 0.71% | 0.53% | |
| CAD | 0.12% | 0.23% | 0.20% | -0.54% | -0.07% | 0.20% | -0.02% | |
| AUD | 0.20% | 0.30% | 0.29% | -0.47% | 0.07% | 0.27% | 0.05% | |
| NZD | -0.07% | 0.04% | 0.00% | -0.71% | -0.20% | -0.27% | -0.22% | |
| CHF | 0.14% | 0.25% | 0.22% | -0.53% | 0.02% | -0.05% | 0.22% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
Further range trading appears likely; soft underlying tone suggests a lower range of 1.2615/1.2685. In the longer run, downward momentum is beginning to slow; a break above 1.2725 would mean that the major support at 1.2565 is out of reach, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “We noted yesterday that ‘The price action still appears to be part of a range trading phase.’ We expected GBP to ‘trade between 1.2630 and 1.2710.’ GBP then traded in a 1.2631/1.2713 range, closing at 1.2647, lower by 0.27% for the day. Further range trading appears likely, even though the softened underlying tone suggests a lower range of 1.2615/1.2685.”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “We have held a negative view in GBP since early last week. Yesterday (20 Nov), when GBP was at 1.2685, we pointed out that ‘downward momentum is beginning to slow.’ We added, ‘a break above 1.2725 would mean that the major support at 1.2565 is out of reach.’ In London trade, GBP rose briefly to 1.2713, and then pulled back. There has been no increase in momentum, and we continue to hold the same view as yesterday.”
The DXY dollar index is holding gains and it is not hard to see why. US rates are being repriced modestly higher as the market shifts away from pricing a December Fed rate cut, ING’s Chris Turner notes.
“Just 8bp of easing is now priced. At the same time, the market is bracing for Trump 2.0 and developments in overseas economies are far from encouraging. Equally, one-week USD deposits now pay 4.61% annually, second only to GBP (4.74%) in the G10 space. It is not a surprise then to see investors and corporates holding onto their USD investments.”
“On Monday we mentioned that the choice of the next US Treasury Secretary could prove a banana skin for US asset markets. However, it now looks (according to betting markets) that ex-Fed member Kevin Warsh is the front-runner for this role. He would be seen as a safe pair of hands given his experience at the Fed and liaison role with Wall Street after the 2008-09 financial crisis.”
“For today, we doubt US data will move markets although investors will again be watching whether any rise in the weekly jobless claims numbers portends a weaker November NFP report (released 6 December). Expect DXY to remain bid in its new 106-107 range with continued focus on developments in Ukraine and European speakers today.”
USD/CAD retraces its recent gains from the previous day as the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD) receives support from the improved crude Oil prices amid rising fears of supply disruption amid geopolitical tensions. The pair trades around 1.3960 during the European session on Thursday.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude Oil price recovers recent losses registered in the previous session, trading around $69.50 per barrel at the time of writing. Oil prices found support after Ukraine launched British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia on Wednesday, marking another deployment of Western weaponry against Russian targets. This followed Ukraine's use of U.S. ATACMS missiles the day before.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Dollar may gain support as expectations for a deeper-than-usual interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) in December have diminished. Following hotter-than-expected inflation data on Tuesday, markets are now pricing a nearly 26% probability of a 50-basis-point (bps) rate cut by the BoC in December, down from 37% before the CPI release.
The US Dollar (USD) remains steady due to cautious remarks by Federal Reserve (Fed) officials. Boston Fed President Susan Collins stated on Wednesday that while more interest rate cuts are necessary, policymakers should proceed cautiously to avoid moving too quickly or too slowly, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted that inflation remains elevated over the past few months and stressed the need for the Fed to proceed cautiously with rate cuts.
A Reuters poll indicated that nearly 90% of economists (94 out of 106) anticipate a 25bps cut in December, lowering the fed funds rate to 4.25%-4.50%. Economists predict shallower rate cuts in 2025 due to the risk of higher inflation from President-elect Trump's policies. The fed funds rate is forecasted to be 3.50%-3.75% by the end of 2025, which is 50bps higher than last month’s projection.
The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar.
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive.
The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD.
While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar.
Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.
The Euro (EUR) is likely to trade in a range between 1.0505 and 1.0575. In the longer run, recent downtrend in EUR is likely to resume if it breaks and stays below 1.0490, UOB Group’s FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note.
24-HOUR VIEW: “EUR dropped sharply but briefly, to 1.0523 on Tuesday. Yesterday (Wednesday), we noted that ‘The brief decline did not result in any increase in momentum.’ We expected EUR to ‘trade in a range, likely between 1.0550 and 1.0620.’ Our view turned out to be incorrect, as EUR plummeted to 1.0507, rebounding to close at 1.0543 (-0.49%). The sharp drop appears to be overdone, and EUR is unlikely to weaken much further. Today, it is more likely to trade in a range between 1.0505 and 1.0575.”
1-3 WEEKS VIEW: “After holding a negative EUR view for two weeks, we revised the outlook to neutral yesterday (20 Nov, spot at 1.0590), indicating that ‘the weakness in EUR has stabilised.’ We held the view that EUR ‘is expected to consolidate between 1.0520 and 1.0685.’ Although EUR subsequently dropped below the bottom of our expected range (low of 1.0507), there has been no significant increase in momentum. The recent downtrend in EUR is likely to resume if it breaks and stays below 1.0490. The likelihood of EUR breaking clearly below 1.0490 will remain intact as long as 1.0600 is not breached.”
NZD/USD extends its losses for the second consecutive day, trading around 0.5860 during the European hours on Thursday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) faces challenges due to growing expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) could deliver a bumper interest rate cut next week.
On Thursday, New Zealand's Treasury Chief Economic Adviser, Dominick Stephens, said it would likely revise down its economic and fiscal forecasts due to a prolonged slowdown in productivity. This led investors to fully anticipate a 50 basis point (bps) rate cut, with a 12% chance of a larger 75 bps reduction in November’s policy meeting.
UOB Group FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann noted that while the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) may see some upward movement, it is unlikely to reach 0.5960 in the near term. However, as long as the NZD stays above 0.5850, it could gradually rise to 0.5960 over time.
The US Dollar may appreciate further due to the cautious remarks from Federal Reserve (Fed) officials. Additionally, market expectations suggest that the incoming Donald Trump administration will spur inflation, thereby slowing the rate cut trajectory from the Fed, lending support to the Greenback.
Boston Fed President Susan Collins stated on Wednesday that while more interest rate cuts are necessary, policymakers should proceed cautiously to avoid moving too quickly or too slowly, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted that inflation remains elevated over the past few months and stressed the need for the Fed to proceed cautiously with rate cuts.
Traders will be closely monitoring the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, and Existing Home Sales, all of which are scheduled for release later on Thursday.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD), also known as the Kiwi, is a well-known traded currency among investors. Its value is broadly determined by the health of the New Zealand economy and the country’s central bank policy. Still, there are some unique particularities that also can make NZD move. The performance of the Chinese economy tends to move the Kiwi because China is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. Bad news for the Chinese economy likely means less New Zealand exports to the country, hitting the economy and thus its currency. Another factor moving NZD is dairy prices as the dairy industry is New Zealand’s main export. High dairy prices boost export income, contributing positively to the economy and thus to the NZD.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) aims to achieve and maintain an inflation rate between 1% and 3% over the medium term, with a focus to keep it near the 2% mid-point. To this end, the bank sets an appropriate level of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the RBNZ will increase interest rates to cool the economy, but the move will also make bond yields higher, increasing investors’ appeal to invest in the country and thus boosting NZD. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken NZD. The so-called rate differential, or how rates in New Zealand are or are expected to be compared to the ones set by the US Federal Reserve, can also play a key role in moving the NZD/USD pair.
Macroeconomic data releases in New Zealand are key to assess the state of the economy and can impact the New Zealand Dollar’s (NZD) valuation. A strong economy, based on high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence is good for NZD. High economic growth attracts foreign investment and may encourage the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to increase interest rates, if this economic strength comes together with elevated inflation. Conversely, if economic data is weak, NZD is likely to depreciate.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) tends to strengthen during risk-on periods, or when investors perceive that broader market risks are low and are optimistic about growth. This tends to lead to a more favorable outlook for commodities and so-called ‘commodity currencies’ such as the Kiwi. Conversely, NZD tends to weaken at times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty as investors tend to sell higher-risk assets and flee to the more-stable safe havens.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) weakens against most of its peers on Thursday even though traders doubt whether the Bank of England (BoE) will cut interest rates again in the December meeting. Market speculation for BoE rate cuts next month diminished after the release of the United Kingdom (UK) Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for October on Wednesday showed that price pressures accelerated faster than expected.
UK’s headline inflation came in higher than the bank’s target of 2%, the core CPI, which excludes volatile items, accelerated unexpectedly, and the service inflation, which BoE officials closely track, grew at a faster pace of 5%. It seems the headline inflation is on track to where the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) projected at the start of the month. The MPC forecasted inflation at 2.4% and 2.5% in November and December, respectively.
The inflation data underscores BoE Governor Andrew Bailey’s advice of adopting a gradual policy-easing approach in his commentary at the press conference after the policy decision of cutting interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75% on November 7.
On the contrary, BoE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said after the inflation data release on Wednesday that he expects the economy to “continue to normalize” with an ongoing trend toward “low and relatively stable inflation,” Bloomberg reported. The comments from Ramsden appeared to be dovish as he said that he would consider a less gradual rate-cut approach if the evidence starts to “point more clearly to further disinflationary pressures.”
Going forward, investors will pay close attention to the Retail Sales data for October and flash S&P Global/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for November, which will be published on Friday.
The Pound Sterling trades sideways at around 1.2650 against the US Dollar on Thursday. The GBP/USD pair hovers inside the prior day’s trading range, signalling a volatility squeeze. Broadly, the Cable remains vulnerable above the six-month low near 1.2600 reached last Friday as it doesn’t show any sign of reversal.
The establishment of the pair below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near 1.2850 suggests that the overall trend is bearish.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains within the 20.00-40.00 level, indicating a strong bearish momentum.
Looking down, the psychological support of 1.2500 will be a major cushion for Pound Sterling bulls. On the upside, the Cable will face resistance near 200-day EMA.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
Here is what you need to know on Thursday, November 21:
The US Dollar (USD) Index stays in a consolidation phase near 106.50 after closing in positive territory on Wednesday. The US economic calendar will feature weekly Initial Jobless Claims data alongside Existing Home Sales figures for October. Additionally, the Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Philadelphia and Kansas City will release regional manufacturing surveys for November.
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies this week. US Dollar was the strongest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.04% | -0.24% | 0.40% | -0.86% | -0.82% | -0.03% | -0.60% | |
| EUR | 0.04% | -0.03% | 0.56% | -0.71% | -0.64% | 0.14% | -0.43% | |
| GBP | 0.24% | 0.03% | 0.61% | -0.67% | -0.61% | 0.14% | -0.40% | |
| JPY | -0.40% | -0.56% | -0.61% | -1.27% | -1.16% | -0.39% | -0.91% | |
| CAD | 0.86% | 0.71% | 0.67% | 1.27% | 0.06% | 0.82% | 0.28% | |
| AUD | 0.82% | 0.64% | 0.61% | 1.16% | -0.06% | 0.76% | 0.22% | |
| NZD | 0.03% | -0.14% | -0.14% | 0.39% | -0.82% | -0.76% | -0.53% | |
| CHF | 0.60% | 0.43% | 0.40% | 0.91% | -0.28% | -0.22% | 0.53% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
The cautious market mood and the modest increase seen in US Treasury bond yields helped the USD stay resilient against its major rivals on Wednesday. Early Thursday, the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield holds steady at around 4.4% and US stock index futures trade mixed. In addition to macroeconomic data releases from the US, comments from Fed policymakers will be watched closely by market participants. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid will be delivering speeches during the American trading hours.
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated on Thursday that they will decide on the monetary policy on a meeting-by-meeting basis. "We do seriously take into account exchange-rate movements in forming our economic and inflation outlook, including the question of what's causing the exchange-rate changes that are taking place at the moment," Ueda further explained. After rising 0.5% on Wednesday, USD/JPY stays under bearish pressure early Thursday and was last seen trading below 155.00.
EUR/USD seems to have entered a consolidation phase at around 1.0550 after closing in negative territory on Wednesday. The European Commission will publish preliminary Consumer Confidence data for November later in the session.
Gold posted gains on Wednesday and extended its winning streak into a third consecutive day. XAU/USD continues to edge higher in the European morning on Thursday and was last seen trading slightly above $2,660.
After declining sharply on Monday and Tuesday, USD/CAD found a foothold and posted small gains on Wednesday. The pair fluctuates in a narrow range above 1.3950 to start the European session. Statistics Canada will publish New Housing Price Index data for October later in the day.
GBP/USD failed to benefit from strong inflation readings from the UK and posted small losses on Wednesday. The pair stays relatively quiet and moves up and down in a narrow channel near 1.2650 early Thursday.
Monetary policy in the US is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, it raises interest rates, increasing borrowing costs throughout the economy. This results in a stronger US Dollar (USD) as it makes the US a more attractive place for international investors to park their money. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing, which weighs on the Greenback.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) holds eight policy meetings a year, where the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) assesses economic conditions and makes monetary policy decisions. The FOMC is attended by twelve Fed officials – the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four of the remaining eleven regional Reserve Bank presidents, who serve one-year terms on a rotating basis.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve may resort to a policy named Quantitative Easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used during crises or when inflation is extremely low. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy high grade bonds from financial institutions. QE usually weakens the US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process of QE, whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing, to purchase new bonds. It is usually positive for the value of the US Dollar.
The GBP/JPY cross pares its recent gains, trading around 195.80 during the early European hours on Thursday. The daily chart analysis indicates that the pair is positioned within the descending channel pattern, suggesting a bearish bias.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is slightly below the 50 level, confirming bearish momentum. Additionally, the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is positioned below the 14-day EMA, indicating persistent weakness in short-term price momentum.
On the downside, the GBP/JPY cross may navigate the region around the lower boundary of the descending channel at the 193.50 level. A break below this level would reinforce the bearish bias and put downward pressure on the currency cross to revisit the two-month low at the 189.56 level, which was recorded on September 30.
Regarding the upside, the immediate barrier appears at the nine-day EMA at 196.46 level, followed by the 14-day EMA at 196.63 level. Further resistance appears at the upper boundary of the descending channel at 197.70 level. A successful breach above this channel could cause the emergence of the bullish bias and support the GBP/JPY cross to test the four-month high at 199.81 level, reached on October 30.
The table below shows the percentage change of British Pound (GBP) against listed major currencies today. British Pound was the weakest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.07% | -0.06% | -0.48% | -0.09% | -0.21% | 0.06% | -0.21% | |
| EUR | 0.07% | 0.01% | -0.38% | -0.02% | -0.14% | 0.12% | -0.15% | |
| GBP | 0.06% | -0.01% | -0.37% | -0.04% | -0.16% | 0.11% | -0.16% | |
| JPY | 0.48% | 0.38% | 0.37% | 0.37% | 0.26% | 0.49% | 0.25% | |
| CAD | 0.09% | 0.02% | 0.04% | -0.37% | -0.11% | 0.15% | -0.12% | |
| AUD | 0.21% | 0.14% | 0.16% | -0.26% | 0.11% | 0.26% | -0.01% | |
| NZD | -0.06% | -0.12% | -0.11% | -0.49% | -0.15% | -0.26% | -0.27% | |
| CHF | 0.21% | 0.15% | 0.16% | -0.25% | 0.12% | 0.01% | 0.27% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the British Pound from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent GBP (base)/USD (quote).
The US Dollar Index (DXY) trades with mild losses around 106.50 during the early European session on Thursday. The downside for the index might be limited as markets expect that Donald Trump’s administration will reignite inflation and slow the path of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed), supporting the Greenback.
Technically, the bullish trend of the DXY remains intact as the index is well-supported above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily chart. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands above the midline near 66.40, indicating that the path of least resistance is to the upside.
The first upside target for the DXY emerges near the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band at 107.45. Any follow-through buying above this level could pave the way to 108.00, the high of November 21, 2022. Further north, the next hurdle to watch is the 110.25, the high of September 8, 2022.
In the bearish event, sustained trading below 106.00, the round mark, could see a drop to 104.19, the low of November 7. The key support level is seen at 103.71, the 100-day EMA. A breach of the mentioned level could expose 102.95, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band.
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away.
The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact quantitative easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar.
In a Barron’s interview published on Thursday, New York Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) President John Williams said that he “sees inflation cooling and interest rates falling further.”
He further noted that “2% is the rate that can best balance the central bank’s employment and price stability goals.”
Labor market is now in balance, not providing upward pressure on inflation.
Wants to see inflation coming down to 2% and staying around that level amid solid labour market.
Don't see any signs of a recession in the data.
It is pretty clear that monetary policy is restrictive today.
That is why it is "very appropriate" to cut rates in the past two meetings.
We're well positioned for risks of inflation being higher than we expect for next year.
Expects it to be appropriate to cut rates further to more normal or neutral levels over time.
More comments flowing in from Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda, as he now speaks on the monetary policy and the exchange rate value.
It's important for government and politicians to keep eye out on medium-term fiscal sustainability.
We decide monetary policy meeting by meeting on basis of information that becomes available up to the meeting.
There's still a month to go till next policy meeting, there will be more information available by then.
We don't make comments on short-term exchange rate moves.
We do seriously take into account exchange-rate movements in forming our economic and inflation outlook, including the question of what's causing the exchange-rate changes that are taking place at the moment.
Speaking at a conference in Tokyo on Thursday, European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Francois Villeroy de Galhau said that “the balance of risks on growth and inflation is shifting to the downside.”
Victory against inflation is in sight in Europe.
Inflation could be sustainably at 2% in early 2025.
Trump tariffs not expected to significantly alter inflation outlook in Europe.
Should continue to reduce degree of monetary policy restriction.
Pace of reduction must be determined by agile pragmatism.
We must maintain full optionality for upcoming meetings.
EUR/GBP appreciates after two days of losses, trading around 0.8340 during the Asian hours on Thursday. However, the upside of the EUR/GBP cross could be limited as Wednesday’s stronger-than-anticipated UK inflation report has bolstered the Bank of England's (BoE) cautious approach toward future interest rate reductions.
UK CPI inflation surged to 2.3% year-over-year in October, marking a six-month high, up from 1.7% in September and beating forecasts of 2.2%. The monthly CPI increased by 0.6% after remaining unchanged in September. Meanwhile, Core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy prices, climbed to 3.3% over the same period, outpacing market predictions of 3.1%.
Additionally, Services inflation rose to 5%, up from 4.9% in the previous report. If price pressures continue to build, traders may reconsider expectations for interest rate cuts at the BoE's December policy meeting.
On Wednesday, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras stated that the Eurozone is close to sustainably achieving its 2% inflation target. Stournaras emphasized the responsibility of policymakers to ensure they do not fall short of this goal, according to Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, the EU Financial Stability Review noted that escalating geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainties are intensifying sovereign vulnerabilities while growing global trade disputes heighten the risk of economic shocks.
Since June, the ECB has implemented three rate cuts as inflation edges closer to the 2% target. However, growth forecasts have been revised downward twice. Markets widely expect a 25 basis point rate cut next month, with a smaller probability of a more substantial reduction.
Inflation measures the rise in the price of a representative basket of goods and services. Headline inflation is usually expressed as a percentage change on a month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) basis. Core inflation excludes more volatile elements such as food and fuel which can fluctuate because of geopolitical and seasonal factors. Core inflation is the figure economists focus on and is the level targeted by central banks, which are mandated to keep inflation at a manageable level, usually around 2%.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices of a basket of goods and services over a period of time. It is usually expressed as a percentage change on a month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) basis. Core CPI is the figure targeted by central banks as it excludes volatile food and fuel inputs. When Core CPI rises above 2% it usually results in higher interest rates and vice versa when it falls below 2%. Since higher interest rates are positive for a currency, higher inflation usually results in a stronger currency. The opposite is true when inflation falls.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, high inflation in a country pushes up the value of its currency and vice versa for lower inflation. This is because the central bank will normally raise interest rates to combat the higher inflation, which attract more global capital inflows from investors looking for a lucrative place to park their money.
Formerly, Gold was the asset investors turned to in times of high inflation because it preserved its value, and whilst investors will often still buy Gold for its safe-haven properties in times of extreme market turmoil, this is not the case most of the time. This is because when inflation is high, central banks will put up interest rates to combat it. Higher interest rates are negative for Gold because they increase the opportunity-cost of holding Gold vis-a-vis an interest-bearing asset or placing the money in a cash deposit account. On the flipside, lower inflation tends to be positive for Gold as it brings interest rates down, making the bright metal a more viable investment alternative.
FX option expiries for Nov 21 NY cut at 10:00 Eastern Time via DTCC can be found below.
EUR/USD: EUR amounts
USD/JPY: USD amounts
USD/CHF: USD amounts
AUD/USD: AUD amounts
USD/CAD: USD amounts
NZD/USD: NZD amounts
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda doesn’t touch upon monetary policy and economic outlook during his scheduled appearance on Thursday.
Financial industry is set to undergo even more transformation with the recent rise of generative AI.
To ensure a future that reaps the full benefits of technology, it is essential to build on the insights gained from the expertise and trial-and-error of financial professionals.
We have seen how technology has diversified financial intermediation.
A regulatory and supervisory framework that adapts to technological advancements is also essential.
As AI continues to spread globally, the Bank of Japan closely follows regulatory responses across jurisdictions.
Technological advancements bring new risks to financial stability.
As financial services grow more diverse and complex, the channels of risk transmission have become less transparent, and current financial regulations may not be fully equipped to manage new types of financial services.
This environment underscores the need for operational resilience, including robust management of cybersecurity and third-party risks.
USD/JPY holds its position above 155.00, at the time of writing, still down 0.22% on the day.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in a narrow range near 101.05 during the early European session on Thursday. Traders will monitor the speeches from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock later on Thursday, which might offer some insights on inflation and rate hike expectations.
According to the daily chart, the cross remains above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), suggesting the support level is likely to hold rather than break in the near term. However, further consolidation cannot be ruled out as the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers around the midline, indicating the neutral momentum of the cross.
The upper boundary of the Bollinger Band near 101.80 acts as an immediate resistance level for AUD/JPY. Extended gains above this level could see a rally to 102.40, the high of November 7. The additional upside filter to watch is 103.36, the low of July 23.
On the flip side, the key support level is seen at the 100.00 psychological level. A breach of this level could pave the way to 99.42, the low of November 15. Further north, the next downside target emerges at 98.03, the low of September 27.
The role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its own words, is "..to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.” This involves maintaining the inflation rate at a stable 4% level primarily using the tool of interest rates. The RBI also maintains the exchange rate at a level that will not cause excess volatility and problems for exporters and importers, since India’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign trade, especially Oil.
The RBI formally meets at six bi-monthly meetings a year to discuss its monetary policy and, if necessary, adjust interest rates. When inflation is too high (above its 4% target), the RBI will normally raise interest rates to deter borrowing and spending, which can support the Rupee (INR). If inflation falls too far below target, the RBI might cut rates to encourage more lending, which can be negative for INR.
Due to the importance of trade to the economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in FX markets to maintain the exchange rate within a limited range. It does this to ensure Indian importers and exporters are not exposed to unnecessary currency risk during periods of FX volatility. The RBI buys and sells Rupees in the spot market at key levels, and uses derivatives to hedge its positions.
The USD/CHF pair struggles to capitalize on the previous day's recovery from the vicinity of the 0.8800 mark or a one-week low and attracts fresh sellers during the Asian session on Thursday. Spot prices currently trade around the 0.8825 region, down just over 0.2% for the day, though any meaningful downside seems elusive in the wake of a bullish US Dollar (USD) sentiment.
Investors now seem convinced that US President-elect Donald Trump's expansionary policies will likely boost inflation and limit the scope for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to ease its monetary policy aggressively. Moreover, Fed policymakers' recent cautious remarks on further policy easing remain supportive of rising US Treasury bond yields. This, in turn, assists the USD Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, to hold steady near the year-to-date touched last week and should act as a tailwind for the USD/CHF pair.
Meanwhile, the initial market reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval to change the country's nuclear doctrine turned out to be short-lived as comments from Russian and US officials eased concerns about the onset of a nuclear war. This remains supportive of a generally positive tone across the global equity markets and undermines demand for the safe-haven Swiss Franc (CHF). The prevalent risk-on mood might further contribute to limiting the downside for the USD/CHF pair and warrants some caution for aggressive bearish traders.
Market participants now look forward to the US economic docket – featuring the release of the usual Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index and Existing Home Sales data. This, along with the speeches from a slew of influential FOMC members, will drive the US bond yields and the USD. Apart from this, geopolitical developments should produce short-term trading opportunities around the USD/CHF pair. Nevertheless, the fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance for spot prices is to the upside.
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies this month. US Dollar was the strongest against the Euro.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 3.16% | 1.94% | 1.98% | 0.24% | 1.03% | 1.68% | 2.25% | |
| EUR | -3.16% | -1.19% | -1.13% | -2.83% | -2.07% | -1.41% | -0.89% | |
| GBP | -1.94% | 1.19% | 0.06% | -1.66% | -0.89% | -0.23% | 0.27% | |
| JPY | -1.98% | 1.13% | -0.06% | -1.71% | -0.95% | -0.29% | 0.25% | |
| CAD | -0.24% | 2.83% | 1.66% | 1.71% | 0.78% | 1.45% | 1.96% | |
| AUD | -1.03% | 2.07% | 0.89% | 0.95% | -0.78% | 0.67% | 1.17% | |
| NZD | -1.68% | 1.41% | 0.23% | 0.29% | -1.45% | -0.67% | 0.50% | |
| CHF | -2.25% | 0.89% | -0.27% | -0.25% | -1.96% | -1.17% | -0.50% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
EUR/USD appreciates slightly after registering losses in the previous session, trading around 1.0550 during the Asian hours on Thursday. However, the upside of the pair could be restrained due to safe-haven flows amid rising geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Reuters reported that Ukraine launched a volley of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia on Wednesday, marking the latest deployment of Western weaponry against Russian targets. Moscow has stated that the use of Western weapons to strike Russian territory far from the border would significantly escalate the conflict.
European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras stated on Wednesday that the Eurozone is close to sustainably achieving its 2% inflation target. Stournaras emphasized the responsibility of policymakers to ensure they do not fall short of this goal, according to Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, the EU Financial Stability Review noted that escalating geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainties are intensifying sovereign vulnerabilities while growing global trade disputes heighten the risk of economic shocks.
Since June, the ECB has implemented three rate cuts as inflation edges closer to the 2% target. However, growth forecasts have been revised downward twice. Markets widely expect a 25-basis-point rate cut next month, with a smaller probability of a more substantial reduction.
The US Dollar (USD) gained support from cautious remarks by Federal Reserve (Fed) officials. Boston Fed President Susan Collins stated on Wednesday that while more interest rate cuts are necessary, policymakers should proceed cautiously to avoid moving too quickly or too slowly, according to Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted that inflation remains elevated over the past few months and stressed the need for the Fed to proceed cautiously with rate cuts.
The Euro is the currency for the 19 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
Gold prices rose in India on Thursday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The price for Gold stood at 7,214.82 Indian Rupees (INR) per gram, up compared with the INR 7,190.72 it cost on Wednesday.
The price for Gold increased to INR 84,152.27 per tola from INR 83,871.11 per tola a day earlier.
| Unit measure | Gold Price in INR |
|---|---|
| 1 Gram | 7,214.82 |
| 10 Grams | 72,148.23 |
| Tola | 84,152.27 |
| Troy Ounce | 224,406.20 |
FXStreet calculates Gold prices in India by adapting international prices (USD/INR) to the local currency and measurement units. Prices are updated daily based on the market rates taken at the time of publication. Prices are just for reference and local rates could diverge slightly.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
(An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
Four Chinese government advisers advocated for a 2025 growth target of around 5%, similar to this year, Reuters reported on Thursday.
One Chinese government adviser pressed for a growth target of 'above 4%' while another recommended a 4.5%-5% range.
They said “a higher budget deficit could mitigate the impact of expected US tariffs.”
"It's entirely possible to offset the impact of Trump’s tariffs on China’s exports by further expanding domestic demand," said Yu Yongding, one of the advisers and a government economist who advocates for a roughly 5% goal.
"We should adopt stronger fiscal policy next year," said Yu, adding the budget deficit "should definitely exceed" this year's planned level of 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
The EUR/JPY cross meets with a fresh supply following the previous day's good two-way price swings and trades around the mid-163.00s during the Asian session on Thursday, down 0.20% for the day.
Against the backdrop of intervention fears and geopolitical uncertainties, hopes that Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda might signal another interest rate hike as early as next month underpin the safe-haven Japanese Yen (JPY). This, in turn, is seen as a key factor exerting some pressure on the EUR/JPY cross. That said, an uptick in the shared currency, bolstered by subdued US Dollar (USD) price action, limits losses for the currency pair.
From a technical perspective, the recent repeated failures near the 200-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hour chart favor bearish traders. Moreover, oscillators on the daily chart have just started gaining negative traction and suggest that the path of least resistance for the EUR/JPY cross is to the downside. That said, any further slide might continue to find support ahead of the 163.00 mark and the 162.50-162.40 horizontal zone.
Some follow-through selling might expose the weekly trough, around the 161.50-161.45 region, or the lowest level since October 4 touched on Tuesday, with some intermediate support near the 162.00 round figure. The downward trajectory could extend further and drag the EUR/JPY cross to the 161.00 round figure en route to intermediate support near the 160.55 area and the 160.00 psychological mark.
On the flip side, the 164.00 mark now seems to act as an immediate hurdle ahead of the 200-period SMA, currently pegged near the 164.70 region. A convincing breakout through the said barrier, leading to a subsequent move beyond the 165.00 psychological mark, will be seen as a key trigger for bullish traders. The EUR/JPY cross might then accelerate the positive momentum towards the 165.40 area and then aim to reclaim the 166.00 round figure.
Kazuo Ueda is the Governor of the Bank of Japan, he replaced Haruhiko Kuroda on April 2023. Before being appointed, Ueda was an economics professor at the University of Tokyo and held a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Ueda is the first academic economist to run the bank in post-war Japan, breaking with the tradition that the governor is drawn from the BoJ or finance ministry.
Read more.Next release: Thu Nov 21, 2024 05:10
Frequency: Irregular
Consensus: -
Previous: -
Source: Bank of Japan
GBP/USD edges higher to near 1.2650 during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. This downside could be attributed to the softer US Dollar (USD). The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the USD against its six major peers, holds ground near 106.50 at the time of writing.
However, the downside risk for the US Dollar may be constrained due to the cautious remarks from Federal Reserve (Fed) officials. Boston Fed President Susan Collins stated on Wednesday that while more interest rate cuts are necessary, policymakers should proceed cautiously to avoid moving too quickly or too slowly, according to Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman highlighted that inflation remains elevated over the past few months and stressed the need for the Fed to proceed cautiously with rate cuts.
A Reuters poll indicated that nearly 90% of economists (94 out of 106) anticipate a 25bps cut in December, lowering the fed funds rate to 4.25%-4.50%. Economists predict shallower rate cuts in 2025 due to the risk of higher inflation from President-elect Trump's policies. The fed funds rate is forecasted to be 3.50%-3.75% by the end of 2025, which is 50bps higher than last month’s projection.
The upside potential for the GBP/USD pair seems restrained due to safe-haven flows amid the escalated Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Wednesday, Ukraine launched a volley of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia, marking the latest deployment of Western weaponry against Russian targets. This follows Ukraine's use of US ATACMS missiles the previous day.
On Wednesday, a stronger-than-anticipated UK inflation report bolstered the Bank of England's (BoE) cautious approach toward future interest rate reductions. UK CPI inflation surged to 2.3% year-over-year in October, marking a six-month high, up from 1.7% in September and beating forecasts of 2.2%. Meanwhile, Core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy prices, climbed to 3.3% over the same period, outpacing market predictions of 3.1%.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
Gold price (XAU/USD) prolongs its weekly uptrend for the fourth straight day and climbs to the $2,660 area, or a fresh one-and-half-week high during the Asian session on Thursday. Mounting geopolitical uncertainties, fueled by escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions, continue to drive haven flows towards traditional safe-haven assets and assist the precious metal to recover further from a two-month low touched last week. Bullion, which is considered a hedge against inflation, further seems to benefit from expectations that US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could spur inflationary pressures.
That said, high inflation could limit the scope of the Federal Reserve (Fed) to ease monetary policy. Furthermore, worries that Trump's debt-funded tax cuts would lead to larger budget deficits remain supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields. This, in turn, assists the US Dollar (USD) to hold steady just below the year-to-date (YTD) peak touched last week and might act as a headwind for the non-yielding Gold price. Apart from this, the prevalent risk-on mood – as depicted by a generally positive tone around the equity markets – warrants caution before placing aggressive bullish bets around the XAU/USD.
From a technical perspective, the intraday move-up faces some resistance near the 50% retracement level of the recent pullback from the all-time peak touched in October. The said barrier is pegged near the $2,660 area, above which the Gold price could accelerate the momentum towards the $2,670-2,672 congestion zone. Some follow-through buying could allow the XAU/USD to aim at reclaiming the $2,700 round figure.
On the flip side, the $2,635-2,634 area, or the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, now seems to protect the immediate downside ahead of the $2,622-2,620 region and the $2,600 round figure. A convincing break below the latter could make the Gold price vulnerable and expose the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), around the $2,557 region, with some intermediate support near the $2,570 zone. This is followed by last week’s swing low, around the $2,537-2,536 area, which if broken decisively will be seen as a fresh trigger for bearish traders and set the stage for deeper losses.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
The Indian Rupee (INR) extends its decline on Thursday. The heightened geopolitical tensions and market reactions due to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections drag the local currency lower. Additionally, continuous foreign portfolio outflows might continue to undermine the INR in the near term.
Nonetheless, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to intervene in the foreign exchange to mitigate further depreciation of the local currency, with state-run banks offering USD in the market. Later on Thursday, traders will monitor the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, Existing Home Sales, and the CB Leading Index, which are due later on Thursday. Also, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Beth Hammack and Austan Goolsbee are scheduled to speak.
The Indian Rupee softens on the day. The USD/INR pair keeps the bullish vibe as the price holds above the ascending channel throwback support on the daily time frame. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is located above the midline around 66.70, suggesting that the further upside looks favorable.
The all-time high of 84.45 appears to be a tough nut to crack for the bulls. A decisive break above this level could still take the pair up to the 85.00 psychological level.
On the other hand, sustained bearish momentum below the resistance-turned-support level at 84.35 could pave the way to the 84.00-83.90 zone, representing the round mark and the 100-day EMA.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is one of the most sensitive currencies to external factors. The price of Crude Oil (the country is highly dependent on imported Oil), the value of the US Dollar – most trade is conducted in USD – and the level of foreign investment, are all influential. Direct intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in FX markets to keep the exchange rate stable, as well as the level of interest rates set by the RBI, are further major influencing factors on the Rupee.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in forex markets to maintain a stable exchange rate, to help facilitate trade. In addition, the RBI tries to maintain the inflation rate at its 4% target by adjusting interest rates. Higher interest rates usually strengthen the Rupee. This is due to the role of the ‘carry trade’ in which investors borrow in countries with lower interest rates so as to place their money in countries’ offering relatively higher interest rates and profit from the difference.
Macroeconomic factors that influence the value of the Rupee include inflation, interest rates, the economic growth rate (GDP), the balance of trade, and inflows from foreign investment. A higher growth rate can lead to more overseas investment, pushing up demand for the Rupee. A less negative balance of trade will eventually lead to a stronger Rupee. Higher interest rates, especially real rates (interest rates less inflation) are also positive for the Rupee. A risk-on environment can lead to greater inflows of Foreign Direct and Indirect Investment (FDI and FII), which also benefit the Rupee.
Higher inflation, particularly, if it is comparatively higher than India’s peers, is generally negative for the currency as it reflects devaluation through oversupply. Inflation also increases the cost of exports, leading to more Rupees being sold to purchase foreign imports, which is Rupee-negative. At the same time, higher inflation usually leads to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raising interest rates and this can be positive for the Rupee, due to increased demand from international investors. The opposite effect is true of lower inflation.
Silver price (XAG/USD) retraces its recent losses from the previous session, trading around $31.00 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The rise in precious metal prices is attributed to safe-haven flows amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war.
On Wednesday, Ukraine launched a volley of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russia, marking the latest deployment of Western weaponry against Russian targets. This follows Ukraine's use of US ATACMS missiles the previous day.
According to a Reuters report, video footage posted by Russian war correspondents on Telegram showed black smoke rising in a residential area of the Kursk region, which borders northeastern Ukraine.
At least 14 large explosions were heard, most preceded by the sharp whistle of what sounded like incoming missiles. Moscow has stated that the use of Western weapons to strike Russian territory far from the border would significantly escalate the conflict.
However, Silver prices have been under pressure due to a bleak outlook for the metal's industrial use. On Wednesday, the People's Bank of China (PBoC) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 3.1% for November. Higher interest rates in China, a major global manufacturing hub for electronics, solar panels, and automotive components, are expected to dampen industrial demand for Silver.
Furthermore, market expectations indicate that the incoming Donald Trump administration will spur inflation, which could slow down the Federal Reserve’s rate cut trajectory, thus exerting downward pressure on non-interest-bearing assets like Silver.
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) edges higher against its American counterpart during the Asian session on Thursday and drags the USD/JPY pair away from the weekly top touched the previous day. Any meaningful JPY appreciation, however, seems elusive in the wake of the uncertainty tied to the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) pace and the timing of further interest rate hikes. Adding to this, a generally positive risk tone should contribute to capping gains for the safe-haven JPY.
Meanwhile, expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may slow its path of rate cuts, amid concerns that US President-elect Trump's proposed policies could reignite inflation, remain supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields. This assists the US Dollar (USD) to stand firm near the year-to-date peak and should limit losses for the USD/JPY pair. Traders might also opt to wait for the release of Japan's National Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Friday.
From a technical perspective, the USD/JPY pair has been showing some resilience below the 100-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hour chart. Moreover, oscillators on the daily chart are holding comfortably in positive territory, suggesting that any subsequent slide might still be seen as a buying opportunity near the 154.65-154.60 region. This should help limit the downside near the 154.00 mark (200-period SMA). The said support should act as a key pivotal point, which if broken might expose the weekly swing low, around the 153.25 area.
On the flip side, the Asian session peak, around the 155.40 area, now seems to act as an immediate hurdle, above which the USD/JPY pair could make a fresh attempt to reclaim the 156.00 mark. Some follow-through buying could lift spot prices towards retesting the multi-month top, around the 156.75 region touched last Friday.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is one of the world’s most traded currencies. Its value is broadly determined by the performance of the Japanese economy, but more specifically by the Bank of Japan’s policy, the differential between Japanese and US bond yields, or risk sentiment among traders, among other factors.
One of the Bank of Japan’s mandates is currency control, so its moves are key for the Yen. The BoJ has directly intervened in currency markets sometimes, generally to lower the value of the Yen, although it refrains from doing it often due to political concerns of its main trading partners. The BoJ ultra-loose monetary policy between 2013 and 2024 caused the Yen to depreciate against its main currency peers due to an increasing policy divergence between the Bank of Japan and other main central banks. More recently, the gradually unwinding of this ultra-loose policy has given some support to the Yen.
Over the last decade, the BoJ’s stance of sticking to ultra-loose monetary policy has led to a widening policy divergence with other central banks, particularly with the US Federal Reserve. This supported a widening of the differential between the 10-year US and Japanese bonds, which favored the US Dollar against the Japanese Yen. The BoJ decision in 2024 to gradually abandon the ultra-loose policy, coupled with interest-rate cuts in other major central banks, is narrowing this differential.
The Japanese Yen is often seen as a safe-haven investment. This means that in times of market stress, investors are more likely to put their money in the Japanese currency due to its supposed reliability and stability. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen the Yen’s value against other currencies seen as more risky to invest in.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) retraces its recent losses on Thursday, buoyed by a hawkish outlook from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) concerning interest rates. Despite this, the AUD/USD pair could still face downward pressure as the US Dollar (USD) might strengthen due to safe-haven flows amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Reserve Bank of Australia's November Meeting Minutes indicated that the central bank’s board remains vigilant about the potential for further inflation, stressing the importance of maintaining a restrictive monetary policy. Although board members noted no "immediate need" to alter the cash rate, they kept options open for future adjustments, emphasizing that all possibilities remain on the table.
The downside risk for the US Dollar may be constrained due to the cautious remarks from Federal Reserve (Fed) officials. Additionally, market expectations suggest that the incoming Donald Trump administration will spur inflation, thereby slowing the rate cut trajectory from the Fed, lending support to the Greenback.
Traders will be closely monitoring the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, and Existing Home Sales, all of which are scheduled for release later on Thursday.
The AUD/USD pair trades near 0.6510 on Thursday. Technical analysis of the daily chart indicates a continued decline within a descending channel pattern, signaling a bearish outlook. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is below 50, further supporting the prevailing bearish sentiment.
For support, the AUD/USD pair may approach the lower boundary of the descending channel at 0.6370, followed by its yearly low of 0.6348, recorded on August 5.
On the upside, the AUD/USD pair tests the nine-day EMA at 0.6519, followed by the 14-day EMA at 0.6536. Surpassing these levels could weaken the bearish bias and set the stage for a rally toward the four-week high of 0.6687.
The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the strongest against the US Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.09% | -0.08% | -0.29% | -0.08% | -0.23% | -0.15% | -0.16% | |
| EUR | 0.09% | 0.00% | -0.16% | 0.04% | -0.13% | -0.07% | -0.07% | |
| GBP | 0.08% | -0.01% | -0.16% | -0.01% | -0.15% | -0.07% | -0.08% | |
| JPY | 0.29% | 0.16% | 0.16% | 0.20% | 0.06% | 0.10% | 0.12% | |
| CAD | 0.08% | -0.04% | 0.00% | -0.20% | -0.13% | -0.06% | -0.08% | |
| AUD | 0.23% | 0.13% | 0.15% | -0.06% | 0.13% | 0.07% | 0.06% | |
| NZD | 0.15% | 0.07% | 0.07% | -0.10% | 0.06% | -0.07% | -0.01% | |
| CHF | 0.16% | 0.07% | 0.08% | -0.12% | 0.08% | -0.06% | 0.00% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote).
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $68.95 on Thursday. The WTI price trades flat as small US crude oil inventories built last week offset the escalating war between major oil producers Russia and Ukraine.
The Energy Information Administration's (EIA) weekly report showed crude stocks rose last week, which weighs on the black gold price. Crude oil stockpiles in the United States for the week ending November 15 increased by 0.545 million barrels, compared to a rise of 2.089 million barrels in the previous week. The market consensus estimated that stocks would increase by 0.400 million barrels.
Weak Chinese demand contributes to the WTI’s downside as China is the world's largest crude importer. Data released earlier this week showed that China's crude oil demand fell -5.4% YoY in October. Chinese demand growth is set to reach just 140,000 bpd this year, a tenth of the 1.4 million bpd demand growth of 2023, according to the IEA.
On the other hand, the worries about the intensifying war between major oil producers Russia and Ukraine, and subsequent concern around potential oil supply disruption might boost the WTI price. On Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry said that Ukraine hit a facility in the Bryansk region with six ATACAMS missiles. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for a possible nuclear strike.
"These risks to supply are definitely keeping the support here and offsetting to a degree concerns around the global demand outlook," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York.
WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media.
Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa.
The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency.
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.
The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Thursday at 7.1934, as compared to the previous day's fix of 7.1935 and 7.2482 Reuters estimates.
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras said on Wednesday that the Eurozone is on the cusp of sustainably reaching 2% inflation, putting the onus on officials to avoid undershooting that goal, per Bloomberg.
“Inflation is now more likely to converge sustainably to the target sooner than earlier expectations — by the beginning of 2025 instead of the last quarter, as was anticipated in the most recent ECB projections.”
“Our policy focus may have to increasingly take account of economic conditions so that we don’t undershoot our inflation objective.”
“Although we have not had any indications of a hard landing, the markets are extremely sensitive to disappointing growth readings.”
“If negative surprises for growth come in and we fail to unwind our restrictive monetary-policy stance at the appropriate pace, unnecessary market turbulence could be induced, negatively impacting economic and financial stability.”
“The September reading of inflation at 1.7 percent should be viewed as both a success and a wake-up call.”
“A policy-rate path that remains too restrictive for too long could induce an undershooting of our inflation target over the medium term and impede growth. Should that occur, we would risk damaging our credibility.”
“An escalation in trade tensions between major economies through tariffs and retaliation could create chaos in international trade and weigh on confidence and economic activity at the global level.”
At the time of writing, EUR/USD is trading 0.04% higher on the day to trade at 1.0545.
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy for the region. The ECB primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means keeping inflation at around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is by raising or lowering interest rates. Relatively high interest rates will usually result in a stronger Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
In extreme situations, the European Central Bank can enact a policy tool called Quantitative Easing. QE is the process by which the ECB prints Euros and uses them to buy assets – usually government or corporate bonds – from banks and other financial institutions. QE usually results in a weaker Euro. QE is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the objective of price stability. The ECB used it during the Great Financial Crisis in 2009-11, in 2015 when inflation remained stubbornly low, as well as during the covid pandemic.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse of QE. It is undertaken after QE when an economic recovery is underway and inflation starts rising. Whilst in QE the European Central Bank (ECB) purchases government and corporate bonds from financial institutions to provide them with liquidity, in QT the ECB stops buying more bonds, and stops reinvesting the principal maturing on the bonds it already holds. It is usually positive (or bullish) for the Euro.
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said on Wednesday that more interest-rate cuts are needed, but policymakers should proceed carefully to avoid moving too quickly or too slowly, per Bloomberg.
Some additional rate cuts are needed as the policy is still restrictive.
Doesn’t want to cut rates too quickly.
Overly slow rate cuts could hurt the labor market.
The final destination of rate cuts is unclear.
Monetary policy is well positioned for the economic outlook.
Monetary policy is not on a preset course.
Fed policy decisions to be done meeting-by-meeting.
Any further slowdown in the job market is undesirable.
Risks to the outlook are roughly in balance.
The labor market is healthy, with inflation moving back to 2%.
Strong productivity means wage gains not inflationary.
The economy is in a good place.
Progress to 2% inflation could be uneven.
Balance sheet policy most useful in unusual conditions.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) is trading 0.04% lower on the day at 106.60, as of writing.
Monetary policy in the US is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, it raises interest rates, increasing borrowing costs throughout the economy. This results in a stronger US Dollar (USD) as it makes the US a more attractive place for international investors to park their money. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing, which weighs on the Greenback.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) holds eight policy meetings a year, where the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) assesses economic conditions and makes monetary policy decisions. The FOMC is attended by twelve Fed officials – the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four of the remaining eleven regional Reserve Bank presidents, who serve one-year terms on a rotating basis.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve may resort to a policy named Quantitative Easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used during crises or when inflation is extremely low. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy high grade bonds from financial institutions. QE usually weakens the US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process of QE, whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing, to purchase new bonds. It is usually positive for the value of the US Dollar.
EUR/USD bulls frayed at their ends during the midweek hump session, giving back nearly half of a percent and keeping Fiber price action hamstrung just north of the 1.0500 major handle. Thursday is a quiet showing on the economic calendar for both the Euro and the Greenback, leaving markets to sit and twiddle their thumbs until Friday’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) figures get released at the tail-end of the trading week.
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will be making an appearance on Friday at the 34th annual European Banking Conference in Frankfurt. The ECB head is expected to hit familiar notes while discussing the state of EU monetary policy and how it impacts the banking sector, though traders will be keeping an ear out for any tidbits about the possible direction the ECB is leaning as it pertains to rate cuts in the near term.
European HCOB Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey results will drop on markets while ECB President Lagarde is delivering prepared notes. Pan-EU business activity survey figures are expected to hold flat in November, with the Composite PMI headliner forecast to print at a steady 50.0
The key data print this week will be S&P Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey results, which are due on Friday. Markets are anticipating a slight increase in Manufacturing PMI figures, expected to rise to 48.8 from the previous 48.5, while the Services component is expected to rise by a similar amount, to 55.3 from 55.0.
EUR/USD is trapped near its lowest bids in over a year after tapping a 54-week low last Wednesday. A near-term bullish recovery sputtered out almost as quickly as it began, with bidders running into the much near 1.0600 and failing to capture higher ground.
Fiber is down around 6% from September’s peaks above 1.1200, and the Euro’s technical picture has changed significantly in a short amount of time. EUR/USD is still trapped on the south end of the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which is accelerating into the low side and poised to pass through 1.0800 in short order.
The Euro is the currency for the 19 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
The USD/CAD pair trades on a softer note around 1.3970 amid the modest decline in the Greenback during the early Asian session on Thursday. Traders will keep an eye on the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, Existing Home Sales, and the CB Leading Index, which are due later on Thursday. Also, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Hammack and Goolsbee are due to speak.
The recent strong US economic data, sticky inflation and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election have underpinned the US Dollar (USD) against the Loonie for the time being. Markets expect that Donald Trump’s administration will reignite inflation and slow the path of rate cuts from the Fed.
Additionally, the cautious tone from the Fed officials might cap the downside for the USD. On Wednesday, Fed governor Michelle Bowman emphasized that inflation still elevated in the last few months and the Fed needed to be cautious on rate cuts.
Futures traders have dialed back their expectations of a rate reduction at the December Fed meeting, according to data from the CME FedWatch Tool. They are now pricing in around 54% possibility that the Fed will cut rates by a quarter point, down from around 80% last week.
On the Loonie front, the fall in crude oil prices weighs on the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD). Nonetheless, the lower expectation that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will cut a deeper-than-usual interest rate in December might help limit the CAD’s losses. The markets are now pricing in nearly a 26% chance of a 50 basis point (bps) rate cut by the BoC next month, down from 37% before the CPI data release.
The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar.
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive.
The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD.
While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar.
Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.
GBP/USD struggled to find a direction on Wednesday, testing the bounds of the 1.2700 handle before facing a downside rejection and ending the midweek market session a fifth of a percent lower than it started. Despite an above-forecast print in UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures, the Pound Sterling still waffled as the Bank of England (BoE) looks set to write off another rate cut in 2024 as the UK grapples with still-sticky inflation.
UK CPI came in broadly higher than markets expected, with headline UK CPI inflation rising to 2.3% YoY, over and above the forecast 2.2% and bouncing from the previous period’s print of 1.7%. Meanwhile, core CPI inflation rose to 3.3% on an annualized basis while investors were expecting a slight downtick to 3.1% from the previous 3.2%. With UK inflation still sparking fears of sticky price growth, the BoE is less likely to deliver another rate cut in 2024 despite a lopsided economy.
Thursday’s economic calendar is a thin showing, leaving Cable traders to sit on their hands until Friday’s doubleheader showing of Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) activity survey results due from both the UK and the US to wrap up the trading week. UK PMI figures are broadly expected to hold steady at previous figures, with the Manufacturing PMI component forecast to hold at 49.9 and the Services PMI component expected to print flat at 51.8.
The key data print this week will be S&P Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey results, which are due on Friday. Markets are anticipating a slight increase in Manufacturing PMI figures, expected to rise to 48.8 from the previous 48.5, while the Services component is expected to rise by a similar amount, to 55.3 from 55.0.
GBP/USD failed to extend into a bullish recovery this week after a flubbed pullback from 27-month lows near the 1.2600 handle. Technical action priced in a floor and looked set to kick off a bullish recovery run, but high side bids are fizzling out after running into friction near 1.2700.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
The NZD/USD pair posts modest gains to around 0.5875 during the early Asian session on Thursday. However, the upside for the pair might be limited as investors await Fedspeak for more cues about the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook and US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed policies.
The US Dollar index (DXY), which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, currently trades near 106.60 after retracing from a yearly high of 107.06 last week. The growing bets that the Fed may slow its path of interest-rate cuts on concerns Trump's policies could reignite inflation boost the US Dollar (USD) against the Kiwi.
Economists expect the Fed to cut rates at its December meeting with shallower cuts in 2025 than expected a month ago due to the risk of higher inflation from Trump's policies, according to a Reuters poll.
Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Michelle Bowman said on Wednesday that inflation is still elevated and moving sideways in the last few months and the US central bank should pursue a cautious approach to monetary policy.
On the Kiwi front, the growing expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) would cut its Official Cash Rate (OCR) next week might weigh on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Markets are fully pricing in a 50 bps reduction, with 12% odds of a larger 75 bps rate cut. ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner expects the RBNZ to cut its OCR by 50 basis points (bps) next week, bringing the rate to 4.25%. “If there is going to be a surprise, a larger cut seems likelier than a smaller one,” added Zollner.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD), also known as the Kiwi, is a well-known traded currency among investors. Its value is broadly determined by the health of the New Zealand economy and the country’s central bank policy. Still, there are some unique particularities that also can make NZD move. The performance of the Chinese economy tends to move the Kiwi because China is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. Bad news for the Chinese economy likely means less New Zealand exports to the country, hitting the economy and thus its currency. Another factor moving NZD is dairy prices as the dairy industry is New Zealand’s main export. High dairy prices boost export income, contributing positively to the economy and thus to the NZD.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) aims to achieve and maintain an inflation rate between 1% and 3% over the medium term, with a focus to keep it near the 2% mid-point. To this end, the bank sets an appropriate level of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the RBNZ will increase interest rates to cool the economy, but the move will also make bond yields higher, increasing investors’ appeal to invest in the country and thus boosting NZD. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken NZD. The so-called rate differential, or how rates in New Zealand are or are expected to be compared to the ones set by the US Federal Reserve, can also play a key role in moving the NZD/USD pair.
Macroeconomic data releases in New Zealand are key to assess the state of the economy and can impact the New Zealand Dollar’s (NZD) valuation. A strong economy, based on high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence is good for NZD. High economic growth attracts foreign investment and may encourage the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to increase interest rates, if this economic strength comes together with elevated inflation. Conversely, if economic data is weak, NZD is likely to depreciate.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) tends to strengthen during risk-on periods, or when investors perceive that broader market risks are low and are optimistic about growth. This tends to lead to a more favorable outlook for commodities and so-called ‘commodity currencies’ such as the Kiwi. Conversely, NZD tends to weaken at times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty as investors tend to sell higher-risk assets and flee to the more-stable safe havens.
Silver's price retreats over 1.14% on Wednesday, yet it remains up 1.90% in the week as traders ditch the grey metal in favor of the Greenback. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades at $30.82 a troy ounce, beneath the $31.00 psychological mark.
The non-yielding metal trades within the $30.38-$31.75 range, guarded by the 100- and 50-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs), respectively. Despite being range-bound, the XAG/USD is downward biased in the short term as the precious metal achieves successive series of lower highs and lower lows.
Once sellers push XAG/USD below the 100-day SMA, a bearish resumption will occur. If cleared, the next support would be $30.00 a troy ounce, followed by the November 14 swing low of $29.68 and the 200-day SMA at $28.88.
If buyers moved in and pushed XAG/USD above $31.00, the 50-day SMA would be next, ahead of the $32.00 figure.
Indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hint that bears continue to gather steam. Therefore, further XAG/USD downside is expected.
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is back to its losing ways, backsliding 0.1% against the Greenback on Wednesday. The Loonie has ended it’s near-term bullish recovery against the safe haven US Dollar during the midweek market session as the economic calendar remains low-impact on both sides of the USD/CAD pair.
Canada saw an uptick in Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures this week, but the wind died down quickly and the Canadian Dollar is stuck near multi-year lows after USD/CAD pinged a 54-month high above 1.4100 last week. Thursday will remain a muted affair with very little of note on the data docket except for weekly US jobless claims figures, with USD/CAD traders trapped in a waiting period before Friday’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) prints for the US, as well as Canadian Retail Sales figures for September.
Despite holding onto bullish hope, the Canadian Dollar (CAD) still shed some ground against the Greenback on Wednesday, trimming a scant tenth of a percent and snapping a two-day win streak that saw the Loonie recover around nine-tenths of a percent from multi-year lows. USD/CAD cycled just below the 1.4000 handle during the midweek market session, testing the key psychological level but keeping price action hampered on the low side of the key price level.
With USD/CAD holding close to a 54-month high near 1.4100, bearish momentum in the chart has limited potential to drag bids back into the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near 1.3800.
The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar.
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive.
The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD.
While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar.
Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.
Fuente de datos: FX Street
Exención de responsabilidades:FXStreet proporciona este material como comunicación de marketing general con fines exclusivamente informativos y no constituye un estudio de inversión independiente. Nada en este comunicado contiene, ni debe considerarse que contenga, un asesoramiento de inversión, una recomendación de inversión o un ofrecimiento con el fin de comprar o vender ningún instrumento financiero. Toda la información proporcionada se reúne de fuentes prestigiosas y cualquier información que contenga una indicación de rentabilidad pasada no es un indicador garantizado ni fiable de una rentabilidad futura. Los usuarios reconocen que cualquier inversión en productos de Forex y CFDs está caracterizada por un cierto grado de incertidumbre y que cualquier inversión de esta naturaleza conlleva un elevado nivel de riesgo del que los usuarios son responsables únicos. No asumimos ninguna responsabilidad por ninguna pérdida derivada de ninguna inversión efectuada en base a la información aquí presentada.
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