Month: December 2010

Learn to Survive and Thrive with Knowledge of Socionomics and the Elliott Wave Principle

By Elliott Wave International

Have you ever noticed that much of the time, the forecasts for what’s going to happen next are quite often just more of what happened last? There’s no real insight, just “expect more of the same.”

That’s not how we view the world here at Elliott Wave International, where instead we study patterns of positive and negative mood to predict changes in the stock market, current events and other trends.

Pop culture trends are more than just “interesting” — analysis of social mood trends is part and parcel of Elliott Wave International’s technical approach, helping us anticipate changes that most people never see coming.

Prechter’s groundbreaking paper, “Pop Culture and the Stock Market,” first published in 1985, lays out the foundation for his contrarian analysis:

1) Popular art, fashion and mores are a reflection of the dominant public mood.

2) Because the stock market changes direction in step with these expressions of mood, it is probably another coincident register of the dominant public mood and changes in it
.
3) Because a substantial change in mood in a positive or negative direction foreshadows the character of what are generally considered to be historically important events, mood changes must be considered as possibly, if not probably, being the basic cause of ensuing events.

Both a study of the stock market and a study of trends in popular attitudes support the conclusion that the movement of aggregate stock prices is a direct recording of mood and mood change within the investment community, and by extension, within the society at large.

It is clear that extremes in popular cultural trends coincide with extremes in stock prices, since they peak and trough coincidentally in their reflection of the popular mood.

The stock market is the best place to study mood change because it is the only field of mass behavior where specific, detailed, and voluminous numerical data exists. It was only with such data that R.N. Elliott was able to discover the Wave Principle, which reveals that mass mood changes are natural, rhythmic and precise.

The stock market is literally a drawing of how the scales of mass mood are tipping. A decline indicates an increasing ‘negative’ mood on balance, and an advance indicates an increasing ‘positive’ mood on balance.

The positive and negative events and trends of any given year paint a picture of society’s mood as a whole. Haven’t we seen enough conventional forecasting fail miserably (remember the 2007-2009 debacle?)  to consider an alternative method?

This new year, resolve to look at the world in a different light, and learn to anticipate changes that will keep you ahead of the herd with an understanding of socionomics and the Elliott Wave Principle.

The US dollar declined versus its major currency counter backs on Thursday despite better economic data. As per latest data the US jobs claims declined by 34,000 to 388,000 in last week which also happens to be the lowest since July 2008. Moreover US home sales have been increased by 3.5 percent in November according to data of National Association of Realtors.

Senior Market Analyst Andrew Wilkinson from Interactive Brokers commented, “The dollar continued to weaken … as it typically does in more favorable economic times.”

Despite strong US economic indicators the dollar index DXY which measures the greenback performance versus its major rivals declined to 79.515 on Thursday’s North American trading session as compared to 79.788 on Late Wednesday.

Senior currency strategist David Watt from RBC Capital Markets on falling of US dollar commented, “I think people are grasping at straws trying to explain what’s going on, the overall market reaction … seems odd,”  he further added, “The moves you’re seeing are ones that had to be done, not ones that people wanted to do.”

The Euro advanced to 1.3290 versus the US dollar on Thursday as compared to $1.3219 on late Wednesday. The US dollar declined against the Swiss Franc and British Pound to 0.9346 and 1.5427 on Thursday respectively. However the greenback surged 0.1 percent versus the Japanese Yen on Thursday’s North American trading session.

Analysts from Brown Brothers Harriman commented, “The Swiss franc traded at record highs against the euro and the greenback in thin year-end trade, as euro-zone debt concerns and softer U.S. yields have boosted demand for the franc.”

About the Author

Daily forex trading news written by Rehan from DailyForexTrade.com

By Russell Glaser

As the downtrend for the USD/JPY resumes, a target for traders is identified below the all-time low of 79.75.

Looking at the monthly chart, a distinct long-term downtrend is in effect with a falling trend line from the July 2007 candlestick. Support for the pair is identified by the support line underneath the price action beginning in December 2008 with multiple contact points during the downtrend. Next month this support line comes in at 79.10.

Theis target is conceivable as momentum appears to be to the downside. The December candlestick looks to set to close near its monthly low and falling weekly stochastics also signal further price moves lower for the USD/JPY.

Forex Market Analysis provided by ForexYard.

© 2006 by FxYard Ltd

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

By Anton Eljwizat

In the last two weeks trading, the AUD/USD experienced much bullishness, as it stands now at 1.0185. However as I demonstrate below, it seems that the pair’s bullish run may have run of steam, and a bearish correction could be underway soon. Forex traders can take advantage of this imminent downward movement by entering short positions at an excellent entry price.

• Below is the daily chart of the AUD/USD currency pair.

• The technical indicators that are used are the William Percent Range, Relative Strength Index (RSI), and Slow Stochastic.

• Point 1: The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates that the price of this cross currently floats in the overbought territory, signaling downward pressure.

• Point 2: The Slow Stochastic indicates a bearish cross, signaling that the next move may be in a downward direction.

• Point 3: The Williams Percent Range also supports the downward direction.

AUD/USD Daily Chart

Forex Market Analysis provided by ForexYard.

© 2006 by FxYard Ltd

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

Source: ForexYard

The euro strengthened yesterday against most of the major currencies after reports showed better-than-expected figures for the U.S. economy. In a speech yesterday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called to strengthen the euro, stating that the euro is the foundation of German prosperity.

Economic News

USD – U.S. Dollar Weakens As Risk-Appetite Rises

The U.S. dollar saw a bearish trend against most of the major currencies during yesterday’s trading session. The dollar fell about 90 pips against the euro, and the EUR/USD pair rose above the 1.3300 level. The dollar also saw a 100 pip drop against the Swiss franc.

The dollar fell after several positive economic releases from the U.S. boosted risk-appetite in the market and increased demand for higher-yielding assets. The initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell last week to its lowest level since July 2008. The number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time decreased by 34,000 to 388,000 in the week ended December 24, beating expectations for 416,000 claims.

Another positive release was the U.S. Pending Home Sales report; the number of contracts to purchase previously owned homes rose more than projected in November. The pending home sales increased by 3.5 percent after a revised 10.1% in October, signaling that the housing sector in the U.S. is recovering in a faster pace than expected.

As for today, a light news day is expected due to New Year’s Eve. Traders are advised to follow the U.S. equity market as this is likely to have a large impact on the greenback.

EUR – Euro Rallies On Thursday’s trading; Markel Calls to Strengthen the Euro

The euro rallied against most of its major rivals on Thursday’s trading session. The euro gained about 90 pips vs. the U.S. dollar, and the EUR/USD pair rose above the 1.33 level. The euro also gained about 100 pips against the British pound and about 120 pips against the Japanese yen.

The euro strengthened yesterday after positive economic data from the U.S. signaled that the world’s largest economy is recovering, boosting demand for higher-yielding assets, such as the euro. The positive data was reflected in the lowest level of weekly jobless claims since July 2008 and in a 3.5% rise in the number of homes under contract to be sold in November, as opposed to October.

Moreover, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated yesterday that Europe stands in the middle of a great test. Merkel claimed that the euro must be strengthened, adding that it is far more than a currency. Merkel said that the euro is the foundation of German prosperity, and that Germany needs Europe and its common currency. Merkel’s speech was partially directed towards analysts and investors, trying to ease speculations regarding the stability of the European shared currency.

Looking ahead to today, the most significant release on the economic calendar seems to be the British Nationwide House Price Index. This report measures the change in the selling price of homes with mortgages back by Nationwide. A positive result has the potential to support the pound, and to further boost the euro.

JPY – Yen Weakens as Risk-Aversion Decreases

The Japanese yen fell against most of its major currency counterparts during yesterday’s trading session. The yen lost about 120 pips vs. the euro, and the EUR/JPY pair reached as high as the 108.90 level. The yen also saw a 50 pip drop against the U.S. dollar.

The yen weakened yesterday after positive economic releases from the U.S. spurred demand for higher-yielding assets. Reports have shown that initial U.S. jobless claims fell last week to the lowest level since July 2008. In addition, the number of contracts to buy previously owned homes rose by 2.5% in November, following a record 10.1% rise in October.

As for today, Japanese banks will be closed in observance of a four-day bank holiday. Traders should also take under consideration that a light news day is expected due to New Year’s Eve.

Crude Oil – Crude Oil Falls to $89 a Barrel

Crude Oil experienced a sharp drop in prices yesterday. Crude began yesterday’s trading session around $91.30 a barrel, and saw a 230 pip fall in a single trading day, reaching as low as $89.02 a barrel.

Crude prices fell after the U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report showed a smaller-than-forecasted drop in inventories. The Energy Department said today that oil supplies have declined by 1.26 million barrels to 339.4 million in the week ended December 24, beating analyst projections for a 2.85 million barrels decrease. The supply data had a dampening effect on oil prices, resulting in crude’s fall to $89 a barrel.

Technical News

EUR/USD

This pair began recovering about two days ago, and is currently trading near the 1.3300 level. Currently, both the MACD and the Slow Stochastic on the daily chart are pointing up, suggesting that another bullish session might be expected.

GBP/USD

The cable is being traded within a restricted range over the past couple of weeks, and is currently trading within the midst of the range around the 1.5440 level. Nevertheless, a bullish cross of the Slow Stochastic on the 4-hour chart indicates that a bullish move might be impending. Going long might be the right choice today.

USD/JPY

The USD/JPY has been falling sharply over the past couple of weeks, and an “M” candlestick formation is about to be completed on the daily chart. The next significant support level appears to be located on the 80.00 level, leaving the bearish trend with plenty of room to proceed. Going short seems to be the right strategy today.

USD/CHF

This pair’s bearish trend appears to be continuing. All oscillators on the daily chart are now pointing down, indicating that the bearish move has more steam in it. Going short with tight stops might be the right strategy today.

The Wild Card

Crude Oil

Crude Oil saw a very sharp decline yesterday, falling over 230 pips in a single-trading session, and reaching as low as $89.02 a barrel. The RSI on the daily chart has dropped below the 70-line, suggesting that another bearish move might take place. In addition, the daily chart’s MACD has recently completed a bearish cross, further strengthening the bearish notion. This might be a great opportunity for forex traders to catch the trend at its beginning.

Forex Market Analysis provided by ForexYard.

© 2006 by FxYard Ltd

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

By Forex Signs, Inc.

After falling from 109.41 to 107.61 levels, which is approximately 180 pips down, the EURJPY as of the moment is expected to move in consolidation between the resistance level at 108.26 and support level at 107.61. The MACD (12, 26, 9) of the M30 price chart is still showing signs of a consolidation, as the signal line closes its gap with the MACD line. But the anticipation for a probable selling proposal is still visible with the simple MA (65) along with the price at the 1-hour chart is heading towards the bearish channel. Apart from that, the Parabolic SAR line at the same time frame rises above the price, thus stimulating a prospective bearish momentum in the succeeding events. For the moment, a hold position is seen to be applicable for the current movement of the EURJPY. And bearish opportunity with the pair heading towards the downtrend for the upcoming trading session is still foreseeable.

Business Sector in Japan Looking Optimistic, Favors Yen

The Japanese yen may experience another bullish trend today against a basket of major currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, as the business sector of Japan is doing well towards year-end. The U.S. government will use Japan’s standardized quick charging system, the CHAdeMO Method, in large-scale driving tests of electric vehicles (EVs), it has been learned. This will be the first time a large number of quick chargers using the CHAdeMO Method are used overseas and is seen as an initial step toward the Japan system becoming the world standard. This tie-up between Japan and US is very good for the yen as demand for the latter will strengthen.

Further, the Yamanashi prefectural government plans to seek special fuel-cell district status for the prefecture, in which restrictions on hydrogen fuel for fuel-cell vehicles would be eased, under the central government’s special economic zones to be launched next fiscal year. The prefecture also intends to use central government subsidies to fund small and midsize companies involved in fuel-cell development projects.

However, there is a small chance that the yen may move otherwise if something optimistic happens in favor of the U.S. economy. Anyhow, for the meantime, it is advisable to sell the USDJPY pair.

About the Author

Forex Signs, Inc., Founded in 2006 in Wall Street, New York City, FSI relentlessly strives to be the premier Forex brokerage company in the industry by providing exclusive and unmatched trading and investment related services while constantly developing innovative solutions that cater to the vast requirements of both individual and institutional market participants.

Good morning! Sterling has fallen across the board in the last 24 hours including to 1.1597 against the euro. However these fluctuations are typical in the festive period (there isn’t much liquidity on the markets because most investors are off enjoying themselves) meaning the sterling movement shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

In fact not much has happened on the markets in the last 24 hours (it is New Year’s Eve!) but there has been some strong US and UK data.

The US home sales index increased 3.5% in November to 92.2 beating expectations of a 2.0% increase. This sits below pre-recession figures but bodes well for the US economic recovery.

In addition US unemployment fell 34,000 to 388,000 citizens in November. This is the lowest number since July 2008 and once more indicates the US economy is on course for 2011.

In the UK meanwhile house prices rose for the first time since May 2010 in November gaining 0.4%. Estate agents though consider this aberrant given the financial climate: tax increases expected in 2011 means demand on the housing market should remain low.

Furthermore several retailers are reporting that Christmas sales figures this December have exceeded all records. John Lewis for instance beat its previous festive sales record by 30% while Asda had four million customers on 23^rd December. This bodes well for UK consumer demand and might be good for sterling in 2011.

by Peter Lavelle with foreign currency exchange specialist Pure FX.

EURUSD broke above 1.3274 resistance. Now the price action from 1.2969 is more likely a sideways movement. Range trading between 1.2969 and 1.3497 could be seen in next several days. The sideways movement is treated as consolidation of longer term downtrend from 1.4281 (Nov 4 high), as long as 1.3497 key resistance holds, one more fall towards 1.2500 is still possible.

Daily Forex Reports

By J.W Jones, OptionsTradingSignals.com

By GCI Forex Research

Fundamental Outlook at 0800 GMT (EDT + 0400)

€

The euro appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the single currency tested offers around the US$ 1.3315 level and was supported around the $1.3215 level.  Technically, today’s intraday high was just above the 61.8% retracement of the $1.2650 – 1.4280 range.  Traders continue to lift the common currency higher at year-end as commodities prices escalate at the expense of the U.S. dollar.  European Central Bank member Nowotny warned it is possible “that there will be further challenges for individual countries in the euro area” and added a “more efficient Stability and Growth Pact” is a needed reform.  Improving U.S. and global economic data are increasing the demand for higher-yielding assets and decreasing demand for U.S. dollars.  At the same time, safe haven assets like the Swiss franc and Japanese yen remain bid.  This evidences the dynamics of the two-track global economy where emerging market economies are registering elevated rates of growth and industrialized countries where fiscal imbalances are overshadowing economic growth.  The dominant theme in the eurozone remains sovereign credit woes.  Ratings agencies have slashed eurozone credit ratings in recent weeks, adding to the euro’s malaise.  There remains widespread speculation that Portugal and maybe other eurozone countries will be forced to accept financial assistance next year.  Eurozone banks are hoarding cash at year-end to bolster their balance sheets.  The European Central Bank this week attemped to absorb €73.5 billion of liquidity from the eurozone financial system, around the amount it has expended on the purchase of eurozone government bonds.  Eurozone banks, however, offered just over €60 billion and this represents the second failure to remove liquidity and sterilize its bond purchases since the bond-buying program was started in May to support asset prices and keep a lid on market rates.  Data released in the eurozone this week saw German provisional consumer price inflation data for many states come in stronger than November’s levels and German headline CPI was up 1.0% m/m and 1.7% and 1.2% m/m and 1.9% y/y at the harmonized level.  In U.S. news, data released today saw weekly initial jobless claims fall sharply to 388,000 from the prior reading of 422,000 while continuing jobless claims climbed to 4.128 million from the prior reading of 4.071 million.  Also, December Chicago PMI climbed sharply to 68.6 from the prior reading of 62.5 and November pending home sales improved +3.5% m/m and improved to -2.4% y/y.  Other data released in the U.S. this week saw the October CaseShiller home price index decline more than expected at -0.99% m/m and -0.80% y/y.  Also, Dcember consumer confidence tumbled to 52.5 from the prior reading of 54.3 while the December Richmond Fed manufacturing index improved to +25.  Euro bids are cited around the US$ 1.2995 level.

¥/ CNY

The yen appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the ¥81.30 level and was capped around the ¥81.65 level. Technically, today’s intraday low was just above the 76.4% retracement of the ¥80.25 – 84.50 range.  The pair has not been this weak since 9 November and its recent ¥3 decline has more dealers speculating Bank of Japan will decide to expand monetary policy further.  Five-year Japanese government bonds appreciated by their largest amount in one year as traders tried to get ahead of possible central bank easing.  The government reported it did not conduct official yen-selling intervention in December for a third consecutive month following its ¥2.12 trillion intervention actions in September.  Data released in Japan overnight saw December manufacturing PMI climb to 48.3 from the prior reading of 47.3.  Current account deposits held by the BoJ have remained above ¥20 trillion for several consecutive days, an indication that banks have a significant amount of capital on hand.  Finance Minister Noda this week verbally intervened against the yen’s strength again, vowing to take “bold action when moves are excessive.”  Noda added the yen’s appreciation has been “one-sided” while Economy Minister Kaieda added “abrupt yen moves must be avoided.”  Japanese policymakers clearly remain preoccupied with preventing the yen’s advances from eroding exporters’ margins too much, especially after positive Japanese economic data were released overnight.    On 22 December, the government released an economic growth forecast that predicts economic growth will fall to +1.5% in the fiscal year beginning 1 April, down from the estimated +3.1% rate of growth in the current fiscal year.  Many data were released in Japan this week. The Nikkei 225 stock index lost 1.12% to close at ¥10,228.92.  U.S. dollar offers are cited around the ¥84.60 level.  The euro moved higher vis-à-vis the yen as the single currency tested offers around the ¥108.30 level and was supported around the ¥107.60 level.  The British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the yen as sterling tested bids around the ¥125.55 level while the Swiss franc moved higher vis-à-vis the yen and tested offers around the ¥87.00 figure. In Chinese news, the U.S. dollar depreciated vis-à-vis the Chinese yuan today as the greenback closed at CNY 6.6070 in the over-the-counter market, down from CNY 6.6245.  Today’s close was the pair’s weakest showing since 1993 and traders continue to speculate People’s Bank of China will allow the yuan to appreciate at a faster pace in 2011.  Data released in China overnight saw December HSBC manufacturing PMI fall to 54.4 from the prior reading of 55.3.  The December business conditions survey will be released overnight and December manufacturing PMI will be released tomorrow night. People’s Bank of China raised the yield on three-month bills for the first time in seven weeks following a move in China’s benchmark seven-day repurchase rate to 6.27%, its highest level since 2007.  Liquidity conditions remain very tight on account of year-end cash hoarding by financial institutions.   People’s Bank of China official Sheng Songcheng this week reported China should accelerate the “liberalization” of interest rates “by a certain degree” to reduce inflation and said asset prices should become an “important” factor in formulating monetary policy.  PBoC raised its one-year lending and deposit rates by 25bps on Saturday, its second rate hike since mid-October.  The benchmark lending rate increased to 5.81% and the benchmark deposit rate increased to 2.75%.  Many economists believe PBoC will front-load additional rate hikes and other monetary tightening policies in the coming months.  Notably, China has raised banks’ reserve requirements six times in 2010 and reduced loan growth from record levels.  These actions evidence a central bank and government that remain very concerned about elevated rates of inflation.  China is said to be targeting 8% GDP growth and 4% inflation growth in 2011 along with 16% M2 money supply growth.

£

The British pound depreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as cable tested bids around the US$ 1.5040 level and was capped around the US$ 1.5535 level. Technically, today’s intraday high was right around the 76.4% retracement of the $1.5300 – 1.6300 range.  The pair last week reached its weakest level since September.  Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee Sentance reported official interest rates should “gradually” be raised to signal the U.K. economy is returning to “normal” and contend with inflation that may accelerate to double the BoE’s target in 2011.  Sentance also reported the British economy “has bounced back from recession more strongly than most people were expecting.”  He also warned against a wage price spiral.  In contrast, MPC member Posen continues to call for additional monetary expansion.  Data released in the U.K. this week saw Q3 Bank of England housing equity withdrawal decline to -£6.1 billion.  December Nationwide house prices data will be released tomorrow.  Other data released this week saw the December Hometrack housing survey off 0.4% m/m and off 1.6% y/y.  Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Fisher last week warned mortgage interest rates could reach 5%. Cable bids are cited around the US$ 1.5265 level.  The euro appreciated vis-à-vis the British pound as the single currency tested offers around the £0.8610 level and was supported around the £0.8515 level.

CHF

The Swiss franc appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar today as the greenback tested bids around the CHF 0.9370 level and was capped around the CHF 0.9460 level. The pair has now lost about 23 big figures from its 2010 high and fell to an all-time low this week as the franc continues to sharply escalate.  Data released in Switzerland this week saw the December KOF Swiss leading indicator decline to 2.10 from the revised prior reading of 2.13.  Also, the November UBS consumption indicator declines to 1.630 from the revised prior reading of 1.708, still indicating an expansion in consumer spending activity.  Swiss National Bank Chairman Hildebrand has labeled the franc’s record rally a “burden” and options traders are said to more bullish on the franc over the next quarter than any other currency other than the yen.  SNB incurred approximately CHF 22 billion of intervention-related losses in the first nine months of 2010 on account of its inability to halt the franc’s appreciation and there is a broadening perspective the SNB may not be able to reverse the franc’s ongoing gains.  SNB last week reported “Concerns about stability in the euro area have led to renewed financial market tensions.  Should these tension be exacerbated and put a strain on economic developments in the euro area, this would also have a detrimental effect on the Swiss economy.  If a deflation risk emerges, the SNB would take the measures necessary to ensure price stability.” The SNB’s 2012 inflation forecast was reduced to 1% from 1.2% on 16 December, just a few months after SNB Vice Chairman Jordan reported intervention is no longer necessary because the deflation threat was almost gone.   Last week, the euro reached an all-time low vis-à-vis the Swiss franc.  U.S. dollar offers are cited around the CHF 0.9780 level.  The euro depreciated vis-à-vis the Swiss franc as the single currency tested bids around the CHF 1.2400 figure while the British pound moved lower vis-à-vis the Swiss franc and tested bids around the CHF 1.4450 level.

Forex Daily Market Commentary provided by GCI Financial Ltd.

GCI Financial Ltd (”GCI”) is a regulated securities and commodities trading firm, specializing in online Foreign Exchange (”Forex”) brokerage. GCI executes billions of dollars per month in foreign exchange transactions alone. In addition to Forex, GCI is a primary market maker in Contracts for Difference (”CFDs”) on shares, indices and futures, and offers one of the fastest growing online CFD trading services. GCI has over 10,000 clients worldwide, including individual traders, institutions, and money managers. GCI provides an advanced, secure, and comprehensive online trading system. Client funds are insured and held in a separate customer account. In addition, GCI Financial Ltd maintains Net Capital in excess of minimum regulatory requirements.

DISCLAIMER: GCI’s Daily Market Commentary is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in these reports is gathered from reputable news sources and is not intended to be U.S.ed as investment advice. GCI assumes no responsibility or liability from gains or losses incurred by the information herein contained.