Pepperstone Trading Desk Forecast 14 Feb – 18 Feb 2011

US Dollar.
Our bias NEUTRAL, we’re on the sidelines until a clearer picture emerges.

  • U.S. Dollar recovered sharply against all G10 counterparts last week
  • Slew of U.S. eco data this week includes; Retail Sales, TIC Long Term Purchases, Building permits, Producer Price Index, FOMC Meeting Minutes, CPI & Unemployment Claims
  • Fed Chairman Bernanke has little intention of reducing QE2 amid sluggish employment growth
  • Greenback may have established an important low against Euro Dollar, Sterling & commodity currencies
  • FXMW strategy is to sit on sidelines for a clearer picture to emerge e.g. NEUTRAL.

Euro Dollar.
Our bias BEARISH, we’ll be looking to sell the Euro on rallies.

  • Potentially major market moving data due this week with German & Euro-zone 2010 4Q GDP reports
  • Market will look to Greece, Portugal & Ireland GDP prints for insight to Euro-zone fiscal concerns
  • Axel Weber confirms stepping down from Bundesbank on 30th April
  • Close below 20 SMA significant
  • FXMW strategy to sell rallies into 1.3650-1.3700 or enter short on confirmed close below 1.3550 e.g. BEARISH.

Japanese Yen.
Our bias BEARISH, we’ll be looking to sell the Yen on rallies.

  • As U.S. economy stabilizes, Yen expected to lose ground.
  • Japan 2010 4Q GDP report due Monday BoJ rate decision due Tuesday
  • USDJPY current price testing January highs
  • USDJPY remains well bid on dips to 82.00-82.50.
  • FXMW strategy to sell Yen rallies e.g. BEARISH.

British Pound.
Our bias NEUTRAL, we’re on the sidelines until a clearer picture emerges.

  • Cable tested 1.6000 into Friday close
  • CPI due Tuesday, BoE quarterly inflation report Wednesday plus U.K. employment, Retail Sales due Friday
  • CPI holds above governments 3% limit
  • This weeks data likely to force BoE hand
  • Credit Suisse Overnight Index Swaps show BoE to increase rates at least 75bp in next 12 months
  • BoE facing tough decision balancing risk of inflation vs. weak economic growth
  • FXMW strategy is to sit on sidelines for a clearer picture to emerge e.g. NEUTRAL.

Canadian Dollar.
Our bias BEARISH, we’ll be looking to sell the Loonie on rallies.

  • Strong USDCAD push into Friday close
  • Loonie price action likely influenced this week by U.S. data & risk sentiment
  • Canadian CPI due Friday
  • Credit Suisse Overnight Index Swaps pricing in 83 bps of rate hikes over coming 12 months
  • FXMW strategy to establish long USDCAD position at Monday open e.g. BEARISH.

Australian Dollar.
Our bias BEARISH, we’ll be looking to sell the Aussie on rallies.

  • AUDUSD broke below parity during Friday trade RBA Stevens says central bank not contemplating rate hike at the moment
  • Recent natural disasters may lower 2011 Q1 GDP by 1%
  • Credit Suisse Overnight Index Swaps, pricing in one 25bp rate hike for the next 12 months
  • FXMW strategy to sell Aussie rallies to 1.0065-1.0090 level or short on confirmed close below 0.9950 e.g. BEARISH.

New Zealand Dollar.
Our bias BEARISH, we’ll be looking to sell the Kiwi on rallies.

  • Finance minister English says NZ economy might have contracted in 2010 4Q
  • Technicals point to NZDUSD sell-off
  • Retail Sales due Monday
  • FXMW strategy to sell rallies into 0.7640-0.7700 area or short on confirmed close below 50 SMA e.g. BEARISH.

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