28 Jun

EUR/USD continues to struggle amid US inflation concerns

By RoboForex Analytical Department

EUR/USD is on a downward trajectory on Friday, hovering around 1.0686 after a short-lived pause. The dollar experienced a temporary dip due to mixed American economic indicators and market anticipation ahead of the critical Core PCE inflation report, a significant factor in Federal Reserve decision-making.

Yesterday’s data showed a larger-than-expected decrease in US unemployment claims and a modest rise in Durable Goods Orders for May, although Core PCE dipped. The final GDP figures for Q1 2024 were slightly adjusted upward, showing the US economy grew by 1.4% compared to the previously estimated 1.3%, in contrast to the 3.4% growth seen in Q4 2023.

US Treasury yields also saw a minor decline, contributing to the dollar’s brief retreat. However, market dynamics are shifting as focus intensifies on today’s economic releases, including the Core PCE data, personal income and expenditures, and the University of Michigan’s May consumer sentiment index.

EUR/USD technical analysis

The EUR/USD has completed a downward movement to 1.0666 and corrected up to 1.0715. Currently, the market is forming another downward wave, targeting 1.0655. Should this level be reached, a rebound to 1.0690 is possible before continuing the downward trend towards at least 1.0577. This bearish outlook is supported by the MACD indicator, which remains below zero with a firm downward trajectory.

On the H1 chart, EUR/USD is consolidating around 1.0690. A downward breakout could lead to a continuation of the decline to 1.0655. Subsequently, a corrective move to 1.0690 may occur before a further drop to 1.0640. The Stochastic oscillator, hovering near 20, suggests potential for further declines before a rebound to 80 could happen, indicating volatile short-term movements.

Market outlook

Investors are advised to closely monitor the upcoming US economic data, which will likely influence Federal Reserve policy expectations and impact EUR/USD movements. The currency pair remains sensitive to shifts in US economic indicators and Federal Reserve signals regarding interest rates.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Financial News Forex and Currency News
27 Jun

Mid-Year Review: Monster Movers & Shakers

By ForexTime 

  • Bitcoin ↑ almost 45% in H1
  • Gold ↑ 12% year-to-date, but are bulls tired?
  • US500 party to roll on or hit final hour?

The first half of 2024 has been remarkable for global financial markets.

Shifting monetary policy expectations, geopolitical tensions, elections across the globe and the A.I mania set the tone.

At the start of the year, we picked 3 assets that could see big moves.

Here’s how they have performed so far:

 

    1) Bitcoin set to boom or bust?

  • What we discussed in the 2024 outlook

We were bullish on the “OG” crypto and suggested how the “hype could go into overdrive due to the approval of Bitcoin ETFs by January and halving event in April”.

 

  • How things played out in H1

Bitcoin rallied as much as 74% in the first quarter of 2024, hitting an all-time high at $73,850.

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs along with expectations of lower US interest rates sent prices skyrocketing. However, gains were capped in Q2 due to escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over monetary policy despite the halving in April.

As the first half of 2024 concludes, Bitcoin is under pressure thanks to cooling demand for Bitcoin ETFs and developments concerning the failed Mt. Gox exchange.

 

  • What could happen over the next 6 months

Other than US interest rates, the next major risk event for Bitcoin could be the US presidential elections.

And Biden’s opposition, Trump the catalyst. His pro stance towards cryptocurrencies may boost sentiment towards Bitcoin should he triumph.

To be clear, determining what influence Trump will have on the SEC is uncertain – but the idea of a pro-crypto US president may translate to fresh upside gains across the crypto space.

 

  • Technical outlook

Our technical section initially pointed out $50,000 as a key level of interest with a bullish breakout opening a path toward $69,000 and $100,000.

Before

Prices remain trapped within a weekly range with support at $60,000 and resistance at $71,000.

  • Sustained weakness below may open a path back towards $50,000 and potentially lower.
  • Should $60,000 prove reliable support, prices may rebound towards $71,000 and the all-time high at $73,850.

After 

 

    2) Gold bulls running on fumes?

We examined how gold could deliver glittering returns this year due to lower interest rates, a weaker dollar, and geopolitical risks.

 

  • How things played out in H1

Despite the slow start to the year, gold prices surged almost 10% in March amid growing bets around lower interest rates. The precious metal was propelled higher by escalating geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, with prices hitting an all-time high at $2450 in May.

But bulls have struggled to keep up the momentum in recent weeks thanks to cooling rate cut bets and the PBoC’s decision to end its 18-month of gold buying.  Still, prices are up roughly 12% year-to-date.

 

  • What could happen over the next 6 months…

While US election uncertainty could translate to increased volatility for gold, it’s all about what actions the Fed takes in the second half of 2024.

At the start of the year, the central bank was expected to cut rates by as much as 150 basis points. However, due to sticky inflation and stronger-than-expected data – traders are only expecting one rate 25 bp cut by November with 75% probability of a second cut by December.

Given how gold pays no interest, the prospect of higher for longer rates could be an invitation for bears to pounce.

 

  • Technical outlook

Our technical section flagged $2000 as a reliable support that may open doors to fresh all-time highs.

Before

Gold is under pressure on the weekly charts with key support at $2290.

  • A solid break below this point could spark a selloff towards $2235 and $2147.
  • Should $2290 prove to be reliable support, prices may rebound toward $2350, $2425 and $2450.

After 

 

    3) US500 bull party approaching final hour?

  • What we discussed in the 2024 outlook

After gaining almost 25% in 2023, we were firmly bullish on the US500 and anticipated volatility due to the US presidential elections in November.

 

  • How things played out in H1

The Index was initially supported by Fed cut bets with solid corporate earnings and the A.I hype turbocharging upside gains. Nvidia, the poster child of the AI boom was able to satisfy investors lofty expectations by posting solid earnings in February and May.

Although the US500 is up 15% year-to-date and remains in an uptrend, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is screaming that prices are heavily overbought.

 

  • What could happen over the next 6 months…

After repeatedly hitting record highs, the question is whether bulls can maintain their hunger for gains?

A combination of U.S election jitters and cooling expectations around Fed rate cuts could limit upside gains. It is worth noting that earnings season is around the corner with the bar set high for Nvidia and other tech giants to deliver blockbuster results.

Regarding the US elections, whatever the outcome it could inject fresh levels of volatility into the US500.

 

  • Technical outlook

Back in January, we highlighted how “a strong close above 4820 could open the doors towards fresh the all-time highs”

Before

The US500 continues to respect a bullish channel but the RSI signals that a technical “throwback” could be around the corner.

  • A solid weekly close above 5500 could pave the way to fresh all-time highs.
  • Should 5500 prove to be a tough nut to crack, this may trigger a decline back toward 5300 and possibly lower.

After 

Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

Economics & Fundamentals Opinions
27 Jun

Is It Time To Unload Nvidia?

Source: Streetwise Reports (6/26/24)

Some financial experts say yes, others no. Read on to learn the rationale behind the conclusions and stance of several.

The movement of Nvidia Corp.’s (NVDA:NASDAQ) stock during June, rising to its all-time high and then plunging, has investors debating now whether to jump into it, bolster their existing position, or abandon it altogether. Whereas financial analysts and other experts generally agree the information technology (IT) stock has been overbought since early June, they differ, some radically, in their current recommendations on it.

“Nvidia has likely become one of the most overheated stocks we’ve witnessed in a quarter century,” Eric Fry of Fry’s Investment Report said in an InvestorPlace interview.

On June 18, Nvidia ousted Microsoft Corp. (MSFT:NASDAQ) from its spot as the world’s most valuable company, and last week, Nvidia’s stock peaked at US$140.76 per share. Since, it dropped to third place, therein suffering a loss of about US$500 billion ($500B) in value, Seeking Alpha reported on June 25. However, NVDA maintains about a 140% year-to-date gain and thus is the second-best performer in the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index.

Is it OK To Buy?

None of the factors behind the stock’s recent descent into its current correction constitutes a sound reason to “turn gloomy on Nvidia,” Garfield Reynolds, Bloomberg’s Markets Live Asia team leader, wrote in a June 24 article. The five causes were expiring options, insider sales, the stock’s technically overbought state, investor reassessment of the stock after it dethroned Apple Inc. (AAPL:NASDAQ) and Microsoft, and a long squeeze.

“The bull case for the artificial intelligence (AI) darling along with the broader tech sector remains strong over the short to medium term, at the very least,” he wrote.

It would take a major event, such as a broad economic slump or a big earnings miss, to keep Nvidia down for long, asserted Reynolds.

Certainly, numerous analysts recommend Nvidia as a Buy. According to TipRanks, of the 41 analysts who rated the stock at some point in the last three months, 38 have it Buy, three Hold, and none Sell. Zacks Investment Research, for instance, has a Strong Buy rating on it.

“Even with those concerns about overconcentration lingering,” he added, “the selloff would need to extend significantly further to change the narrative away from the consensus call that the AI revolution will keep going and that Nvidia stands to benefit hugely as a result.”

As such, Reynolds expects new buyers of the stock on future price dips, he wrote.

Certainly, numerous analysts recommend Nvidia as a Buy. According to TipRanks, of the 41 analysts who rated the stock at some point in the last three months, 38 have it Buy, three Hold, and none Sell. Zacks Investment Research, for instance, has a Strong Buy rating on it.

In a June 22 article, The Motley Fool’s Edward Shelton suggested that investors should consider three points when deciding what to do regarding Nvidia.

One, Nvidia stock being overbought does not preclude it from climbing further. Case in point, he said, is the stock’s last pullback, in March, of 20%, after which the price soared to its highest point ever.

Two, NVDA is not in a bubble, despite what analysts say, because the fundamentals support its valuation.

Three, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) guidance for 2025 of US$3.61 could be conservative. Should earnings turn out to be higher (some analysts predict US$5), the stock would look cheap.

Ballanger Says Think Twice Before Buying

According to Michael Ballanger, editor & publisher of GGM Advisory Inc., investors should take seriously Nvidia’s recent shift into a correction. The stock is coming down from its peak “with a full bearish moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) rollover and ‘sell signal’ now complete,” he described in a June 24 email alert.

A sector rotation out of tech stocks and into more conservative Dow Jones Industrial Average blue chip stocks is underway, he noted, but the whiplashing of this a long-time market leader into a correction could be a harbinger of what is to come.

“If ‘AI’ starts to correct,” Ballanger warned, “the entire market is going with it, including the Dow and the S&P 500.”

Newsletter Writers Say Do Not Buy Now

Chris Johnson, Money Morning qualitative specialist, implied that it might be better to wait to Buy Nvidia as there is a good chance the stock will present a short-term opportunity to do so on a future pullback.

“If ‘AI’ starts to correct,” Michael Ballanger of GGM Advisory Inc. warned, “the entire market is going with it, including the Dow and the S&P 500.”

These opportunities often arise with heavily traded stocks after they experience persisting overbought conditions and the pullbacks that typically follow.

“Investors looking for a deeper correction in the stock should consider the US$100 price target as an ideal price for longer-term support for Nvidia shares,” he noted in a June 24 article. (At close today, the tech company was at US$126 per share.)

Kimberley Koenig with Investor’s Business Daily flat out advised against buying Nvidia right now. Instead, she recommended on June 25, “Wait for selling to subside and another base to form or follow-on buy point to present itself to buy the AI chip stock.”

One Expert Says Sell It All Today

The advice of Technical Analyst Clive Maund, based on his interpretations of the stock’s 10-year and two-year charts, is to sell Nvidia.

“The main takeaways for us are that Nvidia should be ‘avoided like the plague’ simply because it has gone up so much and is massively overbought,” he wrote in a June 23 report. “Anyone holding should, of course, take profits soon.”

He explained that on the charts, the MACD indicator shows the stock has become “insanely overbought.” However, he noted, “Recent volume does not look terminal as it has not (yet) risen to become climactic, and the accumulation line remains strong.” These indicators suggest that rather than immediately plunging, the stock may form a large top pattern over some months, during which time it could even creep higher.

Eric Fry of Fry’s Investment Report suggested investors follow the lead of the country’s billionaires and unload not just Nvidia stock but also the other tech giants’ stock now because, he said, an entire tech market crash is coming.

“There’s an undeniable tension gripping the markets right now, and if your gut is telling you that something monumental is lurking just over the horizon, trust me, your instincts are dead on,” he said.

Fry likened Nvidia stock today to Cisco stock in the 1990s. Though Cisco then had nearly twice the earnings power of Nvidia today, he said, when the dot-com bubble burst, it dropped about 87% from its peak.

Yes, there is room for growth in the AI market, and yes, Nvidia could be an AI star over the long term, said Fry. However, world-changing stocks go through their own boom and bust periods.

“I do want people to be aware of the cyclical risks involved here, at these crazy valuations,” he added.

Fry forecasted a future “tidal wave of selling to engulf the tech titans of Wall Street — Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta and more” — in what he’s calling The 2024 Tech Reset. Billionaires, including Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg, have already started selling tech stocks, even their own company’s stock. They are moving their money into next-gen stocks, which Fry defined as “stocks of businesses that are essential for the growth and prosperity of society as a whole.”

This massive selloff Fry predicted will cause tech stocks to plummet from their record highs and will, in the process, drag down thousands of other stocks, he warned. It will “erase years of investors’ gains, in the blink of an eye.”

Sector to Hit $29 Trillion by 2030

Currently IT is facing some challenges, and in the short term “the demand environment remains uncertain as enterprises add more scrutiny to the budgeting process and reduce discretionary IT spending,” CIBC wrote in a June 20 report. The current environment has dampened the expectation held since last year that demand would start improving in H2/24.

The report asserted that the initial “gen AI boom” is in the rear-view mirror, and what is happening now is a “period of resetting expectations.” Despite most companies knowing they need AI strategies, they are still deciding on what these will be, the analysts said.

The long-term outlook for IT is brighter. Growth for the IT market is forecasted up to 2030, at a 15% compound annual growth rate, according to Exactitude Consultancy, a market research and consulting services firm. By 2030, the market is projected to increase to US$28.99 trillion ($28.99T) in value from US$10.9T in 2023.

Streetwise Ownership Overview*

Nvidia Corp. (NVDA:NASDAQ)

Institutions: 67.7%
Retail: 28.02%
Management & Insiders: 4.23%
Strategic Investors: 0.05%
67.7%
28.0%
4.2%
*Share Structure as of 6/26/2024
Source: Thomson Reuters

 

Accelerated advancement in AI, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and cybersecurity is the primary growth driver, noted Exactitude.

Ownership and Share Structure

According to Reuters, 4.23% of the company is held by management and insiders.

0.05% is with strategic investors. Milestone Resources Group Ltd. has 0.02%, with 4.39 million, and Banco Santander SA has 0.01%, with 2.10 million.

67.70% is held by institutions. The VanGuard Group Inc. has 8.63%, with 2,122.88 million shares. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company N.A. has 4.82%, with 1,186.45 million. Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. has 4.51%, with 1,109.18 million.

The rest is with retail investors.

Nvidia has 24.6 billion (24.6B) shares outstanding and 23.5B free float traded shares.

The company’s market cap is US$3.1 trillion. Its stock has traded between US$39.23 and US$140.76 per share over the past 52 weeks.

 

Important Disclosures:

  1. Doresa Banning wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor.
  2.  This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

For additional disclosures, please click here.

Opinions Stock Market News
27 Jun

Young investors: Here’s some tips for getting into the market

By Sorin Rizeanu, University of Victoria 

You’ve likely heard of Minecraft. It’s a simple game where you slowly place blocks and craft items from containers to castles and entire cities. You’ve probably also heard of the first-person shooter Call of Duty (COD), where players navigate fast-paced war zones.

Like gaming, investing is all about how you approach it. You can build slow but safe, like in Minecraft, or you can go fast and risk more, like in COD.

If you’re a young person who has just gotten your first paycheck or saved a tidy sum from your first job, you might be thinking about how to invest your money.

However, the stock market can be a daunting place. Fortunes are built and lost in days. You can take the fast approach and risk it all on getting the big win. Or, with the proper temperament, you can build a significant source of additional income one block at a time. But where to start? And how does it all work?

Investing 101

You’ve probably heard of investment apps like Robinhood or Wealthsimple, or ones like Coinbase that allow you to invest in crypto currencies.

Investing is pretty much what you make of it. It can be like Minecraft, slowly placing blocks to develop a long-term diversified set of assets through investment funds, like exchange traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds.

Most investment funds hold portfolios of stocks, bonds and other investments. ETFs trade on exchanges just like stocks, and most passively track an index, with little or no active management by fund managers. Mutual funds are more actively managed and they generally have higher fees than ETFs.

If you’re more of a risk-taker, investing can also be fast-paced like COD: shooting with options, penny stocks, crypto and other speculative tools.

Similar to gaming, you are only one participant in a much bigger world. There are days when you will lose and days when you win. Strategies that work in some situations but not in other situations. Expert players and novices.

If you’re completely new to things, try out an investing simulation. Some trading platforms allow you to use a version of their app or website where you can make simulated investments. Some of them are free or cost around $10-$15, like TradingView and eToro. MarketWatch even lets you create an investing game that you can invite your friends to participate in.

Next, you’ll need an investment account. Most big banks offer self-managed investment accounts. If you want to save a bit, check out discount brokers that charge lower or no commission (but read the fine print and know what other fees they might charge you).

Be sure to check out any tax-free investing accounts available in your country, like the TFSA in Canada or Roth IRA in the United States. These are a valuable way to grow your net worth without paying additional tax.

What kind of investing should I get into?

Take a lesson from Bob, the world’s worst market timer. He starts investing at 22, and every time he does, the market crashes. You’d guess he loses all his money, right? Not really, over his working life Bob invests $184,000, but ends up with a total of $1.1 million at retirement.

How? Bob put his money into an S&P 500 index fund and kept it to retirement, through good or bad.

The moral of the story is that you don’t have to be lucky or very savvy. Most important is to have a diverse portfolio and stay in the market. Don’t sell or buy in a panic, keep contributing. Buy diversified funds, rather than individual stocks, at least in the beginning. Then, as you learn, you can pick stocks and even invest part of your portfolio in riskier assets.

You still have decades to slowly get your millions.

Some strategies that have proven their worth

The value investing strategy, made famous by financial analyst Benjamin Graham and championed by the likes of American investor Warren Buffett, is summarized by with the motto: “This too will pass.”

Basically, pick a good company, in a moment when it’s undervalued for some reason: bad news, lost contract, temporary mismanagement etc. Buffett has likened good companies to castles with a deep moat around them – that is they have a competitive edge durable in time, an unique product, customer loyalty or pricing power. Think Apple, American Express or Coca Cola.

The growth investing strategy, championed by fund manager Cathie Wood, tries to identify companies whose earnings will grow very fast (but could crash equally fast). Companies like Tesla, Coinbase, UiPath, Roku etc. AI has given a huge boost to this strategy recently, but in long term, it’s hard to tell if it’s better than the value strategy.

A different approach, favoured by investors that prefer a more stable stream of income, is the dividend strategy. Dividends are the money distributed to shareholders from company’s profits.
Historically, dividend stocks have outperformed the S&P 500, and with less volatility. Think about it: you get a return on investment from stock price growth as well as dividends that you can reinvest.

In sum, pick a strategy that fits you and get to work. You can pick stocks, or you can pick diversified funds. As investor Peter Lynch insisted, “know what you own, and know why you own it.” Invest in stocks or funds whose business model you understand. Love cars? Study different manufacturers, see what different companies are working on, what customers like this year, and figure out who’s making money before quarterly statements are pointing out the winners and losers.

What should I be careful about?

Many new investors buy on the hype. Imagine there’s some good news coming up about Tesla. You wake up, and while having your coffee, you see the news and buy the stock.

But think. Investors following TSLA already know what the article is about. By the time you’ve read the news, people with deep pockets on Wall Street are already placing their bets. By the time you buy the stock, the market will have already integrated that news and now the price will probably go down.

Same with the long-term hype: when your cab driver is giving stock or crypto advice it’s time to get out of the market.

Another pitfall is the quick money, speculation, dopamine addiction. Subreddits like r/wallstreetbets provide many great examples of this. If you turn your life into a casino, you will win some times, but in the end the house always wins. A bet here and there can be fun though.

As a young person, you have an advantage: time. As you get older you will understand the long-term trends and market drivers — economy, geo-politics, innovation and so forth. As you progress in your career, you will understand more about your industry and this too may turn into profits. Over the years, eight per cent per year, with compounding, goes very far.

Finally, as ethical people, we need to walk the talk. We can’t pretend to want to save the Earth if our money is going to heavy polluters. Beware of pretenders — many are just deceptively mimicking behaviours to get high environmental, social and governance scores.

Research well your investment and its entire supply chain. Think about what goes into making the product, the people behind it and what impact it has on our world. Are you morally comfortable giving your money to certain companies?

Put in the time and don’t rush in, some investments are for life.The Conversation

About the Author:

Sorin Rizeanu, Assistant Professor, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

Opinions Stock Market News
27 Jun

Silver prices fell to a 6-week low. Japanese authorities may intervene again to support the yen exchange rate

By JustMarkets

On Wednesday, the US stock indices ended trading in a mixed direction. At the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.04%, and the S&P 500 Index (US500) added 0.16%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed positive 0.49%. Stock gains on Wednesday were capped by a rise in bond yields after hawkish comments from Fed spokesman Bowman lifted 10-year bond yields to a weekly high and dampened expectations of a Fed rate cut this year.

FedEx (FDX) is up more than 15% after reporting better-than-expected Q4 adjusted EPS and estimating 2025 adjusted EPS above consensus. Additionally, Amazon (AMZN) is up more than 3% after announcing plans to launch an online store for low-priced clothing and home goods. Apple (AAPL) shares are up more than 1% after Rosenblatt Securities upgraded the stock to “buy” from “neutral” with a $260 price target. Moderna (MRNA) is down more than 10% and topped the list of losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after new data showed that the efficacy of its RSV vaccine fell sharply in its second year and was lower than competing vaccines.

Markets are awaiting Friday’s release of PCE deflator data for May, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, to see if price pressures are easing, which could pave the way for the Fed to cut interest rates. The consensus is that the May core PCE deflator fell to 2.6% y/y from 2.8% y/y in April. If the actual data comes in line with the estimate, it will have a negative impact on the US dollar but will be positive for rising stock indices.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Wednesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.12%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.69%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) lost 0.80%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed negative 0.27%. European equity markets opened lower on Thursday as investors became more cautious and reassessed the outlook for the global economy, inflation, and interest rates. In Europe today, traders will analyze consumer and business confidence data in Italy, retail sales data in Spain, and the Bank of England’s latest financial stability report. On Thursday, the EU leaders’ summit will start in Belgium.

WTI crude prices fell to around $80.5 a barrel on Thursday, retreating further from a near two-month high. An unexpected increase in US oil inventories added to concerns about weakening demand in the world’s top oil consumer. EIA data showed that the US crude inventories rose by 3.591 million barrels last week, defying market expectations of a 3 million barrel decline.

Silver prices (XAG/USD) held below $29 an ounce, near a six-week low, and were pressured by a strong dollar and Treasury bond yields after hawkish remarks from a Federal Reserve official. Meanwhile, investors continued to assess the outlook for silver demand in China, a major consumer, as industrial use of the metal is likely to suffer due to overcapacity in solar panel production.

Asian markets were predominantly up yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 1.26%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) added 0.09%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 0.09%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 0.71%.

Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose to 1.1%, the highest in almost a month, while the 2-year bond yield hit a two-week high near 0.35% amid strong retail sales data and a sharply weaker yen, raising bets that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) may raise interest rates at its July meeting. The data showed that retail sales in Japan rose 3% in May from a year earlier, accelerating from an upwardly revised 2.4% increase in April and well above market expectations for a 2% rise. Meanwhile, the yen fell to 160 per dollar, hitting its lowest level since 1986.

Australia’s 10-year government bond yield climbed above 4.4% to a more than three-week high as high inflation readings heightened fears that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may raise interest rates again as early as its next meeting in August.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,477.90 +8.60 (+0.16%)

Dow Jones (US30) 39,127.80 +15.64 (+0.040%)

DAX (DE40) 18,155.24 −22.38 (−0.12%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,225.33 −22.46 (−0.27%)

USD Index 106.05 +0.44 (+0.41%)

Important events today:
  • – Japan Retail Sales (m/m) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – UK BoE Financial Stability Report at 12:00 (GMT+3);
  • – UK BoE Gov Bailey Speaks at 12:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Initial Jobless Claims (w/w) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Durable Goods Orders (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US GDP (q/q) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Pending Home Sales (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3);
  • – US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+3).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News
27 Jun

Yen under pressure as USD/JPY hits new highs since 1986

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The USD/JPY pair soared to 160.34 on Thursday, reaching levels not seen since 1986, as market participants increasingly anticipate potential interventions from Japanese authorities. Despite repeated verbal assurances, the Japanese government has not taken concrete financial measures, leaving the yen vulnerable.

Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki reiterated that the government stands ready to counteract sudden and undesirable fluctuations in the yen’s value, highlighting its preparedness to engage in market operations if necessary. However, when and how these interventions might occur remains uncertain, adding to the yen’s woes.

A significant factor in the yen’s ongoing decline is the stark contrast in interest rates between the Bank of Japan, which maintains a rate close to zero, and the Federal Reserve. This disparity has been a primary driver of the yen’s weakness, with the currency losing approximately 2% against the dollar in June alone, culminating in a 14% decline over the year.

USD/JPY technical analysis

The USD/JPY has broken through the critical 160.00 level, reaching up to 160.85. The market is currently retracing to test the 160.00 level from above. Should this level hold, we anticipate further growth towards 161.30, potentially extending the bullish trend to 163.30. This bullish scenario is supported by the MACD indicator, which shows the signal line well above zero, indicating strong upward momentum.

On the H1 chart, after reaching 160.85, the pair is undergoing a correction towards 160.00. Completion of this correction could pave the way for another ascent to 161.30. This view is technically reinforced by the Stochastic oscillator, which is currently below 20 and poised for a rebound towards 80, suggesting a potential resurgence in buying pressure.

Market outlook

As the discrepancy between US and Japanese monetary policies continues to influence the USD/JPY, traders should remain alert to any signs of actual intervention by Japanese authorities. Such intervention could significantly impact market dynamics, potentially stalling or reversing the yen’s current depreciation trend.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Financial News Forex and Currency News
26 Jun

Bitcoin: Waits on key risk event

By ForexTime

  • Bitcoin ↓ over 8% on Monday
  • Roughly 2% above $60,000 support
  • Over past year US PCE triggered moves of ↑ 0.9% & ↓ 2.3%
  • Key point of interest – $60,000
  • Technical levels – $60,254.93, $57,5656.20 and $66,365.11

Bitcoin’s extended losses have set off alarm bells for bulls, with prices sinking below $60,000 for the first time since early May!

The world’s largest cryptocurrency collapsed over 8% on Monday thanks to cooling demand for Bitcoin ETFs and uncertainty over US interest rates. Developments revolving around the failed Mt. Gox exchange compounded the overall negativity, allowing sellers to dominate the scene.

Despite prices rebounding in the previous session, sentiment remains fragile with bears on standby to pounce again. In the near term, Bitcoin’s fate may be tied to Friday’s US PCE deflators.

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge – the Core PCE has the potential to impact bets around when the central bank will cut rates in 2024. Any changes to these expectations may impact cryptocurrencies which have displayed sensitivity to interest rates.

Traders are currently pricing in a 70% probability of a 25-basis point cut in September with a move fully priced in by November.

Fun fact: Over the past year, the US PCE deflators have triggered upside moves of as much as 0.9% or declines of 2.3% in a 6-hour window post-release.

Taking a look at the technicals

With Bitcoins’ weekly price chart showing a potential double top, this PCE report could not be better timed to determine the cryptos’ next course of action- above or below the double top neckline.

Notice how volume declined into the second top of the pattern.

Bitcoin on the daily time frame may be in a potential symmetrical triangle, bouncing off the lower bound trendline (support) on yesterday’s price action.

Interestingly, this bounce off the support area of the symmetrical triangle coincides with an entry and exit out of the oversold zone of the RSI.  

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is an indicator that highlights overbought and oversold zones.

Key levels to look out for in a decline include:

  • $60,254.93 – The neckline area of the potential double-top pattern
  • $57,5656.20 – The 200-day simple moving average (SMA)
  • $56,457.70 – The lowest price between Bitcoins all time High ($73,711.39) and the most recent swing high ($69,498.98)

In a rally, the following levels are significant points of interest

 

  • $66,365.11 – The 50-day simple moving average
  • $71,428 – The upper bound trendline of the symmetrical pattern

Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

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Cryptocurrencies Financial News
26 Jun

AUD/USD surged, buoyed by RBA confidence and inflation growth

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The Australian dollar strengthened notably against the US dollar, with the AUD/USD pair reaching 0.6684. Australia’s May economic indicators from MI remained unchanged at zero compared to the previous value. Meanwhile, Australia’s weighted average consumer price index increased to 4.0% y/y from the last 3.6%, surpassing the less ambitious forecast of 3.8%.

Earlier statistics from Westpac also showed a rise in Australia’s consumer sentiment index in June, climbing by 1.7%, following a 0.3% decline in May.

At the Australian Banking Association conference, RBA Assistant Governor Chris Kent indicated that the Reserve Bank of Australia is not overly concerned about the growing interest in private loans among consumers. Kent highlighted the significant role that private credit plays in the market and underscored that the RBA is closely monitoring developments. However, the regulator is not overly concerned about growth in this area, as it is not particularly large in Australia.

Meanwhile, business investment is on the rise. Kent drew attention to a notable disparity between business confidence, business conditions, and consumer sentiment. The latter position appears to be below average levels.

AUDUSD technical analysis

On the H4 chart of AUD/USD, the market ended the correction at 0.6577. Today, we consider a consolidation range forming around the level of 0.6666. With an upside exit, we will consider the probability of another growth structure to the level of 0.6703 with the prospect of continued growth to 0.6744. A correction link to the level of 0.6666 (test from above) is possible, followed by potential growth towards 0.6750. Technically, the MACD indicator supports this scenario. Its signal line is above the zero mark and is directed strictly upwards.

On the H1 chart of AUD/USD, a correction to 0.6626 is executed. Today, the market broke upwards to 0.6666 and continues growing towards 0.6694 with the prospect of continuing the development of the wave structure to 0.670, the local target. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator. Its signal line is above the level of 80. We expect the beginning of the decline to the level of 20.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Financial News Forex and Currency News
26 Jun

RBA may raise rates amid price hikes. BoC is likely to postpone rate cuts amid inflationary pressures

By JustMarkets

The US stock indices ended trading mixed on Tuesday. At the end of Tuesday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) was down 0.76%, while the S&P 500 Index (US500) added 0.39%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed positive 1.26%. The broader market held its ground after the US Consumer Confidence Index for June came in stronger than expected.

The Conference Board’s US Consumer Confidence Index for June fell by 0.9 to 100.4, slightly stronger than expectations of 100.0. The S&P CoreLogic Composite-20 Home Price Index in the US for April fell to 7.20% y/y from 7.46% y/y in March, stronger than expectations of 7.00% y/y. The Richmond Fed survey of business activity in the US manufacturing sector for June declined to negative 10 from 0, weaker than expectations of 3. The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for June unexpectedly rose by 0.44 to 0.18, stronger than expectations of a decline to 0.25.

On Tuesday, Fed spokeswoman Bowman’s hawkish comments proved bearish for stocks when she said she sees several upside risks to the inflation outlook and “we are still not at a point where it is appropriate to lower the discount rate.” She added that she “does not see the Fed cutting the Funds rate this year and has pushed back her estimate for a rate cut to 2025.” Fed spokeswoman Cook said it would be appropriate for the Fed to cut interest rates “at some point,” but “the timing of any such adjustment will depend on how economic data evolve and what they mean for the economic outlook and balance of risks.” Markets estimate the odds of a 25 bps rate cut at 10% at the July 30–31 FOMC meeting and 65% at the September 17–18 meeting.

Canada’s annual inflation rate for May 2024 rose to 2.9% from a three-year low of 2.7% in the previous month, contradicting market expectations of a slowdown to 2.6%. Although inflation is expected to remain near the 3% mark in the first half of the year, the halt in the disinflationary trend belied earlier bets that the Central Bank (BoC) would continue to ease monetary policy. The Canadian dollar strengthened to 1.365 per dollar, the strongest level since the beginning of the month.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Tuesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.81%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.58%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) lost 0.48%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed negative 0.41%.

European equity markets opened higher on Wednesday, building on strong gains on Wall Street. However, investors remained cautious ahead of Friday’s US PCE inflation data, which could affect the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. The GfK consumer climate indicator for Germany fell to 21.8 in July 2024 from a marginally revised 21.0 in the previous period, missing market estimates of 18.9 and marking the first decline in five months. The interruption of the recent upward trend in consumer sentiment shows that recovery from the consumer downturn will be difficult. A sustained recovery in consumer sentiment requires a slowdown in inflation.

WTI crude futures climbed above $81 a barrel on Wednesday, recovering some of the previous session’s losses, even after industry data pointed to an unexpected rise in US crude inventories, adding to fears of weaker demand in the world’s top oil consumer. API data showed that US crude inventories rose by 0.914 million barrels last week, contradicting market expectations of a 3 million barrel decline. Official data from the US EIA will be released today.

Asian markets were predominantly up yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.95%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) was down 0.15%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) added 0.25% and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 1.36%.

The offshore yuan depreciated to 7.29 per dollar, hitting its lowest level in seven months, mainly due to weak Central Bank guidance and a stronger US dollar. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) set the average rate at 7.1248 per dollar, the lowest since November, suggesting the central bank may be allowing the yuan to weaken gradually.

The Australian dollar rose to $0.667, hitting a two-week high after better-than-expected domestic inflation data bolstered bets that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may raise interest rates again after a hawkish pause in June. Australia’s monthly Consumer Price Index rose to 4% in May, accelerating from 3.6% in April and beating market expectations of 3.8%. The latest figure was also the highest since November last year.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,469.30 +21.43 (+0.39%)

Dow Jones (US30) 39,112.16 −299.05 (−0.76%)

DAX (DE40) 18,177.62 −147.96 (−0.81%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,247.79 −33.76 (−0.41%)

USD Index 105.62 +0.15 (+0.14%)

Important events today:
  • – Australia Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 04:30 (GMT+3);
  • – German GfK Consumer Climate (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
  • – US Building Permits (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US New Home Sales (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3);
  • – US Crude Oil Reserves (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+3).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News
25 Jun

Brent crude oil hits two-month high amid geopolitical tensions

By RoboForex Analytical Department

Brent crude oil prices surged to $86 per barrel on Tuesday, marking the highest level in two months. This rise was driven by escalating geopolitical risks in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, particularly the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hamas, which shows no sign of abating despite the involvement of international mediators backed by the US.

On the demand side, uncertainties persist. China, the world’s largest oil importer, continues to face significant economic challenges, contributing to the volatile market sentiment. The retail sector in China is under pressure following disappointing results from the mid-year online sales, with Chinese consumers showing reluctance to spend amidst concerns about personal wealth, the ongoing property market crisis, delayed wages, and high youth unemployment. These factors are critical as they jeopardise China’s GDP growth target of around 5% for the year.

Brent technical analysis

On the H4 chart, Brent is currently advancing towards the $86.50 level, which is identified as the immediate target. Once this level is reached, a potential correction to $81.60 may occur, testing from above. Subsequently, the market might initiate a new growth wave aiming for $89.00, with potential to extend up to $94.00. This bullish outlook is supported by the MACD indicator, whose signal line is above zero and climbing steeply.

On the H1 chart, Brent found support at $84.00 and is now progressing through the latter stages of the current growth wave. The market has already achieved the $85.24 mark. We anticipate the formation of a narrow consolidation range around this level, with a breakout above potentially leading to further growth towards $86.50. This scenario is technically reinforced by the Stochastic oscillator, with its signal line poised above 20 and gearing up for an ascent to 80.

Market outlook

Investors should closely monitor developments in geopolitical hotspots and economic indicators from major economies like China and the US, as these could significantly sway oil prices. The current trajectory suggests bullish momentum for Brent crude, but the volatile nature of geopolitical events and economic data releases warrants cautious optimism.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Energy Financial News
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