EURUSD, Daily
U.S. consumer confidence defied April gains in all other major confidence measures with a drop to 95.2 from a slightly revised 101.4 (was 101.3) in March, while cycle high was at 103.8 January. This measure was impacted by the recent bounce in gasoline prices and the petro-sector recession. This helped the USD to move lower and EURUSD higher into the resistance area. EURUSD is now trading above the 50 day SMA and inside the upper Bollinger Bands. Current price action takes place in proximity of the level (1.1035) that was able to turn the pair lower. Nearest support and resistance levels are at 1.0848 and 1.1035. EURUSD is moving higher for the 5th day in a row, which means that we are getting closer to the point where this market will correct lower. Therefore, price action around the release of FOMC statement should be monitored closely. This is the fourth time the market moves this high and towards the 1.1035 resistance after creating a higher low on April 13th. This lowers the probabilities of price reacting lower from the same resistance level. Therefore we should be careful and not take it granted that the market will turn lower from the same levels again. It could rally higher before reacting lower again. We should trade what we see, not what we expect.
Currency Pairs, Grouped Performance (% Change)
This morning GBP has been strong and AUD weak. Sterling has advanced most against the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar while Australian dollar’s weakness has been evident across the board. This has a lot to do with the yesterday’s AUDUSD rally taking the pair to proximity of important resistance level at 0.8033. GBPAUD hit support yesterday at 1.9100 and is now reacting higher from the level. AUDCAD hit my 0.9636 target yesterday and is now reacting lower from the Bollinger Bands above it. AUDCHF has also reached a daily pivot and is ranging in intraday time frames.
Main Macro Events Today
NZ Business Confidence: Strong economic growth and low inflation expectations kept confidence at elevated levels even though the measure declined from 35.8% to 30.2%US Advance GDP q/q: The first quarter GDP growth is likely to be 0.8% in its first release (the Q4 2014 growth was at 2.2%). Market risk is to the downside as weaker report could delay Fed’s first rate hike.FOMC Statement: The Fed has indicated that it will stay data dependent. September is the first likely date for a rate hike.Federal Funds Rate: No changes expected.RBNZ Interest Rate Decision and Monetary Policy Statement: On April 22ndRBNZ Assistant Governor John McDermott said the bank will ensure that monetary policy is stimulatory to support output growth above potential and help lift inflation back to target. He said that at present they are not considering any increase interest rates.
Janne Muta
Chief Market Analyst
HotForex
Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of purchase or sale of any financial instrument.