Forex, Commodities, Crypto Market Analysis by Solid ECN

Commercial Content Analysts
262

GBPUSD, in anticipation of the meeting of the Bank of England

The pound shows flat trading dynamics against the US currency during the morning session on May 4, consolidating near the level of 1.2500. Traders are in no hurry to open new trading positions, preferring to wait for the publication of the US Fed Meeting Minutes. Analysts have little doubt that the key interest rate will be raised by 50 basis points at once; however, some of them allow for a correction by 75 basis points, citing record inflation over 40 years, as well as fairly stable trends in the labor market as arguments.

A meeting of the Bank of England will also take place this week, the result of which may be an increase in interest rates by 25 basis points to 1.00%, and by the end of 2022, experts predict an increase in the value in the range of 2–2.25%. Particular attention of traders will be riveted to the statement of the Governor of the regulator Andrew Bailey and his rhetoric regarding the steps of the financial authorities to curb inflationary pressure. Consumer prices in the United Kingdom are showing their fastest rate of growth in 30 years, already causing household incomes to plummet for the first time since 1956. It is estimated that electricity consumption for a typical British household this year will cost 620 pounds more than in 2021.

Macroeconomic statistics from the UK released yesterday provided additional support to GBP. The Manufacturing PMI from Markit in April rose from 55.3 to 55.8 points, which turned out to be better than the neutral forecasts of analysts, and the BRC Shop Price Index released today showed an acceleration year-on-year from 2.1 % to 2.7% in March, which coincided with analysts’ estimates.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining. The price range is expanding, making way to new record lows for the “bears”. MACD indicator is trying to reverse upwards and form a new buy signal (the histogram has to consolidate above the signal line). Stochastic, having shown corrective growth at the end of the last trading week is once again reversing into a horizontal plane, indicating an approximate balance of traders’ sentiment in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.25, 1.26, 1.2674, 1.28 | Support levels: 1.2400, 1.2334, 1.225, 1.22

263

The American currency shows flat trading dynamics in tandem with the Canadian dollar, consolidating near 1.2835. The day before, USDCAD showed an active decline, retreating from local highs since the end of December 2021, which was caused by investors fixing long positions in anticipation of the publication of the final protocols of the US Federal Reserve. The consolidated forecast assumes an increase in the interest rate by 50 basis points at once; in addition, the US regulator is likely to announce the start of a program to reduce its balance sheet in the amount of almost 9 trillion dollars. It is possible that officials may decide to take more active steps aimed at tightening monetary policy, as well as adjust their plans for the near future.

This week statistics on the national labor markets of the US and Canada traditional for the beginning of the month will be published. Both reports will appear on Friday and may have a significant impact on the dynamics of the trading instrument. Forecasts suggest that the US economy created about 400K jobs in April, which is slightly lower than the previous value of 431K, while the Unemployment Rate may fall from 3.6% to 3.5%. An increase in the Number of Employed in Canada by 55K people is expected, which is also worse than last month’s data, when the figure was 72.5K; however, the Unemployment Rate may also correct from 5.3% to 5.2%.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily growing. The price range slightly expands from above, but remains too spacious for the current flat nature of trading. MACD is reversing into a descending plane, forming a weak sell signal (trying to consolidate below the signal line). Stochastic shows a more confident decline, signaling in favor of the development of the correctional decline in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.2850, 1.2900, 1.2950, 1.3 | Support levels: 1.28, 1.275, 1.27, 1.265

264

The European currency shows ambiguous trading dynamics against the USD during the Asian session, consolidating near the 1.0516 mark.

The instrument is under pressure from high inflation, the growth of which in the eurozone in April was recorded at around 7.5%, a record high over the past 25 years. To support citizens and businesses against the backdrop of skyrocketing energy and food prices, the Italian government will allocate about 14B euros for social payments. According to Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the authorities will also provide a one-time financial assistance of 200 euros to low-income citizens (about 28M Italians will receive assistance), and will reduce taxes to market participants with energy-intensive production.

Meanwhile, data on the state of the German labor market turned out to be mixed: in April, the number of unemployed fell by 13K, although analysts expected a more significant value of -15K, and in March the figure was completely fixed at around -18K. Thus, the level of unemployment was 5.0%, which is fully in line with March statistics, but the overall rate for all eurozone countries rose to 6.8% against the forecast of 6.7%, which, however, is lower than 6.9% shown in the previous month. Relatively positive data did not lead to the continuation of a serious decline in euro quotes against the USD.

The situation may change as early as tonight, when the decision of the US Fede on the interest rate will be published. The consolidated forecast assumes an increase in the indicator by 50 basis points at once, in addition, the announcement of the start of a program to reduce the balance sheet of the department by a total of 9T dollars is expected. It is also worth noting that the statistics from JOLTS on the number of vacancies in the US labor market, which reflected the growth of the indicator to 11.549M from 11.344M a month earlier, remained almost completely ignored by the bidders.

The trading instrument is trading below the support line of the global downward channel, which indicates the strength of the downward pressure. Technical indicators hold a global sell signal: fast EMAs on the alligator indicator are below the signal line, and the AO oscillator histogram continues to fall in the sell zone, forming downward bars.

Support levels: 1.0466, 1.018 | Resistance levels: 1.0756, 1.1158

265

The European currency shows mixed trading dynamics, consolidating near 1.0600 and local highs from April 27. The day before, EURUSD showed the strongest growth in the last few weeks, which was the market’s reaction to the results of the two-day meeting of the US Federal Reserve.

As expected, the US regulator raised the interest rate by 50 basis points to the range of 0.75%–1.00% and announced the start of a quantitative tightening program, but it will not immediately reach the final volumes of purchases. From June 1, the Fed will start selling securities for a total of 47.5 billion dollars, after which it will increase the total monthly sales to 95 billion dollars within three months. The “hawks”, who expected that the regulator would immediately bring purchases to the final amount, were somewhat disappointed by this decision. Additional pressure on the dollar was exerted by the rhetoric of the Chair of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, who said that the issue of raising the interest rate by 50 basis points would also be discussed at the next meetings. Thus, the risks that the indicator will be corrected at a more aggressive pace have almost completely disappeared.

In turn, pressure on the euro was exerted by frankly weak statistics on Retail Sales in the eurozone. In March, the indicator fell by 0.4% after rising by the same amount a month ago, and in annual terms, the pace slowed sharply from 5.2% to 0.8%, while analysts had expected an increase of 1.4%.

At the moment, eurozone household spending continues to grow strongly against the backdrop of rising gas and energy prices. Electricity rates, which nearly doubled in 2021, will add another 50% to the cost this year before a correction begins, according to World Bank statistics. The tightening of anti-Russian sanctions in connection with the escalation of the military conflict in Ukraine also contributes to the negative dynamics. The day before, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the readiness to introduce a gradual embargo on crude oil for six months, and on oil products until the end of this year. If the EU countries fail to replace the volumes, the economy will face negative consequences: the already record inflation will continue to increase and it will become more difficult for companies to fulfill their obligations to customers, which will undoubtedly lead to stagnation.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are moderately declining. The price range is slightly narrowing, staying spacious enough for the current activity level in the market. MACD is growing, maintaining a relatively strong buy signal, being located above the signal line. Stochastic is showing similar dynamics; however, the indicator line is rapidly approaching its highs, indicating the risks of overbought EUR in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.0640, 1.069, 1.0726, 1.0767 | Support levels: 1.0576, 1.052, 1.047, 1.04

266

The New Zealand dollar shows mixed trading dynamics during the Asian session, consolidating near 0.653 and its local highs from April 27. On Wednesday, NZDUSD showed a sharp increase, which allowed the instrument to move away from record lows.

The investor activity was facilitated by the results of the meeting of the US Fed. As expected, the regulator raised interest rates by 50 basis points and also announced the start of a quantitative tightening program starting June 1. Initially, it is planned to buy securities for a total of 47.5 billion dollars, but then within three months the volume will be increased to 95 billion dollars. Thus, the US financial authorities decided not to rush to tighten monetary policy, which crossed out the premature conclusions of traders on the upcoming rate hikes by 75 basis points at once.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining. The price range is narrowing actively, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous dynamics of trading in the short term. MACD has reversed to growth having formed a new buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic shows a more confident uptrend, but also points to growing risks of the New Zealand dollar being overbought in the nearest time intervals.

Resistance levels: 0.6567, 0.6600, 0.6650, 0.67 | Support levels: 0.6500, 0.6450, 0.64, 0.635

267

The New Zealand dollar shows mixed trading dynamics during the Asian session, consolidating near 0.6530 and its local highs from April 27. On Wednesday, NZDUSD showed a sharp increase, which allowed the instrument to move away from record lows.

The investor activity was facilitated by the results of the meeting of the US Fed. As expected, the regulator raised interest rates by 50 basis points and also announced the start of a quantitative tightening program starting June 1. Initially, it is planned to buy securities for a total of 47.5 billion dollars, but then within three months the volume will be increased to 95 billion dollars. Thus, the US financial authorities decided not to rush to tighten monetary policy, which crossed out the premature conclusions of traders on the upcoming rate hikes by 75 basis points at once.

An additional negative factor for the American currency was weak macroeconomic statistics from the US. The ADP report on employment in the private sector in April showed a drop in Nonfarm Payrolls from the previous 479 thousand to 247 thousand, while analysts expected a value of 395 thousand. The ISM Services PMI in April also showed an active decline from 58.3 to 57.1 points, while the market expected the index to rise to 58.5 points.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining. The price range is narrowing actively, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous dynamics of trading in the short term. MACD has reversed to growth having formed a new buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic shows a more confident uptrend, but also points to growing risks of the New Zealand dollar being overbought in the nearest time intervals.

Resistance levels: 0.6567, 0.6600, 0.6650, 0.67 | Support levels: 0.6500, 0.6450, 0.64, 0.635

268

The US dollar shows moderate growth, developing a strong “bullish” momentum formed the day before and updating record highs since March 2020.

Market activity remains subdued again, as US investors prefer to wait for the April report on the national labor market to be published at the end of the week. However, after the increase in the interest rate of the US Federal Reserve, as well as rather restrained comments by the Chair of the regulator, Jerome Powell, who promised not to exceed a reasonable rate of increase in the value by 50 basis points, interest in macroeconomic publications has noticeably decreased. One way or another, the labor market is still one of the key indicators for the US Federal Reserve when making decisions on monetary policy. Forecasts for the current report are quite optimistic and suggest an increase in Nonfarm Payrolls by almost 400 thousand (against 431 thousand last month) and a decrease in the Unemployment Rate from 3.6% to 3.5%.

Last Monday, the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin admitted that in the event of an embargo of Russian oil and gas, the situation in the national economy would become much more complicated. Against this background, the Federal Council decided to create by the end of this year an organization to overcome crisis situations in the gas industry and possible shortages of “blue fuel”, as well as a tracking system that will control possible risks of electricity shortages at an early stage.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily growing. The price range is expanding but it fails to conform to the surge of “bullish” activity at the moment. MACD indicator is growing preserving a stable buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic, having retreated from its highs at the beginning of the week is again reversing into a horizontal plane, still indicating the risks of the instrument being overbought in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.99, 0.9950, 1 | Support levels: 0.9847, 0.98, 0.977, 0.97

269

The US dollar shows weak growth against the Japanese yen in Asian trading, again trying to consolidate above 130.50 and holding on to multi-year highs, updated at the end of last week. The instrument develops a “bullish” signal formed the day before and has already completely leveled the results of the decline last Wednesday, when the US currency came under pressure after the publication of the US Federal Reserve’s decision on the interest rate. The regulator expectedly increased the indicator by 50 basis points at once, and also announced the launch of a quantitative tightening program in order to reduce its balance sheet by almost 9 trillion dollars.

On Friday, the yen is practically not supported by rather strong statistics on inflation in Japan: the Tokyo Consumer Price Index in April sharply accelerated from 1.3% to 2.5% YoY, which turned out to be significantly higher than market expectations at 1.9%. Excluding food and energy prices, inflation in the region rose by 0.8% after falling by 0.4% a month earlier, although preliminary estimates of experts assumed that the negative dynamics would remain at the level of –0.5%.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda, announced the continuation of inflationary pressure on the national economy this year against the backdrop of a significant increase in prices for electricity, utilities and food. The country is dependent on Russian energy resources: oil imports are 3.6%, and liquefied natural gas imports amount to 8.8%, and, according to the country’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Koichi Hagiuda, it will not be able to abruptly refuse supplies. According to the forecasts of the department, the negative dynamics of consumer prices will slow down somewhat by 2023, and until that moment, the country’s financial authorities do not plan to intervene in the process and tighten monetary policy, since the inflation rate in Japan is much lower than in other developed countries, although preliminary data for April indicate its increase to 1.8% from 0.8%.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands demonstrate active ascending trading dynamics. The price range expands from above, freeing a path to new record highs for the “bulls”. MACD indicator reversed to growth while trying to form a new buy signal (the histogram is about to consolidate above the signal line). Stochastic reacted only by a reversal in a horizontal plane, indicating an approximate balance of sentiment in the short and ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 130.79, 131.24, 132, 133 | Support levels: 130.00, 129.39, 128.62, 127.5

270

The British pound is trading ambiguously against the US currency during the morning session, consolidating near 1.2360. After a sharp decline in the trading instrument the day before, which led to an update of record lows since June 2020, trading participants are in no hurry to open new positions, preferring to take short profits.

Noticeable pressure on quotes was put by the results of the meeting of the Bank of England on monetary policy. As expected, the regulator raised the rate by 25 basis points and brought it to a 13-year high of 1.00% per annum in order to contain the maximum rate of inflation, which reached a 30-year high of around 7%. The decision was taken unanimously, which allows us to hope for the smooth implementation of further plans for a gradual tightening of monetary policy. By Q2 2023, it is planned to reach the rate level of 2.5%. The Bank also said that it expects consumer prices in the UK to rise by 10.25% this year (the highest since 1982) due to the Ukrainian crisis and coronavirus restrictions in China. Department officials have warned that prices are likely to rise faster than the incomes of many citizens, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. In general, according to the regulator, in the last quarter of the year, the country’s economy may expect a recession. The latest comments have greatly disappointed investors and put pressure on the pound’s position. In addition, officials have adjusted downward the forecast for GDP growth in 2023 from 1.25% to 1.00%.

On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are steadily declining. The price range is expanding, making way to new record lows for the “bears”. MACD has formed a new sell signal (the histogram is again below the signal line), and Stochastic is showing similar dynamics, reversing downwards approximately in the middle of its area.

Resistance levels: 1.2400, 1.2500, 1.2600, 1.2674 | Support levels: 1.2323, 1.2250, 1.2200, 1.215

271

On the daily chart, GBPJPY is correcting above 157.96 and 159 levels. On the 4H time frame, the pair violated the ascending trendline with a weak selling force. The breach could be a whipsaw. However, if the breakout is correct, the instrument will target 157.96 and 159 supports. This scenario remains operational as long as GBPJPY trades below the 25 daily moving average and the descending trendline.

On the other hand, the uptrend continues if the bulls breach the descending trendline and the 25 moving average. In this scenario, the pair will target 164.24 and 168.42.

272

The European currency loses value against the US dollar during the Asian session on May 9, testing the level of 1.05 for a breakdown. The EURUSD pair develops flat dynamics in the short term and remains around ​​record lows, renewed on April 28.

Market sentiment does not have excessive demand for risky assets, which does not allow the trading instrument to change the trend. Also, the dollar is supported by the rather active course of the US Federal Reserve for further tightening of monetary policy, while the European Central Bank (ECB) is not ready for decisive action in this direction. The representatives of the European regulator are discussing the possible start of the interest rate hike cycle, despite the alarming rise in inflation in the region due to the military crisis around Ukraine. The timing of the possible start of tightening monetary policy is called the end of summer, but there have been no official statements on this subject so far.

The March macroeconomic statistics from Germany, published last Friday, put additional pressure on the currency positions. Thus, the volume of industrial production in the EU’s largest economy fell by 3.9% after rising by 0.1% last month, although analysts expected a correction of only 1.0%. Experts believe that the risks of recession in the German and European economies continue to rise in the current situation.

Meanwhile, the EU intends to soon agree on the next sixth package of sanctions, which limits the import of petroleum products from the Russian Federation and blocks supplies by sea, but so far, a decision cannot be made due to the blocking of the Hungarian ambassador. It is noted that the governments of countries such as Hungary and Slovakia will have an extended deadline for the implementation of the oil embargo until the end of 2024, and the Czech Republic until June of the same year due to heavy dependence on Russian resources. Still, officials said they were already considering options such as reducing purchases from the Russian Federation.

On the daily chart, Bollinger bands show a moderate decline: the price range is narrowing, reflecting the emergence of ambiguous trading dynamics in the short term. MACD tries to reverse into the downward plane, keeping its previous buy signal and above the signal line. Stochastic shows a more active decline and is currently rapidly approaching its lows, indicating that the euro may become oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.0576, 1.064, 1.069, 1.0726 | Support levels: 1.05, 1.047, 1.04, 1.035

273

The New Zealand dollar continues to fall against the US currency after the release of poor macroeconomic data, currently trading around the level of 0.6345.

Thus, according to the publication of Statistics New Zealand, annual wage inflation for March, measured by the labor cost index, increased to 3.0% compared to 2.6% a month earlier and reached its high in the last 13 years. Statistics also recorded an increase in the cost of labor for enterprises, which ultimately leads to an increase in prices for manufactured products, contributing, in turn, to a slowdown in economic recovery. The increase in consumer prices on an annualized basis has already exceeded wage inflation, amounting to 6.9% for March against 3.0% for April and reflecting the declining ability to pay. Also, experts predict a weakening of the national currency due to a negative impact on the economy if demand in China decreases due to the quarantine lockdowns caused by a new wave of COVID-19. From May 5, Beijing residents must provide a negative test for coronavirus in public transport, and from May 1, the same rule applies in all public places.

The US currency continues to trade above 103.000 in the USD Index, and late last week, it received significant support after the release of data on US non-farm payrolls. Despite preliminary estimates by analysts who assumed a decrease in jobs by 391K from 424K a week earlier, the figure remained unchanged, which is a positive factor for the dollar dynamics. Meanwhile, manufacturing jobs rose by 55K from 43K, and private non-farm payrolls stood at 406K against a forecast of 385K. The unemployment rate remained flat at 3.6%, instead of an expected decline to 3 5%, while the average hourly wage slowed growth from 0.5% to 0.3%, allowing investors to hope to reduce inflation. At the moment, market participants are trying to assess how the US economy will be affected by the current tightening of monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve: will it withstand pressure or still go into recession.

The instrument’s quotes are traded within the global downward channel, near the support line. Technical indicators keep a stable sell signal: fast EMAs on the Alligator indicator are below the signal line, and the AO oscillator histogram trades deep in the sell zone.

Support levels: 0.635, 0.61 | Resistance levels: 0.654, 0.68

274

The New Zealand dollar shows uncertain growth during trading in Asia, being pressured by the strengthening US currency ahead of the release of key data on US consumer price indices on Wednesday at 14:30 (GMT+2) and retreating from record lows renewed at the opening of the session. In the first hours of trading, the instrument tried to consolidate below the psychological level of 0.6300, where it was in June 2020.

Last week, the only important news coming from New Zealand was the unemployment report, but it failed to affect the national currency dynamics significantly. Macroeconomic data also showed rising labor costs for enterprises, which is a catalyst for higher product prices, thus putting significant pressure on the economy. Consumer price growth exceeded wage inflation, amounting to 6.9% YoY for March against 3.0% for April. Negative dynamics reflect the declining solvency of the population. Today, significant support for the New Zealand dollar is provided by new macroeconomic statistics. Thus, the volume of retail sales using electronic payment cards from New Zealand for April increased by 7% MoM after a decrease of 1.3% and by 2.1% YoY after a negative correction of 0.5% for March.

Meanwhile, investors are concerned about the prospects for a recovery in the global economy against the background of the rapid tightening of their monetary policies by the world’s central banks and, in particular, the increase in interest rates to offset the negative effect of high inflation. Also, traders are focused on the introduction of new restrictive measures in China due to an increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection, which also significantly undermines the process of global economic recovery.

Bollinger bands show a steady decline on the daily chart: the price range narrow, reflecting an attempt at the appearance of corrective dynamics in the short term. MACD falls below the signal line, keeping a relatively strong sell signal. Stochastic reached its lows and reversed into a horizontal plane, indicating that NZD may become oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.6400, 0.6450, 0.6500, 0.6567 | Support levels: 0.6300, 0.6250, 0.6200, 0.6150

275

The yen continues to trade in a global downtrend against most of the world’s competitors, and the meeting of the Bank of Japan on monetary policy that ended yesterday could not reverse this trend. Currently, the quotes of the USDJPY pair are correcting around the level of 130.44.

Thus, the regulator kept the interest rate at –0.10% and the redemption of bonds – at the same level without an upper limit. As for macroeconomic indicators, they are still holding in zero dynamics: April Services PMI amounted to 50.7 points, being higher than the March value of 50.5 points, while average wages remained at the previous 1.2%, despite the analysts’ expectation of a decline of 0.9%.

Last month, the Japanese currency lost more than 5% against the US dollar, renewing the 20 years’ low, against the background of the super-loose monetary policy of the Bank of Japan, as well as after a sharp increase in bond yields in the US and Europe and a rapid increase in tariffs on commodities goods that catalyzed the rise in import costs. The consumer price index in Tokyo rose from 1.3% to 2.5%, and the core value from 0.8% to 1.9%, reflecting the highest rates in the past seven years. Japan’s official April inflation report will be released on May 20, but experts believe the rate will exceed its 2% target this year, hurting sales as companies pass on their costs to consumers.

Tokyo intends to maintain its stake in the Russian oil and gas projects Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2. However, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, imports of “black gold” will gradually decrease. The decision aims to minimize the negative impact of rising energy tariffs on the standard of living of the population and business activity.

The US currency continues to consolidate around 103.600 points in the USD Index without making sharp fluctuations ahead of the publication of data on the consumer price index in the US. For the first time in the past few quarters, analysts expect the inflation rate to fall to 8.1% from 8.5% a month earlier, which was also announced by the head of the Fed of Atlanta, Rafael Bostic, during his speech yesterday. The official said he sees no reason for an acceleration in the rate hike in June and believes that a 25 or 50 basis point adjustment is the most likely scenario for tightening monetary policy if inflation starts to slow down.

The USDJPY pair continues to trade within the global uptrend, slowing down its growth to break the year’s high of 131.30. Technical indicators keep a stable buy signal: indicator Alligator’s EMA fluctuations range remains wide, and the AO oscillator histogram remains high in the buy zone, forming ambiguous bars.

Support levels: 128.93, 125.14 | Resistance levels: 131.3, 135

276

After the price consolidates above 1.2950 due to the strengthening of the US dollar after the May meeting of the US Federal Reserve, the USDCAD pair continues its upward trend with the target at 1.3157.

Last week, the US regulator raised the interest rate by 50 basis points to 1.00% and announced that from June 1, it would begin a phased reduction in its balance sheet, which will reach 95B dollars per month. In a follow-up commentary, Regulator Chief Jerome Powell dismissed reports that officials may accelerate the pace of monetary tightening going forward but noted the intention to continue hawkish policies to combat record consumer price increases that hurt both private consumers and the industry. According to the latest data, inflation in the US is 8.5%, but renewed statistics will be published tomorrow. Analysts predict that due to the timely actions of the US Federal Reserve, inflation will fall to 8.1% in annual terms. If the forecast is justified, it will allow the US dollar to continue its upward trend.

As for the position of the Canadian dollar, its strengthening is hampered by negative statistics on the labor market published last Friday. According to official data, 15.3K new jobs were created in April, significantly lower than preliminary market estimates of 55.0K and the previous value of 72.5K. The unemployment rate remained at the same level of 5.2%. The Bank of Canada, at its next meeting, scheduled for June 1, will undoubtedly take into account indicators related to the state of the national labor market. If the negative dynamics continue, then the rate increase may not occur, or the value will be adjusted by a minimum amount, which may cause disappointment for investors and further depreciation of the national currency.

The long-term trend is upwards. Today the USD/CAD pair is trying to consolidate above the resistance area of ​​1.2950–1.2885, after which the next upside target will be 1.3157. Long positions may be opened from 1.2885.

The medium-term trend is upwards. Last week, the price broke through the target zone 2 (1.2862–1.2842), and now the trading instrument is moving to the area of ​​1.3064–1.3043. The key trend support is shifting to 1.2836–1.2816, from where it is worth considering new long positions.

Resistance levels: 1.3157, 1.336 | Support levels: 1.2885, 1.266

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277

The British pound is trading up against the US currency, trying to recover from four sessions of decline, which led to new record lows since June 2020. The instrument remains under pressure from extremely low demand for risky assets, which, in turn, pushes the US currency to update record highs.

Despite an attempt by the Bank of England to stabilize the situation, experts fear that a sharp rise in interest rates could have an extremely negative impact on the recovery of the British economy, up to the onset of a recession. Meanwhile, the situation with energy resources remains tense, given that the EU and the UK continue to increase sanctions pressure against the Russian economy in response to a special military operation in Ukraine. Last Sunday, the leaders of the G7 countries held talks via videoconference, during which they supported the decision to phase out energy resources, as well as a ban on oil imports from Russia.

The data published the day before put additional pressure on the British currency. Thus, BRC Like-For-Like Retail Sales in April showed a decrease of 1.7% after falling by 0.4% a month earlier, while analysts expected an acceleration of negative dynamics, but expected a slightly more modest decrease of –1.6%. Tomorrow, investors will follow the publication of updated data on the dynamics of UK GDP for Q1 2022.

Bollinger Bands on the daily chart show a steady decline. The price range is narrowing, reflecting the emergence of multidirectional trading dynamics in the short term. MACD indicator reverses to growth while forming a new buy signal (the histogram is about to consolidate above the zero level). Stochastic shows similar dynamics, recovering from its lows, indicating the risks of oversold pound in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.2674 | Support levels: 1.225, 1.22, 1.215, 1.21

278

The Australian currency continues unsuccessful attempts to change the global trend against the US dollar, but there are again obstacles to growth. At the moment, the AUDUSD pair is correcting at 0.6961.

Yesterday, the Australian dollar corrected upwards after publication of data on the index of business confidence from the National Bank of Australia, which amounted to 20 points in April, having risen from 15 points a month earlier. At the same time, Q1 retail sales amounted to 1.2%, significantly lower than 7.9% in the previous period but higher than analysts’ pessimistic forecast, which assumed a decline to 1.0%. Today, positive statistics were leveled by data on the consumer sentiment index from Westpac with a forecast for May, which reflected a decrease in the index by 5.6% after falling by 0.9% in April. The statistics clearly show signs of a slowdown in the economy, which negatively affects the national currency’s exchange rate.

The main pressure on the instrument is exerted by the US dollar, whose quotes are at high levels close to 104 in the USD Index. The key event of this week will be today’s publication of a report on consumer prices, which will show the real state of inflation in the US. Most regional FRB officials have already spoken out in favor of the expected decline to 8.1% from the current 8.5%, which, in turn, is not in line with other economic indicators. If actual inflation continues to rise, this could completely undermine the market’s confidence in the actions of the US Federal Reserve and its forecasts.

The price moves within the Expanding formation pattern on the global chart, having reached the support line. Technical indicators keep a sell signal, reflecting the beginning of a possible reversal: indicator Alligator’s EMA fluctuations range slightly narrows, and the AO oscillator histogram forms multidirectional bars.

Resistance levels: 0.7, 0.7265 | Support levels: 0.69, 0.67

279

The European currency traded with mixed dynamics against the US dollar during the Asian session, consolidating near 1.05. The day before the euro made an attempt to grow, having received support from the optimistic statements of the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), but the “bulls” failed to consolidate on new local highs. EURUSD eventually returned to the “red” zone, continuing the development of flat dynamics in the short term.

The European regulator is likely to complete the asset buyback at the beginning of Q3 2022, after which it will start raising the interest rate. This was stated by the ECB President Christine Lagarde the day before, speaking in Ljubljana. Last month, officials continued their “dovish” policy from 2011 and left the interest rate on the main refinancing operations, the rate on the deposit facility and the rate on the marginal lending facility at 0.00%, -0.50% and 0.25%, respectively. Experts believe that the ECB will increase the figures in July and September, and bring the deposit rate to 1.5% within two years. However, much will depend on the development of the military conflict in Ukraine, where the situation is still extremely tense.

Meanwhile, Hungary announced its readiness to impose an embargo on Russian resources, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, PĂ©ter SzijjĂĄrtĂł, voiced a number of demands. In particular, he noted that the country expects concrete measures from the EU to reduce the negative consequences for the national economy if a decision is made. According to SzijjĂĄrtĂł, official Budapest will support the pan-European embargo if it does not concern oil pipelines. Now about 65% of oil from Russia comes through the Druzhba pipeline, and the Hungarian economy does not yet have alternative options for replacing these resources.

Macroeconomic statistics from Europe published on Wednesday did not have a noticeable impact on the instrument’s dynamics. Consumer Price Index in Germany in April showed an increase of 0.8%, which also fully coincided with market expectations. In annual terms, inflation fixed at around 7.4%.

Bollinger Bands on the D1 chart still maintain a moderate downward direction. The price range is actively narrowing, reflecting the emergence of multidirectional trading dynamics in the short term. MACD is growing preserving a weak buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic, on the contrary, keeps its downward direction, indicating the predominance of “bearish” sentiment in the ultra-short term.

To open new trading positions, it is necessary to wait for the signals from technical indicators to be clarified.

Resistance levels: 1.0576, 1.064, 1.069, 1.0726 | Support levels: 1.05, 1.047, 1.04, 1.035

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The British pound shows an uptrend in trading, correcting after another decline the day before, as a result of which GBPUSD updated its lows since May 2020. The growth of the pound on Friday is due to the strengthening of technical factors, while the fundamental picture changes slightly and still contributes to the further weakening of the British currency.

Due to the difficult situation in the labor market, the disruption of product supply chains, as well as rising energy prices, the cost of living crisis will affect about 1 million Britons, the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has calculated. According to the data presented, inflation in the country may accelerate to 14.4% by the end of this year, reaching 40-year peak levels. Against this background, about 250K people may find themselves in extreme poverty, and the economy itself may go into recession. To solve the problem, concrete measures of assistance from the government, totaling 4.2 billion pounds, will be required.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate a stable decrease. The price range is changing slightly, but remains rather spacious for the current level of activity in the market. MACD is trying to reverse upwards but preserves its previous sell signal (located below the signal line). Stochastic has been located in close proximity to its lows for quite a long time, which points to the risk of oversold GBP in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.225, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26 | Support levels: 1.2163, 1.2074, 1.2, 1.19

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The Australian dollar is showing active corrective growth against the US dollar during the morning session, recovering from a strong decline the day before, as a result of which AUD/USD hit its record lows since June 2020. Investors fix short positions, which leads to a technical correction, while the fundamental picture of the instrument changes slightly.

The US dollar is still in high demand in the market as a safe-haven currency, as investors fear a further slowdown in the global economy, which may be exacerbated by the “hawkish” policy of the world’s leading central banks. The latest data from the US indicated that consumer inflation may be at its peak, but so far its slowdown is slower than analysts’ expectations. There is no need to count on a quick change in the vector of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, and as the interest rate rises in the future, the growth prospects of the American economy are likely to decline.

Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate a stable decrease. The price range expands from below, making way for new local lows for the “bears”. MACD is going down, keeping a fairly stable sell signal (located below the signal line). Stochastic, having reached its lows, is reversing upwards, indicating the risks of oversold AUD in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.69, 0.695, 0.7, 0.705 | Support levels: 0.6827, 0.675, 0.67, 0.665