USD/CAD: pair growth and oil prices fall
Current trend
The Bank of Canada holds its monetary policy meeting today. As BoC Governor Stephen Poloz has repeatedly stated, the Regulator aims at keeping loose monetary policy and considers a possibility of a rate cut to -0.5%.
The Canadian currency is declining against the US Dollar amid a sharp fall in oil prices. On Tuesday, the International Energy Agency reported oil supply might increase by 1.5 barrels per day in next six month. Moreover, oil prices are under pressure due to unfavorable conditions in global stock markets, China’s stock market crash in particular.
In the given situation, the Bank of Canada might choose to wait on the sidelines and keep its interest rate on hold at 0.5% that, however, is unlikely to strengthen the national currency.
Support and resistance
Since the beginning of the year, USD/CAD pair has grown by more than 800 points.
OsMA and Stochastic on all timeframes, from 4-hour to monthly, recommend long positions. Any decline in the pair should be seen as a short-term correction.
Support levels: 1.4575, 1.4565, 1.4500, 1.4450, 1.4400.
Resistance levels: 1.4700.
Trading tips
Buy Stop orders can be placed at the level of 1.4710 with targets at 1.4800, 1.4900 and stop-loss at 1.4670.
Sell Stop orders can be placed at the level of 1.4550 with targets at 1.4450, 1.4400 and stop-loss at 1.4580.
EUR/USD: general review
Current trend
Yesterday the pair fell amid growing anxiety on the market due to declining oil prices. In addition, the Euro remained under pressure prior to the ECB Interest Rates Decision that is due later today. The decision could significantly affect dynamics in the pair.
At the same time, the pair was supported by data on the Consumer Price Index from the US that came out worse than expectations. In December, the index fell by 0.1%.
Support and resistance
On the daily chart, the pair is trading along the middle MA of Bollinger Bands. Moving averages with 50, 100 and 144 periods remain above the price and directed horizontally. MACD histogram is near the zero line and its volumes are very low. DI lines are moving in opposite directions, while ADX is horizontal.
Support levels: 1.0863, 1.0770 (middle MA of Bollinger Bands), 1.0613, 1.0525 (beginning of December 2015 lows).
Resistance levels: 1.0900, 1.0915, 1.0945, 1.0995, 1.1057 (middle of December 2015 highs).
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1.0915 with targets at 1.0945, 1.0995 and stop-loss at 1.0900. Validity – 1-2 days.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1.0863 with targets at 1.0802, 1.0770 and stop-loss at 1.0890. Validity – 1-2 days.
AUD/USD: growth might resume
Current trend
On Thursday, the AUD/USD pair tested the level of 0.6950, the 23.6% Fibonacci correction level. The Australian currency managed to strengthen when the US released not so favorable December’s data on inflation. Though Consumer Price Index came in at 0.7% in annual terms, it was 0.1% below the forecast. In monthly terms, the indicator was down to -0.1%. However, the pair is still under pressure from a gradual slowdown in China’s economy as the country is the largest trading partner of Australia.
Support and resistance
The pair is heading to 0.6895, the middle MA of Bollinger Bands. The breakdown of this level allows the pair to continue falling to 0.6835 and 0.6800. Alternatively, if the price turns up and overcomes the 23.6% Fibonacci level, it might grow further to 0.7020 and 0.7080.
Generally, according to technical indicators, the pair tends to grow. Bollinger Bands indicator is turning up. MACD histogram is in the negative zone, its volumes are falling. Only Stochastic lines have crossed each other and turned down, forming a sell signal.
Support levels: 0.6950, 0.7020, 0.7080.
Resistance levels: 0.6895, 0.6835, 0.6800.
Trading tips
Long positions are preferable and can be opened from the level of 0.6950 with targets at 0.7020, 0.7080. Moreover, Buy Limit orders can be placed at the level of 0.6895 with the target at 0.6950.
If the price consolidates below the level of 0.6895, short positions can be opened with targets at 0.6835 and 0.6800.
XAU/USD: general review
Current trend
The price of gold continues growing amid yesterday’s news regarding a possibility of the QE program expansion by the ECB. In the nearest future, the price is likely to grow to the level of 1112.50 where the pair traded at high volumes. After that, the price will fall.
Support and resistance
The RSI is below the 70 mark indicating that the growth can continue to the level of 1115.00.
Support levels: 1074.52 (moving average with 200 period).
Resistance levels: 1112.50.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1112.50 with the target at 1074.80 and stop-loss at 1114.00.
Long positions can be opened after the price consolidation above the level of 1114.00.
USD/JPY: no change in trend yet
Current trend
A growth in stock indices followed ECB President Mario Draghi comments on future monetary policy in the eurozone. Japanese stock index NikkeiStockAverage also gained support when an aide to Japanese Prime Minister pointed out that further easing of monetary policy is necessary. Together with the index, the USD/JPY pair is growing as well. If the Bank of Japan introduces additional stimulus measures, the pair will manage to gain back its recent losses.
Today, attention needs to be paid to Markit Manufacturing PMI for January and CB Leading Indicator for December, due in the US. If the indicators come in above the forecast, the USD/JPY pair will strengthen.
Support and resistance
During the Asian session, the USD/JPY pair grew by 30 points from the level of 117.70 and continues moving up, having strengthened above the level of 118.20.
OsMA and Stochastic on the 4-hour and daily charts recommend long positions. However, as long as the price remains below the level of 118.80, no significant growth is expected.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 118.40 with targets at 118.80, 119.20, 119.65, 120.00, 120.55 and stop-loss at 117.80.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 117.30 with targets at 117.00, 116.50, 116.10 and stop-loss at 117.80.
USD/CAD: pair fell
Current trend
In the end of last week, the pair significantly fell amid substantial growth in oil prices.
In addition, the Canadian Dollar was supported by strong macroeconomic data from Canada. Retail Sales in November 2015 grew by 1.7% while economists predicted a 0.2% growth. At the same time, the Consumer Price Index in December grew by 1.6%, against a 1.4% growth in the previous month that was, however, slightly worse than forecasts. Similar index by the Bank of Canada in December fell by 0.4% that was also a little worse than expectations.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart turned horizontally while the price range is narrowing. MACD is falling and giving a very strong sell signal. Stochastic reached its critical level in the oversold zone thus limiting further fall potential.
The indicators recommend waiting for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 1.4100 (local low), 1.4050, 1.4000 (psychologically important level), 1.3915, 1.3850, 1.3780, 1.3700.
Resistance levels: 1.4169 (local high), 142.00, 1.4245, 1.4315 (21 January high), 1.4400, 1.4450, 1.4500, 1.4609, 1.4700 (20 January high).
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the price rebound from the level of 1.4100 (with the appropriate indicators signals) with targets at 1.4200, 1.4250 and stop-loss at 1.4000. Validity – 1-2 days.
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 1.4100 with the target at 1.4000 and stop-loss at 1.4150. Validity – 1-3 days.
EUR/USD: general review
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Current trend
The pair continues growing amid some weakening in the USD.
The American currency remains under pressure prior to the Fed Interest Rate Decision that is due today. Experts predict that monetary policy will stay unchanged. Furthermore, due to problems in China and falling oil prices the regulator might delay the next rate hike until summer that would significantly support the pair.
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Support and resistance
Support levels: 1.0787 (active trade), 1.0820.
Resistance levels: 1.0977, 1.1370.
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Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1.0820 with the target at 1.1370 and stop-loss at 1.0780.
USD/CHF: waiting for the Fed decision
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Current trend
Today the pair is falling amid some weakening in the US Dollar that remains under pressure prior to the Fed Interest Rate Decision. Experts do not expect the rate to be hiked. At the same time, investors will focus their attention on commentaries by the regulator, in which there could be announced that monetary policy tightening is going to be delayed that would substantially pressure the pair.
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Support and resistance
On the hourly, 4-hour and weekly charts, the pair is moving along ascending channels.
A downward correction can continue to the levels of 1.0120 (middle of the channel on the 4-hour chart), 1.0100 (ЕМА50), 1.0040 (ЕМА144, lower border of the channel), 1.0000 (ЕМА50 on the daily chart). From further fall the pair is prevented by support levels at 0.9855 (ЕМА144 on the daily chart), 0.9830 (December 2015 lows).
At the same time, a consolidation above the level of 1.0195 would send the pair towards 1.0400 (upper border of the channel on the weekly chart).
On the 4-hour and daily charts, OsMA and Stochastic signal sales.
Support levels: 1.0120, 1.0100, 1.0040, 1.000, 0.9975, 0.9830, 0.9765.
Resistance levels: 1.0195, 1.0400.
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Trading tips
Pending sell orders can be placed at the level of 1.0130 with targets at 1.0100, 1.0040, 1.0000, 0.9855 and stop-loss at 1.0160.
Pending buy orders can be placed at the level of 1.0185 with targets at 1.0200, 1.0260, 1.0300 and stop-loss at 1.0140.
XAG/USD: technical analysis
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XAG/USD, D1
On the daily chart, the pair is trading above the upper MA of Bollinger Bands. The price remains below the EMA100 and EMA144, both directed horizontally. MACD histogram is in the positive zone, its volumes are insignificant. The DI lines are directed down; ADX is growing.
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XAG/USD, H4
On the 4-hour chart, the pair is trading in the area of the upper MA of Bollinger Bands. The price remains above the EMA50, EMA100 and EMA144, all directed up. MACD histogram is in the positive zone. The DI lines are moving in different directions; ADX is falling.
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Support and resistance
Support levels: 14.37, 14.25, 13.99, 13.78, 13.68.
Resistance levels: 14.52, 14.70, 14.95, 15.28, 15.51, 16.13, 16.34.
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Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 14.52 with targets at 14.70, 14.95 and stop-loss at 14.37.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 14.37 with targets at 14.25, 14.00 and stop-loss at 14.50.
Validity – 1-2 days.
USD/JPY: general review
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Current trend
The pair continues growing even though the Fed at yesterday’s meeting left the interest rate unchanged.
At the same time, the Bank of Japan is expected to expand its stimulation program to reach the inflation target of 2% that would lead to further fall in the Yen. Furthermore, cheaper national currency would allow increasing Japanese exports and making them more competitive, that would have a positive effect on the economy.
According to forecasts, the pair can grow to the level of 125.00.
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Support and resistance
Support levels: 117.85.
Resistance levels: 119.10.
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Trading tips
Open long positions from the level of 119.20 with the target at 122.35 and stop-loss at 118.90.
EUR/USD: general review
Current trend
Today the pair continued growing despite the publication of mixed data in the eurozone. The Producer Price Index for December fell to -0.8% that was substantially worse than forecasts of economists. At the same time, the Unemployment Rate slightly fell as well, from 10.5% to 10.4%. Therefore, continuous decline in prices could force the ECB to expand its stimulation program or cut interest rates further, either of which would significantly pressure the Euro.
Support and resistance
Support levels: 1.0894.
Resistance levels: 1.0943.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1.0943 with the target at 1.0890 and stop-loss at 1.0955.
AUD/USD: pair resumed fall
Current trend
Yesterday the pair significantly fell after the RBA decision on interest rates. As was expected, the regulator left the rate unchanged at 2%.
At the same time, in its Rate Statement the regulator noted that it does not rule out further monetary policy easing this year if the economy continues slowing down due to the outside factors. It also noted that inflation is likely to remain very low in the medium-term.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is moving up while the price range is narrowing. MACD is turning down and forming a sell signal. Stochastic is falling.
The indicators recommend short positions.
Support levels: 0.7015 (local low), 0.6981, 0.6936, 0.6900 (21 January low), 0.6875, 0.6850, 0.6826 (15 January low).
Resistance levels: 0.7045 (local high), 0.7068, 0.7100, 0.7128 (local high), 0.7158, 0.7183, 0.7200 (5 January high).
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 0.7015 with the target at 0.6900 and stop-loss at 0.7060. Validity – 2-3 days.
Long positions can be opened after the price rebound from the level of 0.7015 (with the appropriate indicators signals) with the target at 0.7100 and stop-loss at 0.6960. Validity – 2-3 days.
Analytics from LiteForex
USD/CAD: pair is falling
Current trend
Yesterday the pair significantly declined amid growing oil prices that were supported by strong data on the Caixin China Services PMI.
In addition, the pair was pressured by mixed data from the US. The ADP Employment Change for January came out at 205 thousands that was better than forecasts but substantially worse than the previous figure. The Markit Services PMI for January fell from 53.7 to 53.2 points, which did not match the expectations.
Tomorrow attention needs to be paid to labour market data from the US and Canada.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is moving down while the price range is slowly widening. MACD continues growing. Stochastic is in the oversold zone and trying to turn up.
The indicators recommend waiting for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 1.3780 (local low), 1.3700, 1.3650, 1.3622 (10 December 2015 low), 1.3554, 1.3500.
Resistance levels: 1.3850 (local high), 1.3900, 1.3947, 1.4000 (psychologically important level), 1.4050, 1.4100 (local high), 1.4169, 1.4200, 1.4325 (26 January high).
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the breakout of the level of 1.3780 with the target at 1.4000 and stop-loss at 1.3700. Validity – 2-3 days.
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 1.3700 with targets at 1.3550, 1.3500 and stop-loss at 1.3760. Validity – 2-3 days.
XAG/USD: growth continues
Current trend
On Thursday, the price of silver was growing actively and hit new local highs. The price is strengthening amid weakness in the US Dollar, which remains under pressure from data on PMI and concerns about chances of further increases in US interest rates.
Yesterday, data on Initial Jobless Claims was released in the US. The indicator grew to 285K from 277K against 280K forecast. This data is particularly important as market participants are waiting for the publication of Nonfarm Payrolls statistics, due in the US today.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands indicator on the daily chart is directed up. The price range is widening actively, but the price remains out of it. MACD is growing and keeping a buy signal. Stochastic is moving up despite it has approached its highs in the overbought zone.
According to Bollinger Bands and Stochastic, a downward correction is possible in the short run. It is recommended to wait for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 14.78 (3 February high), 14.63, 14.55, 14.48, 14.40, 14.30, 14.28 (near 29 January low), 14.00, 13.90, 13.83, 13.73 (12 January low).
Resistance levels: 14.90 (local high since November 2015), 15.00 (psychologically important level), 15.15, 15.25 (4 November 2015 level), 15.54, 15.62.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the breakout of the levels of 14.90, 15.00 (with appropriate indicators signals) with targets at 15.25, 15.35, 15.50 and stop-loss at 14.60. Validity – 2-4 days.
Short positions can be opened if the price rebounds down from the level of 14.90 with targets at 14.50, 14.40 and stop-loss at 15.10. Validity – 2-4 days.
EUR/USD: decline in USD might continue
Current trend
This week, the EUR/USD pair has reached its highest levels since October 2015. The pair grew amid negative data on Services PMI, released in the US. The indicator fell to 53.5 points, the lowest result since 2014. Moreover, the American currency was under pressure as New York Fed President William Dudley stated the global financial conditions deteriorated notably.
Today, the pair might continue its growth which has stopped at 1.1210. It will be possible if data on Nonfarm Payrolls, due in the US today, confirms the forecast. The indicator is expected to come in at 190K that is far below the previous result. It should be noted that leading indicators have given mixed data. Despite the forecast, ADP Employment Change grew while Challenger Job Cuts was up by 75.114K. However, in general, negative data on Nonfarm Payrolls seems to be a likelier scenario.
Support and resistance
The range of 1.1200-1.1210 is seen as a key resistance the breakout of which leads to a growth to 1.1300 and 1.1380. Otherwise, the price might fall to 1.1097 (23.6% Fibonacci correction) and 1.1027 (28.2% Fibonacci correction).
Technical indicators are giving mixed signals. Bollinger Bands have turned up. The MACD histogram is in the positive zone, its volumes remain unchanged. Stochastic has left the overbought zone and formed a sell signal.
Support levels: 1.1210, 1.1300, 1.1380.
Resistance levels: 1.1097, 1.1027, 1.0971, 1.0828.
Trading tips
Long positions are more preferable and can be opened after the breakout of the level of 1.1210 with targets at 1.1300, 1.1380.
Short positions can be opened if the price rebounds down from the level of 1.1210 and declines below 1.1155 with targets at 1.1097, 1.1027.
USD/CHF: Franc continues growing
Current trend
Last week the pair significantly fell.
The pair was pressured by the latest Fed monetary policy meeting that substantially decreased chances of further interest rate hikes in the US. In addition, the USD was pressured by poor data on the Nonfarm Payrolls that fell from 262 to 151 thousands, while economists predicted 190 thousands. However, the Unemployment Rate unexpectedly fell by 0.1% to 4.9%, while Average Hourly Earnings grew by 0.5%.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is turning down while the price range is widening. At the same time, the indicator formed a signal for correctional growth as the price has left the range. MACD is falling and giving a strong sell signal. Stochastic is in the oversold zone and turning horizontally.
The indicators recommend waiting for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 0.9920 (local low), 0.9900, 0.9879 (11 January low), 0.9851 (24 December low), 0.9818, 0.9800, 0.9784 (14 December low).
Resistance levels: 0.9956 (local high), 1.0000 (psychologically important level), 1.0032, 1.0067, 1.0100, 1.0123 (3 February high), 1.0166, 1.0200, 1.0254 (29 January high), 1.0281.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the breakout and consolidation above the level of 1.0000 (with the appropriate indicators signals) with the target at 1.0100 and stop-loss at 0.9960. Validity – 2-4 days.
Short positions can be opened after the price rebound from the level of 1.0000 with the target at 0.9900 and stop-loss at 1.0050. Validity – 2-3 days.
EUR/USD: general analysis
Current trend
The European currency was strengthening against the US Dollar. The pair gained support from Iran’s decision to replace the US Dollar with the Euro in its oil sales. Moreover, Teheran has required buyers of its oil to pay their debts in euros as well. Thus, India, which owes about $6 billion, has already reached an agreement on this issue with Iran. In this situation, the demand for the Euro might increase, and the currency is likely to continue strengthening.
Support and resistance
Support level: 1.1105.
Resistance level: 1.1246.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1.1246 with the target at 1.1370 and stop-loss at 1.1200.
EUR/USD: general analysis
Current trend
The EUR/USD pair is trading near the important resistance level of 1.1230 (4/8 Murrey), after the breakdown of which, the pair continues declining to 1.1060 (MA200).
The European currency is under pressure from concerns about future of Deutsche Bank. The bank owns a capital of about $60 billion and has about $75 trillion in derivatives, so the bank’s debt is incredibly high. Thus, one of Germany’s largest and systematically important banks might repeat Lehman Brothers’s fate. ECB is likely to support such a large bank, but panics might trigger another fall in the European currency and European indices.
Support and resistance
Support level: 1.1230.
Resistance level: 1.1353.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1.1230 with the target at 1.1108 and stop-loss at 1.1250.
AUD/USD: technical analysis
Current trend
This week, the AUD/USD pair was falling and reached its three week low at 0.6972. However, a correction started, the level of 0.7078, where the middle MA of Bollinger Bands and the 38.2% Fibonacci correction have concentrated, was broken out. At present, the pair is likely to strengthen to 0.7136 (23.6% Fibonacci correction) and 0.7160 (upper MA of Bollinger Bands). At the same time, the Head and Shoulders pattern seems to be forming that indicates a possibility of a fall from 0.7136 and 0.7160 to 0.7032 (50.0% correction), 0.6986 (61.8% correction) and 0.6937.
Support and resistance
Technical indicators are giving mixed signals. Bollinger Bands are turning down, limiting a growth in the pair. MACD histogram is about to enter the positive zone and form a buy signal. Stochastic lines have started turning down near the overbought zone.
Support levels: 0.7078, 0.7032, 0.6986, 0.6937.
Resistance levels: 0.7136, 0.7160, 0.7229, 0.7300.
Trading tips
Short positions are preferable but can be opened below the level of 0.7078 with targets at 0.7032, 0.6986 and stop-loss at 0.7110.
Long positions would become valid in case of the consolidation above the level of 0.7160 with targets at 0.7229, 0.7300 and stop-loss at 0.7130.
Brent: analysis and forecast
Current trend
Since the beginning of the week, the price of Brent crude oil has been gradually falling. Yesterday, the Energy Information Administration reported a decline by 754K barrels in US crude oil stocks; however, the price of oil did not manage to get any support. Despite a general decline in US crude inventories, investors were disappointed by the news about an increase at the country’s biggest oil storage hub in Cushing. According to the statistics, Cushing stocks rose by 0.5 million barrels to 64.7 million barrels that put the price of oil under more pressure.
Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, Bollinger Bands are directed down. MACD histogram is in the negative zone, its volumes are growing. According to the indicators, the price will continue moving down.
Support levels: 30.20, 29.20, 28.20.
Resistance levels: 31.84, 32.30, 32.90, 33.90.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 30.20 with the target at 29.20. If the price breaks down and consolidates below the level of 29.20, the next target will be 28.20.
Long positions can be opened after the breakout of the level of 31.84 with targets at 32.30, 32.90.