FOREX TRADING SUMMARY

FOREX Daily Outlook from Easy-Forex

RBA hike as the BoC cuts. XAU tumbles on profit taking.



U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) was mixed versus a number of majors yesterday tracking data and rate outcomes of other central banks for a change. In events specific to the US market, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke urged lenders to expand mortgage write-downs for borrowers whose home values have declined and said that more must be done to cease foreclosures.

While, "efforts by both government and private-sector entities to reduce unnecessary foreclosures are helping, but more can, and should, be done." Also, Bernanke sees "delinquencies and foreclosures likely will continue to rise for a while longer." In U.S. share markets the NASDAQ was slightly higher by 1.68 points (+0.07%) whilst the Dow Jones was down by 45.10 point (-0.37%). Crude oil fell by US$2.60 a barrel to US$99.85 mainly on profit taking. Looking ahead, Services ISM will be key to the market today whilst ADP employment often considered a preview to the Non Farm Payrolls data on Friday is also scheduled for release today.

The Euro (EUR) was once again range bound, trading higher during the day despite the Euro zone policy makers pressuring Washington to do more to halt the dollar's decline. On the data front Eurozone PPI data came in on expectations of 0.8% for the month of January. Overall the EURUSD traded with a low of 1.5174 and a high of 1.5250 before closing the day at 1.5210 in the New York session. PMI Services and Retail Sales are key figures for the EZ on Wednesday with forecast at 52.3 and 0.4% respectively.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) strengthened against the dollar, as investors' concern over the US slipping into recession prompted carry trade to be fled. The Currency gained for a sixth straight day, approaching a three-year high, as stocks fell on speculation banks will have to write off more mortgage-related debt on the back of Bernanke’s prompt during his speech. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 102.65 and a high of 103.57 before closing the day at 103.32 in the New York session.

The Sterling (GBP) strengthened against the dollar even after a private report showed construction, which accounts for 6 % of Britain's economy, grew at its slowest pace in February. Traders pared bets on how far the BoE will cut interest rates this year which also added to the pound gain. Overall the GBPUSD traded with a low of 1.9827 and a high of 1.9892 before closing the day at 1.9862 in the New York session.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) had a data filled day first with Retail Sales figures for the month of January coming in unchanged from the previous at 0.0%. The Aussie Dollar sell off was limited ahead of the much anticipated RBA rate announcement in which board decided to lift the cash rate to 7.25% (25 basis point hike), the highest level in 12 years.

Nonetheless the AUD did suffer on the back of tentative comments in which policy makers noted “some moderation in household demand is beginning to occur” in which “the extent of the moderation was uncertain.

In other news the current account deficit widened to a record $19.4 billion from it previously revised $16.4 billion. Overall the AUDUSD traded with a low of 0.9220 and a high of 0.9371 before closing the day at 0.9274 in the New York session. Looking ahead, key data in the form of Quarter Four GDP is out on Wednesday morning, with expectation at a decline to 0.8%/3.9% from the previous 1%/4.3%.

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) fell to the lowest in more than a week after the central bank reduced the benchmark interest rate a half-percentage point and signaled it probably will cut again to help the economy cope with a slowdown in the U.S. Overall the USDCAD traded with a low of 0.9854 and a high of 0.9978 before closing the day at 0.9950 in the New York session.

Gold (XAU) fell sharply on profit taking having traded at record highs the previous session. XAU traded with a high of 987.50 and a low of 959.35.

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Euro – 1.5200
Initial support at 1.5074 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.4971 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.5275 (Mar 3 high) followed by 1.5304 (1.4311 plus 0.618 of 1.3361 to 1.4967).

Yen – 103.30
Initial support is located at 102.61 (Mar 3 low) followed by 101.67 (Jan 1995 reaction low). Initial resistance is now at 104.97 (Jan 23 high) followed by 105.39 (Feb 29 high)

Pound – 1.9845
Initial support at 1.9763 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.9644 (Feb 22 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.9975 (Feb 27 high) followed by 2.0000 (Round Number)

Australian Dollar – 0.9375
Initial support a 0.9122 (38.2% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance) followed by 0.9006 (50.0% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance). Initial resistance is now at 0.9499 (Feb 28 high) followed by 0.9555 (Open + Last week range * 1.618)

Gold – 976.10
Initial support at 953.48 (Feb 28 low) followed by 949.00 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now at 988.15 (Mar 4 high) followed by 1000.00 (Round Number)

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US Dollar trades at fresh record lows!

CURRENCY TRADING SUMMARY – 04 MARCH 2008

U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) was subject to an extremely volatile session on Monday trading at fresh record lows versus a number of majors, before pairing those losses. The initial moves against the dollar were largely attributed to traders adding to bets that the Federal Reserve will look to cut rates by 50 bps on March 18. On the data front, ISM manufacturing came in slightly better then expectations at 48.3 (Forecast: 48). In U.S. share markets, the NASDAQ was up by 7.93 points (+0.09%) whilst the Dow Jones fell slightly by -7.49 points (-0.06%). Crude oil rose by US$0.56 a barrel to US$102.40, having earlier hit a record high of US$103.95. Looking ahead, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is scheduled to talk on mortgage foreclosures at 1400 GMT.

The Euro (EUR) traded at a fresh record high during the session, before comments made by Luxembourg Prime and Finance Minister Jean Claude Juncker said he was becoming “increasingly concerned” about the Euro’s recent rally, which ceased any further upside moves. Overall the EURUSD traded with a low of 1.5158 and a high of 1.5275 before closing the day at 1.5205 in the New York session. Looking ahead, key growth data in the form of GDP is scheduled for release on Tuesday as well as PPI figures for the fourth quarter and the month of January respectively.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) traded at it strongest level in 3 year versus the USD, breaking below key 103.00 levels. Fear of recession in the US sent Asian stock markets lower which prompt carry trade unwinding and boosted the Yen. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 102.62 and a high of 103.70 before closing the day at 103.21 in the New York session.

The Sterling (GBP) was range bound trading sideways for much of the session, GBPUSD traded with a low of 1.9810 and a high of 1.9935 before closing the day at 1.9846 in the New York session.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) rose from for Asian session lows, as major Asian equity markets heading into the red ensured the AUD remained pressured as a high yielding currency. Overall the AUDUSD traded with a low of 0.9300 and a high of 0.9420 before closing the day at 0.9397 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Retail Sales for the month of January are released today whilst the RBA is widely expected to increase rates by 0.25%, leaving the borrowing rate at 7.25%. UPDATE: Aussie Retail Sales for the month of January seen well below expectations of 0.0% (Forecast: 0.4%; Prior: 0.5%)

Gold (XAU) rose to new records but later gave back its intra-day gains, as US recession and surging oil price above 103 continue to boost the metal serving as inflation hedge. XAU traded with a low of 975.65 and a high of 989.35

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Euro – 1.5200
Initial support at 1.5074 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.4971 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.5275 (Mar 3 high) followed by 1.5304 (1.4311 plus 0.618 of 1.3361 to 1.4967).

Yen – 103.30
Initial support is located at 102.61 (Mar 3 low) followed by 101.67 (Jan 1995 reaction low). Initial resistance is now at 104.97 (Jan 23 high) followed by 105.59 (Feb 29 high)

Pound – 1.9845
Initial support at 1.9763 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.9644 (Feb 22 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.9975 (Feb 27 high) followed by 2.0000 (Round Number)

Australian Dollar – 0.9375
Initial support a 0.9266 (23.6% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance) followed by 0.9122 (38.2% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance). Initial resistance is now at 0.9499 (Feb 28 high) followed by 0.9555 (Open + Last week range * 1.618)

Gold – 976.10
Initial support at 953.48 (Feb 28 low) followed by 949.00 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now at 985.00 (Mar 3 high and bull channel resistance) followed by 1000.00 (Round Number)

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Forex Weekly Outlook & Review

Last week’s currency trading review

A week filled with rate announcements.

The Dollar suffered from pessimistic comments made by Chairman Bernanke and Vice-Chairman Kohn throughout the week, indicating that recession fears would persuade the Federal Reserve to cut rates further. As a result, the dollar traded at record lows against a number of currencies and commodities.

Data out of the U.S. also did little to provide any added confidence to the greenback with consumer confidence at 16 year lows to end the week, whilst GDP grew at its slowest pace since 2002. The Euro traded at a record high shooting through the psychological 1.50 barrier to trade as high of 1.5238.

The Euro was also supported by data in the form of German IFO which indicated that business sentiment remained positive in the region. The Euro closed last week at 1.5184 having opened at 1.4804. The Japanese Yen ended the week at fresh three year highs versus the USD as risk aversion in the later part of the week prompted a wide cross Yen sell off.

The Japanese Yen began the week at 107.37 before ending at 103.88. The GBP continued to under perform due to the fallout from the ongoing credit crisis and on expectations of further rate cuts from BoE, although was able to take advantage of a broadly weaker US dollar.

The Sterling Pound closed lat week at 1.9886 having opened at 1.9588. The AUD also posted fresh 24 year highs of 0.9499 on surging commodity prices and ongoing expectations the RBA will look to increase interest rates on the 4th of March.

The Aussie dollar however gave up much of its gains as plunging equity markets prompted a wide spread carry trade sell off. The Aussie Dollar closed last week at 0.9323 having opened at 0.9210. The New Zealand dollar also posted 23 year high during the week of 0.8213.


The forex trading week preview

In the States; data this week is expected to continue to signal a U.S. recession, Manufacturing ISM on Monday, and Services ISM on Wednesday. Pending Home sales and initial jobless claims on Thursday, whilst the much anticipated Non Farm Payrolls heads a heavy data for the first Friday of the month, followed by Unemployment Rate. With his comments having such a drastic impact on the markets last week, Fed Vice Chairman Kohn is once again speaking on Friday.

In the Eurozone; PMI Manufacturing and CPI figures on Monday will start the proceedings for a busy week out of the EZ. Whilst GDP, Retail Sales and PMI Services continue the theme into Wednesday. However that would be overshadowed by the ECB interest rate announcement on Thursday, and as always Trichet post press conference. In the UK; The BoE meets on Thursday and no change is expected. On the data calendar this week the main focus should be the manufacturing and services PMI’s released on Monday and Wednesday respectively.

In Japan; should continue to track equity markets and hope to benefit from risk aversion. The BoJ meets on Friday followed by the BoJ monthly report.

In Australia; the RBA meets on Tuesday where it is widely expected to hike by 25 bps in order to curb inflation. Whilst Retail Sales, Current Account (both Tuesday) and GDP (Wednesday) prove to be the key pieces of economic data. Further more several RBA officials are scheduled to speak throughout the week adding to the interest. Neighboring New Zealand is also scheduled for a rate announcement this week on Thursday morning although largely expected to hold.

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Euro – 1.5200
Initial support at 1.5074 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.4971 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.5239 (Feb 29 high) followed by 1.5304 (1.4311 plus 0.618 of 1.3361 to 1.4967).

Yen – 103.05
Initial support is located at 103.36 (Feb 2005 low) followed by 101.67 (Jan 1995 reaction low). Initial resistance is now at 105.39 (Feb 29 high) followed by 106.65 (Feb 28 high)

Pound – 1.9840
Initial support at 1.9763 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.9644 (Feb 22 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.9975 (Feb 27 high) followed by 2.0000 (Round Number)

Australian Dollar – 0.9320
Initial support a 0.9266 (23.6% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance) followed by 0.9122 (38.2% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance). Initial resistance is now at 0.9500 (Round Number) followed by 0.9555 (Open + Last week range * 1.618)

Gold – 976.10
Initial support at 953.48 (Feb 28 low) followed by 949.00 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now at 976.14 (Feb 29 high) followed by 1000.00 (Round Number)

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