EUR/USD: Watch for the Rebound!EUR/USD began the week on a bearish note, hitting 12-week lows near 1.0800 as the US dollar remains strong, supported by solid economic fundamentals and rising US yields. Key support levels are at 1.0811 and 1.0775, while major resistance is seen at 1.0930 and 1.1040. The macroeconomic backdrop favors the dollar, with the Fed remaining cautious on rate cuts, and the ECB, despite a recent rate cut, facing weak growth and declining inflation. A drop below 1.0800 could accelerate losses, while a recovery above 1.0875 would be the first positive signal.
Fed
USD, yields surge on Fed pushback, Trump rebound After just one day of retracing on Friday, the USD bull regained momentum on Monday thanks to Fed members continuing to push back on aggressive easing. Markets are also pricing in a Trump win with some polls suggesting he is ahead in three key states and some bookies even touting for him to win. In the current climate, USD/JPY could be at 152 before we know it.
MS
safe-haven play :USD vs. NZDIn several of my previous analyses, I mentioned the state of the Forex market due to geopolitical tensions . As a result, we are witnessing an increase in safe-haven currencies like USD compared to riskier currencies such as AUD and NZD. Therefore, by following proper risk management principles, you can open short positions on this currency pair.
Additionally, from a technical perspective, after breaking down the ascending channel, the price has formed the first wave of Elliott and, after its correction, has completed the second wave. In the most recent candle, it has entered the third impulsive wave.
Target 1: 0.59750
Target 2: 0.58626
Stop Loss: 0.61010
Nasdaq - Nasdaq will maintain the balance of 20,000?!The index is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H timeframe and is trading in its ascending channel
If the drawn support range is maintained, we can see the index continue to climb up to the previous ATH
But the valid break of the drawn support range will pave the way for the correction of the index to the bottom of the ascending channel
Within the defined demand zone, one can look for index buy positions with appropriate risk-reward
XAUUSD - Do not enter sales position without approval!Recent military tensions have led to a new ATH in gold
If you see the drawn pattern, you can look for gold selling positions up to the midline of the ascending channel
A break to the top of the ascending channel will pave the way for gold to rise
USD/JPY Towards 160 if the Fed doesn’t cut!USD/JPY is currently trading near the 150.00 level, under pressure due to verbal intervention from Japanese authorities and a pullback in the US Dollar. The pair is navigating a cautious environment, as mild risk aversion strengthens the safe-haven Japanese Yen. However, despite this pressure, the pair maintains its broader upward trend after breaking a key resistance level. Fundamentally, USD/JPY continues to find support from strong US retail sales data and a resilient labor market, along with rising US Treasury yields. This has led investors to reduce the likelihood of a 25-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve at the November meeting, keeping the dollar supported and the pair on a bullish trajectory.
Gold Nears $2,700 on Election UncertaintyThe price of gold continues its bullish run, nearing $2,700 per ounce due to uncertainty surrounding the U.S. elections, despite the strength of the dollar and rising Treasury yields. Political uncertainty is increasing demand for the precious metal, considered a safe haven, as polls show a tight race. Additionally, the recent decision by the ECB to cut interest rates temporarily strengthened the dollar, but this has not prevented gold from maintaining its positive momentum. Better-than-expected economic data in the U.S., such as increased retail sales and the Philadelphia Manufacturing Index, also supported the dollar, but these factors were not enough to reverse gold’s trend. From a technical standpoint, moving averages, particularly the 20-day SMA around $2,649.50, continue to provide support to the bullish trend, while the 100-day and 200-day SMAs remain far below, confirming persistent buyer interest. Technical indicators suggest further upside, though minor short-term corrections may occur, potentially offering new buying opportunities.
GBP/USD - will inflation data shake up the pound?The British pound has been showing limited movement for over a week. In Tuesday’s North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3086, up 0.13% on the day.
The Bank of England has largely won the battle against inflation, which has fallen from double digits at its peak to just 2.2% in August and July. Inflation is expected to dip to 1.9% in September thanks to lower petrol prices, reflective of the decline in crude oil prices. This would be a milestone as inflation has been above the BoE’s target since April 2021.
Monthly, inflation is forecast to ease to 0.2%, down from 0.3% in August. Core inflation, which excludes energy and food and is a better indicator of long-term inflation trends, is also expected to decline, from 3.6% to 3.4% y/y and 0.4% to 0.3% m/m.
The BoE has cut rates only once this year and if inflation falls below 2% as expected, the calls for the central bank to cut rates will get louder. Inflation is falling, the economy is barely growing and the cash rate remains very high at 5%. The current trend has been to cut rates - the European Central Bank has lowered rates several times and even the Federal Reserve cut in September by 50 basis points.
If the BoE doesn’t cut before the end of the year, it risks becoming an outlier among the major central banks. Governor Bailey has made conflicting comments about whether the BoE needs to get moving and cut rates. It will be interesting to hear the Governor’s reaction to the latest inflation numbers.
GBP/USD is testing resistance at 1.3076. Above, there is resistance at 1.3129
1.3016 and 1.2963 are the next support levels
EUR/USD: Bearish Trend Driven by Diverging Monetary Policies!The EUR/USD continues to face bearish pressure, nearing two-month lows around 1.0890, driven by a strengthening U.S. dollar supported by increased risk aversion and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The dollar also benefited from the release of the minutes of the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which revealed that a majority of members supported a monetary easing policy, though without a clear timeline for future rate cuts. The diverging monetary policies between the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB) are strongly influencing the exchange rate. While the Fed is leaning towards further rate cuts, with an 84% probability of a 25-basis-point reduction next month, the ECB is more cautious. Despite inflation in the Eurozone falling below the 2% target, the ECB is closely monitoring economic data before taking new measures, leaving the euro vulnerable. The economic weakness in the Eurozone, with stagnant GDP growth, could continue to weigh on the euro, further favoring the dollar, which is in a position of strength thanks to the resilience of the U.S. economy. In conclusion, the EUR/USD is in a bearish context, with a possible break of key support levels that could lead to further declines. Only a recovery above the 1.0996 resistance could reverse the negative trend, but current economic and monetary conditions suggest the dollar will continue to dominate in the short term.
Canada’s job growth sparkles but Canadian dollar fallsThe Canadian dollar can’t find its footing and is trading at nine-week low against the US dollar. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3792 at the time of writing, up 0.21%. The Canadian dollar has recorded eight straight losing sessions and is down 1.9% in October.
The week ended on a high note, as Canada’s employment growth jumped by 46.7 thousand, crushing the market estimate of 27 thousand and sharply higher than the August reading of 22.1 thousand. Full-time employment surged by 112 thousand, following a decline of 43.6 thousand in August, while the unemployment rate dropped from 6.6% to 6.5%.
The impressive numbers couldn’t stop the Canadian dollar’s nasty slide but it will please Bank of Canada policymakers. The central bank has shifted its primary focus from inflation to risks to the labor market, now that inflation has been largely contained. In August, CPI dropped to 2%, its lowest level since February 2021.
The BoC meets next week and has a tough decision to make. The drop in inflation raised the odds of a 50-basis point cut but Friday’s employment report was stronger than expected and supports the case for a modest 25-bps cut. The BoC has been aggressive in its rate-cutting cycle and has lowered rates three times this year in a bid to ease the pressure of elevated rates.
The Federal Reserve has been late to the rate-lowering party, delivering its first rate cut in September. Still, the oversized 50-basis point cut in September signaled that the Fed means business and isn’t afraid to slash rates with large cuts. The Fed is expected to trim rates by an additional 50 or 75 basis points before year’s end. The most likely scenario is rate cuts of 25 bps in both November and December. The Fed could, however, deliver one more 50-bps cut if employment or inflation numbers are lower than expected.
USD/CAD has pushed above resistance at 1.3758 and is testing resistance at 1.3790. The next resistance line is 1.3817
1.3731 and 1.3699 are the next support levels
NASDAQ - Will the US stock market remain bullish?The index is above EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4H time frame and is trading in its ascending channel
If the upward trend line is maintained, we can see the index continue to climb up to the previous ATH
The valid failure of this line will pave the way for the correction of the index to the bottom of the ascending channel
Event-Driven Strategy using Bitcoin Weekly FuturesCME: Bitcoin Weekly Futures ( MIL:BFF )
On Thursday, October 10th, The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in August and July. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 2.4% before seasonal adjustment.
However, the headline CPI came in ahead of the 0.1% monthly gain and 2.3% year-over-year rate expected by analysts polled by Dow Jones. As a result, both the US equity markets and cryptocurrencies slipped on Thursday.
While the year-over-year headline CPI is the lowest since February 2021, digging into the category data reveals sticky inflation. Noticeable data includes:
• Food: +2.3% YoY. However, Eggs jumped 39.6%, while “nonconcentrated juices + soft drinks” category was up 15.3%.
• Motor vehicle insurance: +16.3% YoY
• Video discs + other media: +11.6% YoY
• Admission to sporting events: +10.3% YoY
• Health insurance: +7.5% YoY
High prices affect day-to-day life and contradict the notion of low inflation. The fact is that prices have gone up a lot in the past few years. Even though they rise more slowly now, the absolute price levels remain high. Examples from my personal experiences:
• The $9 price tag for 1-1/2 dozen eggs caused me to reduce purchase to 1-dozon for $5. I still remember the good old days of 99-cent per dozen large eggs.
• I watched a WNBC match featuring Indianapolis Fever and Catlin Clark in the summer. A seat close by the basketball court costs $200. Adding up hotel stay, fuel cost and a $50 T-shirt, this felt like a vacation budget.
• A recent doctor’s visit required copayment of $100. Six months ago, the same clinic charged $75. This is a 33.3% increase.
Event to Watch: The Next Fed Rate Decision
Retrospectively, it appears that the Federal Reserve acted a bit too aggressively with the supersized 50-bp rate cut in September. With the sticky inflation data, the Fed’s next move on November 7th is uncertain.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, as of October 11th, the futures market expects the Fed to cut 25 basis points at the next FOMC meeting, with an 88.4% probability. Gone are the odds of another supersized cut. Meanwhile, the probability of a no-cut increases to 11.6%.
www.cmegroup.com
Driven by the lowered expectation on Fed rate cuts, on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.14% to 42,454, and the S&P 500 slipped 0.21% to settle at 5,780. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq composite shaved up 10 points (-0.05%) and closed at 18,282.
The cryptocurrency market has a more pronounced reaction. Bitcoin gave up the psychologically important $60K level, lost $1,442 (or -2.36%) and settled at $59,564. Meanwhile, ETHER gave up $57.2 (or -2.38%) and closed at $2,356.
However, market sentiments are still very bullish. By Friday, strong Q3 earnings reported by JPMorgan and Well Fargo helped push the stock market up again, with the S&P 500 breaking 5,800 and making its 45th all-time high in 2024.
In my opinion, Bitcoin futures would be a good instrument for event-driven trades on the Fed rate decisions, given its higher volatility.
Introducing Bitcoin Friday Futures
Bitcoin Friday futures ( MIL:BFF ) are weekly, USD-settled contracts that offer a more precise way to gain bitcoin exposure and manage risk relating to such exposure. Each contract represents 1/50 of a bitcoin, ensuring capital efficiency and accessibility. The contract size of BFF is 1/5 of that of Micro Bitcoin Futures ( NYSE:MBC ), which is 1/10 of a Bitcoin.
These shorter-dated contracts expire and settle to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate New York Variant (BRRNY) every Friday at 4:00 p.m. New York time and may track the spot price of bitcoin more closely.
Futures contracts traditionally expire on a monthly or quarterly basis, such as BTC and MBT, whereas BFF will settle weekly every Friday. Because of this shorter duration, BFF will have a shorter cost of carry resulting in a price that may more closely track bitcoin’s spot price.
Bitcoin futures price = bitcoin spot price + financing costs to carry the position to expiration
Two consecutive Fridays will be listed at any time. A new BFF contract will be listed every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. New York time such that market participants will be able to trade the nearest Friday plus the next two Fridays giving traders the choice to hold or not hold exposure over the weekend depending on their preference.
Trade Setup using BFF for the FOMC Event
The Federal Open Market Committee will release its next rate decision at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, November 7th.
The BFF contract expiring Friday, November 8th will begin trading at 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, October 24th.
A trade could be set up on or after October 24th, and closed by November 7th or 8th, after the market reacts to the Fed decision and before contract expiration.
While the market overwhelmingly expects the Fed to cut 25 bps, new data could change the expectations dramatically in the next four weeks. The most important data points are:
• BLS Nonfarmed Payroll and Unemployment, November 1st
• US Presidential Election, November 5th
Separately, the next BLS CPI release will be on November 13th, after the BFF November 8th contract. We could use the BFF November 15th contract to trade on that event.
As an educational writeup, I do not offer a personal view on the future direction of BFF prices. With basic information provided here, traders could apply their own view to set up a trade on BFF.
Generally, if the Fed cuts rates in December, stocks and cryptocurrencies could get a lifting as lower rates reduce the cost of capital. Meanwhile, if the Fed pauses and decides on no-cuts, the uncertainty on interest rate trajectory could cause risk capital to fall.
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
RBNZ implements jumbo cut; Kiwi dollar plummeted
Following the Fed's lead, the RBNZ also took a big step. The RBNZ took the jumbo step of cutting its benchmark interest rate by 50bps, bringing it down from 5.25% to 4.75%. RBNZ stated that New Zealand's economy is now in excess capacity, and low import prices fuel deflation. They insisted that the committee unanimously confirmed that domestic economic activity is decelerating, as business investment and consumer spending are weakening, and employment conditions are persistently deteriorating.
As hopes for the Fed’s additional rate cut diminish, the US dollar is on the rise, while the Kiwi dollar has dropped briefly to 0.6050, matching its lowest since 18th August. NZDUSD advanced to 0.6095 after breaching the ascending channel’s upper bound. If NZDUSD breaches the resistance at 0.6110, the price could gain upward momentum toward 0.6175. Conversely, if NZDUSD fails to hold above the channel’s upper bound and breaks below the support at 0.6050, the price could fall further to 0.5960.
GBP/USD: Key Levels and Market UncertaintyThe analysis of the GBP/USD pair indicates a context of uncertainty, with the British pound (GBP) seeking support from relatively subdued demand for the US dollar (USD) but lacking clear bullish pressure. The GBP/USD pair is influenced by various macroeconomic factors, including expectations of further easing by the Bank of England (BoE) and key economic data from both the United States and the United Kingdom. Following the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) September meeting, the dollar gained strength. The minutes revealed that most FOMC members supported a 50 basis point (bps) rate cut, but with caution regarding the future pace of easing, sending a more "hawkish" signal than expected and dampening the prospects for immediate further easing. The pound remains under pressure, as the market expects the BoE to continue with a more accommodative policy, which limits the potential appreciation of the GBP. However, UK economic data could provide short-term support if it surprises to the upside. From a technical perspective, GBP/USD has some key static support levels: 1.3050, 1.3000 (a psychologically important round level), and 1.2940, which could act as deeper support. On the resistance side, 1.3100 corresponds to the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement of the latest uptrend and could be a barrier for bulls, with the next resistance at 1.3170, located at the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, representing the next hurdle in the event of a trend reversal.
Copper Pulls Back as China Optimism FadesCopper extended the August rebound into autumn and reached three-month highs, helped by the Fed’s jumbo rate cut and massive stimulus from Chinese authorities aiming to prop the economy and the property sector. However the measures do little to address the structural problems and the real estate market is unlikely to return to its former glory, while the lack of follow through on the fiscal front this week caused prior optimism to subside. Furthermore, the Fed has struck a more cautious approach towards further easing and Friday’s strong jobs report supported the reserved commentary. Markets have now priced out previous aggressive bets for 75 bps of cuts this year, aligning with the Fed’s 50 bps projections.
Copper pulls back as a result, threatening the EMA200 (black line) and the 50% Fibonacci of the recent recovery. A breach would pause the upside bias, send the non-ferrous metal into the daily Ichimoku Cloud and expose it to the ascending trend line from the August lows. Deeper correction however does not look easy under the current technical and fundamental backdrop.
There are still hopes for additional Chinese stimulus (potentially within the weekend), while prospects of US soft-landing and easier monetary policies in major economies can support higher prices. So do the AI boom and the green energy transition. Copper tries to defend the EMA200 that maintains its recovery momentum. This will allow it to push again towards 4.791, but we are cautious around further strength at this stage.
Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com):
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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 66% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com):
Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com
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Losses can exceed deposits.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website:
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Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
BoE is dovisher than the Fed. Will Sterling continue to fall?
Sterling is exhibiting weakness as a robust US economy bolsters the dollar. With the likelihood of a substantial Fed rate cut now nullified by the strong US job market, speculation of further rate cuts by the BoE in November is exerting downward pressure on the GBPUSD.
BoE Governor Andrew Bailey's statement about the potential for more aggressive rate cuts in response to ongoing inflation decline has intensified apprehensions about the BoE's hawkish monetary policy.
It is also worth noting that the UK Treasury is expected to present a budget with tax hikes and austerity measures. This could exert pressure on near-term growth for the UK economy and lead to a decline in the value of the Sterling.
GBPUSD maintained its downtrend and fell to 1.3060. The widening distance between both EMAs suggests a bearish momentum. If GBPUSD breaks the support at 1.3050, the price may fall further to 1.2960. Conversely, if GBPUSD breaches the resistance at 1.3250 and holds above both EMAs, the price could gain upward momentum toward 1.3435.
Dollar begins to rebound after NFP data
The Fed's possibility of making another jumbo cut quickly faded following September's NFP report, which renewed confidence in the US job market. According to CME FedWatch, the likelihood of a 50bp cut at the November FOMC has dropped from 36.8% to 0%, while the probability of a 25bp cut has surged to 88.8%. It's worth noting that the likelihood of a rate freeze has risen from 0% to 11.2%. Due to this, the dollar bounced back swiftly as expectations grew that the Fed's dovish stance would not persist.
DXY quickly breached the trendline and climbed above the 102.50 level. The price holds above both EMAs, sending out an apparent bullish signal. If DXY sustains support above both EMAs, the price could gain upward momentum toward the 103.30 resistance. Conversely, if DXY breaks the 101.60 support, where EMA21 coincides, the price may fall further to 101.10.
NZD/USD - RBNZ poised to cut, but by how much?The New Zealand dollar is down for a sixth straight day and has fallen 3.6% during that time. NZD has stabilized on Tuesday and is trading at 0.6120 in the North American session, down 0.07% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets on Wednesday and is widely expected to a cut rates, but by how much? The markets have priced in an oversize rate cut of 50 basis points, but a modest cut of 25 bps cannot be ruled out.
The RBNZ joined the rate-cutting club of major central banks in August after holding rates for over a year. The August cut which brought the cash rate down to 5.25%, marked the first rate cut in over four years. That move surprised the markets as the central bank had projected its first rate cut would not take place until mid-2025.
Why would the RBNZ slash by 50 bps? Elevated interest rates have weighed on economic activity and GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter. Inflation eased to 3.3% in the second quarter, closer to the RBNZ’s upper band of the 1-3% target range.
The RBNZ’s latest projections have inflation falling to 2.3% in Q3. The inflation report won’t be released until next week and if the RBNZ chops rates by 50 bps and inflation is higher than the RBNZ estimate, it will put the central bank in an awkward position.
Another factor which supports a 50-bps cut is that the Federal Reserve lowered rates by 50 bps in September, which allows the RBNZ to do the same without risking a sharp decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar.
NZD/USD is testing resistance at 0.6137 and 0.6161
There is support at 0.6100 and 0.6076
USDJPY Rebound Faces Pushback at Key ResistanceAfter the Fed’s jumbo pivot in September and aggressive easing path, Chair Powell adopted a more reserved approach at the start of the previous week. The cautious messaging was extrapolated at the end of that same week by the strong jobs report. Markets have now priced out bets for another outsized move, expecting 50 bps of cuts by the end of the year, in line with the Fed’s projections.
At the same time, the Bank of Japan has shifted to a more patient approach to monetary tightening, after last month's hold, removing guidance for further hikes ahead. The August deceleration in wage growth adds a reason for caution, while the current political landscape does not favor aggressive tightening. With elections due later this month, the new Prime Minister does not see the need for more hikes.
As a result of these developments, USD/JPY posted its best week of the year and extends its gains into the daily Ichimoku Cloud, testing the pivotal 38.2% Fibonacci. This creates scope for further recovery towards 151.90, but we are cautious about sustained advance as the upside is unfriendly technically and fundamentally.
Inflation (ex-fresh food) in Japan has been rising for the past four months and remains above the 2% target for more than two years, wages are elevated and GDP posted strong growth in Q2. One more rate hike within the year is still reasonable and BoJ officials still see more tightening if the economy evolves as projected. Chair Powell may have struck a more cautious tone, but officials still expect another 150 bps of cuts by the end of next year, so the broader policy dynamics remains unfavorable for USD/JPY.
The pair faces pushback at the 38.2% Fibonacci and rejection could send it back below the EMA200 (black line) and reaffirm the bearish bias. This would in turn create scope for new 2024 lows (139.57), although strong catalyst would be required.
Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 62% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”) (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 59% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com):
Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com):
Losses can exceed deposits.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website:
Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
CNH: Chinese Currency Could Return to the 6.3-6.9 LevelCME: USD/Offshore RMB Futures ( CME:CNH1! )
Last week, I discussed how China’s huge stimulus package, coupled with the Fed’s supersized rate cut, could improve global energy demand and lift crude oil higher.
As soon as the stimulus was announced, China’s stock market staged a huge rally. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) index moved from below 2,800 on September 24th to close at 3,336.5 on September 30th, up 19% in a week. One-month return for the SSE and notable Chinese stocks are listed here:
• SSE: +17.5%
• Yonghui Supermarkets: +59.9%
• JD: +51.3%
• BABA: +32.5%
• BIDU: +25.5%
China's stock market is closed on October 1st-7th for observation of the National Day holiday. Would the China rally continue when the market resumes trading on Tuesday?
Goldman Sachs just released a research note, saying: Unless China does QE now, the current market rally will crash and burn, and the economy will be a crater. If China does do QE, oil will soar, and gold and bitcoin will be orders of magnitude higher.
While this is presented as two alternative paths, there is only one way to go, in all practical purpose. After going all out last month with unprecedented fiscal stimulus, the Chinese government could not afford to see the stock market and the housing market to tank again. It really needs to finish the job by injecting fiscal stimulus into the economy. Now that the market sensation has already turned positive, government spending would trigger consumer spending as well as investment from the private sector. Such a multiplier effect could lift the Chinese economy higher.
Everything looks bright, with one small problem: China-listed stocks are off-limited to most foreign investors due to financial regulations and the foreign currency control regime.
China’s currency could strengthen as its economy recovers
I hold the view that the China’s currency could appreciate as its economy improves. Outside of China, investors could invest in USD/RMB futures to hitch the economic hike.
To start the discussion, let’s first make some clarification to the confusing terms in the FX market. The USD/RMB exchange rate is quoted as the number of RMB per dollar. The current USD/RMB rate is 7.09, meaning each dollar could exchange for 7.09 RMB.
When the RMB appreciates against the dollar, the price quote would get lower, not higher. For example, the rate 6.50 means you now need 6.50 RMB to get one USD dollar. In RMB terms, this is 0.59 Yuan less than the current USD/RMB rate 7.09. In this scenario, the RMB gains value relative to the dollar.
While the RMB appreciation equates to the dollar depreciation, in charts, the lines representing USD/RMB and the dollar index should move in the same direction.
• For dollar index, the line moving up means dollar gaining value.
• For the USD/RMB, the line moving up means the dollar appreciating against the RMB.
• These two things usually occur at the same time.
In 2023, as China’s economy did not rebound after the end of the pandemic closedown, the RMB depreciated more than 10% against the dollar, sending the rate from 6.69 to 7.37.
In 2024, the two lines diverged due to different economic forces.
• Dollar index moves down with the market expectation of the Fed cutting rates, reducing the interest earned from holding dollar asset.
• The USD/RMB quote moves up because of the slowdown in China’s economy.
In my opinion, the two lines will converge again, both moving down in Q4. Dollar index will get lower as the Fed continues rate cuts. The USD/RMB quote will also go lower, as improvement in China’s economy would strengthen the country’s currency.
For someone with a bullish view of RMB, he could establish a short position in CME USD/Offshore RMB Futures ( NYSE:CNH ). Remember, shorting means the expectation of the quote to go lower, which actually means RMB appreciating against the dollar.
The contract has a notional value of $100,000. At Friday closing price of 7.061, each December contract (CNHZ4) is worth RMB 706,100. CME Group requires an initial margin of RMB 14,000 for each CNH contract, long or short, at the time of writing.
Hypothetically, if CNH bounced back to 6.70, its previous high in January 2023, the quote difference of 361 pips (=7061-6700) would produce a gain of RMB 36,100 (=0.361x100,000) for a short position.
The risk of shorting the CNH is that the Chinese government did not follow through with a fiscal stimulus, and the market rally is short lived.
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
XAUUSD - Gold waiting for an important weekIn 4H timeframe, gold is moving above the EMA200 and EMA50 in its ascending channel
Gold is still trading in its range box, and geopolitical tensions and the strengthening of the dollar have not led to its failure to rise or fall so far
As long as gold is in this range, the best strategy will be to buy at the bottom and sell at the top
breaking of the two drawn upward and downward trend lines is the first warning in the direction of changing the trend, but the stabilization above the support and resistance ranges will provide the path for gold to break this range box in an authentic way
The potential target of this upward and downward movement will be the ceiling and bottom of the ascending channel
It should be noted that if Anas moves downward, we will look for medium-term gold buying positions at the bottom of the channel
XAUUSD - Gold waiting for an important weekIn 4H timeframe, gold is moving above the EMA200 and EMA50 in its ascending channel
Gold is still trading in its range box, and geopolitical tensions and the strengthening of the dollar have not led to its failure to rise or fall so far
As long as gold is in this range, the best strategy will be to buy at the bottom and sell at the top
breaking of the two drawn upward and downward trend lines is the first warning in the direction of changing the trend, but the stabilization above the support and resistance ranges will provide the path for gold to break this range box in an authentic way
The potential target of this upward and downward movement will be the ceiling and bottom of the ascending channel
It should be noted that if Anas moves downward, we will look for medium-term gold buying positions at the bottom of the channel