gbp/usd journal

Global Forex and Fixed Income Roundup: Market Talk

TRADING CENTRAL / DOW JONES 5 MIN AGO

Mon Oct 15 03:01:00 2018


The latest Market Talks covering FX and Fixed Income. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires throughout the day.

0701 GMT - The yield on Portugal's 10-year government bond is trading slightly lower, moving in line with the rest of the eurozone. The small drop in bond yields--which move inversely to prices--is also helped by the fact that an upgrade by Moody's Investors Service by one notch to Baa3 on Friday means Portugal now has an investment grade rating from all the four major ratings firms. Danske Bank analysts say the upgrade should help broaden the investor base and be supportive for Portuguese government bonds. Portugal's 10-year government bond yield is trading at 2.04%, down 0.6 basis points, according to Tradeweb. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0654 GMT - The Nikkei more than reversed Friday's modest gain to close at an 8-week low. Leading declines in Asia, the index fell 1.9% to 22271.30, putting this month's slide at 7.7%. Even without any further declines in the second half of October, it would be the Nikkei's worst month since June 2016. This compares with the index's record 16-straight days of gains last October. Among the standouts Monday was SoftBank, which fell 7.3% to notch its biggest drop since mid-2016. The dollar was at Y111.90 at Tokyo's stock market close versus Y112.17 at the open, and 10-year JGB yields have fallen half a basis point to 0.140%. ([email protected]; @kevinkingsbury)

0650 GMT - London stocks are expected to open 15 points higher at 7,010 points, according to London Capital Group. This is despite rising concerns over a fresh stalemate in Brexit negotiations after Prime Minister Theresa May said the U.K. could not sign a draft deal ahead of the EU summit on Wednesday. "With higher oil prices owing to Saudi Arabian tensions and Brexit hitting the pound, the FTSE is managing to buck the trend of its European peers," says Jasper Lawler of LCG. U.S.-China trade tensions, Brexit, Italy's budget-proposal submission today and increased political tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are set to keep pressure on risk appetite this week, he adds. ([email protected]; @lorena_rbal)

0645 GMT - ING says bond yields may continue to slide, as German Bund yields and government bonds elsewhere in the eurozone fall. The 10-year Bund yield is trading two basis points lower at 0.49%, according to Tradeweb. The economic data calendar is light but government bond supply will be significant this week, amounting to around EUR20 billion, although redemptions will amount to around EUR30 billion. "With the rating actions on Italy drawing near, equities (still) looking fragile and the U.S.-China trade war showing no signs of slowing, yields might retreat further near term," say ING's rates strategists. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0634 GMT - TD Securities' base case remains that Moody's Investors Service will downgrade Italy one notch to Baa3 with a negative outlook. They reckon that a single-notch downgrade by Moody's is "well embedded" into the credit premium of Italian government bonds, or BTPs. Therefore, TD Securities expects that even after such a downgrade, the 10-year BTP-Bund spread should stabilize around 280 bps to 300 bps. It expects S&P Global Ratings to maintain Italy at BBB but assign a negative outlook. "The slower shift from S&P allows markets to delay greater concerns," TD Securities says. The 10-year BTP-Bund yield spread stands at 308 bps, up 2 bps, according to Tradeweb. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0628 GMT - Bitcoin prices have spiked 6.5% the past hour, jumping above $6,600. While the catalyst behind the move higher for the world's largest cryptocurrency by market value isn't immediately clear, what is is bitcoin withstanding much of the world's broader-market volatility this month. The S&P 500 is down 5%, the MSCI Emerging Market Index has fallen 6.4% and Chinese stocks have slumped even more. Meanwhile, bond prices have dropped and currencies like the yuan have slid. Few are ready to label bitcoin a true store of value in times of turmoil, but it has held up better than most of late in currently standing at end-of-September levels. The entire cryptocurrency market has only fallen slightly. For sure, perspective is everything: Bitcoin is still down more than 50% for the year. ([email protected]; @srussolillo)

0622 GMT - The European Commission will voice a negative opinion on Italy's 2019 budget proposal, according to Danske Bank's base case. The bank's analysts also expect the EC to ask Italy for a budget revision, they say, ahead of the Italian government's submission of next year's budget proposal, scheduled for today. In case a revision is requested, the Italian authorities will have three weeks to comply. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0621 GMT - Portugal received good rating news on Friday when Moody's Investors Service upgraded the country's credit rating by one notch to Baa3, changing the outlook to stable from positive, while DBRS confirmed the rating at BBB with a stable trend. Moody's move means Portugal now has an investment grade rating from Moody's, S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings and DBRS. The drivers for the upgrade by Moody's include the facts that Portugal's elevated general government debt has moved to a sustainable, albeit gradual, downward trend with limited risks of a reversal and that a structurally improved external position has proved the country's economic resilience. Portugal has been on an improving ratings path as it has made great efforts to consolidate its finances following a three-year economic adjustment program that ended in June 2014. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0552 GMT - Australia's unemployment rate at 5.3% remains above the natural rate of unemployment estimated by the RBA at 5.0%. Ian Harper, a member of the RBA's board says in an interview it is a big stumbling block to raising interest rates. Elsewhere, he says the economy is getting a tailwind from the lower Australian dollar, w1hich has been in steady decline for some time, despite a widening interest rate differential between the U.S. and Australia. ([email protected]; Twitter @jamesglynnWSJ)

0544 GMT - Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 are both set to start the week slightly lower, says Jasper Lawler of London Capital Group, as the Italian budget drama that has captivated investors in recent weeks is set to continue being the center of attention. Rome is continuing to push for heavy spending with a deficit far beyond what European Union rules permit, pushing Italy's borrowing costs up to their highest in four years. "A full-on clash with the EU is expected to push Italian borrowing costs up higher and lower demand for the euro," says Mr. Lawler. ([email protected]; @anthony_shevlin)

0532 GMT - Indonesia's $230 million trade surplus last month, coming after a $1.02 billion deficit in August, is the first in 3 months and could be the only one for a spell. That's because imports and Indonesia's economic activity typically picks up in 4Q, which will likely impact the country's current-account balance, notes Bahana economist Putera Satria. Indonesian stocks rebounded from session lows after the midday release of the trade figures, with the Jakarta Composite Index finishing the morning up 0.2%. ([email protected])

0527 GMT - Doubts about the resilience of Australian consumers continues to create doubt in the mind of the RBA, according to Ian Harper, a member of its board. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Harper says it remains more likely that interest rates will rise next than fall, but adds that it wouldn't take much of a slowdown in consumer spending to be felt across the economy, so more growth in incomes is needed to bolster confidence among policy makers.([email protected]; Twitter @jamesglynnWSJ)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 15, 2018 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
TRADING CENTRAL /DOW JONES 5 HOUR AGO

British Pound Weakens on Renewed Brexit Deal Uncertainty -- Asia Daily Forex Outlook


Sun Oct 14 21:45:00 2018


By Trading Central


Following are expected trading ranges and outlooks for nine major currency pairs in Asia today:

Immediate Range Larger Range

USD/JPY 111.90-112.35 111.60-112.55
EUR/USD 1.1535-1.1575 1.1515-1.1610
AUD/USD 0.7100-0.7120 0.7080-0.7140
NZD/USD 0.6485-0.6520 0.6465-0.6535
GBP/USD 1.3065-1.3150 1.3030-1.3185
USD/CHF 0.9895-0.9930 0.9880-0.9955
USD/CAD 1.3015-1.3050 1.3000-1.3070
EUR/JPY 129.35-129.90 129.20-130.15
EUR/GBP 0.8790-0.8825 0.8770-0.8845


(Ranges are calculated using recent high and lows and technical analysis - Fibonacci levels, trendlines and moving averages.)


On Friday, U.S. stocks rallied on some better-than-expected third quarter earnings, clawing back some of the week's steep losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 287 points (+1.2%) to 25339 and the S&P 500 climbed 38 points (+1.4%) to 2767. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index jumped 167 points (+2.3%) to 7496 after a six-day plunge. However, all three indexes posted their biggest weekly percentage declines since March 23.

Shares in the Software & Services (+3.42%), Technology Hardware & Equipment (+3.33%) and Retailing (+2.75%) sectors were under pressure.

Sears Holdings surged 19.0% after it said it is inching closer to a deal with lenders about a bankruptcy plan. Meanwhile, bank stocks like JPMorgan (+1.1%), Citigroup (+2.1%) and Wells Fargo (+1.3%) climbed as their third quarter earnings showed that consumer credit expands.

European stocks edged lower, with the STOXX Europe 600 dropping 0.2%. Germany's DAX dipped 0.1%, both France's CAC and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 fell 0.2%.

U.S. government bonds prices inched lower. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield ticked higher to 3.140% from 3.131% Thursday.

Oil prices posted modest gains but remained near their two-week lows. Nymex crude oil futures settled 0.5% higher at $71.34 a barrel and Brent advanced 0.2% to $80.43 a barrel.

Spot gold dropped 0.6% to $1,217 an ounce following a nearly 3% surge Thursday.

The U.S. dollar stabilized on Friday following a three-day decline. The ICE dollar index gained 0.2% on day to 95.22. Later today, investor would focus on U.S.'s September retail sales (vs. +0.7% on month expected).

The British pound dropped 0.6% to $1.3155. On Sunday, Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, said after a meeting with U.K. Brexit secretary Dominic Raab: "Despite intense efforts, some key issues are still open."

The euro again failed to hold the $1.1600 level as it closed down 0.3% to $1.1563. Official data showed that the eurozone's industrial production grew 1.0% on month in August (vs. +0.5% expected).

USD/JPY marked a day-low of 111.89 before bouncing back to close at 112.20, relatively unchanged on day.

Commodity-linked currencies broadly retreated against the greenback. AUD/USD slipped 0.1% to 0.7119 and NZD/USD fell 0.2% to 0.6508.


USD/JPY Intraday: Rebound expected. The pair, as shown on a 30-minute chart, has located a key support at 111.90 which was tested repeatedly in October 11-12. Currently it is off that support level and is trading at levels around the 20-period moving average. Unless the level of 111.90 is not violated, the intraday bias remains bullish, and the pair is expected to rebound toward 112.35 and 112.55 (around the high of October 11) on the upside. Alternatively, a break below 111.90 would bring about a bearish reversal and open a path toward 111.60 on the downside.


EUR/USD Intraday: Under pressure. The pair keeps trading on the downside after breaking the lower boundary of a bearish channel last Friday. It is currently capped by the 20-period moving average, which stays far below the 50-period one. Key resistance is located at 1.1575. Below that level, intraday bearishness persists, and the pair should sink toward 1.1535 and 1.1515 on the downside. Alternatively, breaking above 1.1575 would call for a further advance toward 1.1610 on the upside.


AUD/USD Intraday: Aimed at 0.7080. The pair is approaching the immediate support (first downside target) at 0.7100 while being capped by the descending 20-period moving average. The relative strength index remains negatively-sloped below the neutrality level of 50, suggesting continued downward momentum. Therefore intraday bearishness is still in force. Upon reaching 0.7100, the pair should target 0.7080 on the downside. Alternatively, breaking above 0.7120 would trigger an advance toward 0.7140 (around the high of last Friday) on the upside.


NZD/USD Intraday: Under pressure. The pair keeps trading within a bearish channel targeting 0.6465 on the downside. Currently, the pair is at levels below both the 20-period and 50-period moving averages, while the relative strength index remains subdued in the 40s. Below the key resistance at 0.6520, expect a further decline toward 0.6485 and 0.6465 on the downside. Alternatively, a break above 0.6520 would trigger a revisit to 0.6535 on the upside.


GBP/USD Intraday: Towards 1.3030. The pair has stayed on the downside after opening with a bearish gap this morning. The relative strength index has fallen to the oversold area without showing signs of a bullish reversal. The intraday bias has turned very bearish. As long as the key resistance at 1.3150 holds, the pair should proceed toward 1.3065 and 1.3030 on the downside. Alternatively, above 1.3150, expect a rebound toward 1.3185 on the upside.


USD/CHF Intraday: Key support at 0.9895. The pair is supported by a bullish trend line drawn from October 11. Currently, it is also being supported by a rising 50-period moving average, while the relative strength index is showing a lack of downward momentum. Unless the key support at 0.9895 is broken, expect a revisit to 0.9930 and 0.9955 on the upside. Alternatively, a break below 0.9895 would trigger a return to 0.9880 on the downside.


USD/CAD Intraday: Caution. The pair retreated slightly from last Friday's (October 12) high of 1.3052 while trading at levels around the 50-period moving average and is adhering to the lower Bollinger band. Therefore, caution is advised. However, as long as the level of 1.3015 holds as the key support, the bullish bias should be maintained, and the pair is expected to revisit 1.3050 (around the high of last Friday) before proceeding to the next upside target at 1.3070 (around the high of October 10-11). Alternatively, below 1.3015, look for a further decline toward 1.3000.


EUR/JPY Intraday: Under pressure. The pair opened today's session with a bearish gap, and is currently not far away from the immediate support at 129.35 (around the low of last Friday, October 12). Currently, it is trading around the 20-period moving average, which stays below the 50-period one. The relative strength index has dropped to levels below the neutrality level at 50, indicating downward momentum for the pair. The intraday outlook has turned bearish, and the pair should sink further to 129.20 once breaching 129.35. Key resistance is located at 129.90, crossing which would open a path toward 130.15 on the upside.


EUR/GBP Intraday: Aimed at 0.8845. On a 30-minute chart, the pair bounced producing a bullish gap at the open of Asian trading hours this morning. Currently, the pair remains on the upside and is striking against the upper boundary of Bollinger band. The relative strength index is well directed above the neutrality of 50 while has entered the 70s, showing continued upward momentum for the pair. As long as the key support at 0.8790 is not breached, the intraday outlook remains bullish, and the pair should advance toward the first upside target at 0.8825, and 0.8845 in extension. Alternatively, a break below 0.8790, i.e. filling the bullish gap seen this morning, would call for a further decline toward 0.8770 on the downside.


This is a financial news and information service. It is provided in general terms and does not take account of or address any individual user's position. To the extent that this article includes suggestions as to various possible investment strategies which users might consider, it does so in only general terms without reference to the personal factors which should determine any user's investment decisions. Nothing contained in this service constitutes personalized investment advice. Dow Jones does not warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information in this article, and any errors shall not be made the basis for any claim against Dow Jones. The author does not invest in the instruments or markets cited in this article. This article does not constitute or form part of any invitation or inducement to buy or sell any security.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 14, 2018 21:45 ET (01:45 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
Global Forex and Fixed Income Roundup: Market Talk

TRADING CENTRAL 20 MIN AGO

Mon Oct 15 03:42:00 2018


The latest Market Talks covering FX and Fixed Income. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires throughout the day.

0742 GMT - Sterling falls after talks between the U.K. and the EU broke down over the weekend, dashing hopes that a withdrawal agreement could be achieved at this week's EU summit. GBP/USD falls to a six-day low of 1.3083 and EUR/GBP rises to a 10-day high of 0.8847. The parties reportedly haven't managed to agree on measures to prevent a hard border in Ireland. ING says this raises "questions over the stability of the U.K. government and the degree of political risk premium that needs to be priced into sterling assets." GBP/USD is last down 0.3% at 1.3119 and EUR/GBP is last up 0.4% at 0.8825. ([email protected])

0734 GMT - Portuguese government bonds will again be part of JPMorgan's investment-grade bond indices after Moody's Investors Service reinstated Portugal's investment grade on Friday. The move from speculative status to 'Baa3' with a stable outlook means Portugal's bonds will be eligible to be included in JPMorgan's investment-grade bond indices, says UniCredit. 'Baa3' is the lowest level of investment-grade rating. Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings have already reinstated Portugal's investment-grade rating, while DBRS never stripped Portugal of this status. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0727 GMT - The pace of government bond yield rises in Central and Eastern Europe are likely to moderate in the coming quarters after heftier increase, say Erste Group's analysts. As deflationary risks in CEE seem to be gone against the backdrop of strong economic growth, ever tighter labor markets and the revival of credit flow, rates and yields have accordingly increased in most CEE countries in recent quarters, say Juraj Kotian, head of CEE macro and fixed income research and Zoltan Arokszallasi, chief analyst for CEE macro/fixed income at Erste Group. "A positive development is that the major part of the yield increases is over and only about a 30 bp increase on average is expected in the coming four quarters," the analysts say. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0711 GMT - Although retail prices were tepid, India's wholesale inflation picked up last month as rising fuel prices begin to hurt. Wholesale prices were 5.1% higher than a year earlier in September, with fuel prices up 2.2% from August. But with consumer inflation remaining below the central bank's 4% target for a 2nd month, the wholesale-inflation figure may not lead to faster movement on interest-rate hikes. The RBI surprised earlier this month by not undertaking one. Economists are widely predicting 1-2 increases through March. ([email protected])

0707 GMT - The Italian government is due to submit its 2019 draft budget to the European Commission later, but EUR/USD is flat at 1.1563 as the budget and the commission's reaction to it are already priced in. "Noise continued to emanate from Italy regarding the budget, but we didn't get any substantive new information and the sell-off in" Italian government bonds wasn't substantial, says Jim Reid, research strategist at Deutsche Bank, in an email. Societe Generale says that "most likely, Italy will be in breach of the EU fiscal rules, but the EC is unlikely to request a revised budget and will likely instead seek corrective measures." ([email protected])

0701 GMT - The yield on Portugal's 10-year government bond is trading slightly lower, moving in line with the rest of the eurozone. The small drop in bond yields--which move inversely to prices--is also helped by the fact that an upgrade by Moody's Investors Service by one notch to Baa3 on Friday means Portugal now has an investment grade rating from all the four major ratings firms. Danske Bank analysts say the upgrade should help broaden the investor base and be supportive for Portuguese government bonds. Portugal's 10-year government bond yield is trading at 2.04%, down 0.6 basis points, according to Tradeweb. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0654 GMT - The Nikkei more than reversed Friday's modest gain to close at an 8-week low. Leading declines in Asia, the index fell 1.9% to 22271.30, putting this month's slide at 7.7%. Even without any further declines in the second half of October, it would be the Nikkei's worst month since June 2016. This compares with the index's record 16-straight days of gains last October. Among the standouts Monday was SoftBank, which fell 7.3% to notch its biggest drop since mid-2016. The dollar was at Y111.90 at Tokyo's stock market close versus Y112.17 at the open, and 10-year JGB yields have fallen half a basis point to 0.140%. ([email protected]; @kevinkingsbury)

0650 GMT - London stocks are expected to open 15 points higher at 7,010 points, according to London Capital Group. This is despite rising concerns over a fresh stalemate in Brexit negotiations after Prime Minister Theresa May said the U.K. could not sign a draft deal ahead of the EU summit on Wednesday. "With higher oil prices owing to Saudi Arabian tensions and Brexit hitting the pound, the FTSE is managing to buck the trend of its European peers," says Jasper Lawler of LCG. U.S.-China trade tensions, Brexit, Italy's budget-proposal submission today and increased political tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are set to keep pressure on risk appetite this week, he adds. ([email protected]; @lorena_rbal)

0645 GMT - ING says bond yields may continue to slide, as German Bund yields and government bonds elsewhere in the eurozone fall. The 10-year Bund yield is trading two basis points lower at 0.49%, according to Tradeweb. The economic data calendar is light but government bond supply will be significant this week, amounting to around EUR20 billion, although redemptions will amount to around EUR30 billion. "With the rating actions on Italy drawing near, equities (still) looking fragile and the U.S.-China trade war showing no signs of slowing, yields might retreat further near term," say ING's rates strategists. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0634 GMT - TD Securities' base case remains that Moody's Investors Service will downgrade Italy one notch to Baa3 with a negative outlook. They reckon that a single-notch downgrade by Moody's is "well embedded" into the credit premium of Italian government bonds, or BTPs. Therefore, TD Securities expects that even after such a downgrade, the 10-year BTP-Bund spread should stabilize around 280 bps to 300 bps. It expects S&P Global Ratings to maintain Italy at BBB but assign a negative outlook. "The slower shift from S&P allows markets to delay greater concerns," TD Securities says. The 10-year BTP-Bund yield spread stands at 308 bps, up 2 bps, according to Tradeweb. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0628 GMT - Bitcoin prices have spiked 6.5% the past hour, jumping above $6,600. While the catalyst behind the move higher for the world's largest cryptocurrency by market value isn't immediately clear, what is is bitcoin withstanding much of the world's broader-market volatility this month. The S&P 500 is down 5%, the MSCI Emerging Market Index has fallen 6.4% and Chinese stocks have slumped even more. Meanwhile, bond prices have dropped and currencies like the yuan have slid. Few are ready to label bitcoin a true store of value in times of turmoil, but it has held up better than most of late in currently standing at end-of-September levels. The entire cryptocurrency market has only fallen slightly. For sure, perspective is everything: Bitcoin is still down more than 50% for the year. ([email protected]; @srussolillo)

0622 GMT - The European Commission will voice a negative opinion on Italy's 2019 budget proposal, according to Danske Bank's base case. The bank's analysts also expect the EC to ask Italy for a budget revision, they say, ahead of the Italian government's submission of next year's budget proposal, scheduled for today. In case a revision is requested, the Italian authorities will have three weeks to comply. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 15, 2018 03:42 ET (07:42 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
TRADING CENTRAL 10 MIN AGO

Trading Central: GBP/USD Could Drop Towards 1.30 -- Market Talk


Mon Oct 15 04:10:00 2018


0810 GMT Currently trading at $1.3125, the British pound has broken below a rising trend line and remains capped by its declining 50-period moving average on 30-minute chart, currently at $1.3143. In addition, the 14-period RSI is standing within its selling area between 50 and 30, confirming the bearish bias. As a consequence, below horizontal resistance at $1.3150, a new down move toward horizontal support at $1.3065 is expected. A break below this threshold would open the way toward strong horizontal support and Oct. 9 bottom at $1.3030 and toward $1.3000 in extension. Alternatively, an upside breakout of $1.3150 would invalidate this bearish view and favour a rise toward strong horizontal resistance and overlap at $1.3185 and toward $1.3225 in extension. [This piece contains the opinions of Trading Central and does not constitute personalized investment advice or form part of any invitation or inducement to buy or sell any security. The author has been prohibited by Trading Central from purchasing or otherwise directly or indirectly acquiring any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any instruments or markets for which Trading Central or its affiliates issues recommendations. To read more, visit bit.ly/1MehCU9.] ([email protected])


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 15, 2018 04:10 ET (08:10 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
TC 6 HOURS AGO


USD/JPY Slips from 112.00 Handle -- Asia Daily Forex Outlook


Mon Oct 15 21:53:00 2018


By Trading Central


Following are expected trading ranges and outlooks for nine major currency pairs in Asia today:

Immediate Range Larger Range

USD/JPY 111.60-111.95 111.30-112.25
EUR/USD 1.1565-1.1610 1.1540-1.1630
AUD/USD 0.7120-0.7150 0.7100-0.7175
NZD/USD 0.6540-0.6595 0.6510-0.6620
GBP/USD 1.3130-1.3185 1.3095-1.3225
USD/CHF 0.9850-0.9885 0.9825-0.9910
USD/CAD 1.2955-1.3005 1.2925-1.3030
EUR/JPY 129.30-129.80 129.10-130.10
EUR/GBP 0.8795-0.8825 0.8780-0.8845


(Ranges are calculated using recent high and lows and technical analysis - Fibonacci levels, trendlines and moving averages.)


On Monday, U.S. stocks weakened, dragged by sliding technology shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 89 points (-0.4%) to 25250, the S&P 500 lost 16 points (-0.6%) to 2750, and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 66 points (-0.9%) to 7430.

Shares in the Technology Hardware & Equipment (-1.88%), Software & Services (-1.6%) and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (-1.32%) sectors ended in the red zone while shares in the Household & Personal Products (+0.98%), Automobiles & Components (+0.94%) and Food, Beverage & Tobacco (+0.79%) sectors gained momentum.

Selloff in tech stocks like Netflix (-1.9%), Amazon (-1.6%) and Apple (-2.1%) led the declines. Separately, Sears Holdings plunged 23.8% after announcing a filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, while Harris Corp jumped 11.9% after announcing a merger with competitor L3 Technologies in an all-stock deal.

On the economic data front, U.S. retail sales rose 0.1% on month in September, lower +0.6% expected. In other news, the latest U.S. budget deficit jumped to $779 billion, 17% higher than the previous fiscal period and the largest deficit since 2012.

European stocks ended higher, with the STOXX Europe 600 rising 0.1%. Germany's DAX rose 0.8%, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 increased 0.5%, while France's CAC closed flat.

U.S. government bonds prices declined as the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield was up to 3.163% from 3.140% Friday.

Oil prices rose on escalating tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of a dissident Saudi journalist in Turkey. Nymex crude oil futures settled 0.6% higher at $71.78 a barrel and Brent gained 0.4% to $80.78 a barrel.

Spot gold advanced 0.8% to $1,227 an ounce (day-high at $1,233), boosted by climbing demand for safe-haven assets.

The U.S. dollar eased on weaker-than-expected retail sales report, with the ICE dollar index slipping 0.3% on day to 95.06.

The euro gained 0.3% to 1.1583. Italian coalition government approved the budget law for 2019 which could then be sent to the European Commission.

The British pound rose 0.4% to $1.3154. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said to the parliament that "The shape of a deal across the vast majority of the withdrawal agreement, the terms of our exit, are now clear". On the other hand, Investors will be watching closely the latest U.K. official job report due later today (vs. jobless rate of 4.0% expected).

The Japanese yen, widely considered to be a safe-haven currency, continued to received bids amid heightened worldwide political and market uncertainty. USD/JPY slid 0.3% to 111.84, the lowest level since September 17.

NZD/USD jumped 0.6% to 0.6551. This morning, official data showed that New Zealand's third-quarter CPI rose 1.9% on year (vs. +1.7% expected, +1.5% in the second quarter), NZD/USD then bounced to 0.6582.

Meanwhile, AUD/USD rose 0.4% to 0.7136, while USD/CAD slipped 0.2% to 1.2995.


USD/JPY Intraday: Key resistance at 111.95. The pair, as shown on a 30-minute chart, keeps trading within a bearish channel drawn from last Friday. In fact, the descending 50-period moving average is helping to maintain intraday bearishness. Unless the key resistance at 111.95 (a key support seen in October 11-12) is surpassed, the pair stands higher chances of pulling back to 111.60 (around the low of yesterday) and 111.30 on the downside. Alternatively, above 111.95, expect a further advance toward 112.25 on the upside.


EUR/USD Intraday: Upside prevails. The pair stays on the upside after validating a bullish triangle continuation pattern. Currently it is around the 20-period moving average, which stands above the 50-period one. Above the key support at 1.1565, the pair should revisit 1.1610 (around the highs of October 12, 15). Alternatively, a break below 1.1565 would open a path toward 1.1540 (around the lows of October 12, 15) on the downside.


AUD/USD Intraday: Bias remains bullish. The pair continues to trade on the upside after rebounding from a low of 0.7097 seen yesterday. Intraday technical indicators (200-period, 50-period moving averages, relative strength index) are still well directed, suggesting a continuation of intraday bullishness. Upon reaching 0.7150 on the upside, the pair should target 0.7175. Alternatively, a break below the key support at 0.7120 would open a path toward 0.7100 on the downside.


NZD/USD Intraday: Target 0.6620. The pair has crossed above a wedge confirming a bullish continuation pattern. Currently, it is striking against the upper Bollinger band, while the relative strength index is well directed in the 60s, indicating continued upward momentum. Upon reaching 0.6595, the pair should proceed further to 0.6620. Alternatively, a break below the key support at 0.6540 would trigger a pull-back to 0.6510.


GBP/USD Intraday: Bullish bias remains. The pair has validated a bullish symmetric triangle pattern while approaching the first upside target at 1.3185. Currently, it is supported by the 20-period moving average, which stays above the 50-period one, signaling a bullish bias. Unless the key support at 1.3130 is violated, expect a revisit to 1.3185 and 1.3225 on the upside. Alternatively, below 1.3130, a return to 1.3095 is likely.


USD/CHF Intraday: Key resistance at 0.9885. The pair remains on the downside after forming a lower high. Currently, it is capped by the 20-period moving average, which remains below the 50-period one. And the relative strength stays subdued in the 40s, signaling a bearish bias. As long as the key resistance at 0.9885 holds, the pair should target 0.9850 and 0.9825 on the downside. Alternatively, a break above 0.9885 would open a path toward 0.9910 on the upside.


USD/CAD Intraday: Continuation of the rebound. On a 30-minute chart, the pair marked a day-low of 1.2955 yesterday (October 15) before posting a rebound. Currently the pair is trading at levels around the 20-period moving average, and the relative strength index is below the neutrality of 50 but reversing up. The overhead resistance is at 1.3005. Crossing above this level would set the pair on course to 1.3030. Only a break below the key support at 1.2955 would bring about a bearish reversal and expect a return to 1.2925 on the downside.


EUR/JPY Intraday: Rebound. The pair has broken above a falling wedge pattern and remains on the upside. Currently, it keeps trading above both the 20-period and 50-period moving averages. And the relative strength index has managed to stayed above the neutrality level of 50, indicating a lack of downward momentum for the pair. As intraday bullish persists, the pair is expected to proceed toward 129.80 (around the high of yesterday, October 15) before targeting 130.10. However, a break below the key support at 129.30 would trigger a further decline toward the alternative downside target at 129.10 (around the session low of yesterday).


EUR/GBP Intraday: Bullish bias above 0.8795. The pair remains within a consolidation phase initiated from a high of around 0.8825 seen yesterday (October 15) while has located a key support at 0.8795 before trading higher. Currently, it is trading at levels around the 20-period moving average. The relative strength index is around the neutrality level of 50 showing no downward momentum. As the bullish bias persists, the pair is expected to revisit the overhead resistance at 0.8825 before advancing further to 0.8845. Alternatively, breaching the key support at 0.8795 would open a path toward 0.8780 on the downside.


Any opinion offered herein reflects Trading Central's current judgment and may change without notice. This content is provided in general terms and does not take account of or address any individual user's position. Nothing contained in this publication constitutes personalized investment advice. To the extent that this article includes suggestions as to various possible investment strategies which users might consider, it does so in only general terms without reference to the personal factors which should determine any user's investment decisions; any investment decisions and associated risks are the sole responsibility of the user. The content doesn't reflect the opinion or judgment of Dow Jones, which does not warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information in this article, and any errors shall not be made the basis for any claim against Dow Jones. This article does not constitute or form part of any invitation or inducement to buy or sell any security. The author has pledged not to invest in the instruments or markets cited in this article.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 15, 2018 21:53 ET (01:53 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
U.S. Sanctions Give Russian Economy an Unintended Boost


Tue Oct 16 05:30:00 2018

By Avantika Chilkoti

U.S. sanctions have driven the price of oil and the ruble apart -- leaving Russia with expensive crude and a cheaper currency, a combination that is helping its economy.

The price of oil, Russia's main export, has risen almost 14% since mid-August. This is largely because of the coming resumption of U.S. sanctions against Iran, choking off the supply of crude from that country.

Meanwhile, the ruble has declined 15% since April, when Washington imposed sanctions on Russia for alleged meddling in U.S. elections and other aggressions.

So, just as the price of dollar-denominated oil rises, those greenbacks are worth more when translated back into a weaker ruble.

In recent days, oil and the ruble have changed directions again, with both crude and the dollar declining. But for months, the Russian economy benefited as a rising oil price and a falling ruble refilled government coffers and sent profit soaring at the country's giant energy groups. This year, shares of oil producers Rosneft Oil Co. and Lukoil Oil Co. are up 56% and 39%, respectively, handily outperforming Western peers.

"Russia is much better off with higher oil and a weaker ruble because, from a budgetary perspective, that's a double positive," said Viktor Szabo, emerging-markets debt-portfolio manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments.

Emerging markets generally have been hit by the rising U.S. dollar and interest rates, trade worries and domestic political concerns in individual countries such as Turkey. The ruble has the added weight of U.S. sanctions.

In August, the ruble fell further after the U.S. slapped further sanctions on Russia over an alleged nerve-agent attack in the U.K. and threatened to follow through with a second round of measures in 90 days' time if Russia doesn't meet a list of three criteria involving stopping the use of biological and chemical weapons.

The risk for the U.S. is that sanctions aren't having the intended effect, given how the combination of a weaker ruble and higher oil price is playing out.

At the end of last year, a barrel of oil brought in just over 3,835 rubles for Russian sellers, when translated back from the dollars it is sold in. Now, each barrel brings in 5,262 rubles, an increase of almost 40%.

Rosneft, the world's largest listed oil producer, is one of those reaping the benefit. It reported a near-50% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization in the second quarter, compared with the previous three months.

The sanctions are also helping the country lower its foreign debt at a time it had started to rise for the government and companies, according to Société Générale. That is occurring both as the fall in the ruble deters issuers from taking on dollar-denominated debt and amid concern the U.S. will impose sanctions on trading in Russia's dollar debt.

Russian private and government debt held by foreign investors has been falling since 2016, reaching 32% of gross domestic product in the first quarter, according to Société Générale. Meanwhile, Russia's current-account surplus, a measure of its transactions with the rest of the world, has climbed to $18.3 billion in March, up from $14.6 billion in the previous quarter.

"Russia has adapted to low oil prices and sanctions impressively," analysts at CreditSights said in a note to clients. "Sovereign debt remains reasonably low, and the stock of external liabilities is now significantly lower."

To be sure, years of sanctions have hurt the Russian economy. A spate of Western penalties against Russia since Vladimir Putin's decision to annex Crimea in 2014 have wiped out half the ruble's value and reduced investment in the energy sector.

Russian markets have also suffered more recently. Since the start of this year, the yield on a U.S. dollar-denominated government bond maturing in September 2012 has risen to 4.36% from 3.28%. Russia's Micex equity benchmark index has dropped 12% in the same period, despite the weaker ruble making exports more profitable.

The weak currency is also feeding through into inflation, which the central bank expects to rise to as much as 5.5% by the end of next year, well above its 4% target. In September, the Russian central bank surprised markets with a quarter-point increase to 7.5% as it sought to target inflation.

Write to Avantika Chilkoti at avantika.chilkoti at @wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2018 05:30 ET (09:30 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
Global Forex and Fixed Income Roundup: Market Talk


Tue Oct 16 05:14:00 2018


The latest Market Talks covering FX and Fixed Income. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires throughout the day.

0914 GMT - Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, hit a 2-year low last month in China. To Bocom, that points to weakening domestic demand. That as the bank put strong gains in food and oil prices largely on supply shocks as it flags deflation risks for China. Bocom notes that most non-food prices, except for housing and fuel, eased in September. ([email protected])

0913 GMT - The fall in U.S. Treasury yields from recent multi-year high is keeping the dollar subdued and making emerging market currencies stronger, as investors' attention goes back to higher yielding assets in the EM. EUR/USD up slightly at 1.1589, whilst USD/TRY is down by 0.1% at 5.7796, having fallen to a two-month low on Monday, and USD/ZAR is down by 0.5% at 14.29. "The Turkish lira is the standout performer in EM, having strengthened for nine straight sessions," says Societe Generale, adding that "the court ruling last Friday to release U.S. Pastor Brunson has nudged USD/TRY closer to 5.70." ([email protected])

0855 GMT - Italian government bond yields fall, indicating reduced stress around the country's budget plans. Italy's coalition government on Monday approved draft budget plans for 2019 and submitted it to the European Commission which has one week to judge whether the plans are compliant with the European Union's rules. The 10-year Italian government bond, or BTP, yield is trading eight basis points lower at 3.48%, according to Tradeweb. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0853 GMT - New yuan loans by Chinese banks is predicted to have grew a bit more last month as Beijing pumped more liquidity into the financial system to encourage bank lending. The median forecast of 16 economists polled by WSJ is for CNY1.355 trillion ($195.8 billion) of loans, versus August's CNY1.28 trillion. That as growth in M2, the broadest measurement of money supply, is seen having edged up to 8.3% in September from 8.2%. The PBoC is likely to release the credit data by week's end. ([email protected])

0847 GMT - Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is hedging its regulatory bets with a new Dublin office before Brexit, adding to its London base where a U.K. e-money license currently lets it take customer cash deposits across the EU bloc. U.K. CEO Zeeshan Feroz said in an interview that the Dublin office "helps us plan for any eventualities" in accessing Europe, its fastest growing market in 2017 and this year. So far there isn't any formal framework in the U.K. or the broader EU for cryptocurrency trading or exchanges, although the e-money license means customer deposits must be segregated and screened for money-laundering risk. It also self regulates: "We take the lead in imposing on ourselves the standards we think the industry will go down," Mr. Feroz said.([email protected] ; @margotpatrick)

0838 GMT - South Korean financial authorities are closely monitoring markets for any possible volatility after offshore investors in September were net sellers of the country's debt for the 1st month this year. Though Korea is less vulnerable to external shocks than other emerging markets, authorities are still wary of a widening difference between the country's interest rates and America's, which could fuel capital flight to higher-rate locales like the US. Foreigners sold a net KRW1.9 trillion ($1.7 billion) worth of listed bonds in September, nearly reversing August's net purchases of KRW2.4 trillion, the FSS says. Meanwhile, foreigners' net stock purchases slowed to KRW580 billion from KRW1.1 trillion. ([email protected]; @Kwanwoo)

0828 GMT - Sterling is up slightly, but its "headline risk remains high," UniCredit says, given that the U.K. cabinet briefing is on Tuesday and the Europe Union summit starts on Wednesday. With the Brexit deadline getting closer, the U.K.'s exit from the EU is still the main factor driving the pound. "Recent developments suggest that a breakthrough in Brexit talks is unlikely to happen this week," says UniCredit. The U.K. labor market report on Tuesday and the U.K. inflation numbers on Wednesday "may have less of an impact as the focus is on the Brexit discussion." GBP/USD rises 0.3% to 1.3193 and EUR/GBP falls 0.2% to 0.8788. ([email protected])

0815 GMT - BlackRock says "the bulk of the recent selling pressure" in equities is being "driven by hedge funds unwinding popular crowded positions -- especially in technology and growth names." As such, the giant asset manager remains optimistic, saying its "growth indicators point to robust global growth with low inflation and do not show trade tensions hampering economic activity." Meanwhile, "we still see corporate earnings supported by sustained above-trend global growth and retain our preference for equities over fixed income. But we reiterate our call to focus on portfolio resilience. Companies that disappoint on third-quarter earnings and fourth-quarter guidance risk being acutely punished." ([email protected]; @kevinkingsbury)

0811 GMT - Some have turned bullish on the Singapore dollar with expectations of further monetary-policy tightening there. But FXTM says the past week's bounce versus the greenback looks "threatened" by external factors. "Ongoing trade tensions, emerging-market weakness and prospects of higher US interest rates may reduce appetite for riskier currencies like the Singapore dollar," analyst Lukman Otunuga tells WSJ. For now, the pair may hover around current levels in the S$1.3770 area. ([email protected]; @journosaurabh)

0807 GMT - BlackRock expects the yields on eurozone core government bonds, such as Germany or the Netherlands, to rise as they no longer reflect the improving growth outlook. "The ECB's negative interest rate policy has made yields unattractive and vulnerable to the improving growth outlook," says BlackRock. The asset manager finds that government bond valuations in the eurozone periphery appear "tight" but Italy represents an exception here. In fact, Italian spreads reflect "simmering" political risks, BlackRock says. BlackRock adds that the upcoming end to the European Central Bank's net asset purchases--scheduled to be phased out at year-end--could dampen appetite for European sovereigns bonds. ([email protected]; @emeseBartha)

0741 GMT - Following data today showing Chinese CPI hit a 7-month high in September, Citi says be mindful of near-term supply shocks. It notes the country's pig supplies are at a "historical low" following the spread of African swine fever. The investment bank says a rebound in demand, especially around Chinese New Year, could push up prices--and for food in general. That as tariffs on soybeans from the US are helping boost animals' feed costs and higher oil price are making transportation more expensive. Citi says the inflation risks could limit room for monetary easing to support China's economy. ([email protected]; @chester_yung)

0724 GMT Currently trading at JPY 112.08, the US Dollar has broken above a declining trend line and stands above its 50-period moving average on a 30-minute chart at JPY 111.84. Moreover, the intraday RSI is standing within its buying area between 50 and 70, and confirms the bullish trend. As a consequence, further advance is expected toward horizontal resistance at JPY 112.25 and toward strong horizontal resistance and Oct. 12 top at JPY 112.50 in extension. A third target is set at strong horizontal resistance and overlap at JPY 112.85. Only a downside breakout of horizontal support at JPY 111.70 would turn the outlook to bearish with alternative targets set at horizontal support at JPY 111.50 at first and at strong horizontal support at JPY 111.30 in extension. [This piece contains the opinions of Trading Central and does not constitute personalized investment advice or form part of any invitation or inducement to buy or sell any security. The author has been prohibited by Trading Central from purchasing or otherwise directly or indirectly acquiring any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any instruments or markets for which Trading Central or its affiliates issues recommendations. To read more, visit bit.ly/1MehCU9.] ([email protected])

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2018 05:14 ET (09:14 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
today was really good day for prediction statistic
DEMO
Gain: +132.0%
Abs. Gain: +132.0%
Daily: 23.42%
Monthly: 132.00%
Drawdown: 28.27%
Balance: $11600.00
Equity: (100.00%) $11600.00
Highest: (Oct 16) $11600.00
Profit: $6600.00
Interest:$0.00
Deposits: $5000.00
Withdrawals:$0.00
 

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4 h ago

U.S. Dollar Steady as Stocks Jump 2% -- Asia Daily Forex Outlook


Tue Oct 16 21:50:00 2018


By Trading Central


Following are expected trading ranges and outlooks for nine major currency pairs in Asia today:

Immediate Range Larger Range

USD/JPY 112.05-112.50 111.90-112.75
EUR/USD 1.1565-1.1595 1.1540-1.1610
AUD/USD 0.7125-0.7150 0.7115-0.7165
NZD/USD 0.6570-0.6600 0.6555-0.6620
GBP/USD 1.3170-1.3205 1.3140-1.3230
USD/CHF 0.9885-0.9930 0.9865-0.9955
USD/CAD 1.2915-1.2960 1.2895-1.2980
EUR/JPY 129.80-130.20 129.60-130.50
EUR/GBP 0.8765-0.8795 0.8750-0.8810


(Ranges are calculated using recent high and lows and technical analysis - Fibonacci levels, trendlines and moving averages.)


On Tuesday, U.S. stocks soared on strong corporate earnings reports and upbeat economic data, clawing back about half of their losses made last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 547 points (+2.2%) to 25798, its biggest one-day percentage gain since March. The S&P 500 added 59 points (+2.2%) to 2809 and the Nasdaq Composite surged 214 points (+2.9%) to 7645. Also, the Russell 2000 Index jumped 43 points (+2.8%) to 1596, its best gain since November 2016.

Shares in the Software & Services (+3.38%), Health Care Equipment & Services (+3.28%) and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+3.21%) sectors closed in the green. Goldman Sachs jumped 3.0% and Morgan Stanley climbed 5.7% after they both reported better-than-expected double-digit third-quarter profit growth.

On the economic data front, U.S. industrial production rose 0.3% on month in September, better than +0.2% expected.

European stocks also benefited from the improved sentiment, with the STOXX Europe 600 climbing 1.6%. Germany's DAX rose 1.4%, France's CAC advanced 1.5% and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.4%.

U.S. government bonds prices edged higher as the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield was down to 3.158% from 3.163% Monday.

Oil prices rose for a third straight session. Nymex crude oil futures settled 0.2% higher at $71.92 a barrel and Brent gained 0.8% to $81.41 a barrel.

Spot gold slipped 0.2% to $1,224 an ounce as stocks advanced sharply.

The ICE U.S. dollar index managed to close flat on day at 95.08, though U.S. President Trump again criticized the Federal Reserve for rising rates too quickly. He said: "I am not happy with what he (Fed Chair Powell) is doing because it is going too fast." Meanwhile, investors will scrutinize the latest U.S. Federal Reserve FOMC meeting minutes due later today.

The euro marked a day-high of US$1.1621 before retreating to end the session at US$1.1576, relatively unchanged on day.

The British pound gained 0.3% to US$1.3188. Official data showed that U.K.'s jobless rate remained stable at 4.0% (as expected) in the three months to August, while average earnings rose 3.1% on year, the largest growth since January 2009. On the other hand, investors will focus on the U.K. consumer inflation data due later today (vs. +2.6% on year in September expected).

The Japanese yen weakened against the dollar as investors' risk-on appetite returned. USD/JPY gained 0.5% to 112.34.

NZD/USD extended its rally for the second day, climbing 0.5% to 0.6583. At the same time, AUD/USD edged up 0.1% to 0.7138 and USD/CAD fell 0.4% to 1.2936.


USD/JPY Intraday: Further advance. The pair, as shown on a 30-minute chart, keeps striking against the upper Bollinger band while continuing a rebound initiated at a low of 111.70 seen yesterday. In fact, it has posted a bullish channel with the ascending 50-period moving average maintaining intraday bullishness. The overhead resistance is located at 112.50 (around the high of last Friday). Above that level, the pair should target 112.75 on the upside. Only a break below the key support at 112.05 would bring about a bearish reversal.


EUR/USD Intraday: Under pressure. The pair remains under pressure after retreating from a spike high of 1.1621 seen yesterday. Currently it is capped by the descending 20-period moving average, which has crossed below the 50-period one. Unless the key resistance at 1.1595 is surpassed, the intraday outlook is still bearish and the pair should pull back further to 1.1565 and 1.1540 on the downside. Alternatively, above 1.1595, a bounce toward 1.1610 on the upside is likely.


AUD/USD Intraday: Bullish above 0.7125. The pair is off a high of 0.7151 while standing above the key support at 0.7125. Support is also provided by the 50-period moving average. Meanwhile, the relative strength index has managed to maintain its footing at levels above the neutrality level of 50, suggesting a lack of downward momentum for the pair. Therefore, intraday bullishness persists, and the pair should proceed toward 0.7150 and 0.7165 on the upside. Alternatively, a break below 0.7125 would open a path toward 0.7115 on the downside.


NZD/USD Intraday: Bullish bias above 0.6570. The pair remains trading within a bullish channel. Currently, support is provided by the ascending 50-period moving average and a rising trend line drawn from October 15. Trading above the key support at 0.6570, the pair should target 0.6600 and 0.6620 on the upside. Alternatively, a break below 0.6570 would bring a pull-back to 0.6555 on the downside.


GBP/USD Intraday: Limited upside. The pair is supported by a bullish trend line drawn from October 15. It is currently trading at levels above the rising 50-period moving average, while the relative strength index shows a lack of downward momentum. Above the key support at 1.3170, expect a revisit to 1.3205 and 1.3230 on the upside. Alternatively, a break below 1.3170 would open a path toward 1.3140 on the downside.


USD/CHF Intraday: Further advance. The pair is striking against the upper Bollinger band while challenging the previous high at 0.9930. In fact, it is trading above both the 20-period and 50-period moving averages, while the relative strength index stands firmly in the 60s, showing continued upward momentum for the pair. Upon reaching 0.9930, the pair should target further at 0.9955. Alternatively, below the key support at 0.9885, expect a return to 0.9865 on the downside.


USD/CAD Intraday: Under pressure. The pair keeps trading on the downside while being capped by the descending 20-period moving average. The intraday configuration continues to be bearish as the 20-period moving average stays below the 50-period one, and the relative strength index remains subdued below the neutrality level of 50. Accordingly, the pair is expected to revisit 1.2915 on the downside (around the low seen yesterday, October 16) before sliding further toward 1.2895. Key resistance is located at 1.2960, breaching which would open a path toward 1.2980 on the upside.


EUR/JPY Intraday: Target 130.50. The pair keeps trading on the upside while being supported by the ascending 50-period moving average and a rising trend line drawn from October 15. Currently it is trading at levels around the upper Bollinger band, calling for acceleration to the upside. And the relative strength index is well directed above the neutrality level of 50. As intraday bullishness persists, the pair is expected to strike the first upside target at 130.20 before advancing further to 130.50. Key support is located at 129.80, a breach of which would open a path toward the alternative downside target at 129.60.


EUR/GBP Intraday: Under pressure. The pair has failed to post a significant rebound for challenging the key resistance at 0.8795. Currently, it is trading at levels around the 20-period moving average, which stays below the 50-period one. A lack of upward momentum is also evidenced by the relative strength index, which stays below the neutrality level of 50. Below 0.8795, the pair could proceed to test the first downside target at 0.8765, and in extension, 0.8750. Alternatively, breaching the key resistance would turn the intraday outlook bullish and open a path toward 0.8810 on the upside.


This is a financial news and information service. It is provided in general terms and does not take account of or address any individual user's position. To the extent that this article includes suggestions as to various possible investment strategies which users might consider, it does so in only general terms without reference to the personal factors which should determine any user's investment decisions. Nothing contained in this service constitutes personalized investment advice. Dow Jones does not warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information in this article, and any errors shall not be made the basis for any claim against Dow Jones. The author does not invest in the instruments or markets cited in this article. This article does not constitute or form part of any invitation or inducement to buy or sell any security.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2018 21:50 ET (01:50 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
 
5 min ago

Little hope for Brexit breakthrough at EU summit


Wed Oct 17 02:27:20 2018


May heads to Brussels as no deal preparations continue

Risk appetite appears to be gradually returning to markets following strong earnings-driven gains in the US overnight as attention now shifts to Brussels were Brexit talks will continue.

All eyes in Europe will be on the EU summit over the next couple of days as Theresa May heads to Brussels to try and break the impasse on the Northern Ireland border and the backstop arrangement. As the pressure has increased and the deadline neared, relations appear to have deteriorated rather than improved which has been worry but I still believe a deal will come, just not this month.

The EU has become renowned for its 11th hour deal making and I expect these negotiations to proceed in much the same way. For me, it’s the prospect of a deal not getting through parliament that represents the greatest risk rather than the leaders of the 28 deciding to suddenly abandon talks and shoot themselves in the foot in the process. We will hopefully be a lot clearer on the prospects of a deal by the end of the week.

Dollar in holding pattern; Asian equities follow Wall Street

Oil stable for now as Trump seeks to diffuse Saudi tensions

Oil prices appear to have stabilised a little in recent sessions after coming off their highs earlier in the month. Iranian sanctions have contributed strongly to the rise in oil prices in recent months but global growth concerns over the last week or two has clearly taken some of the heat out of the rally and at the very least, been the catalyst for some profit taking.


The disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi threatened to heighten tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia, which immediately drew attention back to oil as many saw it as being a potential weapon against US sanctions. But this was short-lived, with Trump clearly going out of his way to diffuse the situation rather than take his usual more combative approach, in a clear sign of his lack of appetite for a confrontation with Riyadh.

Asia market update: Focus on Yuan

Trump increasingly frustrated with the Fed

Trump once again weighed in on the central bank on Tuesday, claiming it is his biggest threat and that he’s not happy with what it’s doing as the inflation numbers are very low. Trump has repeatedly tried to pile pressure on the central bank to slow its rate hikes while claiming to respect its independence so the latest attack comes as no surprise.

And while the dollar has often softened in response to his comments, I don’t yet see them as a real risk to the central bank’s independence and we’re yet to see any evidence that it’s having any impact whatsoever on policy making. In fact, it’s simply another attempt by Trump to lay the groundwork for future finger pointing in the event that the economy falters, just as he did at the first sign of weakness last week.

The Fed minutes will likely highlight the Fed’s determination to plough on later on today, with the central bank having previously alluded to one more hike this year and a few more next. Given everything that’s happened since the meeting though, I wonder whether the minutes are already outdated and in fact, the comments we’ll get over the course of this week – including from Lael Brainard today – will be more relevant.
 
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