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The EUR/USD exchange rate was slightly affected by the German economic figures to rise modestly to the 1.1987 mark. However, some hours later the pair showed a 0.30% volatility finishing in the 1.197 area, as news agencies' posted reports suggested that the European Central Bank could postpone its decisions on tapering of its QE towards December due to the strength of the European single currency.

An upbeat figures coming from Germany managed to sustain relatively strong position of the Euro. The ZEW survey revealed that the country's business sentiment improved more than anticipated to 17 points this month. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the current situation was also more optimistic with the index edging up to 87.9.

Cable is standing at the front foot in early Wednesday's trading but the action so far holds within hourly cloud, top of which continues to limit upside attempts. Trading on Tuesday ended in long-legged candle and failed to provide firmer direction signals after the price pulled back from fresh high at 1.3618 but dip was so far limited at 1.3464. Bullish daily studies are generating negative signal as overbought RSI and slow stochastic are turning lower, but without reaction so far. UK retail sales are in focus today, with forecasts for August being below previous month's reading (retail sales m/m Aug f/c 0.2% vs 0.3% in July; core retail sales m/m Aug f/c 0.2% vs 0.5% in July). Release above forecasted levels would generate fresh support for sterling with upbeat numbers in Aug seen as support for hawks advocating BoE rate hike in coming months. Bullish scenario would result in retest of 1.3618 high and possible extension above on stronger bullish acceleration, while miss (release at/below forecast) would put pound under pressure and risk probes below 1.3464 (18 Sep correction low) towards pivot at 1.3439 (Fibo 38.2% of 1.3148/1.3618 upleg). Loss of the latter would spark further weakness towards rising daily Tenkan-sen at 1.3355.

Res: 1.3551; 1.3582; 1.3618; 1.3646
Sup: 1.3535; 1.3464; 1.3439; 1.3383

The Euro remains supported and hit new recovery high at 1.2019 in early Wednesday's trading, in extension of past four days recovery rally from 1.1737 low.

Tuesday's eventual close above daily Tenkan-sen line (1.1964) was a bullish signal as bulls look for close above another pivot at 1.1994 (Fibo 61.8% of 1.2092/1.1737 pullback) for confirmation.

Bullish daily techs are supportive for further advance with sustained break above 1.2000 barrier to open way towards recent peak at 1.2092, as there are no further obstacles en-route.

Rising 10SMA and broken daily Tenkan-sen offer solid supports at 1.1967/64, followed by ascending 20SMA at 1.1936.

On the other side, slow stochastic is entering overbought territory on daily chart and signals corrective easing in the near term.

Today's focus in on Fed, as two-day policy meeting ends today and the US central bank is expected to give more clues about the possibility of another rate hike this year, which is widely expected in December.

The Fed is facing difficult decision on whether to raise interest rates for the third time this year or to stay on hold until inflation improves. Stubbornly low inflation makes the big obstacle for the policymakers, as the Fed is caught between low inflation and strong signals of improvement in global economy.

Along with interest rate hike signals, markets also expect Fed to signal the beginning of reduction of its massive $4.2 trillion holding in bonds and mortgage-backed securities, which were accumulated in response to global crisis and recession.

The dollar is expected to receive significant boost if Fed provides stronger signals about interest rates and balance sheet reduction, which could send the single currency significantly lower, while opposite scenario on dovish signals from Fed would inflate the Euro for rally towards next target at 1.2166.

Quiet trading is seen likely on Wednesday ahead of Fed's announcement, due at 18:00 GMT.

Res: 1.2096, 1.2032, 1.2070, 1.2092
Sup: 1.1964, 1.1935, 1.1900, 1.1877

AUDUSD is neutral to bullish and is pivoting around the key psychological level at 0.8000 after hitting its highest level since May 2015 at 0.8124. The RSI and MACD oscillators are flat, indicating a loss in upside momentum. This suggests that the market has put in a short-term top after the subsequent slide from this September 8 high.

Sideways trading is expected in the near term within a range of 0.7934 and 0.8057. Strong support is expected at 0.7934 as this is the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the uptrend from 0.7328 to 0.8124. A move below the current range would shift the focus to the downside.

Loss of support at the next Fibonacci level at 0.7818 would open up the downside for a move towards the 50% Fibonacci at 0.7724. Another leg lower would start reversing the recent uptrend and shift the bias to a more bearish one with scope to target the 0.7328 low.

There is little immediate risk of a downturn right now. A move further away from 0.8000 to the upside could see a re-test of the 0.8124 peak. Clearing this high would see a resumption of the uptrend for a push towards the next major high of 0.8162 from May 2015.

Overall, AUDUSD retains a technically bullish picture for the medium term. The 50-day and 200-day moving averages are positively aligned after a bullish crossover on July 14. Additionally, both moving average lines are pointing up. Momentum oscillators (RSI and MACD) are in bullish territory although they are flat and suggesting a neutral bias for AUDUSD in the short-term.

EURJPY has turned neutral in the short-term after the rally to 134.16 stalled. This was the highest level since December 2015. The momentum oscillators on the 4-hour chart are flat and are pointing to range trading for now in the upper 133.00 handle. Meanwhile, the RSI reached 70 which is indicative of an overbought market.

The Ichimoku cloud analysis shows that the broader bullish trend in EURJPY remains intact and is well-supported by a bullish alignment of the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen lines. Immediate support is being provided by the Tenkan-sen at around 133.70. Failure of support here would result in a corrective move of the pair's recent gains.

Another support is expected at yesterday's low of 133.26 ahead of the key 133.00 level. Below this the Kijun-sen line could be seen as a possible support level at 132.38. Another leg lower would target the round level at 132.00. More weakness in the market and a deeper correction in EURJPY would indicate the current bullish phase has ended.

A break above the 134.16 high would act as a catalyst for a move higher towards the next major top at 134.58 (from November 2015).

Based on the momentum indicators, more range trading seems the most likely prospect for EURJPY in the near term. As long as the market remains above 133.00 the outlook will stay bullish

While geopolitical tensions escalated after the US President used stronger language against North Korea at his first speech in front of global leaders at the UN on Tuesday, the dollar showed relatively little reaction slipping near its two-year lows. Markets instead were more cautious about the FOMC decision to be announced later today, while they were also looking forward to the BOJ policy meeting scheduled for Thursday. Meanwhile, oil prices headed higher after OPEC member Iraq said it would take further action to limit its supply.

The dollar index was 0.10% down on the day at 91.70, showing a moderate reaction to Trump's debut speech at the UN General Assembly yesterday. Trump commenting on North Korea's nuclear programs warned to “totally destroy” the regime if it continued threatening the US or its allies.

Despite the fact that Trump's words heightened uncertainties over US-North Korea relations, the market reaction was less severe compared to previous instances, as investors were focused to hear the outcome of the two-day FOMC meeting concluding later today. Investors expect the Fed to hold rates steady and announce the reduction of its approximately $4.2 trillion balance sheet starting in October, while they are also eager to hear the Fed's rate projections. The policy statement will be released at 1800GMT before Fed Chair Janet Yellen holds a press conference half an hour later.

Dollar/yen weakened to 111.42 after approaching a two-month high of 111.82 on Tuesday. A factor contributing to the yen's strength was the lead of the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in recent polls after reports that Abe will call a snap election as soon as next month. Market watchers will also keep a close eye on the BOJ policy meeting tomorrow, where they forecast policymakers to maintain their ultra-easy monetary strategy as inflation remains subdued.

In terms of data, Japanese exports increased unexpectedly by 18.1%, reaching the fastest growth since November 2013, while analysts projected exports to rise by 14.7%.

The euro continued its uptrend for the fifth day, rising to $1.2002 before the Asian close.

In other currencies, the aussie was trading 0.40% higher on Wednesday near a 1 ½ -week high at 0.8037, finding support on increasing government bond yields which rose to the highest level since late 2015. Meanwhile, the RBA's head of economics, Luci Ellis, said on Wednesday that the central bank is “comfortable” with the inflation path and the period needed for it to approach the target, adding that wages and inflation will remain low for some time as there is still room for employment to improve.

Its New Zealand cousin hit a one month-high of $0.7373 after the current account readings out of the country came in better than expected in the second quarter. The dairy price auction conducted the previous day also helped the kiwi.

Regarding oil prices, WTI crude jumped by almost 1% to $49.97 per barrel while London-based Brent surged by 0.51% to $55.42 after Iraq's energy minister, Jabar al-Luaibi, said on Tuesday at an energy conference in the United Arab Emirates that OPEC members. as well as other oil producers, are considering the option to extend or widen supply cuts a day after the API weekly report indicated a smaller than expected rise in US inventories.

Gold climbed by 0.10% to $1,312.71 per ounce.

Key Highlights

• The Euro surged higher this week and traded as high as 134.17 against the Japanese Yen.
• There is an important ascending channel forming with support at 133.65 on the 4-hours chart of EUR/JPY.
• Germany's Producer Price Index in August 2017 rose 0.2% (MoM), more than the forecast of 0.1%.
• Japan's Total Merchandise Trade Balance in August 2017 posted a trade surplus of ¥113.6B, more than the forecast of ¥93.9B.

EURJPY Technical Analysis

The Euro made good ground this week and moved above the 134.00 level against the Japanese Yen. The EUR/JPY pair traded as high as 134.17 and is currently correcting lower.

The current uptrend is supported by an important ascending channel with support at 133.65 on the 4-hours chart. Below the channel support at 133.65, the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the last wave from the 130.60 low to 134.17 high is a crucial support at 133.33.

If the pair breaks the channel support, it could test the 133.30 support area. Should there be a break below 133.30, the pair could test the 50% Fib retracement level of the last wave from the 130.60 low to 134.17 high at 132.40.

On the upside, the channel resistance is at 134.30. A push above the recent high at 134.17 is needed for further gains towards 134.50 in the near term. Alternatively, if the pair fails to hold 133.65, there can be an extended correction.

Germany's Producer Price Index

Today in the Euro Zone, the Producer Price Index for August 2017 was released by the Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland. The forecast was slated for a rise of 0.1% in the PPI compared with the previous month.

However, the actual result was above the forecast, as the PPI in August 2017 increased 0.2%. Looking at the yearly change, there was an increase of 2.6%, more than the forecast of 2.5% and higher than the last +2.3%.

The report added:

In August 2017 the price indices of all main industrial groups increased compared with August 2016: Prices of non-durable consumer goods rose by 3.6%, prices of intermediate goods by 3.3%. Energy prices rose by 2.7%, though the development of prices of the different energy carriers diverged.

Overall, the market sentiment is positive for EUR/JPY, but it has to stay above 133.30 to remain in the bullish zone.

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The euro has reclaimed the 1.2000 handle against the U.S dollar, ahead of today's Federal Reserve interest rate decision. The EURUSD pair has so far reached 1.2019, with price-action falling just short of the former weekly high, at 1.2029.

Price-action on the EURUSD is currently strongly bullish, with the pair threatening to break higher to new 2017 trading high's, if the Federal Reserve disappoint market participants later today.

Going forward, a series of higher time-frame price close above the 1.2038 level should signal further strong gains for the euro. To the downside, a break below the 1.1937 level should signal a deeper price correction lower in the euro.

Key intraday resistance for the EURUSD above the 1.2038 level is found at 1.2069, 1.2092, 1.2131 and 1.2160.

Key intraday technical support for EURUSD pair is found at the daily pivot at 1.1985, the 1.1957 level, and the weekly pivot point, at 1.1938.

Below the 1.1937 level, further support is located at the 1.1915, 1.1889, and the monthly time-frame 50-period moving average, at 1.1871.

The GBPUSD pair has recovered above the 1.3500 handle, after yesterday's brief dip to 1.3469, ahead of the release of key United Kingdom retail sales data today, for the month of September.

Sterling is currently range-bound, with a neutral intraday trading bias, as the pair trades above its daily pivot point, at 1.3509, but is seemingly unable to close price above the weekly pivot point, located at 1.3553.

Despite sterling's neutral intraday bias, the GBPUSD pair remains bullish in the medium and long-term. Any corrections below the 1.3400 handle are likely to be met with strong buying interest.

Key intraday GBPUSD support is found at the 1.3492 level, and the current weekly price low, at 1.3465. Further support is found at the 1.3420 level, and the key 1.3388 level.

Key intraday GBPUSD resistance is found at 1.3532 and the pairs weekly pivot point, at 1.3553, and the recent swing price-high, at 1.3569.

Above the 1.3569 level, further upside resistance is found at the 1.3618,1.3630,1.3670 and 1.3711.

All eyes are on monetary policy Wednesday, as the Federal Reserve gets set to deliver its first interest rate decision since July. The official statement and accompanying press release could provide vital information about the Fed’s plan to begin normalizing its inflated balance sheet.

On the data docket, Germany will release the monthly producer price index (PPI) at 06:00 GMT. Producer inflation is expected to rise 2.5% annually in August, up from 2.3% the previous month.

A British report on retail sales will also make headlines Wednesday, providing investors with the latest reading on consumer spending. Receipts at retail stores are forecast to rise 0.2% in August, after gaining 0.3% the month before. That translates into a year-over-year gain of 1.1%. Excluding fuel, sales are expected to climb 0.2% on month and 1.4% annually.

Shifting gears to North America, the National Association of Realtors will release its closely watched existing home sales report. The sale of previously-owned homes is forecast to edge up 0.3% in August after tumbling 1.3% the month before.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will wrap up its meeting at 18:00 GMT, with a press conference scheduled 30 minutes later. Although no change to the benchmark interest rate is expected, policymakers could announce plans for unwinding their $4.5 trillion balance sheet.

The official statement will also be accompanied by quarterly projections covering GDP, unemployment and inflation.

Earlier in the day, the Japanese government reported a smaller than expected drop in the August trade surplus. The merchandise trade surplus came in at ¥113.6 billion yen, down from ¥418.8 billion the month before. Exports surged 18.1% year-over-year, while imports expanded 15.2%.

EUR/USD

The euro regained its footing on Tuesday, and was last seen trading above 1.2000 US. The EUR/USD pulled ahead as the dollar weakened in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. The common currency’s technical picture remains favourable, with prices eyeing resistance at the multi-year high of 1.2101. On the flipside, immediate support extends toward 1.1910.

GBP/USD

Pound sterling caught a major tailwind last week after the Bank of England (BOE) sent its strongest signal yet that interest rates are headed higher. Cable has since backtracked from its highs near 1.3600, but remains well supported in a bullish range north of 1.3500. The GBP/USD is consolidating at the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of its latest bullish run. The pair faces immediate support at the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of 1.3440.

USD/JPY

Despite recent volatility, the dollar continues to trade at two-month highs against the yen. The USD/JPY has consolidated in the mid-111.00 range, as the return of risk sentiment undermined the yen. The pair remains well supported on the short-term charts, with immediate resistance located at 111.76.