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UK’s BBA Mortgage Approvals Rose Less-Than-Estimated In June

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, the GBP rose 0.35% against the USD and closed at 1.2481.

In economic news, UK's BBA mortgage approvals advanced to a level of 42.65K in June, undershooting market expectations for a rise to a level of 42.70K. The mortgage approvals had recorded a revised reading of 42.41K in the previous month.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 1.2479, with the GBP trading marginally lower against the USD from yesterday's close.

The pair is expected to find support at 1.2430, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 1.2381. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 1.2525, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 1.2571.

Amid lack of economic releases in UK today, traders would focus on global macroeconomic events for further direction.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr moving average and trading above its 50 Hr moving average.

Japan’s Leading Index Declined To Its Lowest Level Since December 2012 In May

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, the USD slightly declined against the JPY and closed at 108.18.

Data indicated that Japan's coincident index advanced to a level of 103.4 in May, following a reading of 103.2 in the prior month Meanwhile, the nation leading index fell to a level of 94.9 in May, declining to its lowest level since December 2012 and compared to a level of 95.2 in the preceding month.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 108.15, with the USD trading a tad lower against the JPY from yesterday's close.

The pair is expected to find support at 107.98, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 107.80. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 108.29, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 108.42.

In absence of key economic releases in Japan today, investor sentiment would be determined by global macroeconomic events.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr and 50 Hr moving averages.

Swiss Franc Reverses Its Gains In The Asian Session

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, the USD declined 0.05% against the CHF and closed at 0.9846.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 0.9852, with the USD trading 0.06% higher against the CHF from yesterday’s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 0.9834, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 0.9815. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 0.9873, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 0.9893.

With no macroeconomic releases in Switzerland today, investors would look forward to global macroeconomic releases for further direction.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr and 50 Hr moving averages.

Loonie Trading A Tad Higher In The Morning Session

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, the USD rose marginally against the CAD and closed at 1.3141.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 1.3136, with the USD trading slightly lower against the CAD from yesterday’s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 1.3120, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 1.3103. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 1.3152, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 1.3167.

Trading trend in the Loonie today, is expected to be determined by Canada’s CFIB business barometer for July, scheduled to release later in the day.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr and 50 Hr moving averages.

Central Bank Prepared To Further Ease The Monetary Policy, Says RBA Governor Philip Lowe

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, the AUD declined 0.30% against the USD and closed at 0.6977.

LME Copper prices rose 0.2% or $12.0/MT to $5980.0/MT. Aluminium prices rose marginally or $0.5/MT to $1795.5/MT.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 0.6981, with the AUD trading 0.06% higher against the USD from yesterday’s close.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s Governor, Philip Lowe, in his speech, stated that the central bank was prepared to provide additional policy stimulus, by easing monetary policy further, if needed. Further, he stated that the economy would observe a prolonged period of low rates and indicated that the board is strongly committed to bring inflation back to the target between 2% and 3%.

The pair is expected to find support at 0.6972, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 0.6964. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 0.6990, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 0.7000.

The currency pair is showing convergence with its 20 Hr moving average and trading below its 50 Hr moving average.

EUR/CHF Daily Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.0959; (P) 1.0982; (R1) 1.0994; More...

Intraday bias in EUR/CHF remains on the downside as recent decline continues. Firm break of 61.8% projection of 1.2004 to 1.1173 from 1.1476 at 1.0962 will pave the way to 100% projection at 1.0645 next. On the upside, above 1.1005 minor resistance will turn intraday bias neutral and bring consolidation. But outlook will stay bearish as long as 1.1154 resistance holds, in case of recovery.

In the bigger picture, current development firstly suggests that down trend from 1.2004 is still in progress. More importantly, it's likely a long term down trend itself, rather than a correction. Outlook will remain bearish as long as 1.1476 resistance holds. EUR/CHF could target 1.0629 support and below.

Euro Stays Weak as Markets Await Dovish ECB Hold

Monetary easing from central banks remain a major background theme in the markets. Euro is sold off this week as markets are preparing for dovishness from ECB today. While immediate policy action is not envisaged, President Mario Draghi is expected to explicitly set the stage for some announcement next month.

Though, for today, Australian Dollar is the weakest one so far after RBA Governor Philip Lowe's dovish messages. New Zealand Dollar follows as second weakest while Sterling follows as knee jerk reaction to Boris Johnson fades. Yen is currently the strongest one, followed by Canadian, which was lifted by oil inventory report. Dollar is third strongest and would look to durable goods orders for some guidance.

Technically, EUR/USD is on track to 1.1107 low. We're not expecting a break there yet and would look for bottoming signs around there. But firm break of this key support will resume will resume medium term down trend. 108.37 resistance in USD/JPY remains a focus as firm break will affirm broad based strength in Dollar.

In Asia, Nikkei closed up 0.25%. Hong Kong HSI is up 0.34%, China Shanghai SSE is up 0.37%. Singapore Strait Times is up 0.26%. Japan 10-year JGB yield is down -0.0006 at -0.147. Overnight, DOW dropped -0.29%. S&P 500 rose 0.47%. NASDAQ rose 0.85%. 10-year yield dropped -0.025 to 2.050.

ECB to stand pat but set the stage for Sept easing

ECB rate decision is the major focus today. It's widely expected to keep monetary policy unchanged for now. That is, main refinancing, marginal lending and deposit facility rates will be held unchanged at 0.00%, 0.25% and -0.40% respectively. Nevertheless, president Mario Draghi should provide explicit dovishness in the press conference that set the stage for policy easing in September. In particular, focuses will be on issues including rate floor, restart of QE, and emphasis on "symmetric" inflation target.

Suggested readings:

RBA Lowe: Prepared to provide additional easing, extended period of low interest rates expected

In a speech delivered today, RBA Governor Philip Lowe reiterated the dovish stance that, "the Board is prepared to provide additional support by easing monetary policy further." At the same time, "whether or not further monetary easing is needed, it is reasonable to expect an extended period of low interest rates."

Lowe also noted, "on current projections, it will be some time before inflation is comfortably back within the target range". And, it's "highly unlikely that we will be contemplating higher interest rates until we are confident that inflation will return to around the midpoint of the target range."

He also defended current inflation target a said it has "stood the test of time". He warned that lowering the target could "hardly seems a good way to build long-term credibility". " Lowe said. "Shifting the goal posts could also entrench a low inflation mindset." Thus, "this brings me back to the question: is inflation targeting still appropriate? The short answer is yes." And, " the evidence does not support the idea that a change to our inflation target would deliver better economic outcomes than achieved by our current flexible inflation target," he noted.

Johnson: Ports, banks, factories, businesses ready for no-deal Brexit

New UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson executed a "brutal", as some described, cabinet reshuffle after taking the top job. 18 of 29 ministers were dumped out. Instead, some Brexit hardliners are brought into the cabinet. New cabinet include Sajid Javid as chancellor of the exchequer, Dominic Raab as foreign secretary and first secretary of state, Priti Patel as home secretary, Michael Gove as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Liz Truss as international trade secretary, etc.

Johnson also said, "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters -- they are going to get it wrong again. We are going to fulfill the repeated promises of Parliament to the people and come out of the EU on Oct. 31, no ifs or buts, and we will do a new deal, a better deal."

He added, "We can do a deal without checks at the Irish border. It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no deal."

He also insisted the economy is ready for no-deal. "The ports will be ready, the banks will be ready, the factories will be ready, business will be ready," he said. "The British people have had enough of waiting.

On the data front

Japan corporate service price index rose 0.7% yoy in June, missed expectation of 0.8% yoy. German Ifo business claims will be a focus in European session before ECB. Later in the day, US will release durable goods orders, advance goods trade balance, jobless claims and wholesale inventories.

EUR/CHF Daily Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.0959; (P) 1.0982; (R1) 1.0994; More...

Intraday bias in EUR/CHF remains on the downside as recent decline continues. Firm break of 61.8% projection of 1.2004 to 1.1173 from 1.1476 at 1.0962 will pave the way to 100% projection at 1.0645 next. On the upside, above 1.1005 minor resistance will turn intraday bias neutral and bring consolidation. But outlook will stay bearish as long as 1.1154 resistance holds, in case of recovery.

In the bigger picture, current development firstly suggests that down trend from 1.2004 is still in progress. More importantly, it's likely a long term down trend itself, rather than a correction. Outlook will remain bearish as long as 1.1476 resistance holds. EUR/CHF could target 1.0629 support and below.

Economic Indicators Update

GMT Ccy Events Actual Forecast Previous Revised
23:50 JPY Corporate Service Price Y/Y Jun 0.70% 0.80% 0.80% 0.90%
8:00 EUR German IFO Business Climate Jul 97 97.4
8:00 EUR German IFO Expectations Jul 94 94.2
8:00 EUR German IFO Current Assessment Jul 100.4 100.8
10:00 GBP CBI Reported Sales Jul -8 -42
11:45 EUR ECB Rate Decision 0.00% 0.00%
11:45 EUR ECB Marginal Lending Facility 0.25% 0.25%
11:45 EUR ECB Deposit Facility Rate -0.40% -0.40%
12:30 EUR ECB Press Conference
12:30 USD Wholesale Inventories M/M Jun P 0.40% 0.40%
12:30 USD Durable Goods Orders Jun P 0.70% -1.30%
12:30 USD Durables Ex Transportation Jun P 0.20% 0.40%
12:30 USD Advance Goods Trade Balance (USD) Jun -72.4B -74.5B
12:30 USD Initial Jobless Claims (JUL 20) 220K 216K
14:30 USD Natural Gas Storage 62B

Gold: Yellow Metal Reverses Its Gains In The Morning Session

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, Gold rose 1.48% against the USD and closed at USD1438.60 per ounce, amid hopes of monetary policy easing by major central banks.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 1436.30, with gold trading 0.16% lower against the USD from yesterday’s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 1423.10, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 1409.90. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 1446.20, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 1456.10.

The yellow metal is showing convergence with its 20 Hr moving average and trading above its 50 Hr moving average.

Silver: White Metal Trading On A Weaker Footing This Morning

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, Silver rose 1.40% against the USD and closed at USD16.63 per ounce, tracking gains in gold prices.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 16.56, with silver trading 0.42% lower against the USD from yesterday’s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 16.45, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 16.34. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 16.68, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 16.79.

The white metal is showing convergence with its 20 Hr moving average and trading above its 50 Hr moving average.

Crude Oil: Oil Trading Higher In The Asian Session

For the 24 hours to 23:00 GMT, Crude Oil declined 2.00% against the USD and closed at USD55.99 per barrel.

Separately, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) report indicated that US crude oil stockpiles dropped by 10.8 million barrels to 445.0 million in the week ended 19 July 2019.

In the Asian session, at GMT0300, the pair is trading at 56.09, with oil trading 0.18% higher against the USD from yesterday’s close.

The pair is expected to find support at 55.07, and a fall through could take it to the next support level of 54.04. The pair is expected to find its first resistance at 57.38, and a rise through could take it to the next resistance level of 58.66.

Crude oil is trading below its 20 Hr and 50 Hr moving averages.