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Elliott Wave View: Bearish Trend in EURUSD Remains Intact

Short term Elliott Wave view in $EURUSD suggests decline from 5.31.2022 peak is unfolding as a 5 waves impulse Elliott Wave structure. Down from 5.31.2022 peak, wave 1 ended at 1.0357 and rally in wave 2 ended at 1.0615. The 45 minutes chart below shows the wave 3 lower which subdivided into another 5 waves in lesser degree. Down from wave 2, wave ((i)) ended at 1.0381 and rally in wave ((ii)) ended at 1.0489. Pair then resumes lower in wave ((iii)) towards 0.9998 and rally in wave ((iv)) ended at 1.01019. Final leg lower wave ((v)) ended at 0.9996 which completed wave 3. Rally in wave 4 is in progress with internal subdivision as a zigzag Elliott Wave structure.

Up from wave 3, wave ((a)) ended at 1.0122. While wave ((b)) pullback stays above 0.9996, pair can see another leg higher in wave ((c)) to complete wave 4. Potential area for wave 4 to complete is 100% – 161.8% fibonacci extension of wave ((a)) estimated to be around 1.0137 – 1.0215. Near term, as far as pivot at 1.0489 stays intact, rally should fail in the sequence of 3, 7, or 11 swing for further downside.

EURUSD 45 Minutes Elliott Wave Chart

WTI Wave Analysis

  • WTI reversed from support level 92.93
  • Likely to rise to resistance level 97.00

WTI recently reversed up from the strong support level 92.93 (former monthly low from March and April), standing near the 50% Fibonacci correction of the upward impulse from December.

The upward reversal from the support level 92.93 stopped the previous minor impulse waves (iii) and 3 – which belong to wave (C) from June.

Given the still oversold daily Stochastic, WTI can be expected to rise further toward the next resistance level 97.00.

EURGBP Wave Analysis

  • EURGBP reversed from support level 0.8425
  • Likely to rise to resistance level 0.85000

EURGBP today recently reversed up with the daily Hammer from the key support level 0.8425 (which has been reversing the pair from May), intersecting with the lower daily Bollinger Band and the 61.8% Fibonacci correction of the upward impulse from April.

The upward reversal from the support level 0.8425 stopped the previous minor downward impulse wave 1.

EURGBP can be expected to rise further toward the next resistance level 0.85000 (former monthly low from June).

Eco Data 7/14/22

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AUDUSD Bounces-off 2-Year Low But Retains Bearish Outlook

AUDUSD has been experiencing a sustained downtrend, generating a profound structure of lower highs and lower lows. However, in the last few four-hour sessions, the pair has adopted a sideways pattern after it managed to cease its decline at the two-year low of 0.6710.

The momentum indicators suggest that bearish forces remain in control. Specifically, the RSI is flatlining beneath its 50-neutral mark, while the stochastic oscillator is sloping downwards after posting a bearish cross.

If negative momentum strengthens, the price could descend towards its recent two-year low of 0.6710. Should that floor collapse, the pair would extend its decline to form fresh multi-year lows, where the December support of 0.661 could halt any further downside moves. Piercing through this barrier, the spotlight might then turn to the April 2020 resistance of 0.6570.

Inversely, bullish actions may meet initial resistance at the recent peak of 0.6802, which overlaps with the 50-period simple moving average. Jumping above this region, the bulls could aim for 0.6873 before the 0.6917 hurdle appears on the radar. An upside violation of the latter could open the door for 0.6967.

Overall, AUDUSD maintains both its bearish short- and long-term outlooks. For the former to alter, the price needs to decisively cross above the 0.6967 ceiling.

Markets Too Spooked by US Inflation

US consumer inflation hit a 41-year high and beat forecasts, reaching 9.1% y/y in June against 8.6% a month earlier and expected an increase to 8.8%. The data above expectations triggered a jump in the dollar and renewed pressure on risk-sensitive assets.

Speculation among traders increased that the Fed will have to do more than what is already priced in to catch up and suppress inflation. After the report, markets priced in two more 75-point rate hikes, while Powell called June’s hike “extraordinary”.

The initial market reaction triggered a retest of euro-dollar parity, but the single currency has so far managed to find demand at these levels. The same is true for other key currencies, which are running near local extremes against the dollar but successfully holding their ground.

Meanwhile, equities got a knock, with the Nasdaq index losing around 2% today and 3.9% from pre-release levels. Bitcoin has fallen below $19,000, returning to the lows of early July.

However, there is a sense that markets have jumped over their heads in their expectations from the Fed. Oil and industrial metals prices have been falling for about a month. The core inflation index, which does not include food and energy, has slowed for the past three months to 5.9% from a peak of 6.5% in March, although the monthly growth rate remains above the long-term average.

It would not be surprising if the Fed, after the 75-point rate hike at the end of July, were to reassure the markets that it would proceed more measuredly so as not to overcool the economy.

Bank of Canada Delivers Supersized 1% Hike   

The Bank of Canada raised the overnight rate to 2.5% and stated that it will continue with Quantitative Tightening (QT).

On rising prices, it stated that "inflation in Canada is higher and more persistent than the Bank expected in its April Monetary Policy Report (MPR), and will likely remain around 8% in the next few months."

On economic growth, the Bank stated that it "expects Canada’s economy to grow by 3½% in 2022, 1¾% in 2023, and 2½% in 2024. Economic activity will slow as global growth moderates and tighter monetary policy works its way through the economy. This, combined with the resolution of supply disruptions, will bring demand and supply back into balance and alleviate inflationary pressures."

On today's surprise 1% hike, the Bank noted that "with the economy clearly in excess demand, inflation high and broadening, and more businesses and consumers expecting high inflation to persist for longer, the Governing Council decided to front-load the path to higher interest rates by raising the policy rate by 100 basis points today."

Key Implications

The Bank of Canada cranks up the AC again in an effort to cool the economy. The supersized 100 basis point hike is its most aggressive move since the summer of 1998. If that feels like a long time ago, it was. Coincidentally, that summer Armageddon was topping the box office and the world was singing "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". Though this isn't Armageddon, this BoC meeting is not one to be missed.

This big step up in rates is uncommon, so too is the economic backdrop. With the unemployment rate at 4.9%, wages running at 5.2%, and inflation at 7.7%, the pressure on the BoC has not let up. As we recently discussed in our updated Quarterly Economic Forecast, the hit to consumers from high inflation and rising rates will weigh on growth over the remainder of this year and into 2023. Though this raises the risk that the economy tips into recession, the Bank has to accept this risk (and possible outcomes) in order to prevent high inflation expectations from becoming even more entrenched.

All eyes will be on Governor Macklem in his upcoming press conference. If this is indeed "front loaded", then it may not be followed with another 1% move in September, and we could see something back in the 50 to 75 basis point range…although, that would still mean it's a supersized summer.

Sterling Pares Losses after US CPI Jumps

The British pound has taken investors for a ride today, as GBP/USD dropped sharply but has since recovered. In the North American session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.1856, down 0.28%. It has been a busy day on the economic calendar, with a host of UK releases and the US inflation report.

US inflation accelerates (again)

In the US, the long-sought-after inflation peak remains as elusive as ever. The June inflation report showed headline inflation rising to 9.1% YoY, up from 8.6% and above the 8.8% estimate. Core CPI ticked lower to 5.9%, down from 6.0%. Still, this was higher than the forecast of 5.7%. With inflation remaining at high levels, the path is clear for the Fed to fire at will in order to curb inflation. Just a few days ago, CME’s FedWatch pegged a 75bp hike at 93%, with a 7% chance of a 100bp move. The June inflation release has dramatically changed the FedWatch assessment, with a 53.6% of a 75bp move and 46.3% likelihood of a 100bp hike.

The British pound took a tumble immediately after the US inflation release, falling 0.76%. The pound has managed to claw back most of these losses, but the risk of the US dollar moving higher remains elevated, as a massive 100bp increase has become a very real possibility at the Fed meeting in late July.

Overshadowed by the dramatic US inflation report, UK indicators enjoyed a good day. GDP for May rose 0.5% MoM, bouncing back from a -0.2% reading in April and beating the estimate of 0.1%. Industrial Production and Manufacturing Production both ended a 3-month skid with monthly gains of 1.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Still, the bigger picture for the UK economy is not a rosy one, as a Bloomberg poll of economists indicated a 45% likelihood of the UK economy tipping into a recession in the next 12 months.

GBP/USD Technical

  • GBP/USD tested support at 1.1876 earlier in the North American session. Below, there is support at 1.1736
  •  GBP/USD faces resistance at 1.2025 and 1.2175

BoC hikes 100bps to 2.5%, maintains hawkish bias

BoC raises overnight rate target by 100bps to 2.50% today, even larger than expectation of 75bps. The Bank Rate and deposit rate are now at 2.75% and 2.50% respectively. BoC will also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

The central bank also maintains hawkish bias, and said, "the Governing Council continues to judge that interest rates will need to rise further, and the pace of increases will be guided by the Bank's ongoing assessment of the economy and inflation"

On the economy, BoC estimated that GDP grew by about 4% in Q2, and will slow to about 2% in Q3. The economy is projected to grow by 3.50% in 2022, 1.75% in 2023, and then 2.50% in 2024. Inflation is projected to slow to about 3% by then end of next year, and then returns to 2% target by the end of 2024.

Full statement here.

(BOC) Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 100 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 2½%, with the Bank Rate at 2¾% and the deposit rate at 2½%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening (QT).

Inflation in Canada is higher and more persistent than the Bank expected in its April Monetary Policy Report (MPR), and will likely remain around 8% in the next few months. While global factors such as the war in Ukraine and ongoing supply disruptions have been the biggest drivers, domestic price pressures from excess demand are becoming more prominent. More than half of the components that make up the CPI are now rising by more than 5%. With this broadening of price pressures, the Bank's core measures of inflation have moved up to between 3.9% and 5.4%. Also, surveys indicate more consumers and businesses are expecting inflation to be higher for longer, raising the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched in price- and wage-setting. If that occurs, the economic cost of restoring price stability will be higher.

Global inflation is higher, reflecting the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ongoing supply constraints, and strong demand. Many central banks are tightening monetary policy to combat inflation, and the resulting tighter financial conditions are moderating economic growth. In the United States, high inflation and rising interest rates are contributing to a slowdown in domestic demand. China's economy is being held back by waves of restrictive measures to contain COVID-19 outbreaks. Oil prices remain high and volatile. The Bank now expects global economic growth to slow to about 3½% this year and 2% in 2023 before strengthening to 3% in 2024.

Further excess demand has built up in the Canadian economy. Labour markets are tight with a record low unemployment rate, widespread labour shortages, and increasing wage pressures. With strong demand, businesses are passing on higher input and labour costs by raising prices. Consumption is robust, led by a rebound in spending on hard-to-distance services. Business investment is solid and exports are being boosted by elevated commodity prices. The Bank estimates that GDP grew by about 4% in the second quarter. Growth is expected to slow to about 2% in the third quarter as consumption growth moderates and housing market activity pulls back following unsustainable strength during the pandemic.

The Bank expects Canada's economy to grow by 3½% in 2022, 1¾% in 2023, and 2½% in 2024. Economic activity will slow as global growth moderates and tighter monetary policy works its way through the economy. This, combined with the resolution of supply disruptions, will bring demand and supply back into balance and alleviate inflationary pressures. Global energy prices are also projected to decline. The July outlook has inflation starting to come back down later this year, easing to about 3% by the end of next year and returning to the 2% target by the end of 2024.

With the economy clearly in excess demand, inflation high and broadening, and more businesses and consumers expecting high inflation to persist for longer, the Governing Council decided to front-load the path to higher interest rates by raising the policy rate by 100 basis points today. The Governing Council continues to judge that interest rates will need to rise further, and the pace of increases will be guided by the Bank's ongoing assessment of the economy and inflation. Quantitative tightening continues and is complementing increases in the policy interest rate. The Governing Council is resolute in its commitment to price stability and will continue to take action as required to achieve the 2% inflation target.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is September 7, 2022. The Bank will publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the MPR on October 26, 2022.