Market May Underestimate The Fed’s Hawkish Outlook
Dear Traders,
Despite the relatively low volatility in the currency market the U.S. dollar appreciated against all other major currencies. Trading conditions in the EUR/USD were overall quiet and short-traders had to be satisfied with smaller profits. Given the low volatility environment before the Easter break we do not expect the euro to show larger movements today even though U.S. Durable Goods Orders are scheduled for release at 12:30 GMT and forecasts point to a decline in the headline figure, which may trigger short-term pullbacks in the greenback.
Unlike the euro the GBP/USD showed more volatile swings which have unfortunately resulted in two false breakouts before sterling was able to break below 1.4150. According to the saying “all good things come in threes” a third sell order would have finally hit all profit targets but as we always abide by our trading rules we missed out on that profitable downward move.
Having digested the recent terror attacks in Brussels the interest of investors is once again increasingly directed towards the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle. Comments from Fed speakers seem to be suggesting a more hawkish outlook for interest rates than the market is currently pricing in. Fed Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard said in an interview yesterday that policy makers should consider an interest rate increase at their next meeting in April. He sees the case for a move in April if another strong jobs report confirms that the labor market is improving, underlining the unchanged economic outlook and prospects for higher inflation. Bullard stressed that the committee might “raise rates more rapidly later on” if unemployment exceeds targets. Fed officials will now “look at April and see what the data looks like” when the next meet on April 26-27.
The focus will therefore shift to March Nonfarm payrolls data due for release next Friday April 1. As a rate hike next month has not been priced in, the dollar could rally strongly if the jobs report is strong.
U.K. Retail Sales (9:30 GMT) and U.S. Durable Goods Orders (12:30 GMT) are due for release today and could trigger the last volatile swings this week.
GBP/USD: Technically we see current resistances at 1.4155 and 1.4190, whereas lower support levels could be at 1.4035 and 1.40.
EUR/USD: Amidst low volatility conditions we see current resistances at 1.1205 and 1.1235. However, lower supports are seen at 1.1135 and 1.1110.
Please note that we will not provide any signal alerts on Good Friday and Easter Monday. We will be back on Tuesday, March 29.
We wish you a very Happy Easter!
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