Today’s US Dollar Trading
• The Greenback whipsaws, ends weaker
• EURO holds 1.5800 handle with conviction
• Volumes lighter
Overnight Preview
• Traders look for a quiet evening ahead of Thursday
• Expect volatility
Looking Ahead to Thursday
All times EASTERN (-5 GMT)
• 8:30am USD Nonfarm Employment Change
• 8:30am USD Unemployment Rate
• 8:30am USD Average Hourly Earnings m/m
• 8:30am USD Unemployment Claims
• 10:00am USD ISM Non-Manufacturing Composite
Summary
The USD whipsawed both bulls and bears today after a surprise ADP report ignites a round of USD selling. Most of the major pairs rallied to test near-term resistance and the Greenback went on the defensive shortly after the news this morning after building a nice base of firmness overnight. Dropping through several support levels the USD found stops and active selling to drive it into previous weekly lows; traders note that volumes were not impressive and suggest that the break may be a bear trap ahead of US and ECB data tomorrow. GBP failed to rally to new highs but tracked EURO higher after the news. Stops above the 1.9920/30 area triggered after shorts took control under the 1.9900 handle briefly this morning. Highs at 1.9977 went unchallenged despite the rally in EURO. Scoring new weekly highs and a new 30 day high at 1.5889 EURO remained bid all day after stops above the 1.5850 area were triggered. Traders note that volumes were lighter but can’t argue with the near-term strength. Poor US data is expected tomorrow and a 25 BP rate hike by the ECB is keeping the rate bid. Many traders are sidelined ahead of tomorrow’s news due to the fact that the rate is at the levels it should be at for the hike and poor US news. In my view, the EURO is setting up for a correction lower and today’s strength is possibly a bull trap. Tomorrow will be hard to play as the markets close early in the US after a slew of important fundamentals. USD/JPY looked strong this morning then broke back sharply as the USD was sold across the board; traders note that the rate is a full handle lower than the highs at the open. In my view the USD is having a knee-jerk reaction and USD/JPY is likely to recover into tomorrow’s action. Aggressive traders can look to buy the rate on weakness under the 105.80 area near-term. Swissy and Loonie both broke back to go neutral on the day after scoring important 24 hour highs. In my view, the USD is whipsawing both sides and neither the bulls nor the bears have the upper hand. Expect more volatility on Thursday as the ECB meeting/press conference add fuel to the US data due out about the same time. With an early close it will be a volatile day so if not positioned with a lead it is OK to stay flat and come back next week.
EURO/USD Daily
Resistance 3: 1.5950
Resistance 2: 1.5920/30
Resistance 1: 1.5900
Latest New York: 1.5875
Support 1: 1.5770
Support 2: 1.5720
Support 3: 1.5680
Comments
Rate rallies hard after ADP surprises, stops elected above the 1.5860 area. Rate whipsaws lower then higher and makes highs on light volume ahead of US news tomorrow. Highs were sold aggressively by Asian sovereigns traders say but rate is firm. Lots of stops building under the 1.5770 area and a break lower is likely on whipsaw Thursday. Stops noted under the previous lows layered under 1.5700 traders say. US news tomorrow likely to create volatility so be ready for whipsaw or a reversal. Should cable break—EURO could go with it. The 50 bar MA likely to offer support should the rate fall back; bids will likely be in the 1.5580 area or so on any meaningful correction. Equities weaker also no help.
Data due Thursday: All times EASTERN (-5 GMT)
4:00am EUR Services PMI (p)
5:00am EUR Retail Sales m/m
7:45am EUR Minimum Bid Rate
8:30am EUR ECB Press Conference
USD/JPY Daily
Resistance 3: 107.40/50
Resistance 2: 107.20
Resistance 1: 106.80
Latest New York: 105.97
Support 1: 105.70/80
Support 2: 105.50
Support 3: 105.20
Comments
Rate gives back overnight gains on whipsaw, likely to trade both sides of unchanged tonight ahead of US data tomorrow. Rate firms up on large cross-spreading traders say; look for a push on stops around the 107.00 handle. OK to place a resting order at the 107.50 area to sell the rate. Bids noted at 105.70/80 area suggesting a firm bottom is in near-term. Sell a rally if we get it. Exponential reversal signal still valid, rate is two-way but a correction is coming and should be a low-volume affair. Offers layered to 107.50 some desks report so upside may be labored above the 106.50 area; stops above 106.80 or so. Expect more two-way action overnight ahead of US data.
Data due Thursday: All times EASTERN (-5 GMT)
NONE
Analysis by: Forexpros.com written by Jason Alan Jankovsky
Disclaimer:
Trading Futures and Options on Futures and Cash Forex transactions involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.