Forex News Analysis by LiteForex

EUR/USD: general analysis

Current trend
The demand for the European currency can largely be explained by uncertainty over future monetary policy in the US. At the press conference on 29 March, the Fed Chair Janet Yellen noted the Regulator plans to increase interest rates gradually due to risks to global economic stability. As a result, the US Dollar came under pressure. One of the key macroeconomic indicators has recently been released in the US. Nonfarm Payrolls for March came in at 215K, down from the previous 242K, while analysts expected a fall to 205K.

Support and resistance
RSI shows the pair is overbought and suggests a correction is possible.
The nearest support level is at 1.1364.
The nearest resistance level is at 1.1492.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1.1364 with the target at 1.1500 and stop-loss at 1.1330.

GBP/USD: back to decline

Current trend
On Friday the GBP/USD pair was moving actively down amid the publication of statistics for March on US labour market. However, it should be noted that the data was quite mixed.

In particular, Nonfarm Payrolls increased by 215K, lower than 245K in February but exceeding the forecast of 205K. Unemployment Rate was up by 0.1% and reached the key level of 5.0% while no changes were expected.
At the same time, ISM Manufacturing PMI grew from 49.5 to 51.8 points against the forecast of 50.7 points. ISM Prices Paid was up to 51.8 from 38.5 points.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart continues its flat dynamics. The price range shows almost no changes and remains wide enough for the current volatility. MACD is falling and keeping a moderate sell signal. Stochastic is moving down in the middle of the range.

The indicators recommend waiting for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 1.4200, 1.4117, 1.4056 (24 March low), 1.4000 (strong psychological level near early march levels), 1.3914.
Resistance levels: 1.4241, 1.4300, 1.4350, 1.4394 (31 March level), 1.4435, 1.4461 (30 March high), 1.4513 (18 March high).

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the price breaks out the level of 1.4300 with targets at 1.4435, 1.4461 and stop-loss at 1.4240. Validity – 2-4 days.
Short positions can be opened after the price breaks down the level of 1.4200 with targets at 1.4100, 1.4056, 1.4000 and stop-loss at 1.4250, 1.4260. Validity – 2-4 days.

EUR/USD: general analysis

Current trend
Macroeconomic statistics, released in the US last week, had no influence on the EUR/USD pair. However, it should be noted the Labor Force Participation Rate reached 63% which is the highest level since 2014.
Donald Trump, a candidate for US President, believes the US economy is far from recovery. He suggests the real unemployment rate is higher than the official 5%. Moreover, the stock market is growing while corporate profits are falling. If the situation continues to worsen, the Fed can delay its rate increase that will affect the US currency.

Support and resistance
The pair is trading in a sideways channel the lower border of which is at the level of 1.1335 and the upper is at 1.1412.
The nearest support level is at 1.1335.
The nearest resistance level is at 1.1412.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1.1412 with the target at 1.1545 and stop-loss at 1.1350.

AUD/USD: negative dynamics

Current trend
On Tuesday the AUD/USD pair closed with a decline to 29 March afternoon session lows. It should be noted trading activity was high due to numerous important macroeconomic releases.

In the morning session, the pair showed moderate growth after the results of the RBA monetary policy meeting were announced. Analysts’ expectations were confirmed, as the Regulator decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 2%.
However, macroeconomic statistics for February was a bit disappointing. Exports were down by 1% after a 1% growth in the previous month. Imports showed no changes compared with the previous decline of 1%. As a result, Australia’s trade deficit widened from 3156 AUD million to 3410 AUD million. Analysts expected the indicator to be up to -2600 AUD billion.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is moving sideways while the price range is widening from the bottom. MACD is falling and keeping a relatively strong sell signal. Stochastic is approaching the border of the oversold zone.
The indicators recommend waiting for clearer trading signals.

Support levels: 0.7533, 0.7500 (28 April psychological level), 0.7476, 0.7426 (near 16 March low), 0.7400.
Resistance levels: 0.7567 (6 April morning session high), 0.7593, 0.7626, 0.7679 (17 March high), 0.7772 (31 March high), 0.7755, 0.7800.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened if the price breaks out and consolidates above the level of 0.7593 (with appropriate indicators signals) with targets at 0.7679, 0.7722 and stop-loss at 0.7550. Validity – 2-3 days.

Short positions can be opened if the price breaks down the level of 0.7500 with the target at 0.7400 and stop-loss at 0.7533. Validity – 2-4 days.

USD/CAD: review and forecast

Current trend
Yesterday the US Dollar was losing its positions against the Canadian Dollar. Today attention needs to be paid to macroeconomic statistics from Canada and the US. Data on Building Permits for February is released in Canada at 2:30 pm (GMT+2). A high reading can strengthen the Canadian Dollar. A low reading, on the contrary, can weaken the national currency. Later on, market participant will be following data on Consumer Credit Change for February, due in the US at 9:00 pm (GMT+2).

Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, Bollinger Bands is directed horizontally. The price is moving between the middle and the lower MAs of the indicator.
Support levels: 1.3000, 1.2970, 1.2910.
Resistance levels: 1.3060, 1.3110, 1.3130, 1.3470, 1.3300, 1.3370.

Trading tips
Short positions can be opened at the current levels with the target at 1.3000 and stop-loss at 1.3060.
As an alternative, place pending buy orders at the level of 1.3000 with the target at 1.3060.

XAU/USD: general analysis

Current trend
The price of gold continues its upward trend. The precious metal is strengthening as the Federal Reserve can delay interest rate rise, the stock market is falling so are US bonds yields. Capital inflow in exchange traded funds remains high that also supports the price of gold.
On the other hand, gold purchases by the People’s Bank of China declined to 9 tonnes in March that is the lowest level since last year. However, the country is likely to continue increasing its gold reserves in order to diversify foreign-exchange holdings.

Support and resistance
RSI is giving no clear trading signals. Thus, it is recommended to place buy orders after the level of 1243.07 is broken out.
The nearest support level is at 1231.46.
The nearest resistance level is at 1243.07.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1243.07 with the target at 1261.00 and stop-loss at 1235.00.

USD/JPY: technical analysis

USD/JPY, D1
On the daily chart, the pair is correcting up as it has formed four closes below the lower MA of Bollinger Bands. The price remains below its moving averages that are directed down. The RSI is trying to turn up near its strong support in the oversold zone. The Composite is trying to turn up as well.

USD/JPY, H4
On the 4-hour chart, the pair is correcting up towards the middle MA of Bollinger Bands. The price remains below its moving averages that are directed down. The RSI is forming a Bullish divergence with the price. The Composite is showing a similar behavior.

Key levels
Support levels: 107.59 (local lows), 107.23 (61.8% Fibonacci retracement for the long-term trend), 104.59 (2000 lows).
Resistance levels: 109.09 (local highs), 109.99 (61.8% retracement for the short-term trend), 110.85 (February lows).

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from current prices with targets at 108.95, 109.75 and stop-loss at 107.55. Validity – 3-4 days.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 107.10 with the target at 104.89 and stop-loss at 107.82. Validity – 3-4 days.

GBP/USD: review and forecast

Current trend
This week, the Pound continues strengthening against the US Dollar. The pair has gained support amid expectations of relatively favorable statistics on the UK economy. Today the data showed the Consumer Price Index grew by 0.4% in monthly terms against the forecast of 0.3%. In annual terms, the indicator was up by 0.5% while analysts expected it to come in at 0.4%. As a result, the pair gained more than 200 points.
Today market participant will be following data from the US. In particular, Export and Import Prices Indices are due at 2:30 (GMT+2) and the Monthly Budget Statement is released at 8:00 pm (GMT+2).

Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, the price range of Bollinger Bands is widening. MACD histogram is in the positive zone; its volumes are growing.
Support levels: 1.4255, 1.4225, 1.4176, 1.4140.
Resistance levels: 1.4318, 1.4370, 1.4405, 1.4456.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the level of 1.4318 is broken out with targets at 1.4370, 1.4405 and stop-loss at 1.4290.
Short positions can be opened after the price breaks down and consolidates below the level of 1.4255 with targets at 1.4225, 1.4176 and stop-loss at 1.4282.

USD/CAD: general analysis

Current trend
This week, the USD/CAD pair has been moving down. The downward dynamics has been developing amid expectations of important macroeconomic releases both in the US and Canada which can result in a trend reversal.
In the second half of the day, data on Retail Sales is due in the US. If the favorable forecast is confirmed, the US Dollar will gain support. Later on, the Bank of Canada announces its interest rate decision. Precise attention should also be paid to the Rate Statement and the subsequent Press Conference of the Regulator.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is directed down while the price range is widening. The price broken down the lower MA of the indicator suggesting the downward trend is likely to continue. MACD histogram is in the negative zone; its volumes are growing. Stochastic is in the oversold zone and can turn up in the short run.
According to the indicators, short positions seem more preferable.
Support levels: 1.2636, 1.2552, 1.2279, 1.2133.
Resistance levels: 1.2928, 1.3053, 1.3221, 1.3286, 1.3417, 1.3585, 1.3856, 1.4106.

Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the price breaks out the level of 1.3053 with targets at 1.3221, 1.3286 and stop-loss at 1.2780. Validity – 1-3 days.
Short positions can be opened at the current levels with targets at 1.2636, 1.2552 and stop-loss at 1.3053. Validity – 1-3 days.

AUD/USD: general analysis

Current trend
The data for March showed unemployment in Australia was down by 0.1% to 5.7%. A decline in unemployment rate indicates a favorable situation in the labour market and strengthens the national currency. The indicator of employment change exceeded the forecast and came in at 26.1K that suggests an increase in consumer spending and has a positive impact on economic growth. Amid these favorable statistics, the AUD/USD pair gained 70 points.
Data on Consumer Price Index are due today in the US. If favorable forecast is confirmed, a growth in the pair can slow down.

Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, the pair is trading between the upper and the middle MAs of Bollinger Bands. MACD histogram is in the positive zone; its volumes are growing. Stochastic is directed up near the border of the overbought zone.
Support levels: 0.7670, 0.7640, 0.7620, 0.7600, 0.7200, 0.7590, 0.7560, 0.7540, 0.7520, 0.7500.
Resistance levels: 0.7700, 0.7710, 0.7720, 0.7740.

Trading tips
After the price consolidates above the level of 0.7700, long positions can be opened from the level of 0.7710 with targets at 0.7750, 0.7800 and stop-loss at 0.7690.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 0.7670 with targets at 0.7640, 0.7620 and stop-loss at 0.7690.
Validity – 2-3 days.