Forex News Analysis by LiteForex

XAU/USD: price of gold declines

Current trend

Since the opening of the trading day, the prices of gold and other precious metals are declining amid the strengthening in the US Dollar.
The correlation between the price of gold and the EUR/USD pair is nearly 92%. The EUR is under strong pressure ahead of ECB interest rate decision, therefore, a decline in the price of gold is likely to continue.
Demand for the USD, on the contrary, continues growing due to expectations of a hike in US interest rates. At present, gold does not seem to be a profitable investment as borrowing costs of buying and storing it tend to increase.

Support and resistance

Though on the daily chart, OsMA and Stochastic recommend long positions, they are giving sell signals on the 4-hour and weekly charts.
Short positions are preferable. A growth to 1138.00 (38.2% Fibonacci correction and EMA144) seems possible if the price consolidates above the levels of 1085.00 and 1095.00.
Support levels: 1065.00, 1060.00, 1057.00.
Resistance levels: 1075.00, 1085.00, 1095.00, 1105.00, 1118.00.

Trading tips

Short positions can be opened from the level of 1060.00 with targets at 1050.00, 1010.00 and stop-loss at 1072.00.
Long positions can be opened from the level of 1076.00 with targets at 1085.00, 1095.00, 1105.00 and stop-loss at 1073.00.

EUR/USD: NFPR had little effect

Current trend

Despite strong Friday’s data on the Nonfarm Payrolls in the US, the Dollar could not recover losses of Thursday.
Nonetheless, November NFPR suggest a steady recovery of the US labour market. The figure came out stronger than was predicted by economists at 211 thousands new jobs, while October figure was revised up from 271 to 298 thousands new jobs. In addition, Average Hourly Earnings in November increased by 0.2%.
Considering strong recent data from the US, the probability of an interest rate hike in December significantly increases that could lead to the USD strengthening.

Support and resistance

For the downward trend to resume the price should consolidate below the support levels at 1.0820 (ЕМА200 on the 4-hour chart, May and July lows), 1.0760 (ЕМА144 on the 4-hour chart).
At the same time, a consolidation above the level of 1.0890 (ЕМА50 on the daily chart) could allow an upward correction towards the level of 1.1050 (ЕМА144, upper border of a descending channel on the daily chart) to continue.
On the daily and weekly charts, OsMA and Stochastic suggest a growth continuation, while on the 4-hour chart the indicators are turning to sales.
Support levels: 1.0820, 1.0760, 1.0700, 1.0600, 1.0560, 1.0500.
Resistance levels: 1.0940, 1.1050, 1.1180, 1.1285.

Trading tips

Pending sell orders can be placed from the level of 1.0845 with targets at 1.0820, 1.0760, 1.0710 and stop-loss at 1.0890.
Pending buy orders can be placed from the level of 1.0910 with targets at 1.0940, 1.1050, 1.1090 and stop-loss at 1.0880.

GBP/USD: general review

Current trend

Yesterday the Pound fell against the US Dollar.
The USD was supported after the publication of Friday’s data on the US labour market. The Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 5% in line with expectations, while the Nonfarm Payrolls amounted to 211 thousands that was better than forecasted 200 thousands though less than the previous figure of 298 thousands. At the same time, yesterday’s data on the Consumer Credit Change showed a decrease to 15.98 billion Dollars, which was worse than its forecasts.
Today attention needs to be paid to data on the Industrial Production and BRC Retail Sales Monitor in the UK, and IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism and JOLTS Job Openings in the US.

Support and resistance

The nearest support level is at 1.5000 (30 November lows).
The nearest resistance level is at*1.5080 (moving average with 50 period).

Trading tips

Short positions can be opened from current prices with the target at 1.5000*and stop-loss at 1.5080.

XAU/USD: pair in correction

Current trend

The price of gold remains under pressure after the publication of Friday’s data on the US labour market for November. The Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 5.0%, while the Nonfarm Payrolls came out better than forecasts. The data indicates a stable condition of the labour market and gradual recovery of the US economy that removes last barriers for the Fed to hike interest rates this month. Fed Funds futures represent almost 80% probability of the rate hike in December.
Thus in the medium term amid gradual tightening of monetary policy in the US gold will continue falling.

Support and resistance

After reaching the key support level at 1070.00 (EMA144 on the monthly chart), the pair remains in correction that could continue to the levels of 1085.00 (EMA144), 1092.00 (EMA200 on the 4-hour chart), a breakout of which would send the pair to 1100.00 (EMA50 on the daily chart) and 1118.00 (23.6% Fibonacci correction).
On the daily chart, OsMA and Stochastic recommend long positions. On the 4-hour chart, Stochastic is also turning to purchases.
Support levels: 1070.00, 1060.00, 1053.00, 1050.00, 1045.00.
Resistance levels: 1085.00, 1092.00, 1105.00, 1110.00, 1118.00.

Trading tips

Pending sell orders can be placed from the level of 1085.00, 1092.00 with targets at 1070.00, 1060.00, 1050.00, 1010.00 and stop-loss at 1095.00, and from the level of 1060.00 with targets at 1050.00, 1010.00 and stop-loss at 1072.00.
Pending buy orders can be placed from the level of 1095.00 with targets at 1105.00, 1110.00, 1118.00 and stop-loss at 1090.00.

XAG/USD: in correction

Current trend

Yesterday on COMEX, the price of March futures on silver fell by 21.6 cents.
The pair remains under pressure amid expectations of an interest rate hike in the US in December this year and a further cycle of gradual monetary policy tightening in the US in the next year. In addition, the price of silver is pressured by falling commodities and oil prices.
Due to the absence of important macroeconomic publications today and prior to meetings of the Bank of England and the Swiss NB that are due tomorrow, the pair will continue moving along a sideways channel.

Support and resistance

On the daily chart, the XAG/USD pair is falling along a descending channel with the lower border below the level of 13.50.
An upward correction in the pair can continue up to the levels of 14.40 (ЕМА144), 14.50 (ЕМА200 on the 4-hour chart). At the same time, a breakdown of the level of 14.00 (year lows) will accelerate the fall and sends the price to 12.30, 13.00 (2009 lows).
On the daily and weekly charts, OsMA and Stochastic recommend short positions, while on the 4-hour chart they start turning to purchases indicating that the upward correction can continue.
Support levels: 14.00, 13.80, 13.50.
Resistance levels: 14.40, 14.50, 14.80, 15.30.

Trading tips

Pending sell orders can be placed at the level of 13.95 with targets at 13.50, 13.20 and stop-loss at 14.10.
Pending buy orders can be placed at the level of 14.30 with targets at 14.40, 14.50, 14.75 and stop-loss at 13.95.

USD/JPY: pair fell

Current trend

During the last two days the pair substantially fell.
The pair was pressured by strong data on Machinery Orders for October in Japan that grew by 0.7% and significantly exceeded forecasts. In addition, the Yen is supported be revised data on the GDP for the third quarter that showed a 1% growth, the Consumer Confidence Index for November that increased to 42.6 points and Labour Cash Earnings that grew by 0.7%. At the same time, demand for the Yen as the safe-haven currency could increase prior to meetings by the Bank of England and Swiss NB that are due tomorrow.
Strong macroeconomic data can push the Bank of Japan to postpone further monetary policy easing that will also support the Yen.

Support and resistance

The pair remains above the strong support levels at 122.60 (EMA144), 122.50 (38.2% Fibonacci correction), 122.35 (EMA200 on the 4-hour chart), a breakdown of which would send the price towards 122.15 (EMA50 on the daily chart). A farther fall is restricted by support levels at 121.50 (50% correction), 121.35 (ЕМА144), 120.60 (61.8% correction, EMA200).
On the 4-hour and daily charts OsMA and stochastic recommend sales.
Support levels: 122.60, 122.50, 122.35, 122.15, 121.50.
Resistance levels: 123.00, 123.50, 123.70, 124.00, 124.50.

Trading tips

Pending buy orders can be placed at the level of 123.10 with targets at 123.50, 123.70, 124.00, 124.50 and stop-loss at 122.80.
Pending sell orders can be placed at the level of 122.50 with targets at 122.35, 122.10, 121.80, 121.00, 120.70 and stop-loss at 122.80.

NZD/USD: general review

Current trend

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand decreased its key interest rate from 2.75% to 2.5% in line with expectations. However, the NZD grew against the USD and approached last week highs.
In its Rate Statement, the regulator stated that it expects stability in the near future with regards to the interest rates. The RBNZ is not going to dismiss completely an option of further policy easing if needs but it is unlikely to happen soon, which is a positive factor for the national currency.

Support and resistance

On 4-hour chart, the pair is trading between the middle and upper MA’s of Bollinger Bands. Moving averages with 50, 100 and 144 periods remain below the price and directed up indicating an upward trend in the pair. MACD histogram is in the positive zone and its volumes are gradually growing. DI lines of the ADX indicator are crossing each other and directed down.
Support levels: 0.6719, 0.6675, 0.6659 (middle MA of Bollinger Bands, MA50), 0.6636 (MA100), 0.6578, 0.6470, 0.6428.
Resistance levels: 0.6747, 0.6787 (last week high).

Trading tips

Short positions can be opened from the level of 0.6719 with the target at 0.6675 and stop-loss at 0.6747.
Long positions can be opened after the price consolidation above the level of 0.6747 with the target at 0.6787 and stop-loss at 0.6719.

USD/JPY: review and forecast

Current trend

Though expectations of a hike at the upcoming Fed meeting are growing, the JPY has strengthened.
Futures traders are putting an 87.2% chance of a hike in US interest rates. At the same time, many investors suggest that a continuous growth in the USD has ended since a rate increase is obvious and already priced into the markets. In this situation, many market participants prefer taking profits on USD long positions.
The Japanese currency and the country's economy also gain support from low commodity prices.

Support and resistance

On the 4-hour chart, the price has formed a Pin-bar that suggests a possible correction after downward movement.
Support levels: 121.00, 120.50, 120.00.
Resistance levels: 122.00, 122.30, 123.00.

Trading tips

Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 121.00 with targets at 120.50, 120.00 and stop-loss at 121.20.
Long positions can be opened from the level of 122.00 with targets at 122.30, 123.00 and stop-loss at 121.70.

XAU/USD: general review
Current trend
Yesterday the pair was trading in the range 1076.43-1069.34 and closed at opening levels, but today managed to overcome the support level at 1072.23 and falling.
Today data on Retail Sales is due in the US. According to forecasts, the index will grow by 0.2%, which if confirmed will pressure the XAU/USD pair.
Support and resistance
On the daily chart, the pair is trading between the middle and bottom MA’s of Bollinger Bands. Moving averages with 50, 100 and 144 periods remain above the price and directed down indicating a downward trend. MACD histogram is in the negative zone suggesting a fall. ADX also signals the decline as DI lines cross each other, while the ADX line is moving down.
Support levels: 1055.87 (lower MA of Bollinger Bands), 1053.21, 1046.57 (last week low).
Resistance levels: 1072.23 (middle MA of Bollinger Bands), 1086.41 (this week high), 1096.71, 1105.84, 1125.28, 1138.12.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from current prices with the target at 1055.87 and stop-loss at 1072.23.
Long positions can be opened after the price consolidation above the level of 1072.23 with the target at 1086.41 and stop-loss at 1067.00.

USD/JPY: review and forecast
Current trend
Having opened this trading day with a growth, the US Dollar started declining in the European session. However, later on, an upward dynamics resumed. The American currency is strengthening amid a fall in oil and precious metals prices.
Recently, BOJ Governor stated the Regulator might continue easing monetary policy to stimulate wage growth in Japan. The next BOJ meeting is due on 17-18 December, while the Fed announces its interest rate decision on 16 December.
Support and resistance
After a growth at the opening of the trading day, the USD/JPY pair has started declining towards the support level of 121.50 (Fibonacci 50.0%) during the European session.
However, when the correction ends and OsMA and Stochastic indicators on the daily chart turn up, the pair is likely to resume its growth within an upward channel on the daily chart.
Support levels: 121.50, 121.35.
Resistance levels: 122.00, 122.30, 122.50.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened from the level of 122.10 with targets at 122.50, 123.00, 123.50, 123.70, 124.00, 124.50 and stop-loss at 121.80.
Short positions can be opened from the level of 121.25 with targets at 121.00, 120.70 and stop-loss at 121.55.