Forex News Analysis by LiteForex

EUR/USD: general analysis
Current trend
The Fed holds its finial meeting of the year on Wednesday. Many market participants expect a hike in US interest rates, so if the forecast is confirmed, the European currency is likely to weaken.
However, as long as inflation has not reached the target level of 2% yet, it might be seen as a determining factor for a forthcoming decision. Another negative aspect is Manufacturing PMI which came in below the key level of 50 points. This data might indicate a slowdown in economic growth.
Thus, in its decision making, the Fed will consider labor market statistics, inflation rate and the world economic situation.
Supportandresistance
Since the opening of the trading day, the European currency has been slightly declining against the US Dollar.
The key resistance level is still at 1.1040 the breakout of which would allow the price to continue growing towards 1.1150-1.1200.
Support level: 1.0925.
The nearest resistance level: 1.1055.
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 1.0925 with the target at 1.0875 and stop-loss at 1.0950.

AUD/JPY: pair resumed its decline
Current trend
The AUD/JPY pair has declined from its local lows, reached in the first week of December. The Japanese currency has gained support form speculations over the upcoming Fed meeting. Though a hike in US interest rates is forecasted, investors suggest market reaction might be different than expected. It is possible that monetary policy tightening has already been priced into the market.
Last week, the Australian currency was growing only on Thursday amid the publication of unexpectedly favorable labor market statistics for November. Employment Change came in at 74.1K while a decline in the indicator by 10.0K had been forecasted. Unemployment Rate was down to 5.8% from 5.9% against expectations of an increase to 6.0%.
Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands indicator on the daily chart is turning down, while the price range is widening. However, the indicator has formed a signal for an upward correction. MACD keeps its downward trend. Stochastic is near the border of the oversold zone and trying to turn up.
It is recommended to wait for clearer trading signals.
Support levels: 87.00, 86.45 (10 November low), 86.00, 85.69, 85.00.
Resistance levels: 87.30, 88.00, 88.60, 89.12 (10 December high), 89.59, 90.00, 90.34, 90.71 (4 December high), 91.00.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the breakout and consolidation above the level of 87.30 with targets at 88.00, 88.60, 89.00 and stop-loss at 86.70. Validity – 2-4 days.
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 87.00 with the target at 86.00 and stop-loss at 87.50. Validity – 2-3 days.

AUD/USD: general review
Current trend
Since the beginning of the week, the pair is growing.
Today the pair was supported by strong data from Australia. New Motor Vehicle Sales for November grew to 6%, while the House Price Index came out in line with forecasts at 2%. At the same time, the pair is pressured by expectations of the Fed Interest Rate Decision that is due tomorrow. Markets expect rates to be increased that would add to the pressure on the pair.
Today attention needs to be paid to the Consumer Price Index in the US. Volatility on the market is expected to be low.
Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, the pair is trading between the middle and upper MA’s of Bollinger Bands. Moving averages with 100 and 144 periods are above the price and directed horizontally. MACD histogram is in the positive zone and its volumes remain almost unchanged. ADX indicates pair’s decline, DI lines cross over and directed down.
Today, the pair is expected to remain within the range of 0.7247-0.7302.
Support levels: 0.7247 (middle MA of Bollinger Bands, MA50), 0.7182, 0.7159 (this week low), 0.7133, 06984, 0.6908.
Resistance levels: 0.7280, 0.7302 (MA100), 0.7343 (last week low), 0.7353, 0.7385.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the price consolidation above the level of 0.7280 with targets at 0.7302, 0.7343 and stop-loss at 0.7260.
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 0.7247 with the target at 0.7182 and stop-loss at 0.7280.
Scenario validity – 1-2 days.

USD/CAD: review and forecast
Current trend
On Monday, the USD/CAD pair hit its highest levels in more than 11 years. The demand for the US Dollar is strong ahead of the Fed meeting. The Canadian Dollar, in its turn, is under enormous pressure from falling oil prices.
Most investors expect a hike in US interest rate by 0.25 basis points. It is the tone of Fed’s Chair Janet Yellen’s comments that still raises doubts. If she points to a slow-paced series of rate increases, the USD will strengthen slightly. Otherwise, in case of a more hawkish view, a surge in the USD is expected.
Consumer Price Index is due today in the US. In monthly terms, zero inflation is expected; in annual terms, analysts forecast an increase from 0.2% to 0.4%. More positive data will strengthen the USD.
Later on, BoC Governor Stephen Poloz gives his speech. Low oil prices are strongly affecting the country’s economy, and the Regulator might reduce its interest rate to minus -0.5%. If such a possibility is confirmed, the CAD would weaken more against the USD.
Support and resistance
On the daily chart, a doji pattern has formed that suggests the possibility of a downward correction.
Support levels: 1.3675, 1.3623, 1.1355.
Resistance levels: 1.3780, 1.3823, 1.3900.
Trading tips
Long positions can be opened above the level of 1.3785 with targets at 1.3825 and 1.3900.
Short positions can be opened below the level of 1.3675 with targets at 1.3630 and 1.3560.

USD/JPY: pair returned to growth
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Current trend
Yesterday the USD/JPY pair significantly strengthened. Trading in the pair was very volatile due to a large number of macroeconomic publications that was coming out and approaching US Fed meeting at which, as expected, the regulator will increase its key interest rate.
The pair was supported by strong data on consumer inflation in the US. The Consumer Price Index for November grew from 0.2% to 0.5% that was better than economists forecasted. *
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Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands on the daily chart is moving down while the price range is slowly narrowing. MACD is growing and giving a buy signal. Stochastic bounced off the oversold zone and growing.
The indicators recommend long positions.
Support levels: 121.48, 121.00, 120.56, 120.34 (14 December low), 120.00 (22 October low), 119.62, 119.39.
Resistance levels: 122.00 (local high), 122.22 (11 December high), 122.60, 122.93, 123.35, 123.66 (2 December high), 124.00.
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Trading tips
Long positions can be opened after the breakout of the level of 122.22 with targets at 123.25, 123.66 and stop-loss at 121.40. Validity – 2-4 days.
Short positions can be opened after the price rebound from the level of 122.00 with targets at 121.00, 120.50, 120.30 and stop-loss at 122.60. Validity – 2-3 days.

GBP/USD: general analysis
Current trend
Yesterday, the British Pound declined against the US Dollar. The pair was under pressure amid the publication of favorable statistics on Redbook index which grew by 1.5% from the previous 1.9%. Consumer Price Index was up by 0.5% that is 0.1% above the forecast.
Today, attention needs to be paid to Unemployment Rate and Average Earnings data, released in the UK. Unemployment Rate is expected to remain unchanged at 5.3%.
However, the most important news is due in the US – the Fed announces its interest rate decision. Amid this publication, the market will be highly volatile. However, until the Fed decision is released, the pair is likely to continue moving down.
Support and resistance
The nearest support level is 1.4965 (8 December support level).
The resistance level is 1.5082 (MA24, 4 December low and 7 December high).
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1.5046 with the target at 1.4965 and stop-loss at 1.5082.

EUR/USD: waiting for Fed meeting
Current trend
Yesterday the pair fell and lost about 150 points, which was the result of a publication of strong data in the US. The Consumer Price Index grew to 0.5% that was 0.1% higher than forecasts. Today attention of traders is focused on the Fed meeting where the regulator could increase its key interest rates for the first time since 2006. Usually, a rate increase significantly supports the national currency.
The Fed Interest Rate Decision is due at 9 pm (GMT+2), its press conference is planned for 9:30 pm (GMT+2). Very high volatility is expected on the market.
Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, the pair is trading between the lower and middle MA’s of Bollinger Bands. Moving averages with 100 and 144 periods remain below the price and directed up. MACD histogram is in the positive zone but its volumes are rapidly falling.
Support levels: 1.0907 (lower MA of Bollinger Bands), 1.0871 (MA100), 1.0794, 1.0565, 1.0527.
Resistance levels: 1.0930 (MA50), 1.0970 (middle MA of Bollinger Bands), 1.1035 (upper MA of Bollinger Bands), 1.0959 (current week high).
Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the level of 1.0907 with the target at 1.0800 and stop-loss at 1.0930.
Long positions can be opened after the breakout of the level of 1.0970 with the target at 1.1035 and stop-loss at 1.0930.
Validity – 1 day.

EUR/USD: general analysis

Current trend
The single European currency continues declining against the US Dollar. The main factor which affects the EUR/USD pair is the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates by 0.25 points. Moreover, Fed Chair Janet Yellen stated that more rate hikes are possible over the next year if US economy continues strengthening. Therefore, the European currency will remain under pressure for quite a long period of time.
Economists suggest that US Unemployment Rate will decline to 4.7% during 2016-2018, while economic growth will reach the level of 2.2%.

Support and resistance
Support level: 1.0858 (1/8 Murray level).
The nearest resistance level is 1.0900 (0/8 Murray level).

Trading tips
Short positions can be opened after the breakdown of the level of 1.0800 with the target at 1.0740 and stop-loss at 1.0825.

AUD/USD: in contracting triangle


Current trend
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve raised US interest rates. This decision confirms the Fed is confident that US economic recovery is sustainable and suggests the Regulator has a favorable outlook for the global economy.
RBA, in its turn, is likely to keep loose monetary policy due to weak inflation. Moreover, the Australian Dollar is under pressure from a continuous fall in commodity prices, in iron ore price in particular, as Australia remains the largest exporter of this raw material. Therefore, the AUD/USD pair tends to continue declining.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, a contracting triangle has formed with the lower border near the level of 0.7190 and the upper border at 0.7335 (EMA144). The price is likely to breakdown the lower border of the triangle and continue declining to 0.7100, 0.7030, 0.6980 and 0.6910 (year lows).
In case of a correctional growth, the price might reach the level of 0.7335 (EMA144 on the daily chart). An upward trend would resume only after the consolidation above the levels of 0.7465 (EMA200 on the daily chart) and 0.7510 (23.6% Fibonacci).
Support levels: 0.7215, 0.7170, 0.7100, 0.7030, 0.6980, 0.6910.
Resistance levels: 0.7300, 0.7350, 0.7400, 0.7500.

Trading tips
Short positions can be opened from the current level with targets at 0.7170, 0.7150, 0.7110, 0.7090, 0.7030, 0.6950, 0.6910 and stop-loss at 0.7250.
Long positions can be opened from the level of 0.7260 with targets at 0.7300, 0.7335, 0.7410, 0.7450, 0.7490 and stop-loss at 0.7190.

USD/CAD: review and forecast


Current trend
During yesterday’s session, the pair significantly grew.
The pair was supported by strong data on the US labour market, where the number of Initial Jobless Claims fell from 282 to 271 thousands, against a forecasted decline to 275 thousands. In addition, the pair is supported by strengthening after the Fed decision on interest rates US Dollar and falling oil prices. In current conditions, the Bank of Canada might decide to continue with monetary policy easing and cut the interest rate to -0.5% that would add to the pressure on the Canadian Dollar.
Today attention needs to be paid to data on the Consumer Price Index for November in Canada.


Support and resistance
On the 4-hour chart, MACD’s histogram is above the zero and its signal lines indicating strong upward trend. The K% line of Stochastic is about to cross over the D% line suggesting a possibility of a correction in the pair.
Support levels: 1.3900, 1.3840, 1.3800.
Resistance levels: 1.4000, 1.4050, 1.4100.


Trading tips
Long positions can be opened above the level of 1.4000 with targets at 1.4050, 1.4100.
Short positions can be opened below the level of 1.3900 with targets at 1.3840, 1.3800.