Forex News Analysis by LiteForex

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

The US dollar is strengthening against the euro and the yen, but is declining against the pound and the AUD. The instrument is supported by macroeconomic statistics from the USA published yesterday. Manufacturing PMI increased to 54.9 points in January from 53.8 a month earlier. Initial jobless claims dropped to 199K from 212K a week earlier. Services PMI was better than the forecast of 54.0 points, but dropped to 54.2 points in January from 54.4 points a month earlier. Fundamental events today include Durable Goods Orders data in the US (15:30 GMT+2). It is expected that the indicator will rise to 1.8% in December from –4.3% a month earlier. If this assumption is right, it will support the instrument in the short run.

EUR/USD

The EUR/USD quotes amid yesterday's weak statistics on business activity indices in the eurozone and the ECB’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged at 0.00% at least until the end of summer fell to 1.1288. However, during today's Asian session, they are corrected upwards. Investors are waiting for the publication of data on German Ifo Business Climate Index. The indicator is expected to fall to 100.7 points in January from 101.0 points a month earlier. If the forecast is implemented, the rate of the instrument will fall under additional pressure.

GBP/USD

The GBP/USD pair rose to 1.3131 during the Asian session. The pound is supported by the news about Democratic Unionist Party's intention to support the alternative Brexit deal by Theresa May next week. Today, traders are waiting for statistics from the UK gross mortgage approvals (11:30 GMT+2). The indicator is expected to decline to 38.9K in December from 39.4K a month earlier. If the forecast proves right, it could put pressure on the pound in the short term.

USD/JPY

The USD/JPY pair today rose to 109.76 during the Asian session. Statistics from Japan released at night indicated an increase in Tokyo Core CPI to 1.1% in January from 0.9% a month earlier, but could not provide support to the yen.

AUD/USD

Quotations of the pair AUD/USD are declining moderately having amounted to 0.7095 at the backdrop of the absence of macroeconomic releases.

Gold

During the Asian session, quotes of gold are growing moderately and consolidated above the level of 1280.00.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

The EUR/USD pair rose at the Asian session and is now trading at 1.1410. The market remains optimistic after the temporary cessation of the government shutdown in the United States. On Friday, President Donald Trump signed a decree financing the government for a period of three weeks. Trump made a deal with the Democrats, who, according to the American media, promised to allocate a significant part of the budget for the construction of the border wall with Mexico. It is not excluded that in three weeks the shutdown will resume if promises are not kept. During the day, European investors will be waiting for the speech of the ECB President Mario Draghi in the European Parliament. Perhaps he will share his opinion on the state of the European economy. Last week after the regulator's meeting, Draghi noted that the risks to the growth of the European economy had become negative, which is associated with geopolitical factors and the threat of protectionism. However, the likelihood of a recession in the euro area is low.

GBP/USD

The pair GBP/USD started the week trading in the range of 1.3180–1.3210. Investors hope that within a week the issue of Brexit can be clarified. On Tuesday, a second vote is expected on a deal with the EU, but since the second version of the agreement does not differ much from the one rejected by the House of Commons, the chances for its support by the MPs are low. Repeated rejection of a deal with the EU could lead to the extension of negotiations and even to concessions from the leadership of the European Union, since neither side wants a tough Brexit. During the day, the market is waiting for the speech of Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, who can share his opinion on the prospects of the British economy in connection with Brexit, as well as highlight the further monetary policy of the regulator.

AUD/USD

During today's Asian session, the AUD/USD pair rose to the level of 0.7202 amid reports of the resumption of the US government, but has now corrected to the area of 0.7190. However, in general, the pair is moving under the influence of technical factors, since it is a day off in Australia, the stock exchanges are closed, and trading activity is low.

USD/JPY

Quotations of the pair USD/JPY during the Asian session continued declining and reached the level of 109.30. The yen is being strengthened as a safe haven asset against the background of a possible delay in the negotiations between the US and the PRC. Last week, US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, said that the parties are still far from the deal. Today, the minutes of the last meeting of the Japanese regulator was published, but it did not give anything new to investors. Bank of Japan officials noted that in general, the Japanese economy continues to grow moderately, exports, industrial production and domestic demand increase moderately as well. Inflation continues to move to the target level of 2.0%. At the same time, the risks of world trade instability and increased protectionism remain. Under these conditions, the regulator will continue to maintain its current "dovish" monetary policy until inflation reaches 2.0%. Rates will remain at the same level for a long time.

Gold

Quotes of gold had ambiguous dynamics during the Asian session. At first, after a significant increase on Friday, they corrected to the level of 1300.00, but now they have won back their positions and are trading at the level of 1303.00.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

On Monday afternoon, the EUR/USD pair dropped to the area of 1.1415, but has now recovered some of the losses and is trading at 1.1434. In general, investors are concerned about the official charges by the US authorities against the Chinese corporation Huawei. The company is accused of two dozen crimes including violating the sanctions regime against Iran and stealing technology from the American company T-Mobile. This information appeared on the eve of a new round of trade negotiations between the United States and China, and may well complicate them significantly. Additional pressure on the euro was put by the speech of the ECB President Mario Draghi in the European Parliament. He said that recent economic data was worse than expected, and the reason for this was the decline in external demand and the threat of protectionism. Draghi also noted that in case of deterioration of the European economy, the regulator may use additional instruments to support it. During the day, investors are waiting for the publication in the US consumer confidence index from Conference Board. It is expected that the figure will fall for the third month in a row, this time from 128.1 to 124.7 points. The implementation of the forecast could put pressure on USD.

GBP/USD

The pair GBP/USD traded within the range of 1.3160–1.3144 during the Asian session. The market is calm, as investors are waiting for a new vote in the British parliament to be held today. The MPs would like to make a number of changes in the deal with the EU. A total of 14 amendments were proposed, including the exclusion of the possibility of no deal Brexit, a delay of several months and a temporary restriction on the backstop mechanism, according to which Northern Ireland should follow EU customs and trade rules until the parties agree on the Irish border. EU officials insisted that the backstop should be permanent, but this does not satisfy the majority of British MPs. If this amendment is adopted, the negotiations may come to a standstill, since Brussels had previously stated that they would not make any changes to the contract.

AUD/USD

During the Asian session, the pair AUD/USD showed ambiguous dynamics. After the decline to the level of 0.7137, the price recovered and is now trading at 0.7170. Australian investors are monitoring the situation around Huawei, accused in the US of economic crimes. This situation may adversely affect the trade negotiations between the United States and China, which will put pressure on the Australian economy. The speech of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said that Australia could expect the first in 28 years economic recession if the ruling party loses the next general election, is also in the focus.

USD/JPY

Quotations of the pair USD/JPY during the Asian session had ambiguous dynamics. After the decline to the level of 109.12, the instrument won back the losses and reached the level of 109.25. The yen is under pressure from the Cabinet of Ministers report, which lowered the estimate of exports of Japanese goods in January for the first time in three months. The reason for this was the trade conflict between China and the United States. The supplies of equipment for the production of electronics and semiconductors to the PRC suffered the most.

Gold

Gold quotes continued growth and reached the level of 1306.00. Investors are buying the asset because of the uncertainty around Brexit and the US-PRC trade negotiations.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

During the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair has grown and is currently trading at 1.1445. Investors are encouraged by the statements of US officials regarding the upcoming trade negotiations with China. Donald Trump's economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said that the President remains moderately optimistic about the possibility of concluding a trade agreement with the PRC by March, despite the situation with Huawei. Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, in turn, noted that the government expects significant progress in the upcoming negotiations, primarily in the access of American companies to the Chinese market and the protection of technology. On the other hand, negative data on Consumer Confidence Index, which fell in January for the third month in a row and amounted to 120.2 points (the worst figure since 2017), put pressure on USD. According to experts, the decline is due to the general instability of the markets and the partial closure of the US government.

During the day, investors are waiting for the publication of statistics on US GDP for Q4 2018 (a decrease from 3.4% to 2.6% is expected) and data on ADP Nonfarm Payrolls (a decrease from 271K to 170K is expected). However, the most important event of the day will be the Fed's decision on the interest rate and comments by representatives of the regulator. The rate is expected to remain at the same level of 2.50%. However, investors are more interested in the number of rate increases planned for the current year.

GBP/USD

During the Asian session, the GBP/USD pair corrected upwards, partly winning back the positions lost the day before. The British currency is under pressure from the results of voting in the British Parliament regarding amendments to the Brexit deal. Yvette Cooper's amendment, which allows postponing the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union from March 29 to December 31 2018, was rejected, and Graham Brady's amendment, changing the article on backstop, passed the vote. Now Teresa May should return to Brussels and try to get new concessions from EU officials, based on the results of the vote. However, representatives of the European Union have repeatedly stated that they will not change the text of the deal; therefore the chances of success for the British Prime Minister are quite low.

AUD/USD

During today's Asian session, the AUD/USD pair rose to the level of 0.7200 against the background of positive data on inflation in Australia. CPI rose from 0.4% to 0.5% QoQ and decreased from 1.9% to 1.8% YoY. Thus, Australian inflation remains close to the target level of 2.0%.

USD/JPY

In the Asian session, the USD/JPY pair generally declined and is now testing the level of 109.25. JPY is supported by December retail sales data, which grew by 1.3%, exceeding market expectations. It is likely that sales will continue to grow over the coming months as citizens seek to make acquisitions ahead of the planned increase in sales tax from 8% to 10% this autumn.

Gold

Gold quotes continued growth and reached the level of 1314.95. Investors are buying the asset because of the uncertainty around Brexit and the US-PRC trade negotiations.

EUR/USD

During the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair continued to grow and has now risen to 1.1508. Investors positively assessed the results of the Fed meeting where it was decided to leave the interest rate in the range of 2.25% –2.50%. During the press conference, the head of the regulator, Jerome Powell, said that at the moment there are fewer arguments in favor of the rate increase, therefore the Fed will take a wait-and-see approach. Powell also noted that in the current year the growth rate of the American economy may slow down. The government shutdown may lead to a decrease in GDP in Q1 2019, but if there are no new shutdowns, then in Q2 2019 the economy will recover its losses. USD was also supported by ADP Nonfarm Employment Change data. In January, the growth rate exceeded forecasts and amounted to 213K.

During the day, the market is waiting for the release of data on euro area GDP (expected to decline from 1.6% to 1.2%), for Initial Jobless Claims in the US (growth is expected to 215K) and for New Home Sales (expected to increase from 544K to 560K).

GBP/USD

The GBP/USD pair was growing during the Asian session and reached the level of 1.3137. The pound strengthened against the background of a positive market reaction to the results of the Fed meeting. However, in general, the situation for GBP remains difficult. In the near future, the pound will be under pressure from the negative reaction of European officials to the British MPs backstop amendment. The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, have already opposed it. EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, noted that the backstop rule is a realistic solution to prevent the creation of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and therefore should remain unchanged. European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, said that the last vote in the British Parliament increased the risk of a tough Brexit, but expressed the hope that the deal could still be concluded. In general, it does not seem that Brussels would make concessions to London, and this increases the likelihood of Britain leaving the EU without a deal or cancellation of Brexit in order to prevent economic losses.

AUD/USD

At the Asian session, the pair AUD/USD grew to 0.7270. In addition to the outcome of the Fed meeting, the Australian dollar is supported by positive Chinese statistics. In January, Manufacturing PMI of China grew for the first time in five months and amounted to 49.5 points. Non-Manufacturing PMI increased for the second month in a row, this time from 53.8 to 54.7 points.

USD/JPY

Quotes of the USD/JPY pair in the Asian session were falling and are now at 108.67. The yen is supported by positive Chinese statistics on Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI and the outcome of the Fed meeting. Also, the Japanese currency is supported by data on the volume of industrial production in Japan, which declined by 0.1% in December, which is much less than the market expected (decrease by 0.5%) and November figures (decrease by 1.0%). In general, the slowdown in the decline in production indicates the prospects for the recovery of the Japanese economy.

Gold

Quotes of gold at the Asian session were mainly traded in the range of 1320.30–1317.15. The pressure on the US dollar and the demand for the precious metal were the result of recent decisions by the US Federal Reserve.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

The EUR/USD pair declined moderately at the Asian session and is now trading at 1.1430. USD is strengthening against the backdrop of statements by US President Donald Trump, who said on Twitter that trade negotiations with the Chinese delegation are going well and the parties are trying to conclude a deal without leaving a single issue unresolved. However, Trump indicated that he would not enter into a trade agreement until he met with PRC Chairman Xi Jinping again. Such a meeting may take place at the end of February in China. In general, the market remains optimistic, hoping for a resolution of the conflict between the United States and China. Also, the US currency is supported by strong November data on new home sales in the USA. The growth rate exceeded forecasts and amounted to 657K.

During the day the market will be waiting for the January data from the US labor market. The unemployment rate is expected to remain st the same level of 3.9%. Nonfarm Payrolls are expected to reduce from 312K to 165K. Today's data may be better than expected, as the leading indicator of ADP Nonfarm Employment Change exceeded market expectations and amounted to 213K. In this case, the strengthening of the dollar will continue.

GBP/USD

In the Asian session, the GBP/USD pair was declining and is now trading at 1.3090. The British currency is under pressure from the uncertainty of Brexit. The European Union is not going to make concessions to the UK and change the current text of the deal in accordance with the amendments of the British MPs. Under these conditions, the assumption that the UK’s exit date from the EU may be postponed to a later date does not subside. British Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, hinted at this in an interview with the BBC.

Today, the release of the January Manufacturing PMI in the UK is expected. After two months of growth, the indicator is expected to resume the decline and drop from 54.2 to 53.5 points, which could put pressure on GBP.

AUD/USD

The AUD/USD pair has been declining during today's Asian session and is currently trading at 0.7240. AIG Manufacturing PMI data were positive. In January, the indicator grew from 49.5 to 52.5 points. However, the Australian currency was unable to strengthen due to the weakness of the real estate market, whose condition continues to deteriorate. In January, housing prices again fell by 1%, and on an annualized basis they declined by 5.6%.

USD/JPY

Quotes of USD/JPY at the Asian session were mainly traded in the range of 108.90–108.80. The latest Japanese statistics turned out to be strong. The unemployment rate fell to 2.4% (the lowest since 1992). And Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose in January from 50.0 to 50.3 points.

Gold

Gold quotes are corrected downwards and reached the level of 1317.15. The decline is happening against the backdrop of investor hopes that the US and the PRC will sign a trade deal.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

During the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair was going down and has now dropped to 1.1440 (–0.12%). The dollar is strengthened against the background of positive January data from the US labor market. The unemployment rate rose from 3.9% to 4.0%. However, investors attach greater importance to employment growth: the indicator increased from 206K to 296K. Also, the positions of the US currency were strengthened by the statistics on Manufacturing PMI. In January, the indicator grew from 54.3 to 56.6 points. Finally, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, a voting member of the FOMC, James Bullard hinted once again that there would be no further rate increase in the near future. In an interview to CNBC, he noted that "the level of rates is very good where it is today", and "now it’s time to wait and see how the economy develops".

During the day, the data on the volume of factory orders in the United States for November will be published. The figure is expected to grow by 0.3%, which may provide additional support for the American currency.

GBP/USD

The pair GBP/USD in the Asian session goes down smoothly. By now the pair has dropped to 1.3065 (–0.07%). The British currency is under pressure from the poor statistics and the uncertainty of Brexit. Manufacturing PMI, published on Friday in the UK, fell sharply in January and reached 52.8 points, the lowest in the last three months. The situation with Brexit continues to be deadlock, which negatively affects the pound. The UK is seeking to make alternative arrangement on backstop, but the EU does not intend to renegotiate the issue. British Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, called such a position of European officials "irresponsible." Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Theresa May still intends to go to Brussels and seek new concessions.

During the day, the data on Construction PMI in January will be published in the UK. It is expected that the figure will fall for the second month in a row, this time from 52.8 to 52.6 points. If the forecast proves right, the pound may fall under pressure.

AUD/USD

The pair AUD/USD opened trading week with the decline, dropping to around 0.7225 (–0.29%). The Australian dollar is weakening due to negative data on the number of building approvals. In December, on a monthly basis, their number decreased again (for the third month in a row), this time by 8.4%. In total, last year reduction was 22%. The decline in housing prices has resulted in the refusal of companies to construct new buildings, which leads to a reduction in the construction sector and pressure on the Australian currency.

USD/JPY

Quotes of the USD/JPY pair in the Asian session rose reaching 109.75 (+0.26%). The US dollar is strengthening against the yen due to the positive labor market data, which in general turned out to be better than expected. In addition, the confidence in the postponement of a new tightening of the Fed monetary policy is being strengthened, which also supports the US currency.

Gold

Gold quotes are corrected downwards and reached the level of 1312.15 (–0.42%). The price is falling against the general strengthening of the dollar due to strong data on the US labor market.

EUR/USD

During the Asian session, the pair EUR/USD was traded within the range 1.1439–1.1428. In general, negative data on production orders in the USA and the threat of a new government shutdown put pressure on the US currency. Factory orders in November, instead of the expected growth of 0.3%, declined by 0.6% for the second month in a row. Meanwhile, the US government was threatened with a new shutdown, since its current funding will only last until February 15. The contract of the Presidential Administration and the Democrats implied that they would conclude an agreement and seek USD 5.7 billion to build a wall on the Mexican border, but so far it has not been reached. President Donald Trump has already called further negotiations useless. The latest shutdown caused damage to the national economy in the amount of USD 6 billion, so the threat of a new closure unnerves the market.

Today, President Trump will speak in Congress and will share his plans for the future. Also during the day, investors are waiting for the publication of a block of economic statistics. January data on the euro area's Services PMI (probably the level of 50.8 points will remain), as well as on ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (probably decreasing to 57.0 points) and on retail sales in the euro area (a decrease is probable) will be released.

GBP/USD

In the Asian session, the GBP/USD pair was moderately growing and is now trading at 1.3040. In general, the British currency continues to remain under pressure. Prime Minister Theresa May continues consultations on Brexit deal with Members of Parliament. Some hope of a compromise with the EU came after German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, noted that new British proposals on the Irish border should be heard.

During the day, the January the UK Services PMI is expected to be published, which, following the Manufacturing and Construction PMI, may be weak (a decrease from 51.2 to 51.1 points is expected), which may put additional pressure on the pound.

AUD/USD

During the Asian session, the pair AUD/USD demonstrated ambiguous dynamics. At first, it dropped to 0.7192, but then it has won the losses back and is now trading at around 0.7260. December data on retail sales in Australia were poor. On a monthly basis, the indicator decreased by 0.4%, while in quarterly terms it slowed down from 0.2% to 0.1%. The Reserve Bank of Australia expectedly kept the interest rate at around 1.50%, but in the accompanying statements the regulator expressed optimism, which supported the national currency. The RBA officials continue to wait for further reductions in unemployment and inflation growth to target levels, but due to global trade tensions, the downside risks in the economy have increased.

USD/JPY

Quotations of the pair USD/JPY during the Asian session had ambiguous dynamics. After the growth to 110.00, the quotes corrected to the level of 109.80. In the absence of significant economic news in Japan, the movement of the instrument is technical in nature and is focused on data from the United States.

Gold

Gold quotations rose to 1315.00 during the Asian session. Investors fear a sharpening of the political struggle in the United States and the possibility of another government shutdown, which is fraught with new multi-billion dollar losses.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

During the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair was going down and is now traded at 1.1395 (–0,08%). The dollar is strengthening against the backdrop of a speech by US President Donald Trump in Congress, where the unprecedented growth of the national economy in the past two years was mentioned. In particular, the creation of 5.3M new jobs, more than 600K of which was new jobs in production, a decrease in unemployment and a rise in wages were noted.

During the day, data on changes in the trade balance (the deficit is expected to decrease to –54.0B dollars), data on Nonfarm Productivity (Q4), as well as data on Unit Labor Costs (Q4) will be published in the US.

GBP/USD

In the Asian session, the GBP/USD pair is moving in the lateral channel and is now trading at 1.2950. The British currency fell sharply yesterday, amid a decline in Services PMI from 51.2 to 50.1 points. Prime Minister Theresa May continues her visit to Northern Ireland, during which she expects to discuss changes in the backstop mechanism.

No significant macroeconomic releases are expected today in the UK.

AUD/USD

During today's Asian session, the AUD/USD pair shows a sharp decline against the background of the speech of the head of the RBA, Philip Lowe, in particular his comments on monetary policy. The head of the regulator said that the board of the Bank continues to carefully assess the prospects for the development of the economy and does not see compelling reasons for changing the level of rates in the short term. The pair has lost 0.99% and is currently trading around 0.7135.

USD/JPY

Quotations of the pair USD/JPY during the Asian session had ambiguous dynamics. After the decline to 109.60, the quotes corrected to the level of 109.80. In the absence of significant economic news in Japan, the movement of the instrument is technical in nature and is focused on data from the United States.

Gold

Gold quotations declined to 1313.00 during the Asian session.

LiteForex analitics. Morning Market Review

EUR/USD

In the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair consolidated after a decline and traded mostly in a narrow range of 1.1366–1.1357. The market positively assessed the comments of US Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who noted that trade negotiations with representatives of the PRC are going very productively and the parties intend to make every effort to conclude a big trade deal before the beginning of March. Mnuchin will lead the US delegation, which will go to Beijing next week for a new round of trade negotiations. The dollar was under pressure from comments by former Fed Head, Janet Yellen, who supposed that the regulator could lower the interest rate in the event of a weakening global economic growth. Yesterday's speech by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell did not contain new information on monetary policy. He noted only that in the next decade, the United States will face an increase in the gap in the level of citizens' well-being and urged to fight it.

Today, there should be a meeting between British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU officials to discuss changes in the terms of the Brexit deal. Its results can cause significant volatility in the market.

GBP/USD

During the Asian session, the pair GBP/USD was traded within the narrow range 1.2935–1.2925. In addition to negotiations between representatives of the UK and the EU in Brussels, investors are preparing for the meeting of the Bank of England. The rate is expected to remain at the same level of 0.75%. Probably, under conditions of uncertainty with Brexit, the British regulator will not accept any change in monetary policy. However, Mark Carney can share his vision of the economic situation and action plans of the Bank of England in the event of a tough Brexit.

AUD/USD

The AUD/USD pair continued declining at the Asian session and is now trading at 0.7093. Yesterday's comments from the head of the RBA, Philip Lowe, continue to exert pressure on the Australian currency. The official said that he had previously assumed a further increase in interest rates, but now the position of the regulator has become more balanced. Investors interpreted these words as a hint at the possibility of reducing the rate. Currently, trade tensions, slowing global growth and the weakness of the Australian construction market contribute to this.

USD/JPY

In the Asian session, the USD/JPY quotes had ambiguous dynamics. After the decrease to the level of 109.71, the price won back most of the losses and is now at the level of 109.95. Japanese investors follow the news of the US-China trade negotiations and are encouraged by the latest statements by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the parties' desire to conclude a deal before the beginning of March. On the other hand, pressure on the yen is exerted by weak data on the Leading Index. The indicator has been falling for the third month in a row reaching the level of 97.9 points in February, making the lowest indicator since April 2016.

Gold

Quotes of gold in the Asian session continued to decline and are now trading at 1304.75. The weakening of the price is due to the prospects for the US and China to reach a trade deal.