Daily Market Analysis By FXOpen

Google Share Price Rose Post-market to a New All-time Record


Yesterday, after the close of the main trading session, a report on activities for the 1st quarter of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company) was published. The report was strong, exceeding investors' expectations.

→ Quarterly EPS = USD 1.89 (expected = USD 1.51), which represents a 15% increase year-over-year;
→ gross revenue = USD 80.539 billion (expected = USD 78.73 billion).

It was the fifth straight quarter in which Alphabet beat analysts' expectations on both revenue and profit. But the main surprise was the company’s decision to start paying dividends and increase the amount allocated for share buybacks to USD 70 billion.

According to Benzinga, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai made a number of important announcements about the future:
→ The company's combined YouTube and Cloud business revenues will be USD 100 billion in 2024, indicating a growth rate of 25% in each of the next three quarters.
→ Pichai also expressed confidence in Alphabet's ability to manage investments in AI, announcing capital expenditures of USD 12 billion.

As a result, the share price of Alphabet Inc. Class A (GOOGL) surpassed USD 180 in post-market trading, setting a new all-time record. In premarket trading today, GOOGL is trading around USD 176.



TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

USD/JPY: Rate Falls Rapidly after Exceeding Psychological Mark of 160 Yen Per Dollar


Despite the fact that today is a holiday in Japan, the foreign exchange market is experiencing extreme volatility — wide candles are forming on the USD/JPY chart, and the rate briefly exceeded the psychological level of 160 yen per dollar, reaching a new high in 34 years.

The weakening of the yen in the first hours of trading occurred against the background of the fact that:
→ On Friday, the Bank of Japan decided to leave interest rates at the same level = 0.1%.
→ At the same time, market participants did not hear clear signals from the Bank of Japan that the weakening yen would be supported.
→ On Wednesday, May 1, the Fed will announce its decision on the interest rate. It is also expected to remain unchanged at 5.5%, highlighting the difference in monetary policy between Japan and the United States.

However, shortly after the yen surpassed the psychological level of 160.00, USD/JPY fell sharply to 155.50 and below — traders, according to Reuters, saw signs of intervention from Japanese financial authorities after a 13% increase since the beginning of the year.

Let us recall that Tokyo previously intervened in the foreign exchange market in September and October 2022, when the US dollar exchange rate was about 146.00 and 152.00 yen, respectively.



TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

London Calling! FTSE 100 Stocks Flying High Once Again


Back in 2021, which when looking at a physical calendar does not seem such a long time ago yet feels an epoch ago when considering the changes in global economies and the capital markets since then, the FTSE 100 index was making headlines full of superlatives and enthusiasm as it pushed its way through the 7,000 point mark for the first time ever.

As that happened, investors and analysts alike were experiencing something of a sensory overload with so many exciting dynamics having taken place around the same time, including the notorious meme stock frenzy led by Reddit board groups, which dramatically affected the prices of certain entertainment stocks in the US and a deluge of relatively unheard of firms suddenly listing their stock on the NASDAQ exchange for multi-billion dollar valuations via SPAC entities.

Alongside these headline grabbers was London's FTSE 100 rallying like never before, which was an interesting backdrop because London listed firms are often traditional, long-established bricks-and-mortar entities with decades of institutional stability behind them as opposed to the disruptors of the NASDAQ, and not susceptible to volatility caused by the self-styled market makers of the Reddit boards.

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

CRON Stock Price Forms a Bullish Pattern ahead of the Report


The Cannabis Stocks market has experienced a significant decline since its peak in the spring of 2019. The share of the Canadian company Cronos (CRON) then formed a high above USD 24, and trading yesterday closed at USD 2.55.

However, even after the CRON share price fell 10 times, there are still reasons for optimism:

→ Cronos recently announced its first entry into the edible chocolate category with the introduction of Chocolate Fusions. Cronos' newest edible innovation was developed by an expert team of culinary experts, nutritional scientists and leaders in cannabis product development.

→ InvestorPlace named CRON to its list of top Cannabis Stocks to Consider Buying in Spring 2024. The argument is a reminder that Altria invested USD 1.8 billion in Cronos.



TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

5 Stocks To Consider For May 2024


Time flies, especially when things are running smoothly, and this year so far has been a period free of dramatic events across the capital markets.

Suddenly, we are almost halfway through 2024, and the forthcoming month takes us up to that point. During the first part of 2024, scepticism and trepidation gave way to hope and optimism as analysts cast their theories that central banks across the Western world may look toward reducing interest rates a few times. This turned out to have been an incorrect prediction, and rates remain unchanged, meaning companies still need that extra cash flow to grow or show greater revenues, which is currently being used to service monthly commitments at high interest rates.

It has not impeded progress, however. Some of the world's most prestigious indices have been performing outstandingly, giving rise to the notion that large corporations are, in many cases, in good fiscal order. Talk of recession has faded into the background as the FTSE 100 in London (UK 100 on FXOpen) ended April with a massive rally, and across the Atlantic, the S&P500 (US SPX 500 Mini on FXOpen) and NASDAQ (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen) ended the month in a strong position.

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

The Dollar Is Losing Some of Its Gains While Awaiting a Verdict from the Fed


The American currency continues to trade in different directions relative to leading currencies. Thus, the yen paired with theUS dollar fell in price to a 34-year low, and in pairs with European and commodity currencies we are seeing a corrective pullback in USD. Whether the main trends will continue, or whether it is worth preparing for a deeper corrective rollback, will be determined by the coming trading sessions:

• Today at 12.00 (GMT +3:00) inflation data in the eurozone for April will be published
• Today at 17.00 (GMT +3:00) the US consumer confidence index from CB will be released
• Tomorrow at 21.00 (GMT +3:00) a meeting of the Federal Reserve is scheduled, at which the base interest rate on the dollar and the regulator’s further plans for monetary policy will be announced

EUR/USD
The single European currency has been holding above the key range of 1.0700-1.0600 for the third week. Technical analysis for EUR/USD indicates the possibility of working out a piercing line combination on the weekly timeframe, which could lead to a test of 1.0900-1.0840. A price move below 1.0600 may contribute to updating last year’s low at 1.0450.

In addition to the already mentioned news, today at 13.00 (GMT +3:00) it is worth paying attention to the speech of the Vice President of the German Federal Bank Claudia Maria Buch.

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT THE FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

EUR/USD Dives While USD/CHF Extends Rally


EUR/USD started a fresh decline below the 1.0695 support. USD/CHF is rising and might aim a move toward the 0.9250 resistance.

Important Takeaways for EUR/USD and USD/CHF Analysis Today

• The Euro struggled to clear the 1.0750 resistance and declined against the US Dollar.
• There was a break below a key bullish trend line with support at 1.0695 on the hourly chart of EUR/USD at FXOpen.
• USD/CHF is showing positive signs above the 0.9185 resistance zone.
• There was a break above a major bearish trend line with resistance at 0.9130 on the hourly chart at FXOpen.

EUR/USD Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of EUR/USD at FXOpen, the pair failed to clear the 1.0750 resistance. The Euro started a fresh decline below the 1.0700 support against the US Dollar, as mentioned in the previous analysis.

There was a break below a key bullish trend line with support at 1.0695. Besides, the pair declined below the 50-hour simple moving average and 1.0675. The pair traded as low as 1.0654 and is currently correcting losses.

The pair is showing bearish signs, and the upsides might remain capped. Immediate resistance on the upside is near the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.0735 swing high to the 1.0654 low at 1.0675.

The next major resistance is near the 1.0695 zone or the 50-hour simple moving average. It is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.0735 swing high to the 1.0654 low.

An upside break above the 1.0695 level might send the pair toward the 1.0735 resistance. Any more gains might open the doors for a move toward the 1.0750 level.

On the downside, immediate support on the EUR/USD chart is seen near 1.0650. The next major support is near the 1.0630 level. A downside break below the 1.0630 support could send the pair toward the 1.0580 level.

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

The Dollar is Declining: the Outcome of the Fed Meeting Disappointed Investors


The outcome of the two-day meeting of the American regulator was that officials left the base interest rate unchanged in the range of 5.25-5.5%. Also, from the published statement, it follows that the Fed is ready to adjust the direction of current monetary policy in the event of risks that could hinder the achievement of the regulator's key objectives. Judging by the movement of major currency pairs after the rate decision announcement, market participants are hoping for a prompt change in the Fed's monetary policy. For example, the GBP/USD pair held above significant resistance at 1.2500, and the movement of USD/JPY hints at the possibility of hidden intervention by the Bank of Japan.

GBP/USD

Technical analysis of the GBP/USD pair indicates the possibility of an upward correction towards 1.2700-1.2620, as a "bullish engulfing" pattern has formed on the weekly timeframe. Breaking below recent lows at 1.2300 would invalidate this pattern, potentially leading to a resumption of downward movement towards the range of 1.2100-1.2070. Factors that could influence the pricing of the pair include:

• Data on the UK's Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for April, scheduled for release tomorrow at 11:30 (GMT +3:00)
• US Employment Report, scheduled for release tomorrow at 15:30 (GMT +3:00)

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

USD/JPY Analysis: US Dollar Weakens After Statements from the Federal Reserve Chair


Last night, the Federal Reserve's decision regarding interest rates was published, which, as expected, remained unchanged at 5.5%. The subsequent press conference by Powell was of particular interest to market participants.

According to CNBC, during the conference, the Fed Chair almost ruled out a rate hike as the next step, emphasizing the monetary policy's independence from the upcoming presidential elections. Additionally, he stated that:

• Concerns regarding stagflation are exaggerated;
• The Fed intends to lower rates smoothly and gradually;
• The duration of maintaining high rates is increasing indefinitely.

The market's reaction to the Fed's news was a weakening of the dollar – apparently, concerns about another rate hike as the next step have diminished.

The dollar weakened significantly against the yen – the USD/JPY rate dropped from 157.50 to 153.10 yen per dollar yesterday evening (approximately -2.7%) in less than an hour, although the rate later recovered. The reason lies in the context, specifically the yen's strong strengthening on Monday, when the rate exceeded 160 yen per dollar, as we wrote on the morning of April 29. Perhaps there was another intervention yesterday?

However, official sources refuse to comment. Tokyo may be adhering to a tactic of keeping investors in the dark about its currency intervention strategy. Although, as reported by the Japan Times, fluctuations of 5 yen per dollar indicate interventions.



TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

April Became the Worst Month for BTC/USD Since November 2022


In November 2022, the BTC/USD price dropped by 16.20%. The main driver of this decline was the crash of the FTX exchange.

In April 2024, the price of Bitcoin decreased by 14.77%. Paradoxically, the main news event could be considered the halving, which occurs every 4 years and is considered a bullish factor as it signifies a reduction in supply from miners. So why did the BTC/USD price decrease by the end of April?

Presumably, expectations from the halving could have been excessively optimistic, and after the event occurred, the price declined as emotions subsided – an example of "buy the rumour, sell the fact" situation.

It's worth noting that in the Bitcoin Cash network (a fork of the Bitcoin blockchain from August 2017), the halving took place on April 4, and the BCH/USD price decreased after that day – which could have been a concerning signal.



TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.