Pound Skids to 10 Month Low
U.S. Dollar Trading (USD)
U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) had a mixed day with strength against the Pound and Euro not being replicated against risk currencies such as CAD and AUD which tracked stock markets higher. February ISM manufacturing slipped to 56.5 vs. 57.5 forecast. In US stocks DJIA +78 points closing at 10400, S&P +11 points closing at 1115 and NASDAQ +35 points closing at 2273. Looking ahead, Weekly Redbook previously at 1.6% m/m.
European Euro
The Euro (EUR) enjoyed support in Asia on the back of proposed debt bailout of Greece but there was little follow through in Europe when no new information was released. The pair was subsequently pulled lower from heavy Cable Sales. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.3459 and a high of 1.3659 before closing at 1.3570. Looking ahead, January PPI is forecast at 0.6% vs. 0.1% m/m previously.
Japanese Yen (JPY)
The Japanese Yen (JPY) stayed within Friday's range with most of the action kept to the crosses with GBP/JPY slumping to 10 month lows near Y132. AUD/JPY outperformed closing above the key Y80 level. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 88.71 and a high of 89.50 before closing the day around 89.10 in the New York session. Looking ahead, January Unemployment is forecast at 5.2% vs. 5.1% previously.
Pound Sterling (GBP)
The Sterling (GBP) crashed as key supports were broken and buyers capitulated in a stoploss fueled 400 pip fall. GBP/AUD hit 25 year lows below 1.66 and EUR/GBP soared over 0.9000 to touch 0.9150 in major moves across the board. GBP/USD recovered during the US session but the sentiment is still very bearish. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.4781 and a high of 1.5206 before closing the day at 1.4990 in the New York session.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
The Australian Dollar (AUD) stayed close to the key 0.9000 level on AUD/USD supported on dips by strong Gold and risk appetite. Traders stayed on the sidelines ahead of the RBA meeting today and January Retail Sales. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.8933 and a high of 0.9018 before closing the US session at 0.9005. January Retail Sales are forecast at 0.5% vs. -0.7% m/m. Also released, March RBA Meeting forecast to hike 0.25%.
Oil & Gold
Oil & Gold (XAU) kept to a quiet range tracking the broader changes in USD strength. Overall trading with a low of USD$1111 and high of USD$1124 before ending the New York session at USD$1117 an ounce. Fell back on weak US manufacturing data and the stronger Dollar. Crude Oil was down -$1.24 ending the New York session at $78.42.
Technical Analysis: GBP Crashed
Euro (EUR)
Euro – 1.3555 : Initial support at 1.3451 (Feb 25 low) followed by 1.3424 (May 18 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.3692 (Feb 23 high) followed by 1.3788 (Feb 17 high).
Yen (JPY)
Yen – 89.05 : Initial support is located at 88.75 (Feb 26 low) followed by 88.56 (Feb 4 low). Initial resistance is now at 90.36 (Feb 24 high) followed by 91.29 (Feb 23 high).
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Pound – 1.4980 : Initial support at 1.4704 (Apr 30 low) followed by 1.4610 (April 29 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.5209 (Mar 1 high) followed by 1.5317 (Feb 26 low).
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Australian Dollar – 0.8995 : Initial support at 0.8863 (Feb 26 low) followed by the 0.8801 (Feb 25 low). Initial resistance is now at 0.9071 (Feb 23 high) followed by 0.9093 (Jan 25 high).
Gold (XAU)
Gold – 1117 : Initial support at 1104 (Feb 26 low) followed by 1088 (Feb 25 low). Initial resistance is now at 1131 (Feb 22 high) followed by 1141 (Jan 20 high).
Oil
Oil – 78.70 : Initial support at 78.00 (Intraday Support) followed by 77.00 (Intraday Support). Initial resistance is now at 80.00 (Intraday Resistance) followed by 82.50 (Intraday Resistance).
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