Forex Daily Market Analysis from ForexMart

EUR/USD. July 24, 2020 – Euro declines from highs within correction

The pair ends the week near the 1.1600 level. The euro hit a new high at 1.1625 yesterday. Today, the European currency is supported by the PMI business activity indices in France and Germany, published in the morning: the indicators were better than the market forecasts (57.8 points and 50.0 points, respectively).

The euro remains the leader in the foreign exchange market amid high demand for the currency after the leaders of the European Union have agreed on a global stimulus package for the economy. In contrast, the United States has recently faced difficulties in adopting a new stimulus program, as well as in containing the further spread of Covid-19. In addition, the United States continues to wage a trade war with China, which also puts pressure on the greenback.

However, on the H4 chart, we see that the RSI indicator reversed and headed down towards the neutral zone. The forecast for today assumes a decline in the pair within the correction to the 1.1560 area.

 

EUR/USD. July 27, 2020 – The dollar is weak for many reasons

The US dollar continues to weaken against all major currencies at the start of the new trading week. The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.1700. This week, market participants are likely to continue selling dollars, and there are several reasons for this.

First, the American Benefit Co-Pay program expires on Monday. Over the course of several months, more than 20 million US citizens received weekly co-payments of $ 600. Now, after the completion of the program, many enterprises and households will fully feel the negative consequences of the lack of financial assistance from the authorities.

Second, the US economy has already slowed significantly, which will be confirmed by the US Q2 GDP report on Thursday. Experts predict a 35.0% decline in the American economy.

Finally, the position of the US Federal Reserve System also does not give the dollar any incentives to strengthen. Against the background of the fact that the economic prospects are disappointing, the deadline for payments to citizens has expired, and the packages of new assistance measures may turn out to be ineffective, the regulator can only continue to adhere to the «dovish» position in its monetary policy.

Coupled with a further increase in the number of Covid-19 diseases in the United States, the above factors will only have a negative impact on the dollar exchange rate.

 

EUR/USD. July 28, 2020 – Euro finishes rally

The euro suspended its strong growth and stabilized in the area of the reached highs near 1.1740. The US dollar is still under strong pressure from several factors: an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the United States and expectations of the «dovish» rhetoric of the US Federal Reserve at a meeting on Wednesday. The regulator is likely to keep the rate unchanged around zero, as well as comment on inflation parameters.

However, having received local support from data on the number of orders for durable goods in the US, the dollar managed to recover somewhat. June orders rose 7.3% month-on-month, higher than the 7.0% growth forecast.

Today the EUR/USD pair will continue to fluctuate slightly above 1.17 in anticipation of tomorrow's results of the US Federal Reserve meeting.

Brent. July 28, 2020 – Oil rises thanks to dollar weakness

Yesterday’s day ended for Brent oil with a decline to $43 per barrel, but today quotes managed to recover to $44.25. The prices were supported by the weakening of the US dollar across the entire spectrum of the Forex market due to continuing concerns about the outlook for the US economy.

However, it should be noted that oil is growing despite a number of negative factors. First, the oil market is monitoring further plans by OPEC and Russia to increase oil production by 2 million barrels from August. Such measures are incorporated in the gradual removal of additional production restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

In addition, investors fear a further deterioration in relations between the United States and China and an increase in the number of new cases of coronavirus infection in the world.

Another factor weakening Brent may be statistics from Baker Hughes, according to which the number of oil rigs in the US last week increased for the first time since March 13, by 1 unit.

Thus, as soon as the US dollar manages to show the first signs of recovery, oil «bulls» risk losing all their positions.

 

Brent. July 29, 2020 – Oil rises after the publication of the report from the API

During the trading session on Wednesday, Brent crude rose to $44.20 per barrel. Prices were supported by yesterday's report from the American Petroleum Institute (API), according to which crude oil reserves in the country fell by 6.8 million barrels per week. Analysts had forecast a reduction of only 1.2 million barrels.

Today you should pay attention to a similar report from the US Department of Energy. If the new data also reflects the decline in inventories, Brent quotes will be able to reach a maximum of $45 per barrel.

At the same time, the softening of the terms of the OPEC+ deal to reduce production by 2 million barrels per day starting from August may act as a pressure factor in the near future. Analysts have calculated that the softening of the OPEC+ deal will lead to an oversupply over the next four months.

EUR/USD. July 29, 2020 – The pair is sideways in anticipation of the results of the US Federal Reserve meeting

Today is extremely important for the dynamics of the EUR/USD pair, since the US Federal Reserve will announce its decision on the rate and share its plans for further monetary policy.

In addition, market participants are waiting for the regulator's assessment of the prospects for the recovery of the American economy. Earlier in June, the FOMC released its quarterly reports, according to which a progressive economic recovery could be expected. However, after that, the States were swept by the second wave of the coronavirus, which led to another tightening of quarantine restrictions and a decrease in business and production activity.

Additional pressure on the US dollar is exerted by the expectations of tomorrow's GDP report. Experts predict a significant decline in the economy in the second quarter, up to 35%.

At the same time, the markets are following the discussion in Congress of new measures to support the US economy in the amount of $1 trillion. It is expected that a new aid package will be adopted this week.

The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.1745. The euro is clearly overbought, and it is logical to observe a downward correction. During the day, trading will be held in a calm manner, pending the results of the Fed meeting.

 

EUR/USD. July 30, 2020 – US dollar strengthens moderately after the Fed meeting

Over the past week, the US dollar has been actively selling and reached lows in the 1.1800 area. Yesterday ended a two-day meeting of the US Federal Reserve, the results of which did not manage to significantly change the situation on the market – the pair EUR/USD fell only to the level of 1.1730.

The regulator noted that there are serious risks from the pandemic, and the Central Bank is ready to use its entire arsenal of tools to support the economy. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell also said during a press conference that household spending has rebounded by about 50%, but manufacturing capital investment cannot boast a similar trend.

Moreover, rising inflation, the end of the unemployment benefit program and the second wave of coronavirus in the United States – all these factors prevent optimism from emerging in the market.

Today you should pay attention to the publication of the report on US GDP. Experts predict the worst release in the entire history of data collection: the fall of the US economy by 35%. At the same time, the European currency feels quite comfortable: the macro statistics for the eurozone continues to improve, and at the moment the forecast for GDP for the third quarter suggests an increase in the indicator.

 

EUR/USD. July 31, 2020 – Euro has updated its maximum at around 1.1900

The euro continues to rally, reaching 1.1900. The US dollar again came under pressure from several factors at once: from the fresh macroeconomic data and statements by US President Donald Trump.

So, yesterday's data on US GDP showed a decline in the US economy in the II quarter by 32.9%. This was the largest decline since the Great Depression. Experts note that without the $3 trillion stimulus package, the GDP failure would have been even greater, but the current figures are impressive.

Additional pressure on the currency was exerted by the words of D. Trump, who does not exclude the postponement of the upcoming presidential elections in November due to low GDP and economic problems. Moreover, the lack of progress in talks between Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress on a new $1 trillion package of measures also does not give the US dollar optimism.

Today we should pay attention to the data on inflation for July in the eurozone and changes in the volume of GDP for the II quarter. Inflation in the region rose 0.4% on an annualized basis, while GDP fell by a record 12.1%. Such news somewhat dampened the appetite for the euro, which allowed the EUR/USD pair to fall to 1.1850.

 

GBP/USD. August 3, 2020 – Sterling started to decline from highs

Monday starts with a moderate weakening of the pound sterling after rising to the level of 1.3100. The current quote for the GBP/USD pair is 1.3000. Rally of the British currency lasted 11 days in a row; experts note that such a growth of the pound has not been observed for a whole decade.

Today, the sterling was under pressure from the statistics on business activity in the UK manufacturing sector for July. The indicator rose from 50.1 points to 53.3 points. However, the latest data turned out to be worse than the forecast for growth to the level of 53.6 points, which had a negative impact on the exchange rate.

Additional negativity comes from the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Negotiations between the UK and the EU are failing, and the likelihood that the country will leave the EU without a full-fledged trade agreement is growing every day.

A meeting of the Board of the Bank of England will take place on Thursday. Market participants expect that all parameters of the regulator's monetary policy will remain unchanged.

 

Brent. August 04, 2020 – Oil awaiting data from API

Yesterday ended with the growth of Brent quotes to $44.40 per barrel. Market participants are optimistic about the further recovery of demand after the release of fairly good reports on business activity in the manufacturing sector of the eurozone and the United States.

Further support for oil prices is provided by a decrease in the number of new cases of coronavirus infection in the United States, which also indicates a further recovery in demand.

However, on Tuesday Brent quotes began to decline to $ 43.40 per barrel. The asset is still under pressure from the increase in oil production by the OPEC+ countries and Russia. More and more countries are gradually phasing out the previously set production quotas as part of the OPEC deal.

Today and tomorrow you should pay attention to the data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the US Department of Energy on crude oil reserves in the country. In case of another decline in reserves, Brent quotes may test the resistance of $45 per barrel.

 

GBP/USD. August 05, 2020 – Sterling continues to rise from 1.31

The British currency continues to grow in tandem with the dollar, reaching 1.3130. Today the UK released the final data on business activity in the service sector for July: the index was 56.5 points, which was slightly worse than analysts' expectations (56.6 points). The last month's figure was noted at the level of 47.1.

The key event for the pound sterling will be the meeting of the Bank of England on Thursday. No major changes in monetary policy are expected (the rate will remain at the level of 0.10% per annum), but the regulator is likely to share its plans to maintain a «balance» in finance and economy.

It should be noted that the British currency has plenty of risks for the second half of the year. Here are the low rates of GDP recovery, and the weakness of the employment market, and the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus. Moreover, the failure of the Brexit negotiations continues to put strong permanent pressure on the pound. Thus, the current growth of the currency is seen to be short-lived.

 

Brent. August 06, 2020 – Oil drops slightly after updating March highs

Yesterday Brent quotes rose to $46.16 per barrel on the back of a favorable general market environment and further weakening of the US dollar. However, on Thursday, the asset fell slightly – to $45.

The prices were supported by reports from the API and the US Department of Energy on crude oil reserves in the country: indicators showed a reduction in reserves by 8.5 million and 7.37 million, respectively. At the same time, the loading of refineries in the United States increased by only 0.1%, and oil product inventories, contrary to forecasts, grew. Gasoline stocks increased by 419 thousand barrels, distillates – by 1.592 million barrels. Oil reserves at the Cushing terminal increased by 532 thousand barrels.

The depreciation of the US dollar in recent days also contributes to the rise in oil prices. Since oil futures are priced in dollars, prices usually rise during such periods, which compensates for the weakening of the US currency.

GBP/USD. August 06, 2020 – What to expect from the Bank of England meeting?

GBP/USD is approaching the 1.3200 level, the high of early March. The sterling is supported by investors' expectations of today's meeting of the Bank of England. The regulator is to make a statement on monetary policy, as well as submit a quarterly report on inflation in the UK.

The central bank is not expected to change its monetary policy as macroeconomic indicators continue to show an improvement in the UK economy. Moreover, the situation with the spread of Covid-19 in the country remains under control.

However, in June, the position of the Bank of England turned out to be more «hawkish» than market participants had expected. If at today's meeting the atmosphere is saturated with pessimism and the regulator lowers economic forecasts, the pound sterling will inevitably go down to the 1.30 area. Additional pressure on the currency will come from the revised downward indicators of business activity in the services sector (56.5 points) and the composite PMI index (57.0).

 

EUR/USD. August 07, 2020 – The pair consolidates at 1.18 in anticipation of data on the US labor market

At the end of the week, the euro depreciates moderately, reaching the level of 1.1800. The EUR/USD pair has entered the overbought zone, which may trigger profit taking before the weekend, as well as cause a corrective decline.

The US dollar received some support from the data on applications for unemployment benefits, the number of which fell to 1.19 million. This figure was below the forecast of decline to 1.4 million applications. Fewer Americans are applying for benefits, even as the Unemployment Benefit Enhanced Program expired at the end of July. This suggests that the situation in the US labor market is gradually improving.

Today you should pay attention to the key release of the employment market in the United States for July. Forecasts are quite optimistic: the unemployment rate should fall from 11.1% to 10.5%. Moreover, outside agriculture, 2,200 new jobs can be created.

So, in anticipation of these data, the pair is consolidating at the level of 1.18. Further dynamics of the pair will fully depend on American statistics.

 

GBP/USD. August 10, 2020 – The sterling fell to 1.30

The British pound continues to decline against the US dollar at the start of a new trading week. The American currency was supported by strong data on the labor market, published last Friday.

At the same time, the pressure on the sterling itself increased after the announcement of the results of the meeting of the Bank of England on Thursday. The regulator kept the base interest rate at a record low level of 0.1% and left unchanged the parameters for purchasing government and corporate bonds. At the same time, the unemployment forecast suggested an increase in the indicator to 7.5% in 2020 and a gradual decline in 2021. The central bank also does not expect the country's GDP to grow to pre-crisis levels, at least until the end of 2021.

The unsuccessful negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal also add to the negative effect on the British currency. Senior negotiators from the EU and the UK have repeatedly noted the lack of progress.

Thus, the GBP/USD pair reached the 1.3000 level. The RSI indicator is directed downward, which signals further weakening of the pound sterling.

EUR/USD. August 10, 2020 – Dollar is growing, playing back positive statistics on the labor market

At the beginning of the new trading week, the US dollar continues to moderately strengthen, approaching 1.1740. The currency was supported by a block of statistics on the labor market, published on Friday. The unemployment rate improved in July and amounted to 10.2% against the previous figure of 11.1%. The forecast assumed a mark of 10.5%.

The number of jobs outside the agricultural sector increased by 1.763 million against the forecast of growth of 1.530 million. Average hourly wages in the United States increased by 0.2% m / m, which is well above forecasts. Tonight, attention should be paid to the number of job openings in the US labor market.

The dollar also acted as a defensive asset after Donald Trump signed an executive order banning the use of two popular Chinese applications WeChat and Tiktok. The ban will take effect next month.

Today the trading day will be calm. The dollar will continue to rise slightly towards the 1.1700 area.

 

EUR/USD. August 11, 2020 – Euro grows on positive data from Germany

The euro is showing signs of recovery on Tuesday, hitting the 1.1800 level. The single European currency was supported by the data from the ZEW Institute on the index of economic sentiment in Germany: the indicator in August amounted to 71.5 points, which turned out to be significantly higher than forecasts and the previous value of 59.3 points. Experts had expected the indicator to decline to 58.0.

At the same time, pressure on the dollar exchange rate is exerted by the expectation of actions by the US financial authorities: the Ministry of Finance will today redeem bonds in the amount of $10 billion, and the Fed will buy back bonds in the open market in the amount of $2.42 billion. Thus, $12.42 billion will be injected into the US financial system , which will have a negative impact on the dollar.

Tonight you should pay attention to the data on producer prices in the US. Their decline should slow down from -0.8% to -0.7%. On a monthly basis, prices may rise by 0.3%. Given the fact that this is a leading indicator for inflation, it can be concluded that inflation in the United States is unlikely to decline in the near future. And this is definitely a positive factor for the American currency.

 

EUR/USD. August 12, 2020 – Euro is growing moderately towards the 1.18 area

The euro continues to moderately strengthen against the dollar after the publication of positive macroeconomic data from Germany. The index of investor confidence in the country's economy jumped in August to 71.5 points from 59.3 points in July. Experts predicted a decrease in the indicator to 58 points.

At the same time, the US dollar also received some support after the publication of the PPI indicator. Producer price index rose 0.6% month-on-month in July, better than forecasted 0.3%. This was the highest growth rate since October 2018.

Today you should pay attention to the data on inflation in the United States. And since the PPI is a leading indicator of inflation, it can be assumed that the consumer price index is growing. Experts predict an increase in the indicator from 0.6% to 0.7%. This is definitely a positive factor for the American currency.

The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.1770. During the day, we continue to follow the news publications.

 

Brent. August 13, 2020 – Oil returned to growth after the report on US oil inventories

Oil quotes again started to rise to$ 45.50 per barrel. The prices were supported by the data on oil reserves from the Energy Information Administration of the US Department of Energy. According to the latest figures, stocks of raw materials in the reporting week fell by 4.5 million barrels, to 514.1 million barrels. Analysts predicted a reduction of 2 million barrels.

At the same time, gasoline stocks fell by 722 thousand barrels, to 247.1 million barrels, while experts expected a decline of 800 thousand barrels. The report also showed that oil production in the United States over the past week fell by 300 thousand barrels per day, to 10.7 million barrels per day.

In addition, the growth in Brent quotes is due to expectations of a further recovery in demand for hydrocarbons after the quarantine restrictions. Many also believe that fuel demand will increase in the fall.

However, the risks of weakening Brent still remain: growing tensions between the US and China continue to put pressure on the oil market. The next round of negotiations will begin this coming Saturday, while oil prices may test the resistance of $46 per barrel.

 

EUR/USD. August 14, 2020 – Euro weakens under pressure from weak statistics

The euro is moving almost horizontally above the 1.1800 level. The currency is under some pressure from macroeconomic data: the euro zone's GDP for the II quarter collapsed by 12.1% in quarterly terms and by 9.0% in annual terms. At the same time, experts predicted a 15% decline in annual GDP, so there is some positive for the euro.

The trade balance of the euro area in June amounted to 17.1 billion euros, which was weaker than expected.

Additional pressure on the European currency rate is exerted by the absence of any effects from stimulating the economy, into which a huge amount of financial resources were poured. However, time is passing, and there are no signs of stabilization yet, which leads to sales of the euro.

Tonight you should pay attention to the data on retail sales for July in the United States, as well as statistics on industrial production. Experts predict an acceleration in sales growth from 1.1% to 1.9%, which will support the dollar.

 

EUR/USD. August 17, 2020 – Dollar weakens under inflation pressure

EUR/USD continues to strengthen weakly at the start of the new trading week, trading at 1.1850. The reason for the weakness of the US dollar is in the latest inflation statistics. The granting of benefits to Americans amid a weak economy has led to an increase in inflation. At the same time, the Fed's interest rate is declining, which feeds the weakness of the US currency. According to the latest data, the consumer price index in the US in July accelerated growth to 1% in annual terms from 0.6% in June, while analysts had expected 0.8%. In monthly terms, the growth was 0.6% against the forecasted 0.3%.

However, today the dollar may recover somewhat, since the US Treasury will raise $ 62.48 billion from the market by placing Treasury bonds, which is the maximum since July 31 (then the Ministry of Finance raised $ 63 billion, which caused an increase in dollar quotes). At that time, the situation may repeat itself.

The economic calendar is practically empty today. The pair will continue to trade in the range of 1.18-1.19.

 

GBP/USD. August 18, 2020 – The sterling is located in the area of local highs just below 1.32

On Tuesday, the British currency is trading in the area of local highs at 1.3167. The US dollar is under pressure from Friday's data: the index of current conditions from the University of Michigan fell in August from 82.8 to 82.5 points, while experts expected the indicator to decline to 81.8 points. The consumer sentiment index rose to 72.8 points against 72.5 points a month earlier.

The economic calendar for today is almost empty, so market participants continue to play this news. Only data on construction in the United States will attract attention. Experts predict an increase in the number of building permits issued in July from 1.258 million to 1.313 million.

Tomorrow the dynamics of the pound will be affected by the data on inflation in the UK. The forecast assumes that the CPI will remain at 0.6% on an annualized basis.

 

Brent. August 19, 2020 – Oil has stabilized in the area of local maximums

Brent quotes continue to trade at $45 per barrel amid an ambiguous fundamental background. Market participants are awaiting the outcome of the OPEC+ ministerial committee meeting, as well as the release of official data on changes in US oil reserves.

Analysts predict another decline in inventories by 2.7 million barrels per week. However, yesterday's report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) reflected an increase in reserves by 1.1 million barrels.

Oil prices rose to $ 45.50 earlier this week following reports of the effectiveness of the OPEC+ deal. According to polls, in July the alliance countries fulfilled their obligations by more than 90%, which was a historical maximum.

Today, attention should be paid to the meeting of the OPEC+ Monitoring Committee. The coalition is expected to take a wait-and-see approach after the decision to cut production cuts in August from 9.7 million barrels per day to 7.7 million barrels per day.

 

EUR/USD. August 20, 2020 – US Federal Reserve meeting minutes supported dollar

On Thursday, the euro started to decline, reaching 1.1800 at the moment. The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.1830. The dollar was supported by the publication of the minutes of the meeting of the US Federal Reserve System. This time the regulator did not mention the possibility of expanding economic stimulation, which turned out to be a positive factor for the American currency.

At the same time, the Central Bank noted that there are multiple risks associated, first of all, with the uncertain situation due to coronavirus and deflation. And if the pandemic continues, the US economy will again be hit hard.

Today we should pay attention to the publication of data on the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits in the United States. Experts predict a further reduction in the number of applications for benefits, from 963 thousand to 925 thousand. The publication of the minutes of the ECB meeting on monetary policy will also attract attention.