Market Outlook For February 21-25
Last week was full of surprises! The US dollar plunged despite a better-than-expected retail sales report…
Market rally takes break on Friday
Fundamentals
- US unemployment claims rose more than was expected. Philly Fed Manufacturing Index turned out worse than the forecasts as well. Analysts believe the dire economic data will press US officials to unveil the stimulus package faster. “We are in an environment now where bad news is good news because it means more stimulus,” said ANZ Research. Once the stimulus package is delivered, the riskier assets will surge. Today the US dollar regains yesterday’s losses.
- The Bank of Japan held a meeting early in the morning. The central bank kept its monetary policy unchanged and extended the Covid-19 aid program by six months. The Japanese yen dropped, pushing USD/JPY higher.
- The Bank of England made a report yesterday, where it maintained the status quo. The reaction of the pound was modest. As for the Brexit front, EU-UK sides keep negotiating. Market participants await the soon breakthrough in talks as one of the sticking points has been resolved. GBP/USD dropped at the start of the day due to the strong USD.
Technical tips
EUR/USD
The most traded pair takes a break after rallying up for so long. If the price drops below yesterday’s low of 1.2240, it may fall to the 50-hour moving average of 1.2225. However, it’s likely to keep moving up to the resistance of 1.2275. If it manages to break this level, the way up to the next round number of 1.2300 will be clear.
Gold
XAU/USD has broken through the 200-day moving average and almost reached $1 900 but pulled back. If it manages to break above it, the way up to the 100-day moving average near $1 915 will be clear. The hopes for a US stimulus package may help gold to edge higher. In the opposite scenario, the move below the support of $1 860 will drive gold lower to the low of December 14 at $1 825.
GBP/USD
The British pound is on the back foot amid the strong USD. If it drops below Wednesday’s low of 1.3450, the way down to the key psychological mark of 1.3400 will be open. On the flips side, the move above the resistance of 1.3625 will push the pair higher to 1.3680.
S&P 500
Finally, let’s discuss the S&P 500. It pulled back after setting the fresh high at 3 725. The move above this level will drive the stock index to the next round number of 3 750. Most analysts forecast the S&P 500 will drive further up. Support levels are at the low of December 14 at 3 645 and at the 50-day moving average of 3 545.
Follow German ifo Business Climate at 11:00 MT time and Canadian retail sales at 15:30 MT time.
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