A day after the USD was the weakest of the major currencies, the greenback is one of the strongest of the major currencies. The EURUSD is the only currency that the USD is weaker against in the morning snapshot. The USD is unchanged vs. the CAD as well. The JPY and the CHF are the weakest of the major currencies.

The USD moved lower yesterday after weaker data from consumer confidence and the Richmond Fed surveys. US yields which were higher at this time yesterday, started to move lower with the 2-year down -3.8 bps at the close and the 10 year -0.4 bps. Today, yields are back higher.

In a sign of labor weakness, the WSJ Timiraos dropped a tweet from the details of the Conference Board consumer confidence showing the net share of respondents who say jobs are plentiful less those who say jobs are hard to get. The levels are at 2017 levels and has tumbled over the last 6 months. We do see the latest in the initial jobless and continuing claims tomorrow. Last week, the initial jobless claims dip to 219K which is still low historically.

The Fed cut rates last week as they recalibrate rates to the current environment with inflation lower and the threat to higher unemployment rising (although they see the end of 2025 Unemployment rate at 4.4%, but that may be because they see their actions working). The expectations of a 50 bp cut has tilted higher over the last 24 hours to 58% from 50% at this time yesterday.

In the UK, Bank of England (BOE) policymaker Megan Greene emphasized the importance of taking a cautious and gradual approach to easing monetary policy, stressing the need for data to confirm that the risk of persistent inflation is subsiding. While wage growth has decreased, it remains higher than BOE models can fully explain. Greene also noted that risks to economic activity lean to the upside, which could imply a higher long-term neutral rate. Her remarks reaffirm the BOE’s stance from the previous week. Despite the current pause, traders anticipate a rate cut in November, with a roughly 86% chance of a 25 basis point reduction priced in by the OIS market

The economic calendar was light in Europe today, and is light in the US and Canada as well. At 10 AM, the New Home sales in August will be released with the expectations at 0.700M vs 0.739M last month. The weekly EIA oil inventories will be released:

• Crude oil, -1.354M est
• Gasoline, -0.021M est
• Distillates, -1.637M est.

The private API data late yesterday showed larger than expected drawdowns:

A snapshot of the other markets as the North American session begins shows:

• Crude oil is trading down -$0.91 and $70.66. At this time yesterday, the price was at $71.97
• Gold is trading down -$1.50 or -0.06% at $2655.39. At this time yesterday, the price was $2625.90
• Silver is trading down -$0.23 or -0.75% and $31.84. At this time yesterday, the price is at $30.86
• Bitcoin is trading at $63,713. At this time yesterday, the price was at $63,522
• Ethereum is trading at $2619.30. At this time yesterday, the price was at $2639.40

In the premarket, the snapshot of the major indices trading marginally higher after the S&P and Dow industrial average closed at record levels again yesterday:

• Dow Industrial Average futures are implying a gain of 16.78 point. Yesterday, the index rose 83.57 points or +0.20% at 42208.22
• S&P futures are implying a decline of -2.18 points. Yesterday, the price rose 14.36 points or 0.25% at 5732.93
• Nasdaq futures are implying a decline of-42.59 points. Yesterday, the index rose 100.25 points or 0.56% at 18074.52

Yesterday, the small-cap Russell 2000 rose 3.712 points or 0.17% and 2223.99

European stock indices are trading mixed

• German DAX, -0.39%
• France CAC, -0.2%
• UK FTSE 100, +0.31%
• Spain’s Ibex, +0.02%
• Italy’s FTSE MIB, +0.16% (delayed 10 minutes).

Shares in the Asian Pacific markets China and Hong Kong intended to move higher after yesterday’s over 4% gains China stimulus initiatives:

• Japan’s Nikkei 225, -00.19%
• China’s Shanghai Composite Index, +1.16%
• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, +0.68%
• Australia S&P/ASX index, -0.19%

Looking at the US debt market, yields are higher

• 2-year yield 3.540%, +2.1 basis points. at this time yesterday, the yield was at 3.603%
• 5-year yield 3.402%, +2.4 basis points. At this time yesterday, the yield was at 3.539%
• 10-year yield 3.762%, +2.6 basis points. At this time yesterday, the yield is at 3.790%
• 30-year yield 4.111%, +2 point basis points..2 At this time yesterday, the yield is at 4.139%

Looking at the treasury yield curve, is similar to yesterday’s levels at this time

• The 2-10 year spread is at + 21.9 basis points. At this time yesterday, the yield spread was +18.8 basis points.
• The 2-30 year spread is at + 57.0 basis points. At this time yesterday, the yield spread was +53.4 basis points.

In the European debt market, the 10 year yields are mostly higher:

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.

Headlines:

• Swiss franc eases in European trading, SNB eyed tomorrow
• Post-Fed struggles see the dollar as the laggard in September trading
• BOE’s Greene: Appropriate to take a gradual approach to removing policy restrictiveness
• France September consumer confidence 95 vs 92 expected
• Switzerland September UBS investor sentiment -8.8 vs -3.4 prior
• US MBA mortgage applications w.e. 20 September +11.0% vs +14.2% prior
• OECD raises global growth outlook for 2024, sees more Fed rate cuts next year
• China call on US to stop its „unreasonable suppression“ of Chinese firms

Markets:

• EUR leads, JPY lags on the day
• European equities mixed; S&P 500 futures flat
• US 10-year yields up 2.4 bps to 3.760%
• Gold flat at $2,655.73
• WTI crude down 0.7% to $71.05
• Bitcoin down 1.0% to $63,603

It was a quieter session but there were some decent markets moves to be had.

The dollar is keeping steadier after its fall in trading yesterday, with the yen and franc being the main laggards. It doesn’t owe to a further run in risk optimism or anything though, as equities remained more tepid during the session.

US futures and European indices kept lower mostly since the open but are now starting to see more two-sided action ahead of US trading. S&P 500 futures are flat after having been down by 0.3% while European stocks are now more mixed after a sluggish start to the day.

Going back to FX, USD/JPY nudged higher with the pair climbing from 143.30 to 144.30 levels now. There wasn’t much of a catalyst but US yields are keeping a little higher on the day at least. 2-year Treasury yields fell to its lowest in over two years yesterday but are now up slightly by 2 bps to 3.54%.

The Swiss franc was the other notable mover, falling across the board with eyes on the SNB meeting decision tomorrow. EUR/CHF is seen up 0.8% to test the 0.9500 level while USD/CHF is seen up 0.7% to just under 0.8500 currently.

As things stand, traders are pricing in ~51% odds of a 50 bps rate cut tomorrow even though the „expectation“ is for 25 bps move.

Besides that, the higher beta currencies are taking a bit of a breather after having stormed ahead against the dollar since the Fed last week. GBP/USD is off highs above 1.3400 to 1.3370 while AUD/USD is down 0.2% after having clipped 0.6900 earlier to 0.6880 now.

And we also have EUR/USD holding steadier at around 1.1190, keeping close to large option expiries at 1.1200-10 on the day.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.

Light Crude Oil Futures Technical Analysis – Key Junction at $70.3

Hello, this is Itai Levitan at ForexLive.com, bringing you a technical analysis on Light Crude Oil Futures (Ticker: CL). As expected and communicated in my last oil technical analysis, the current touchpoint at the top pane of this channel is playing out as anticipated. Sometimes, you need to set your channels at the close of the candle rather than the low, as in this case, to gain more agreement. This approach helps align better with where price is reacting, as different lows can draw varied lines. The key is to identify where the market is showing the best response.

Confirming the Channel

In this scenario, we see clear validation of the channel due to the perfect touchpoints we’ve identified. We’ve had three significant touchpoints, and now we’re observing a fourth, only a few ticks away. This is a legitimate interaction, reinforcing the channel’s validity.

Focus on the $70.3 Level

Today, I’m watching the $70.3 level closely, which may not appear on this chart but is evident on others I’ve analyzed. Around this level, we could see bulls trying to defend the price, particularly at $70.28 to $70.3, to prevent further declines. This could lead to a potential handle formation, followed by a breakout. While the bullish case remains alive, it’s more of a short-term scenario. In the medium term, I’m inclined to think we’ll head towards $70.3, as this level aligns with key market movements.

The Contract Rollover Gap

Another element to consider is the contract rollover gap, which is situated around $70.1 (where the blue line is). Typically, contract rollover gaps tend to fill eventually, although the timing is uncertain. This gap presents another level of interest, reinforcing the $70.1-$70.3 zone as an area to watch closely.

Current Trend and Potential Mid-Channel Support

Right now, we’re trending down, and any potential bullish case will only become actionable if we create another touchpoint on the top band of the channel. Otherwise, the trend remains downward. We might even see a move towards the mid-channel area, indicated by the dotted line, which could bring the price to around $67. While it’s too early to predict, this could be a potential area of support if we continue to trend lower.

Key Levels for Swing Trades

If we revisit the low from September 23, 2024, at $69.49, this could be a swing long opportunity, even if temporary. Profitable shorts are likely to cover part of their positions around this level, making it an interesting point to consider for a counter-trend long trade.

Adapting to Market Conditions

For now, I’m primarily looking at the contract rollover gap to fill, and I’m keeping a close eye on the $70.3 level later today to see how price reacts. The longer-term trend is still downward, but I’ll quickly adapt if we see a breakout, retest, and subsequent upward move. Until then, my bias remains bearish.

Final Thoughts

Remember, trade at your own risk, and be sure to follow additional perspectives on ForexLive.com. There are always multiple views, and it’s valuable to consider them when formulating your strategy. Thanks for tuning in!

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.

• Prior +14.2%
• Market index 296.1 vs 266.8 prior
• Purchase index 148.2 vs 146.1 prior
• Refinance index 1,132.9 vs 941.4 prior
• 30-year mortgage rate 6.13% vs 6.15% prior

Mortgage applications continue to see a solid rebound in the past few weeks with yet another jump in the past week. That comes as rates continue to ease further, stirring another surge in refinancing activity mostly. But at the same time, purchase activity is also picking up. Is the turnaround finally here?

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.