Market tension heightens as Jackson Hole looms

Uncertainty has enveloped the global markets this week with investor jitters intensifying as the lack of direction continues to send ominous warnings ahead of Friday’s Jackson Hole gathering. Global stocks remain pressured with Asia and Europe trading lower as anxiety and erratic oil prices sour risk appetite. Although earlier stock market gains were somewhat impressive, it is becoming increasingly clear that sentiment remains the driver rather than fundamentals and such continues to question the sustainability of the rally. A heavymarket selloff may be pending and the ongoing concerns over the unstable global landscape could be the catalyst needed for bears to pounce. Investors should keep diligent this week as the increasing focus on Yellen’s speech may present a threat of creating explosive levels of volatility if market participants are left empty handed on US rate hike timings.

 

Uncertainty punishes the Dollar

Dollar was left vulnerable to losses on Tuesday following Fed’s Vice Chairman Stanley Fisher’s optimistic outlook on the US economy which failed to rekindle optimism over the Fed raising US rates this year. The visible Fed divide and conflicting stances from policy makers have created a layer of uncertainty that gives permission for bears to attack prices. Although the improving domestic data in the US continues to offer a compelling reason for the Fed to take action, external developments and uncertainty could sabotage the central bank's efforts to act. Market participants may direct their attention towards Yellen’s speech on Friday which most hope canprovide some clarity on when the Fed plans to break the extended period of central bank caution. If investors fail to retrieve any clarity from Yellen on US rate hike timings, then the Dollar could be exposed to further losses.

From a technical standpoint, the Dollar Index is bearish on the daily timeframe as there have been consistently lower lows and lower highs. Prices are trading below the daily 20 SMA while the MACD has crossed to the downside. Previous support around 95.00 could transform into a dynamic resistance which could open a path towards 94.00.

 

Brexit fears still pressure Sterling

Sterling traded higher on Tuesday following reports from the CBI that showed UK export orders rising towards two year highs which slightly reduced concerns over the health of the UK economy. Regardless of the short term gains, the Brexit fears remain noticeable with the Sterling poised for further declines as uncertainty haunts investor attraction towards the currency.

Although the pound was offered a lifeline last week from the influx of positive domestic data which questioned the impacts of Brexit to the UK, it remains quite early to gauge the ramifications of Brexit and such should keep investors alert. Uncertainty is still a dominant theme that may pressure the Sterling while expectations over the Bank of England cutting UK rates to near zero could cap future upside gains.

The GBP/USD lurched higher this week and this has nothing to do with an improved sentiment towards the Sterling but Dollar weakness from fading US rate hike expectations. Although prices are turning technically bullish on the daily timeframe, 1.3100 remains a pivotal point which bears could challenge to reclaim back control.

 

WTI balances above $47

WTI Crude was flung onto a chaotic rollercoaster ride this week with prices trading back towards $47following the 4.5 million barrel build in API weekly crude inventories which enticed sellers to attack. Oil remains highly sensitive to production freeze talks with optimism over OPEC securing a freeze deal in September creating speculative boosts in oil prices. Although Iran has discussed the idea of supporting OPEC’s decision to prop up oil prices, this may be just another strategy to propel oil prices higher ahead of September’s informal meeting. With the fundamentals of an excessive oversupply still present and concerns that demand may be waning, Oil could be vulnerable to further losses. The threat of September’s informal meeting concluding without a deal could encourage sellers to drag oil prices back down towards $40.

 

Commodity spotlight – Gold

Gold remains trapped in a wide range with prices oscillating between $1345 and $1330 as uncertainty continues to heighten over when the Fed may raise US interest rates this year. This yellow metal has always been sensitive to US interest rate hopes, and with current expectations clouded; prices could remain in limbo until Friday. Risk aversion still lingers across the markets which have kept Gold somewhat buoyed but Dollars resurgence from renewed rate hike hopes may simply drag the metal lower. Investors may direct extra attention to Yellen’s speech on Friday which could pave a fresh path for Gold. From a technical standpoint, bulls need to keep above $1315 to validate the current bullish uptrend.