Q2 GDP data fails to impress as US dollar extends declines

John Benjamin Orbex

On Friday, the second quarter gross domestic product data was released which showed that the US economy expanded at a pace of 2.6% in the three months ending June. This was slightly below consensus estimates of 2.7%. The greenback extended the declines falling to a fresh 14-month low as a result. The US dollar index was down 0.7% closing at 93.25 which marked the lowest close since May last year.

Looking ahead, the economic data today will focus on the flash inflation estimates for the eurozone. Economists are expecting inflation to remain steady, rising 1.3% on the headline and 1.1% on the core, same as the month before.

Later in the day, the US Chicago PMI and pending home sales report will be released. With today being the last trading day of the month, expect to see some profit booking and some volatility in the US dollar.

EURUSD intraday analysis

EURUSD (1.1732): The EURUSD rallied on Friday, but the range established was within Thursday's high and low. The inside bar that was formed as a result could potentially signal a breakout in the near term. The direction of the breakout will signal the near-term trend in prices. To the downside, the main support is established near 1.1635 which could be tested if price action breaks out from last Thursday's low of 1.1649. If the support at 1.1635 fails to hold the declines, then expect further declines in EURUSD towards the next main support at 1.1475.

GBPUSD intraday analysis

GBPUSD (1.3121): The British pound continued to consolidate above 1.3025. Friday's price action has result in an inside bar formation as well. Support at 1.3025 will be critical as a breakdown below this level could signal sharp declines to 1.2818. On the 4-hour chart, GBPUSD has formed an inside bar. An intraday close below 1.1312 could send GBPUSD lower on the day. The initial support is seen at 1.3025 followed by a decline to 1.2818.

USDJPY intraday analysis

USDJPY (110.55): USDJPY extended the declines on Friday, closing at fresh 2-month low. Price action was seen posting a fresh two month decline earlier today before pulling back. A close above 110.80 will signal a move to the upside on a daily basis. Resistance is seen at 111.77. Currently, the price action on the 4-hour chart suggests a potential falling wedge pattern in the making. A lower high is to be expected. However, if USDJPY can establish support at 110.81, then we could see a near-term push towards 111.77.

Author

John Benjamin

Orbex

John is a market analyst for Orbex Ltd. and is a forex and equities trader having been involved in trading since late 2009. John makes use of a mix of technical and fundamental analysis and inter-market relationships.

EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD picks up pace and reaches two-day tops around 1.1820 at the end of the week. The pair’s move higher comes on the back of renewed weakness in the US Dollar amid growing talk that the Fed could deliver an interest rate cut as early as March. On the docket, the flash US Consumer Sentiment improves to 57.3 in February.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

Gold climbs further, focus is back to 45,000

Gold regains upside traction and surpasses the $4,900 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, shifting its attention to the critical $5,000 region. The move reflects a shift in risk sentiment, driving flows back towards traditional safe haven assets and supporting the yellow metal.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound amid risk-off, $2.6 billion liquidation wave

Bitcoin edges up above $65,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as dust from the recent macro-triggered sell-off settles. The leading altcoin, Ethereum, hovers above $1,900, but resistance at $2,000 caps the upside. Meanwhile, Ripple has recorded the largest intraday jump among the three assets, up over 10% to $1.35.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans.

XRP rally extends as modest ETF inflows support recovery

Ripple is accelerating its recovery, trading above $1.36 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors adjust their positions following a turbulent week in the broader crypto market. The remittance token is up over 21% from its intraday low of $1.12.