U.S. GDP rises 4.1% in Q2 2018

John Benjamin Orbex

The U.S. dollar was trading mixed on Friday despite a higher GDP report for the second quarter.

The U.S. department of commerce released the preliminary GDP report for the second quarter. As expected, the GDP in the second quarter advanced at a pace of 4.1%. It was however slightly lower than the 4.2% forecast. The data marked the strongest pace of GDP growth since Q3 of 2014.

Earlier in the day, the flash GDP reports from France showed that the economy advanced at a slower pace of just 0.2% on the quarter. This was below estimates of a 0.3% increase.

Looking ahead, the economic data today will see the release of the German preliminary inflation report. Forecasts point to a 0.4% increase in headline inflation on a month over month basis.

EURUSD intra-day analysis

EURUSD (1.1653): The EURUSD was seen posting modest gains on Friday. The EURUSD remains trading within a range and following the close below the support/resistance level of 1.1686, we expect further declines. The lower support at 1.1540 remains a key level of interest in the near term. Any retracements in the short term could stall back near 1.1686 level where resistance could be established. Any gains can be expected only on a close above 1.1686 which would target the next resistance level at 1.1742.

USDJPY intra-day analysis

USDJPY (111.16): The USDJPY currency pair has been consolidating strongly near the support level of 111.13 - 110.85. The failure to extend the declines is likely to keep the USDJPY currency pair to trade sideways. There is a risk of an upside breakout if price clears the falling trend line. A close above this trend line could trigger gains that could keep the USDJPY biased to the upside. The previous resistance level at 112.28 remains the key level of interest that could be targeted.

XAUUSD intra-day analysis

XAUUSD (1219.57): Gold prices are trading back the support level of 1219. The downside breakout from the minor ascending triangle pattern signals a possible move to the downside. If gold prices clear the support at 1219, we could expect the losses to push lower to the previously established lows of 1211 region. To the upside, a rebound is required in order to clear the upside toward 1242 resistance.

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.

GBP/USD bounces off lows, back above 1.3200

After bottoming out near 1.3160, GBP/USD manages to regain a bit of shine and reclaim the 1.3200 mark and beyond at the end of the week. Stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data seem to be helping the British Pound limit its losses, while the chaotic UK political environment keeps the bulls at bay for now.

EUR/USD looks consolidative around 1.1460

EUR/USD stages a modest rebound after slipping to a three-month low below 1.1420 at the end of the week. That said, the pair now looks to consolidate humble gains just above 1.1460 despite growing uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which keeps the US Dollar’s downside contained.

Gold slips back to six-day lows, targets $4,100

Gold retreats for the third consecutive day on Friday, eroding gains seen in the first half of the week and approaching the key $4,100 mark per troy ounce. Indeed, the precious metal continues to face headwinds from the Fed's hawkish stance and renewed uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations.

Solana extends correction despite ETF inflows, RWA adoption

Solana (SOL) price edges below $70 extending its losses for the fourth straight day this week. The institutional demand for Solana is building, with steady inflows so far this week and Morgan Stanley’s amended S-1 filing for a Solana-focused Exchange-Traded Fund.

The Iran war didn't break the US economy, but what happens next?

Nearly four months after the start of the Iran war, the US economy remains remarkably resilient. While the conflict initially triggered a severe disruption to global energy markets and a sharp rise in Oil prices, recent diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran has eased concerns about a prolonged supply shock.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.