The main economic highlight in Thursday’s session was the (weekly) unemployment filings out of the US for the week ending 3 December. According to the US Department of Labour, unemployment claims rose 230,000, 4,000 higher than the previous upwardly revised 226,000 reading; the release was largely in line with economists’ forecasts. The 4-week average also ended at 230,000, up 1,000 based on the previous week’s moving average value (revised). Continuing claims was higher at 1,671,000 from 1,609,000 the week prior. Overall, however, this data was largely ignored across the markets.

Economic calendar today?

  • YoY Chinese Inflation Rate for November at 1:30 am GMT (Expected: 1.6%; Previous: 2.1%).

  • MoMcUS Producer Price Index (PPI) for November at 1:30 pm GMT (Expected: 0.2%; Previous: 0.2%).

  • US Preliminary University of Michigan (UoM) Consumer Sentiment for December at 3:00 pm GMT (Expected: 56.9; Previous: 56.8).

Technical view for key markets 

EUR/USD: Buyers at the wheel?

It has been a somewhat muted week thus far for the EUR/USD currency pair. Kicking things off with the weekly scale, price remains comfortable north of its support level from $1.0298, a barrier that was breached in early November. Overhead has resistance in view at $1.0778: a Quasimodo support-turned resistance. For this reason, and given the upward movement since bottoming at $0.9536, further outperformance could be on the table for the unit, longer term. 

Meanwhile on the daily timeframe, resistance forged from $1.0602 is nearby. This comes after price climbed north of the 200-day simple moving average ($1.0353) as well as resistance coming in at $1.0377 (now a marked support). Interestingly, should price overthrow $1.0602, prime resistance can be seen at $1.0954-1.0864. You will also acknowledge that the relative strength index (RSI) remains trawling the underside of the overbought space, and nearing channel support, taken from the low 25.68.

Against the backdrop of the bigger picture, the H1 timeframe has price on the verge of reaching for Quasimodo resistance at $1.0585, followed by a larger Quasimodo resistance coming in from $1.0607 (in between, of course, resides the $1.06 psychological figure). 

All three timeframes, therefore, call for additional short-term buying, at least until reaching the $1.06ish region.

BTC/USD: Medium-term technical harmonic formation in play

The price of bitcoin against the US dollar (BTC/USD) has been entrenched within a notable downtrend since topping in late 2021. Long term, therefore, this has opened the door for sell-on-rally scenarios. Shorter term, nevertheless, price recently touched gloves with the underside of an AB=CD bearish pattern, consisting of a 100% projection at $17,321 and a 1.618% Fibonacci extension from $17,291. The test was also accompanied by the relative strength index (RSI) forging negative (bearish) divergence. 

As you can see, the AB=CD (harmonic) resistance has since enticed selling. Common downside targets derived from the AB=CD formation (legs A-D) are fixed at the 38.2% and 61.8% Fibonacci retracements from $16,630 and $16,194, respectively. Consequently, the noted support targets will likely be closely monitored going forward, with a breach perhaps unearthing additional selling. 

Chart

H4 Timeframe

DAX 40: Inefficient price action?

The DAX 40—Germany’s major stock market index covering the performance of 40 blue-chip companies—is offering interesting price action. The one-sided advance on 10 November formed what is known as inefficient price action (the market favours efficient price action and generally fills inefficient price moves [think of these as similar to gaps as you would see in individual stocks]). 

14,077-14,141 demand is a key watch for the index, following a to-the-point reaction from Quasimodo resistance at 14,605. Below current resistance at 14,322, we can see that the area under (yellow oval) the aforementioned demand is inefficient action, meaning price may be drawn to fill this void and test support from 13,969. 

Therefore, based on the above analysis, sellers may remain in the driving seat under resistance at 14,322, with short-term breakout selling perhaps unfolding south of demand at 14,077-14,141 towards support at 13,969.

Chart

H4 Timeframe

This material on this website is intended for illustrative purposes and general information only. It does not constitute financial advice nor does it take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Commission, interest, platform fees, dividends, variation margin and other fees and charges may apply to financial products or services available from FP Markets. The information in this website has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs before making any decision about whether to acquire or dispose of any financial product. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are derivatives and can be risky; losses can exceed your initial payment and you must be able to meet all margin calls as soon as they are made. When trading CFDs you do not own or have any rights to the CFDs underlying assets.

FP Markets recommends that you seek independent advice from an appropriately qualified person before deciding to invest in or dispose of a derivative. A Product Disclosure Statement for each of the financial products is available from FP Markets can be obtained either from this website or on request from our offices and should be considered before entering into transactions with us. First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd (ABN 16 112 600 281, AFS Licence No. 286354).

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD consolidates weekly gains above 1.1150

EUR/USD consolidates weekly gains above 1.1150

EUR/USD moves up and down in a narrow channel slightly above 1.1150 on Friday. In the absence of high-tier macroeconomic data releases, comments from central bank officials and the risk mood could drive the pair's action heading into the weekend.

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD stabilizes near 1.3300, looks to post strong weekly gains

GBP/USD stabilizes near 1.3300, looks to post strong weekly gains

GBP/USD trades modestly higher on the day near 1.3300, supported by the upbeat UK Retail Sales data for August. The pair remains on track to end the week, which featured Fed and BoE policy decisions, with strong gains. 

GBP/USD News
Gold extends rally to new record-high above $2,610

Gold extends rally to new record-high above $2,610

Gold (XAU/USD) preserves its bullish momentum and trades at a new all-time high above $2,610 on Friday. Heightened expectations that global central banks will follow the Fed in easing policy and slashing rates lift XAU/USD.

Gold News
Week ahead – SNB to cut again, RBA to stand pat, PCE inflation also on tap

Week ahead – SNB to cut again, RBA to stand pat, PCE inflation also on tap

SNB is expected to ease for third time; might cut by 50bps. RBA to hold rates but could turn less hawkish as CPI falls. After inaugural Fed cut, attention turns to PCE inflation.

Read more
Bank of Japan set to keep rates on hold after July’s hike shocked markets

Bank of Japan set to keep rates on hold after July’s hike shocked markets

The Bank of Japan is expected to keep its short-term interest rate target between 0.15% and 0.25% on Friday, following the conclusion of its two-day monetary policy review. The decision is set to be announced during the early Asian session. 

Read more
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know

Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know

VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.

Read More

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures