Daily Market Analysis By FXOpen

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Brent Crude Oil Dips Back Below $80 Mark Despite Middle East Escalation


The commodities market is a wide-ranging and varied one, largely because the different physical products represent different uses. Oil is one of those rare commodities that is an actual consumable item, and due to its nature as a staple raw material for fuel production, combined with its concentration within certain countries that extract and sell it, its value is often intrinsically linked to geopolitical events and economic circumstances.

Currently, Brent Crude Oil is under some degree of observation by analysts and market participants due to its steadily decreasing value which has been consistent for the most part over the past two and a half months since the beginning of the war, which is taking place in the Middle East, a contrary pattern to what may be expected, when ordinarily circumstances like this cause increases.

Historically, oil prices across the board have been dramatically affected by wars involving Israel and its neighbouring countries, largely because many of the OPEC countries which supply oil globally are Middle Eastern nations and members of the Arab League.

For example, in 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, the OPEC nations imposed an oil embargo against the United States in an attempt to reverse the decision by the US government to supply weapons and funding to the Israel Defense Forces, resulting in fuel rationing and the imposition of a 55 miles per hour speed limit, as well as spiralling oil prices.

Despite the discourse from many OPEC countries relating to the current political situation and the escalation of war between Israel and the Gaza Strip, the price of Brent Crude Oil has actually decreased over recent days. During these recent days, there has been further escalation to the extent that other surrounding nations may begin a campaign against Israel.

On December 26, Brent Crude Oil was trading at $80.50 per barrel at FXOpen; however, by the next day, it returned to below the $80 per barrel mark and hit $79.15 at FXOpen at the end of trading yesterday before a slight rebound in the very early hours of the morning to $79.52 at FXOpen.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Market Analysis: AUD/USD and NZD/USD Regain Strength


AUD/USD is moving higher and might climb further above 0.6870. NZD/USD is also rising and could extend its increase above the 0.6370 resistance zone.

Important Takeaways for AUD USD and NZD USD Analysis Today

• The Aussie Dollar started a fresh increase above the 0.6760 and 0.6800 levels against the US Dollar.
• There is a bullish flag forming with resistance near 0.6845 on the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen.
• NZD/USD is gaining bullish momentum above the 0.6320 support.
• There is a short-term contracting triangle forming with support near 0.6320 on the hourly chart of NZD/USD at FXOpen.

AUD/USD Technical Analysis


On the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen, the pair started a fresh increase from the 0.6725 support. The Aussie Dollar was able to clear the 0.6760 resistance to move into a positive zone against the US Dollar.

There was a close above the 0.6800 resistance and the 50-hour simple moving average. Finally, the pair tested the 0.6870 zone. A high is formed near 0.6869 and the pair is now consolidating gains.

There was a minor move below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the 0.6724 swing low to the 0.6869 high.

On the downside, initial support is at 0.6820. The next support could be the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the 0.6724 swing low to the 0.6869 high at 0.6800. If there is a downside break below the 0.6800 support, the pair could extend its decline toward the 0.6760 zone.

Any more losses might signal a move toward 0.6660. On the upside, the AUD/USD chart indicates that the pair is now facing resistance near 0.6845. There is also a bullish flag forming with resistance near 0.6845.

The first major resistance might be 0.6870. An upside break above the 0.6870 resistance might send the pair further higher. The next major resistance is near the 0.6920 level. Any more gains could clear the path for a move toward the 0.7000 resistance zone.



Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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USD/JPY Analysis: Outlook for 2024


The Japanese yen has been one of the worst performing currencies over the past couple of years. The situation could improve in 2024, writes WSJ.

The yen has lost about 20% against the dollar since the end of 2021, underperforming other major currencies. The reason is that Japan's central bank kept interest rates ultra-low while most of its peers raised them aggressively. This was possible because it did not grow so rapidly in Japan. Japan's core inflation rate, which does not include fresh produce, was 2.5% in November. Although this is already above its 2% inflation target, the Bank of Japan is reluctant to raise interest rates too quickly for fear of a hit to the economy.

But the situation may change in 2024. The central bank has already made several changes to its “yield curve control” policy in the bond market. And the yen has risen about 7% against the dollar since mid-November, partly because traders expect the Bank of Japan to continue reforms. On the other hand, the dollar may weaken, including due to the expected easing of Fed policy.



Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Market Analysis: GBP/USD Retreats From Highs, USD/CAD Grinds Higher


GBP/USD declined below the 1.2715 support zone. USD/CAD is rising and might aim for more gains above the 1.3330 resistance.

Important Takeaways for GBP/USD and USD/CAD Analysis Today

• The British Pound started a fresh decline below the 1.2715 support zone.
• There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance near 1.2680 on the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen.
• USD/CAD is showing positive signs above the 1.3260 support zone.
• There was a break above a major bearish trend line with resistance near 1.3260 on the hourly chart at FXOpen.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis


On the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen, the pair started a fresh decline from the 1.2820 zone. The British Pound traded below the 1.2715 support to move further into a bearish zone against the US Dollar.

The pair even traded below 1.2680 and the 50-hour simple moving average. Finally, the bulls appeared near the 1.2610 level. A low was formed near 1.2610 and the pair is now attempting a recovery wave.

Immediate resistance on the upside is near the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.2827 swing high to the 1.2610 low at 1.2660. The first major resistance is near a key bearish trend line at 1.2680 or the 50-hour simple moving average.

A close above the 1.2680 resistance might spark a steady upward move. The next major resistance is near the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.2827 swing high to the 1.2610 low at 1.2715. Any more gains could lead the pair toward the 1.2820 resistance in the near term.

Initial support sits near 1.2610. The next major support is at 1.2565, below which there is a risk of another sharp decline. In the stated case, the pair could drop towards 1.2500.



Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Traders Adjust Their Expectations for Fed Action


From the beginning of November to the end of December 2023, the dollar index futures price fell by approximately 5.5%, according to the CME exchange. The weakening of the USD was caused by the sentiment of traders who expected the Fed to cut interest rates in March. As a result of the sentiment that prevailed at the end of 2023, stock indices, gold (setting a historical maximum on December 4) and cryptocurrencies rose.

However, the start of 2024 indicated a sharp change in sentiment, with the dollar index futures price rising more than 1% during the January 3-4 sessions.

This can be interpreted as:

→ during the pre-holiday period, there was a certain emotional component that helped to look into the future with optimism;

→ after the end of the holidays, market participants adjusted their expectations regarding the easing of the Fed's actions.

Data released yesterday showed that there is no clear indication that the Fed may start cutting rates, as its members still see the need for policy to remain restrictive for some time.

That is, in the first days of 2024, there was a correction of bullish sentiment at the end of 2023. In the cryptocurrency market, which is characterised by a high degree of margin (opening positions with borrowed funds), the correction turned into an avalanche of sales — the BTC/USD rate dropped rapidly to the level of $41,000, forming a false bullish breakout of the consolidation zone at the end of 2023, which we wrote about yesterday.

We also note the decline in the NASDAQ technology stock index, which, according to Bloomberg, showed the worst start to the year since 2001 (the time of the dot-com crash).





Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Analysts Downgrade AAPL Shares


According to Yahoo Finance, Barclays analysts downgraded AAPL shares to “underweight” and lowered their price forecast: they expect the share price to drop to USD 160 (although AAPL traded above USD 184 yesterday).

Analysts justified their decision by their expectations of a decrease in demand for new iPhone models. “Our checks remain negative on volumes and mix for iPhone 15, and we see no features or upgrades that are likely to make the iPhone 16 more compelling.”

The news caused AAPL's share price to fall 3.6% on Tuesday, its biggest one-day percentage drop since September, and the decline wiped out more than USD 107 billion in market value. Concerns are growing due to:

→ growing competition from companies such as Huawei Technologies Co;

→ strict measures by the Chinese government against foreign-made devices.





Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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European Currencies Find a Short-term Bottom after Publication of Fed Minutes


The beginning of this year turned out to be quite successful for the American currency. In just a few trading sessions, the euro/US dollar pair lost about 200 points, the pound/US dollar pair dropped to 1.2600, and the US dollar/yen managed to strengthen by more than 300 points. However, yesterday the upward correction on the greenback slowed down slightly, which allowed the major currencies to find short-term support.

GBP/USD

The pound/US dollar currency pair, after testing 1.2800, sharply rolled back. Weak volatility during the pre-holiday days contributed to increased sales of the pound, and yesterday the price fell to 1.2600. But by the end of the American session, the pair sharply rolled back up to 1.2670.

Today is an important fundamental day for the pair. At 12:30 GMT+3, the UK composite index for December will be published. The index of business activity in the services sector and the volume of mortgage lending for November will also be released. Analysts expect growth in indicators, which may contribute to the continued strengthening of the pair.

On the daily GBP/USD chart, we see the bearish reversal bar from December 28. At the moment, the pair's decline has slowed down at the intertwined alligator lines. If the level of 1.2000 is broken, we may expect a resumption of the decline to 1.2500.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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5 Stocks To Consider in January 2024


A new year means a new start. Market optimism appears to be the order of the day as the beginning of 2024 leads a foray into the new era in which the slow recovery of Western economies signalled in 2023.

With tech stocks back in the limelight over the course of recent months, will market conditions favour these even more during the year ahead?

Given that there is a wide range of speculations and expectations relating to a potential change in central bank policy, which would see a move away from the ultra-conservative methods being used on both sides of the Atlantic that have been in place for a long period, with increases in interest rates continuing despite the backdrop of reducing inflation, it may be worth considering that dynamic, modern high-tech companies whose stocks are listed on North American stock exchanges are very responsive to such changes.

In circumstances where monthly commitments are high, a very different corporate policy is often considered at times when the cost of meeting such commitments is considerably lower, allowing companies to reinvest in growth.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Market Analysis: Gold Price Corrects Gains While Crude Oil Price Aims Higher


Gold price is correcting lower from the $2,088 resistance. Crude oil price is rising and it could climb further higher toward the $75.90 resistance.

Important Takeaways for Gold and Oil Prices Analysis Today

• Gold price failed to clear the $2,088 resistance and corrected lower against the US Dollar.
• A key contracting triangle is forming with support at $2,042 on the hourly chart of gold at FXOpen.
• Crude oil prices are moving higher above the $71.00 resistance zone.
• There is a key bullish trend line forming with support near $72.60 on the hourly chart of XTI/USD at FXOpen.

Gold Price Technical Analysis


On the hourly chart of Gold at FXOpen, the price was able to climb above the $2,050 resistance. The price even broke the $2,078 level before the bears appeared.

The price traded as high as $2,088 before there was a downside correction. There was a move below the $2,060 pivot zone. The price settled below the 50-hour simple moving average and RSI dipped below 50. Finally, it tested the $2,030 zone.

The price is now attempting a recovery wave above the $2,040 level. It climbed above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $2,078 swing high to the $2,030 low.

If the bulls remain active, the price could start a fresh increase. Immediate resistance is near the 50-hour simple moving average at $2,046. The next major resistance is near the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $2,078 swing high to the $2,030 low at $2,055.

An upside break above the $2,055 resistance could send Gold price toward $2,078. Any more gains may perhaps set the pace for an increase toward the $2,088 level.

Initial support on the downside is near the $2,042 level. There is also a key contracting triangle forming with support at $2,042. The first major support is $2,030. If there is a downside break below $2,030, the price might decline further. In the stated case, the price might drop toward $2,010.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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USD/JPY: The Price Reaches Resistance at 145 Yen per US Dollar


As of Friday morning, the situation on the USD/JPY market deserves attention:

→ the US dollar is on course to demonstrate its strongest week since July 2023. The media writes that markets are adjusting expectations regarding the easing of monetary policy by the Fed.

→ The yen fell about 3% against the US dollar in the first week of the year, which could be its weakest weekly performance since August 2022.

The USD/JPY chart shows that:

→ the price moves within the descending channel (shown in red). Growth at the beginning of the year expanded its boundaries along the principle of a parallel channel.

→ the median line has been broken by the bulls. The price action around 142 shows increased demand. The price could not consolidate below this level in December, serving as a powerful support for ending panic on December 7 and 14-15. Also, demand forces did not allow the price to reach the lower border of the channel on December 28.





Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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The Dollar On the Rise ahead of the US Non-farm Payrolls Report


The American currency is receiving support after the publication of the meeting minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, according to which officials may begin a cycle of interest rate cuts by the end of this year, while pointing to continued uncertainty in the economy. Trading participants are in no hurry to open new positions ahead of today's publication of the December report on the US labour market. Forecasts assume a slowdown in the growth rate of new jobs outside the agricultural sector from 199.0k to 170.0k. At the same time, the unemployment rate is expected to adjust from 3.7% to 3.8%, and the average hourly wage, from 4.0% to 3.9%. At the moment, investors are evaluating a report from Automatic Data Processing (ADP), which reflected an increase in employment in the private sector from 101.0k to 164.0k, while analysts expected 115.0k. In turn, the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits for the week of December 29 decreased from 220.0k to 202.0k, with a forecast of 216.0k.

EUR/USD


According to EUR/USD technical analysis, the pair shows mixed trading dynamics, consolidating near the 1.0940 mark. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.0989, a break higher could trigger a move towards 1.1000. On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.0911, a break below could take the pair towards 1.0839.

Activity in the market remains quite low, as investors are in no hurry to open new positions ahead of the publication of European statistics on consumer inflation and the December report on the US labour market. Forecasts suggest a moderate rise in the eurozone consumer price index in December from 2.4% to 3.0%, which could lead to the ECB taking a pause before the expected launch of a cycle of interest rate cuts this year. Yesterday, inflation statistics were published in Germany. In monthly terms, the indicator increased by 0.1% after declining by 0.4% in November, and in annual terms it accelerated from 3.2% to 3.7%, which turned out to be slightly worse than market expectations at 3.8%. The single currency was also moderately supported by statistics on business activity: the composite index in the eurozone manufacturing sector in December rose from 47.0 points to 47.6 points, and in the services sector from 48.1 points to 48.8 points, beating neutral forecasts.

Based on the lows of two days, a new downward channel has formed. Now the price is in the middle of the channel and may continue to decline after approaching the upper limit.



Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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The Swiss National Bank Suffered Losses of 3 Billion Francs in 2023


The Swiss National Bank (SNB) reported an annual loss of 3 billion Swiss francs (USD 3.54 billion) in 2023 and said it would not make payments to Switzerland's central or local government or pay dividends to investors.

The loss is believed to have occurred as a result of interest rate hikes aimed at fighting inflation.

Although in Switzerland, perhaps, inflation is at the lowest level: according to yesterday's Core Price Index data, the actual value is = 0.0% (expected = 0.1%, a year ago = -0.2%, the highest actual value in 2023 was = +0.7 %). However, the SNB raised the rate to 1.75% twice in 2023, and this led to it making more payments to deposit account holders.

Note that the loss for 2023 is much less than the record minus 133 billion for 2022. Reuters writes that the losses will not affect the bank's current monetary policy, and interest rates could be cut during 2024.

On November 2, we wrote that the franc could continue to strengthen. Since then, USD/CHF has fallen about 6%, setting its 2023 low on December 28 at 0.83327.





Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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British Companies Bullish on Economic Strength, but Pound Dips


The British economy, despite being free from the high-profile catastrophes during the past year that dogged progress in the United States, has been the subject of trepidation from corporate giants and investors alike recently.

There has been no such series of bank collapses or near-insolvent government coffers on Britain's shores. In contrast, last year, there was a host of large-scale fiscal disasters in the United States, including the demise of some long-established banks and a need for the US government to raise the debt ceiling to be able to borrow more money to stop the country becoming insolvent, despite its already very high national debt.

The anomaly amid these two yardstick economies is that during the course of last year, the US dollar remained very buoyant against all other majors despite these weaknesses, which could possibly be down to a highly productive workforce and inflation that became well under control before it did in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Today, a potential beacon of light for the British economy has emerged in the form of a report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which indicates that Britain may be well positioned to increase its standing as a global hub for manufacturing.

Such a report may come as a surprise to many, as Britain, along with many other Western countries with high-cost bases, is not often viewed as a nation with attractive entry points for goods manufacturers due to high salaries, energy costs, worker shortages, high taxation, logistical issues and more recently, the added cost and bureaucracy associated with Brexit.



Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Market Analysis: EUR/USD Revisits Support While USD/CHF Aims Higher


EUR/USD started a fresh decline below the 1.0980 support. USD/CHF is rising and might aim a move toward the 0.8620 resistance.

Important Takeaways for EUR/USD and USD/CHF Analysis Today

• The Euro struggled to clear the 1.1000 resistance and declined against the US Dollar.
• There is a major bearish trend line forming with resistance near 1.0945 on the hourly chart of EUR/USD at FXOpen.
• USD/CHF is gaining pace above the 0.8500 resistance zone.
• There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance near 0.8530 on the hourly chart at FXOpen.

EUR/USD Technical Analysis


On the hourly chart of EUR/USD at FXOpen, the pair failed to clear the 1.1000 resistance. The Euro started a fresh decline below the 1.0980 support against the US Dollar.

There was a move below the 50-hour simple moving average and 1.0945. The bears were able to push the pair below the 1.0920 pivot level. The pair traded as low as 1.0910 and is currently consolidating losses.

Immediate resistance on the upside is near the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.0978 swing high to the 1.0610 low. There is also a major bearish trend line forming with resistance near 1.0945 and the 50-hour simple moving average.

The next major resistance is near the 1.0980 zone. An upside break above the 1.0980 level might send the pair toward the 1.1020 resistance or the 1.618 Fib extension level of the downward move from the 1.0978 swing high to the 1.0610 low. Any more gains might open the doors for a move toward the 1.1050 level.

On the downside, immediate support on the EUR/USD chart is seen near 1.0910. The next major support is near the 1.0890 level. A downside break below the 1.0890 support could send the pair toward the 1.0850 level.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

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Inflation in Australia Continues To Decline. AUD/USD Tests Important Support


Data today from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed the monthly consumer price index (CPI) rose 4.3% year-on-year in November, the slowest pace since January 2022. Value a month earlier = 4.9%. Market forecasts = 4.4%.

This strengthened market expectations that interest rates would not have to rise further. Although the head of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Michele Bullock, warned of the risks of rising price pressures caused by domestic demand, for example, due to rising prices for rental housing.

Against the backdrop of the publication of news about inflation in Australia, no strong surges were noticed in the AUD/USD market. Perhaps this was due to the fact that there were no surprises.

Meanwhile, the 4-hour chart shows that the AUD/USD rate is nearing important support, which is formed by the lower line of the trend channel (shown in blue), within which the price has been moving since last fall.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.