Friday 30 December 2016

Merry Christmas and Happy New 2017 Year!

Dear Friends!

Merry Christmas and Happy New 2017 Year!

There was a pretty tense year, full of political, social and market tornadoes.
As the old Chinese curse says it: “May you live in interesting times" - I believe, that our time is very interesting.

My warmest greets and wishes for all in very Bulgarian style:

Be Healthy;
Be Happy;
Be Wealthy!

Love,

Jenny



Thursday 29 December 2016

Dollar drops before New Year

On Thursday, the US dollar fell in a weakened pre-New Year trade, retreating from a 14-year high against a basket of currencies, while investors are taking profits in anticipation of the end of the year.
USD Index, which tracks the dollar against a basket of six major rivals, fell by 0.3% to 102.93 (08:40 GMT), after a 14-year peak at 103.62 last week.
The euro rose by 0.3% against the dollar to 1.0446, retreating from a 13-year low at 1.0352 last week.
The dollar fell after data from the National Association of Realtors showed that the number of pending sales in the US housing market fell in November to the lowest level for almost a year, indicating that the housing market may be losing power.


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Friday 23 December 2016

How likely is a bankruptcy of America? (Part 5)

A bankruptcy on US government debt is a serious threat to the economies of the world, but we do not have to be afraid of it any time soon. Now lenders are more concerned not so much of the size of public debt, as an  America's capability to service it. However, the difficulty can appear only in the event if one of the largest holders of US bonds will start to gradually get rid of them. This trend is already defined, but its pace is not sufficient for a soon detection of the debt crisis. In addition, the US dollar is right to retain the status of a "reserve currency" and get rid of this status would not be far-sighted decision amid world uncertainty.




Thursday 22 December 2016

How likely is a bankruptcy of America? (Part 4)

But maybe it's not all so terrible? Technically America can pay off its debt, no matter how large it is, at any time. The thing is, that the very government debt is denominated in US dollars, which the Federal Reserve can print as much as necessary and pay. Of course, it will cause many other problems such as an increase in inflation and a removal of the dollar from the pedestal of the world's reserve currency. Yet in this way the debt can be paid off, and it gives hope to the creditors that the probability of a sudden default is very low.
Since the election of President Donald Trump appeared another alarming fact - yield of US Treasury rushed up and is now close to multi-year highs. This increased the cost of debt service, and one of the priorities of the new government should be the solution to this problem.


Wednesday 21 December 2016

How likely is a bankruptcy of America? (Part 3)

Now the US national debt exceeds GDP. For clarity, it can be compared with the most difficult moments of history. For example, in 1948, according to the Marshall Plan, to rebuild the economies of western Europe took 12 billion USD, Or 4.3% of US GDP. Even in 2008, at the peak of the mortgage crisis, in order to divert the leading banks in the country from ruin it took 700 billion USD, or more than 5% of US GDP. It turns out that America is increasing the amount of debt as fast as if there were all financial, military, and natural disasters at the same time. In fact, nothing like this, of course, does not happen. According to the financial media, the economy returned to normal, and everything is so good that even the Fed is going to raise the key rate. In such circumstances, the country must reduce debt rather than increase its rate.
Of course, all this can not do else, but worry the creditors. USA is the leading economy in the world, and if suddenly one day, the country decides not to pay its debts, it could lead to an unprecedented crisis.


Tuesday 20 December 2016

How likely is a bankruptcy of America? (Part 2)

Inside America there are political forces who are concerned about the growth of public debt not less than external lenders. The Republicans in the Parliament actively impeded increase government debt ceiling in 2013. In result the annual budget for the next year was not accepted, there wasn't enough money to pay for the work of government departments, after which the government virtually stopped its work for 16 days. Situation was close to default, and just one day before its announcement Republicans surrendered their positions, the ceiling of external loans was removed and other than that it's been declared a moratorium on the upper limit of public debt until March 2017. It may be noted that since 2013 the rate of growth of public debt have increased, and as already mentioned, new records were set.
On what this money is spent? The biggest part of expenditure in the budget - it is a social and health insurance. These costs exceed those large objects such as security and defense all together. They consume a large part of the tax, but, despite this, the money is still not enough, and the government has to borrow more. In fact, the quality of social security and health insurance are far from ideal, and yet the funding of their budjets suffer gradual depletion. Judging by this picture, we can say that the money simply dissolve.


Monday 19 December 2016

How likely is a bankruptcy of America? (Part 1)

On September 30, US 2016 fiscal year was completed. It was one of the brightest in the history of world's largest economy. Unfortunately, the most spectacular is the huge increase in the national debt, by $1.4 trillion dollars, the total amount of which it is now 19,573 trln. dollars. The very figure seems daunting, but even more excitement is that the pace at which it grows.
As the pace of growth this is the third year after 2009 and 2010, which hit the midst of the subprime mortgage crisis. There was also another record of US debt growth, in August it grew by 151.5 billion dollars, which was the highest monthly increase in the country's history. On the debt growth rate says more the fact that for less than the last ten years, America has increased its national debt by nearly $10 trillion, and it is equivalent to the amount taken by the previous two hundred years of existence of the country. Most investors around the world are concerned about this situation, as in the case of default on the obligations of the United States in the world can happen serious financial disasters.


Thursday 15 December 2016

Fed did it! (Part 2)

Economic forecasts

The Fed also released their economic forecasts for the next three years.
The controller assumes that the federal funds rate could rise to 1.375% in the next year; to 2.1% in 2018; and to 2.9% in 2019.
Current average rate is at around 0.625% after raising rates by 25 basis points range to 0.5-0.75%. Thus, the Fed raised their expectations for interest rates and the number of their increase in 2017. The Fed now plans next year to increase the rate three times, by 25 basis points for each increase, while in September, the regulator wanted to raise the rate in 2017 only twice.
The US currency has responded to this sharp rise. By 21.20 GMT the dollar rose by 0.8% against the euro to 1.0530. The dollar index rose by 0.9% to 102.05.
Fed expects the growth of GDP to be 2.1% next year and will remain at approximately the same level until 2019.
The unemployment rate will fall to 4.5% in the period from 2017 to 2019., according to Fed's forecast. Inflation will rise to 1.9% next year and will remain at this level over the next two years.


Fed did it! (Part 1)

The US Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by 0.25%. The regulator also increased the forecast for the number of rate increases in 2017.
Federal Committee on the open market unanimously voted for interest rate rise to 0.5-0.75% per annum. This is the second increase in the past ten years (the first took place a year ago, in December of 2015).
Fed explained their decision with the continuation of moderate growth in the US economy and the improvement of the situation on the labor market. Although inflation remains below the targeted 2%, the Fed expects its gradual acceleration in the medium term. Raising the interest rate it was widely expected.
The Fed expects that the economy will need only "gradual" increase in interest rates in the future, the regulator said in a statement.
During the press conference, Yellen said that now it is too early to say how the new policy of Donald Trump could affect the United States economy. The Fed chairman said that the country's economic outlook is "highly uncertain".
"All members of the Committee recognize the serious uncertainties about how economic policy may change and how it will affect the economy - said Yellen. She noted that she would not give the elected president of the United States advice on how to conduct economic policy.
"I am a firm believer in the independence of the Federal Reserve," - Yellen told reporters.
The Fed chief also said she wants to see "a tax policy, which contributes to the acceleration of productivity growth that can lead to investment growth".

Wednesday 14 December 2016

The future of the dollar after Fed (Part 2)

The reasons the Fed wants to increase the interest rate are few as two members even voted for the immediate lifting. In addition there are also improvements in the US economy as consumer spending, which are on the rise, job growth, low unemployment, higher consumer prices and housing market. These improvements led to a rapid increase in inflation and to avoid this Fed should immediately raise interest rates.
As for how interest rates rise will affect the US dollar, it is expected that there will not be a significant change, unless the Fed does not surprise markets with lifting with half a percentage or with a refusal to do that.
There are different possible outcomes of the meeting of the FOMC, which will determine the movement of the US dollar. Depending on the expectations and comments by Janet Yellen, the future of the greenback could largely be understood. If Yellen declares long-term pause or obscure term for subsequent lifting of interest rates, it can be expected more aggresive fall of the dollar. On the other hand, if Yellen expressed optimism about the economy and the need to tighten monetary policy, a new growth of the  dollar is not excluded.


The future of the dollar after Fed (Part 1)

The last time the Fed tightened monetary policy was in December 2015, but that will change after a few days, as the US central bank is preparing to raise interest rates for the first time this year.
Much has changed in the last year, but one thing remained the same, and it is that messages about monetary policy are major driving forces for the currencies, especially when the central bank is preparing to make a significant change of policy.
Everyone expects the Fed to raise rates, but what will be the reaction of the US dollar?
In general lifting of interest rates is positive for the currency, but in this case the US dollar has reached record levels. When the Fed last raised interest rates, there was a short continuation of growth of the dollar, followed then by a sharp turnaround, as USD/JPY from 123.57 reached 116 within a month and to 111 in just two months. Back then the chance of lifting interest was estimated at 75%, while now it is 100%.


Monday 12 December 2016

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Sunday 11 December 2016

Important week for the dollar

On Friday, the dollar rose against the basket of major currencies against the background of increased expectations that the Fed this week will raise the interest rate.
On Friday, the USD index, which shows the relationship of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies, rose by 0.48% to 101.60. For the week the index rose by 0.75%.
The market as never is sure about raise rates for the first time in a year on Wednesday. According to various forecasts investors assess the probability of rate hike to 100%.
The dollar is growing steadily on expectations the US central bank rate hikes, the currency becomes more and more attractive to investors.


Thursday 8 December 2016

USD/JPY

The US dollar still will grow today in terms of published in China moderately pessimistic statistics on the trade balance for November. The reduction reached 44.61 billion yuan, against 49.06 in October. At the same time for January-November the total amount of China's foreign trade decreased by 6.9% compared to the previous year and amounted to $3.31 trillion. Despite the fact that the values for the previous month was even worse, and it would be necessary to wait for the optimism of investors, actual data will be more representative at the end of the year. That's why for the USD/JPY pair there is a prospect of growth by the end of the day.


An important day for the euro

In the center of attention today is the interest rate decision (12:45 GMT) and the ECB press conference (13:30 GMT), from which the mood of the market will change (after being announced the decision and held a press conference). Volatility is expected to be high, in connection with which traders have to be passive in the afternoon. To predict and forecast the behavior of traders, given the fact that on the calendar is December, is quite difficult (perhaps influential mass will want to start pre-Christmas rally with events such as the ECB interest rate). Technically, there is a power for upside movement, because breaking up the 1.0780 level will allow growth to 1.0850. In the case where 1.0780 is not broken up, the reduction may be limited by the support 1.0650.


Wednesday 7 December 2016

Rabobank sees risk of returning of GBP/USD to 1.24 USD




The recent growth of the pound may be explained by the liquidation by speculators of accumulated large short positions and with it no new positive news from the political front in the UK, as the further strengthening of the pound seems unlikely, analysts say.

Despite the fact that currently the market is waiting for the Supreme Court of the country to take an unfavorable decision, this factor has already been calculated in the prices. In addition, it is unclear what position will take Britain into negotiations with the EU, analysts say.

They see a risk of returning of GBP/USD to 1.24 dollars over the next three months and believe that far until you have realistic prospects of keeping the access of the country to the EU single market, the growth of the pair to 1.30 dollars seems unlikely.


Tuesday 6 December 2016

Euro halted the rally, the ECB and Italy on focus

On Tuesday, the euro stabilized, bounced off 20-month lows reached during the previous session after Italian voters rejected constitutional reforms proposed by the government, forcing the prime minister Renzi to resign.
The EUR/USD is now trading at 1.0718. On Monday, the single currency lost 1.86% against the dollar, after falling in early trading to 1.0507, the lowest level since March 2015.
Demand for the euro is supported now by signs that Italy will not hold early elections after the resignation of Renzi, and many analysts believe that before the elections in 2018 the interim government will be presented.
But the prospects for the single currency continues to remain vague on concerns about the financial condition of the unstable banking sector in Italy.
Italian banks are burdened with unpaid on time loans, and they may need a full-scale financial assistance from the European Central Bank.
Investors also remain cautious ahead of the ECB meeting on Thursday.
The European Central Bank is likely to announce the extension of its quantitative easing program, but any sign that they can begin to reduce the amount of asset purchases, may compensate the effect of the extension of the incentive program.


Friday 2 December 2016

Another devaluation of the RMB: Causes and Consequences (Part 4)

Statement by the People's Bank of China for the new package of measures to tighten control over the work of banks in order to eliminate the shadow banking sector, in this context, is more like a diversion measure, rather than a real promise. China's shadow market poses no particular risk for micro-economic indicators of the country mainly because it is actually not internationally integrated. Cases of fraud with credit lines, decorated as an investment, are plenty in China and whatever actions the regulator takes, it's unlikely to reduce their number - too large is the population and too high is the proportion of small and medium-sized businesses in the economy. However, to direct interests of the banks in the foreign exchange market's side these measures are quite capable.
A poll conducted by Wall Street Journal among investors, has shown that the market does not believe in the cessation of the yuan decline, so invest in the currency most of the major currency players do not see the point. That's why the project to promote the yuan as the foreign currency at the present moment can be called a failure, China will have to start all over again. Most likely, at this time China will go the way of increasing - and thus large interventions in the foreign exchange market in Hong Kong can be expected in the near future.


Thursday 1 December 2016

Another devaluation of the RMB: Causes and Consequences (Part 3)

As for the strengthening of the internal market, then China will definitely have something to brag about. A recent day of sales in China, last November 11 (the so-called Single's Day, an analogue of the Western Black Friday) brought retail chains in China about 17.7 billion dollars, far exceeding the totals in the US Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday in 2015 (when they were not reached 14 bn). Of course, much of this success belongs to China's advantage in population - 1.5 billion people probably will buy more than 300 million. However, in 2015 Single's Day brought the Chinese traders about 14.6 billion dollars - which means, that in 2016 the Chinese consumer activity increased by 1/6, while the boldest forecasts for Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday in the US this year cannot exceed 15 billion. Of course, for the market it is a clear signal that China is a growing market for the long term, however, whether US and European investors will hear it - it is a big question. While they prefer to ignore the investment instruments, related both to the Chinese currency, and with Chinese companies (with the exception, perhaps, of bonds, although the announced issue of Eurobonds of a number of international Chinese companies do not enjoy special demand). For now the Chinese authorities manage to keep the outflow of capital from the country under control, but recent events related to the foreign exchange value of the yuan, could put the effectiveness of external investment management of China under question.


Wednesday 30 November 2016

Another devaluation of the RMB: Causes and Consequences (Part 2)

On the other hand, the decline is typical for all Asian currencies. The main factors of this movement began in the first place, the mass selling of US debt, rising dollar and the weakening of the European currency. As a result, investors have shifted to work with the dollar, the market expects the Fed raising rates and the consequent further rise in the US currency, and no one looks at the Asian currencies. The volume of trading after the announcement of the devaluation of the yuan and its revaluation in fact has not changed, either in Shanghai or Hong Kong. On the Russian stock exchange these days it has been sold and bought the total amount of 10 to 19 million rubles of the Chinese currency, trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange demonstrates rare consistency - the yuan persistently reduced by 0.1-0.2% per day, with trading volumes in fact unchanged. It sais only that both international and Chinese investors do not believe in renminbi as a mechanism for currency speculation, so the prospects for the yuan to become the second reserve currency in two years (since the proposal from the IMF to the Chinese authorities of that possibility), haven't advanced at all.


Tuesday 29 November 2016

Another devaluation of the RMB: Causes and Consequences (Part 1)

China remains faithful to the chosen course and periodically devalue the yuan. China's national currency has lost 12 consecutive sessions, and as a result, by early November the dollar was worth more than 6.9 yuan. So cheap the yuan was not worth since 2008. China's central bank stopped this trend only recently, raising the so-called reference value of the currency by 0.3%. However, that did not helped the general trend of the Chinese currency. Will it help in the future, and most importantly - is approaching or moving away the time when the Chinese currency will cease to be an exotic?
On the one hand, the behavior of the Chinese financial authorities, until recently, is quite consistent with the chosen strategy of the country to maintain the internal market and to create the most transparent environment for speculative operations with currency. Currency trading with the yuan on the mainland Exchange (Shanghai Currency Exchange) are inert - they are strictly regulated by the Central Bank. Trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange fully justified the possible settlement of the Chinese authorities to attract players for a fall. Even after the news about the increase in the reference value of the yuan against the dollar in Hong Kong, it continued to fall.


Monday 28 November 2016

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Sunday 27 November 2016

GBP

On Friday, the main news of the day was published data on GDP growth in the UK for the 3rd quarter. Q3 was the most difficult for England, which is primarily associated with the Brexit and, accordingly, with the significant devaluation of the GBP. In the first month of the quarter, there was a large outflow of foreign capital, it was provoked by the extremely negative forecasts of economists. Later it turned out that the devaluation of the GBP has had a more positive effect than negative, like increased domestic demand, increased inflation and stimulus measures taken by the Central Bank to improve the condition of the banking sector.
GDP also does not make exception - in the third quarter it grew by 0.5%, the value coincided with the previous period and forecasts.
As for the graphical analysis on the D1, it is believed that the pair has reached its local maximum, and now it expects the decline to the level of 1.2070 first, and then even lower - to the support of 1.1945. The nearest resistance - in the zone of 1.2495-1.2515, 1.2560 and 1.2675 next.


Friday 25 November 2016

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Yesterday the United States celebrated Thanksgiving Day and started buying at discount. US financial markets were closed and trading activity has declined markedly, but with the opening of the last trading session of the week in Asia, the dollar came under selling pressure. And everything indicates that this correction can turn into a more active sales in the medium term with a subsequent entry in sideways channel at the current highs.
After the upgrade by the US dollar index highs in the 102nd figure sellers activity increased. Of course, we can talk about fixing profits on long positions, but the fundamental reasons for further growth is not enough. At the same time reports on the change in the balance of foreign trade will be released today. Traditionally, this indicator is in the negative zone, but an increase in the deficit is very negative for the US dollar, especially given its strengthening these days. The experts forecast increase in the deficit to 59.2 billion. The excess of the projected growth rate may enhance the activity of the sellers, but surprisingly good values ​​in the report yet can strengthen the US dollar.
Accordingly, the further strengthening of the EUR/USD, AUD/USD and a weakening USD/JPY is a part of the terms of the basic scenario. But currently there are no strong trading signals to open positions on these instruments.




Dollar rises in price against the yen, depreciates against the euro

During today's Asian trade, the dollar continues to appreciate against the yen depreciates against the euro.
By 6:30 GMT the dollar against the yen rose to 113.57 yen compared with 113.33 yen at the close of the previous session. During the trade session the value of the dollar rose to 113.9 yen - the highest since March 15.
The US currency has risen by almost 10% against the yen since November 4, and its rise over the 3 weeks is the highest since 1995, Bloomberg reported.
Euro at the same time was worth $1.0574 versus $1.0554 at the close of the previous trading.
Forecasts of the acceleration of inflation and the rate of US GDP growth in the implementation of policies D.Tramp voiced during the election campaign, has led to an increase in US Treasuries yields to the highest level this year. It supports dollar, as well as promotes the growth of expectations that the Fed will raise the base interest rate, experts say.
Minutes of the Fed's November meeting, released on November 23, showed that the leaders of the US central bank is actively discussing the rise in interest rates during the last meeting, and came to the conclusion that the increase may become expedient quite soon.
Traders estimated at 100% the chance of a rate increase by the Central Bank in the US December meeting.


Thursday 24 November 2016

USD/CAD is stable in low trading activity

The US dollar was almost unchanged against the dollar on Thursday in Canada, as sentiment on the US currency remain, despite the rebound in oil prices supported the Canadian commodity currency.
Trading activity will be low, as US markets are closed on the occasion of Thanksgiving Day.
In early US trade, the pair USD/CAD reached 1.3535, the highest since November 18, the pair subsequently consolidated at 1.3498.
The pair was likely to receive support at 1.3420, Wednesday's low and resistance at 1.3566, the high of November 18.
The dollar was supported against the backdrop of expectations that the presidency of Trump would increase budget spending and tax cuts, which, in turn, will contribute to the acceleration of economic growth and inflation.
Accelerating economic growth and inflation will allow the Fed to continue tightening monetary policy.
Dollar rally was also triggered by rising expectations that the US central bank will raise rates at the meeting on 13-14 December.
Late last week, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Janet Yellen said that the rate increase, "is expedient in the near future."
Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar was supported against the backdrop of rising oil prices on Thursday.
Canadian fell against the euro, EUR/CAD rose by 0.20% to 1.4262.


The US dollar has updated a 14-year high

The dollar rose against other currencies on Wednesday, as the release of upbeat US data on orders for durable goods added optimism about the US economy and increasing rates in the US, which is expected next month.
The US Department of Commerce report said that orders for durable goods rose 4.8% last month, surpassing expectations for an increase by 1.5%.
Basic orders for durable goods (excluding transport) have increased in the last month by 1%, much higher than the forecasted increase of 0.2%.
On a less positive note, there was a report the US Department of Labor, which showed that the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits for the week ended November 19 increased by 18,000 to 251,000 from 233,000, recorded in the previous week (initially 235,000). Analysts had expected, that the number of applications will increase by 15,000 to 250,000 last week.
The dollar was supported against the background of expectations that the presidency of Trump would increase budget spending and tax cuts, which, in turn, will contribute to the acceleration of economic growth and inflation.
Accelerating economic growth and inflation will allow the Fed to continue tightening of monetary policy.
Dollar rally was also triggered by rising expectations that the US central bank will raise rates at the meeting on 13-14 December.
Late last week, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Janet Yellen said that the rate increase "is expedient in the near future."
The EUR/USD fell by 0.50% to a new 11-month low at 1.0546.
USD index, which shows the relationship of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies, rose by 0.49% to 101.59, updating the 14-year high.


Saturday 19 November 2016

Dollar has no doubt in the increase of the Fed's rate

The US currency continues to update the long-term highs against its competitors. After a short pause, the dollar "bulls" have intensified again and received new purchase driver. Markets regarded Thursday's rhetoric of Fed as "predatory" because J. Yellen warned about the risks of tightening with increasing rates and made it clear that the regulator will soon resume its tightening policy.
After receiving a new charge of optimism, USD sent euro to new yearly lows under the mark of 1.06, while the USD/JPY attacked the 110.00 barrier and at the moment is close to the next psychological level of 111.00. Despite overbought US currency, players can continue to open long positions due to positive expectations regarding future policy of Trump and the almost 100% probability of increasing the cost of credit in the last for this year meeting of the Federal Reserve.
Particularly deplorable is the situation with the pair EUR/USD. Here we must note the worsening divergence of monetary policies of two key Central Banks. If the state of the US economy justifies the policy tightening, as the Fed speakers do not tire repeating, the ECB intends to continue the stimulus. This intention has confirmed by the head of the European regulator M. Draghi. And in December, the ECB may decide to extend the program of buying assets, which expires in March next year, which promises the single currency further losses.
At the beginning of next week there will be another speech Draghi, and if his rhetoric will wear a pessimistic character with reference to the risks for the region, the EUR/USD may gain a firm foothold under the mark of 1.06 and go to a minimums from the beginning of December 2015 - the area of ​​1.0520.


Mario Draghi hinted at upcoming additional stimulus measures

Eurozone economic recovery remains heavily dependent on stimulus measures taken by the European Central Bank, said on Friday the ECB President Mario Draghi, hinting that the bank is likely to extend the program of "quantitative easing" for a total of 1.7 bln euro at its next meeting, which will take place on 8 December.
"We still can not cancel our vigilance", - said Draghi on a banking conference in Frankfurt, adding that the ECB will continue to act as justified by using all the tools that are available, while inflation did not grow sustainably.
He warned that central bankers do not yet see consistent strengthening of basic dynamics of prices and said that the ECB is committed to comply substantially the policy of monetary stimulus.
Central bankers from the ECB are preparing for quite a crucial meeting on December 8, which is expected to decide whether to extend the program of "quantitative easing." At this stage, the program should be completed at the end of March 2017.
By purchasing bonds, the ECB hopes to reduce real interest rates in the euro area, thereby encouraging lending, economic growth and inflation, analysts say. Despite these efforts, inflation in the region last month rose by 0.5% and remained still too far below the target of the ECB from just under 2%.


Tuesday 15 November 2016

Confidence in the Fed raising rates rising

The dollar slowed the "bullish" move, but it's not in a hurry to give up the position against the main competitors. Markets played g Trump's victory and the main expectations of its new policy, which resulted in a slight pullback of the American currency. However, the advantage is on the side of the USD, which returns to the theme of the December rate hike.
Market confidence that the Fed will not stand idle at the next meeting, is growing again - the probability of increasing of borrowing costs currently exceed 80%.
In addition, markets are encouraged by the Trump's election promises, which featured an emphasis on fiscal stimulus. This implies a decrease in the need for monetary stimulus, and therefore more vigorous tightening of monetary policy of the Fed. Thus, the long-term prospects of the dollar continues to look positive, and if over the coming months the US economy will present no surprises, at the end of the year the currency will have to perform even more powerful rally.
EUR/USD, which currently is unable to rise above the mark of 1.08, remains under pressure with the prospect of testing new yearly lows near 1.07. The loss of this level will aggravate the outlook for the pair and will open the way to the area of ​​1.0640 and below.


Strengthening of the dollar threatens the financial stability

A representative of the Bank for International Settlements said, that there are risks of strengthening of the US dollar for the global financial system.
Head of BIS research department noted that the dollar replaced the CBOE Volatility Index as an indicator for risk appetite.
According to him, the appetite for risk decreases as the strengthening of the dollar. Shin also claims that the strong dollar is not beneficial to anyone.
Strengthening of the US dollar led to a disproportion between the interest rates on the market.
On Tuesday, the dollar index exceeded 100 points, but later dropped.
On the US dollar exchange rate today will affect the performance of 6 Fed members at various events.


Monday 14 November 2016

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Sunday 13 November 2016

Trump's Advisor: We can do without a wall on the border with Mexico

Foreign policy adviser of the future US President Donald Trump has called into question the embodiment of one of Trump's key and symbolic promises for wall on the border with Mexico and said that it is less expencive to build a fence.
"I do not think we need to break swords about the differences between a wall and a fence," - said on Friday James Woolsey, who headed the CIA in the presidency of Bill Clinton, the husband of the recent Trump rival in the election.
"It may even be cheaper. And then, even though the fence, but it's a good fence I do not see any problems", - Said Woolsey in an interview with the Wall Street Journal and CBS television.
The world and the markets were shocked by the unexpected victory of the candidate, whose campaign has been surrounded by scandals and insults and was based on promises not only to reduce taxes, but also to prosecute illegal immigrants, which in the United States consist mostly of Mexicans. The peso fell to a record low on news of Trump won, as investors worried about the implemention of Trump's protectionist promises, full with problems for the Mexican economy.
Billionaire castigated Mexican immigrants, and even during his trip to Mexico and meeting with its president, promised to build a wall on the 3,200-kilometer border and make Mexico to pay for the project itself.
But after a personal contact on Thursday with outgoing President Barack Obama in the White House, Trump changed his tone. He expressed willingness to maintain some of the provisions of health insurance reform, which earlier promised to abolish, and his advisers are sending reassuring signals to allies abroad, worried by the election rhetoric of the Republican candidate.



The level of 66.666 rubles can be devilishly attractive for the dollar

The dollar/ruble rose by the end of the week in line with the trend of aversion from commodity and emerging currencies after the election of Donald Trump for US president, and from the point of view of technical analysis devilishly attractive for the dollar can become the mark of 66.666 rubles after a breach of number of important resistance levels.
On Friday morning the couple dollar/ruble has reached the value of 66,000 for the first time form August 4, the trading session closed at 66,1114.
Since Thursday the ruble in tandem with the dollar fell by 2.5 percent, more losses than ruble have currencies of a number of South American and Asian countries, partly due to Trump's intentions to conduct an expansionary economic policy of the USA, which could hit the export-oriented economies in the States.
Dollar is rising also because of the risks of accelerating inflation in the US, calculated in the possible scenarios for economic management of the new administration, which can speed up the process of raising rates, which also plays on the side of the dollar against higher-yielding currencies.


Friday 11 November 2016

Dollar back on the top

After yesterday's shake-up, the rate of the dollar has stabilized and is trading at a "bullish" bias against most currencies. Investors continue to buy risky assets, against which one of the main outsiders remains the yen. USD/JPY easily broke 106.00 and has come close to the next psychological mark.
After Trump's victory the markets are wondering how policies of the new president will be reflected in the rate of growth of the US economy and the world economy as a whole. Rally in the segment of risky assets suggests that players are optimistic about the future, betting on the development of business, tax cuts and increased investment in infrastructure. At the global level, there are also fears that Trump would unleash a trade war that would hit many economies of the world.
Positive attitude of the USD was supported including by expectations with respect to the December Fed rate increase. Today, the probability of such events is estimated at 80%. In other words, the tightening policy of the regulator is considered a foregone conclusion, although in the moment immediately after the announcement of election results, the rate fell below 50%. Today, the players concerns about policy changes in the Central Bank partly dispelled by Trump's statement that he does not intend to request early retirement J. Yellen.
Among the next economic events that should pay attention to the aspect of the prospects of increasing the cost of credit in the United States, we can point the report on retail sales, announced for next Tuesday. If the result exceeds forecasts, the remaining doubts about the December tightening will almost completely dispell, and the USD will receive an additional boost to growth.


Wednesday 9 November 2016

Trump's victory stimulated the growth of Bitcoin

On Wednesday, the rate of e-currency bitcoin grows after the Republican Donald Trump won in the US presidential election.
Cost of the bitcoin jumped during the trading session by 4,1% - up to $733.61, according to data provider on the market cryptocurrency CoinMarketCap.com.
The bulk of bitcoins on Wednesday was bought for US dollars - it shows that the growth of the cryptocurrency was provoked by US investors, writes MarketWatch.
In the meantime, an inspection of the American tax services (Internal Revenue Service, IRS), made by the auditors of the US Treasury, has shown that the IRS is not doing enough to track the use of virtual currency.
The auditor's report notes the lack of coordination between the different departments of IRS in terms of control on circulation of the cryptocurrency, including bitcoin.
As in the case with the cash, the anonymity of transactions with virtual currencies can help people who are trying to get away from paying taxes, the report said.
At the moment, the most popular in the world cryptocurrency is bitcoin - the value of all bitcoins in circulation worldwide is estimated at $11.3 billion, shows the data from CoinDesk.


The new US President - Donald Trump!

The election campaign in the United States once again turned by 180 degrees, as director of the FBI Comey promised not to initiate criminal proceedings against Clinton. Polls claimed that her rating has risen sharply and the dollar jumped after falling at the end of the last week.
Survey results were wrong - we now know that they can not be trusted - it refers primarily to the European elections next year and the referendum in Italy in December.
Policy - is one big unknown. Nominally, as result of election, Trump controls both houses of the parliament, which means that he can implement large-scale political initiatives. However, given the fact that some members of his own party opposed his candidacy, he may have difficulty in complying with these plans - except, perhaps, replacing Obamacare with something else; Yellen's days at the Fed also are numbered (her mandate will end January 31, 2018), it is also likely to be implemented infrastructure investment and tax reform - the latter is most favorable for the US economy in the short term.
The first reaction of the market and further movement:
Safe assets have risen sharply in value against the USD, in particular this applies to JPY. Emerging-market and risk currencies, especialy MXN, collapsed. Given that such a reaction was expected, now that the results are already known, these movements quickly recoup in the opposite direction.
It's amazing how fast prices corrected after the first reaction. We can say that the uncertainty for some time reached a peak, and now we can return to a long-term long positions on the dollar and yen, and shorts in the euro.


Sunday 6 November 2016

The chances for Fed rates hike rise after the labor market and wages

The pace of hiring of workers in the United States in October remained strong, pushing wage growth and increasing the likelihood of Fed rate increase at its meeting in December.
The number of jobs outside agriculture rose by 161.000 due to demand in the construction industry, health, professional and business services industries, announced on Friday the Ministry of Labour.
Earnings in yearly base in the past month rose by an average of 2.8 percent, which was the most significant rise in seven and a half years.
On Wednesday, at the last meeting before the presidential election, the Fed left rates unchanged, as markets had expected, but made it clear that they can raise them in December, as the economy is gaining momentum, and inflation accelerated.
Last week, the statistics pointed to the acceleration of GDP growth in the third quarter. Since 2010, the business has created 15.5 million new jobs, nearly half of them - highly paid.


BoE bonfired the pound up

The decision of the UK Supreme Court that the government can not take responsibility for launching the procedures for Brexit without the approval of the Parliament as well as the changed course of policy of the Bank of England allowed "bulls" on the GBP/USD to withdraw from the prolonged consolidation. The participants of Forex market are talking about soft Brexit, as well as the possibility of transferring it from March 2017 to a later date. This has had a serious support to the sterling.
The results of the June referendum, the emphasis on the BoE monetary expansion and the threat of an economic slowdown under the influence of Brexit weights hung on the feet of sterling. By late autumn, it becomes clear that the euphoria of the "bears" on the GBP/USD over policy is comparable with similar feelings of "bulls" on the S&P500 due to the potential victory of Hillary Clinton in the presidential election in the United States. The change in the balance of power has turned back in the polls for US stocks, as all we've seen. It is time for pound sellers also to moderate their appetites.
However, much more interesting is the fact that Mark Carney and his colleagues believed that the 6% devaluation of the pound in October will lead to acceleration of inflation of 0.7% in 2017. The forecast for CPI was increased to 2.7% for the period 2017-2018. At the same time the central bank has emphasized the change of repo rate in either direction, depending on the economic outlook. Thus, if inflation is expected to grow faster (and in the opinion of a number of banks and investment companies, it is able to rise to 3.5-4% in the next year), the BoE will be forced to tighten monetary policy, which is a serious "bullish" driver for the pound.


Tuesday 1 November 2016

British companies will have to adapt their equipment to the new coin of 1 pound

British companies have to prepare for the issuance of a new 12-sided coin of 1 pound, according to the Ministry of Finance of the country.
The site of the Royal Mint warns the companies of the need to adapt their equipment and prepare employees to the issue of the new coin, which is scheduled for March 2017. All machines that accept cash, have to be modified at this point.
There will be a 6-months long transition period for the companies to provide the ability to receive both new and old coins. After that, the current coin of 1 pound will be derived from a wide circulation, but most banks and post offices will accept old coins.
These actions are due to the fact that approximately every 30th coin of 1 pound now is a fake, according to the Mint.
"The new coin of 1 pound will be the most secure of its kind, and its features will be a serious barrier to counterfeiters," - said the representative of the Ministry of Finance David Gouk.
The new coin is composed of two metals: gold-colored outer ring - nickel and brass, inner ring of silver - from nickel alloy. On the coin there is an image that changes with graphic symbol of the pound sterling by the number 1, if you look at the coin at different angles, like a hologram. Around the rim on one side of the coin there is an inscription in tiny letters, "one pound".
In addition, the coin has the additional security measures to protect against counterfeiting, the details of which were not disclosed.


Canadian Carney decided to stay at the head of the Bank of England

The head of the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Monday that he would remain in charge until July 2019, a year longer than planned, to ensure a smooth transition of the country from the EU, although still goes before the end of the procedure.
British pound, which collapsed by about 20 percent after the referendum on UK withdrawal from the EU because of concerns about the economic prospects for the UK, on ​​Monday rose to a daily high - $1,2240 on the news about the Carney's decision to stay as head of the regulator.
Canadian citizen Carney came under a barrage of criticism from politicians who favored a divorce with the European Union, since sounded the alarm, warning of the risks for the economy. He has the right to remain as a head of the British regulator until 2021, but decided to call it earlier.
"I am honored to extend my term in office for an additional year until the end of June 2019" - he wrote to Finance Minister Philip Hammond. The letter was published by the regulator.
"This should help to ensure an orderly transition of the United Kingdom to a new relationships with Europe."
The Government welcomed the decision of the 51-year-old financier.
Carney is the first foreigner in the 322-year history of the British central bank. The father of four students explained his desire to retire as early as 2018 by personal rather than political reasons.
However, the pressure on Carney was echoing similar pressure under which the regulators were in different countries of the West. US presidential candidate Donald Trump suspect the Fed keeping interest rates low because of the political pressures from the White House. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel called reasonable citizens' questions to the European Central Bank over the record low interest rates.


Monday 31 October 2016

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Thursday 27 October 2016

China hopes for recovery of the yuan with the Fed rates rise

The likely rate hike in December from the US central bank will have limited impact on declining in anticipation of the Fed's steps yuan, said on Tuesday the chief economist of the Bank of China.
Ma Jun said at a dinner with a small group of foreign journalists that the Chinese national currency is under pressure, weakening in the eve of the Fed's tightening policy, but it can be restored after the US Federal Reserve finally raise rates.
From the end of September, the yuan fell more than 1.5 percent against the US dollar, and some market participants are getting firm in anticipation of further reduction.
The official regulator said that in spite of this, the yuan in October has remained stable to a basket of currencies, which shows China's commitment to its new currency regime.
Ma added that the city authorities have recently taken action against the growth in property prices, which should cool the market and reduce the demand for mortgages. The official said that the Bank of China's monetary policy will examine the likely impact on the real estate sector.
He added that he is expecting a growth of the Chinese economy, the second largest in the world, by about 6.7 per cent this year.


Wednesday 26 October 2016

The inverse correlation between oil and the US dollar was interrupted - Goldman

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that the inverse correlation between the rate of the US dollar and the price of oil has stopped.
Over the last month, both the assets significantly rose against the background of "significant events", the bank said in the review.
According to the analysts, the dynamics of the oil is particularly unusual, given the strong exchange rate of the American national currency.
Goldman Sachs analyst Jeff Currie believes that if Russia will freeze the oil production, it will probably happen by January-February 2017. OPEC's strategy to protect its market share has remained the same, he said in an interview with Bloomberg.


The Bank of England has called the fall of the pound "significant" will take into account in policy

The head of the British central bank Governor Mark Carney said that the fall in the value of sterling has appeared "quite significant" and the responsible for interest rate policy officials will consider it.
Speaking on Tuesday before lawmakers, Carney reiterated that the Bank of England is not aimed at a particular level of the pound, but is not indifferent to the exchange rate of the national currency.
Carney believes that the recent weakening of the pound after the annual conference of the ruling Conservative Party in October was not due to a change of opinion about the likely actions of the Bank of England's interest rate.
In early October, the pound fell to a minimum of 30 years.
Investors felt that the new British prime minister Theresa May will choose a hard-line approach to the forthcoming negotiations with the European Union about the Brexit, and this can greatly complicate access to European markets of London. May promises to begin formal negotiations on Brexit by March next year.
According to Carney, the pound starts to really vary, as time frame for lauching the 50th article is clarified, the pound is also sensitive from market perception - what will be the potential relationship between the United Kingdom and Europe.


Monday 24 October 2016

Dollar at 8-month peak on expectations the Fed raising rates

The dollar rose on Monday to a new eight-month high against major currencies, supported by expectations of raising interest rates before the end of the year.
The dollar index, which tracks the US currency against a basket of six major rivals, rose by 0.1 percent to 98.718, after rising up to the level of 98.846, its highest level since February, 3rd.
Last Friday, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco John Williams repeated his appeal for rapid increase in Fed rates, telling reporters that "this year eligible" for the tightening of monetary policy.
His comments were preceded by "hawkish" statements and other central bank officials, including the president of the Federal Bank of New York William Dudley and Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer.
Quotations of futures on the federal funds rate show that the market assesses the likelihood of Fed rate increase in December to 70 percent.
The dollar also received a support by a recent poll, according to which US presidential candidate from the Republican Donald Trump loses against representing Democrats Hillary Clinton on the eve of the elections on 8 November.
The euro weakened by 0.1 percent to $ 1.0874, approaching Friday's low of $ 1.0857, the lowest level since March 10.
Against the Japanese yen the dollar gained 0.1 percent, rising to 103.86 yen.
Published on Monday data showed that Japan's positive foreign trade balance in September is at the level of 498.3 billion yen ($4.8 billion) against the average forecast of 341.8 billion yen.
Offshore yuan, trades in which are held outside of mainland China, updated six-year low against the dollar after weakening of the yuan in the market of mainland China on the background of the growth of the dollar index.


Is parity between the dollar and euro seen on the horizon?

Euro/dollar on Friday successfully updated the minimum from eight months. On Thursday "bears" did not have quite a bit: the instrument stumbled on 1.0913 (the "bottom" stood at 1.0911), but on Friday the market has corrected this misunderstanding. Dollar rises in price everywhere, rapidly and confidently. The main trades in EUR/USD at the beginning of the week go around 1.0880, sellers goal shifted to 1.0821, a minimum of March 10 this year.
Nothing new has happened. Just in the background there was an empty macroeconomic calendar, investors continued to win back the results of the meeting of the European Central Bank, which took place on Thursday. The belief that Mario Draghi will soon (possibly this December) will announce the extension of the quantitative easing program, is growing with each passing hour. While in the ECB at the official level it is still not discussed, but also the time to make such a decision is enough.
Mitigating of European QE on the background of interest rate rises by the Federal Reserve System draws in the investors imagination very colorful pattern, where the euro is weak, falls on each sneezing, and the dollar is strengthening its market position. There, you see, speaks about parity become louder and louder.
However, it's not that simple. Perspectives outlined above are already in currency quotations, everything else is emotions and reactions. So in December will still be euro/dollar movements, perhaps with drops to 1,06-1,07, but the market quickly will play them back and will return in the medium range of 1,08-1,10.


Thursday 20 October 2016

Is GBP/USD going to gain a foothold above 1.2295?

The pair GBP/USD has maintained a positive attitude on Wednesday. The British pound spent a day in a sideways channel. Partially recovered, the pair consolidated between 1.2250 and 1.2350 levels, moving up and down between them. Despite the recent growth, the general background of the pair is negative.
On Thursday in the UK comes only a report on retail sales in the country. On the motion of the trading instrument may affect the results of the debate for the US presidency, which took place early in the morning on Thursday and the release of US labor market, which will be released later in the US session.
Strengthening of the dollar as a result of the debate and in the case of a positive report on the labor market could put pressure on the pair GBP/USD. As a result, the pound sterling would eliminate all past achievements.
If the dollar will rise again, then quotes of the pound will move down. The first objective of the sellers - the level of 1.2250. Successfully overcoming it, prices will fall towards 1.2150 or below 1.2100.
At the same time strengthening of the pound would lead to growth of the last above resistance 1.2350. Further development of the dynamics of the pair will be held towards the 1.2400 and 1.2450 marks.


Euro is defensive before the ECB meeting

Euro is close to the minimum of three months expexting the ECB meeting on Thursday and after completion of the final debate in the run-up to the November elections in the US.
The euro weakened by 0.1 percent to $ 1.0969, not very far from the minimum of three months, reached on Wednesday at $ 1.0955.
The main interest for investors is the question will the ECB President Mario Draghi point on the willingness of the bank to reduce the bond purchase program.
The ECB is expected to leave unchanged its monetary policy after a meeting on Thursday, confirming plans to continue the purchase of assets in the amount of EUR80 billion per month, at least until the end of March 2017.
At the same time investors are increasingly worried about what will happen next: many of them fear that after the unprecedented expansionary policies by the world central banks over the years, their ability to support growth and inflation seriously weakened.