Thread: Daily Market Analysis from ForexMart

Brent. April 12, 2021 | Oil rises moderately at the start of a new trading week

Brent crude oil continues to trade above $63 per barrel. The current quotation of the asset is $63.80 per barrel.

Today, oil prices have started to rise on optimism about the recovery of the US economy, but the new wave of Covid-19 in Asia is limiting the rise in quotations. In the United States, about 70 million people have already been vaccinated, and in Europe, after tightening restrictions, the number of new cases of the disease has declined. At the same time, a record number of cases are recorded in India and other Asian countries, which will prevent the restoration of world tourism in the near future.

This week, traders will be presented with monthly reports from OPEC and the International Energy Agency. They are expected to report on the growing demand from the global economy. Against this background, Brent crude oil may resume its upward movement and go above $64 per barrel.

Last week, the IMF released a forecast that global GDP will grow by 6% this year, which is the fastest pace in 40 years. Traders predict that in the 2nd half of 2021, demand for hydrocarbons will increase and be able to offset the latest OPEC + decision to increase oil production by 2 million barrels between May and July.

EUR/USD. April 12, 2021 | Euro rebounds on strong retail sales data

The European currency is growing on Monday, breaking above the level of 1.1900. The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.1915.

The euro was supported by data on retail sales in Europe. The index in February increased by 3% compared to January, while the expected growth of 1.5%. Earlier last week, a report on industrial production for February was released, which put pressure on the euro. The indicator fell 1.6% m/m, while the market was expecting a 1.6% m/m gain. A month earlier, the index was down 2.0%.

The USA on Friday presented the March producer price index, which rose 0.7% against the forecast of a rise of 0.2% m/m. In January, the indicator grew by 0.2% m/m.

Today, the US is to release statistics on the execution of the federal budget in March, but this data is not reflected in any way on the exchange volatility. But the comments of the chairman of the US Federal Reserve System Jerome Powell may attract attention.

Brent. April 13, 2021 | Oil is stable amid positive external background

Brent is on the rise on Tuesday, reaching $63.70 a barrel. Prices are supported by growing tensions in the Middle East, where Yemeni Houthis fired on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure the day before.

An additional factor supporting «black gold» is optimism associated with the acceleration of vaccination rates and the improvement of the epidemiological situation in the world. On Sunday, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted during his speech that the growth rate of the United States economy will accelerate in the coming months. And this, on the eve of the holiday season and the increased demand for motor fuel, raised expectations of an increase in demand for oil and petroleum products.

Moreover, on the side of buyers – and economic statistics from China, where the volume of exports and imports exceeded the indicators of 2018 and 2019, and the volume of foreign trade increased by 29.2% compared to the same period last year. In the current environment, further growth in Brent quotes can be expected, to the area of ​​$64.00 and above.

EUR/USD. April 13, 2021 | The pair is consolidating at 1.19

On Tuesday morning, the EUR/USD pair continues to consolidate at 1.1900. The euro is gaining ground against the dollar, despite quarantines in several of Europe's leading economies, low vaccination rates and worsening GDP growth forecasts for France and Spain.

Local support for the euro was provided by yesterday's strong data on retail sales in the euro area. In February, consumer spending rose 3%, double the expectations of market participants. At the same time, the January figure was revised from -5.9% to -5.2%. In addition, last week the business activity indices in Germany were revised upwards, and the business climate indicator in the country reached the levels of June 2019 (96.6 points).

Today, market participants are awaiting data on inflation and retail sales in the US (April 15). Analysts believe that vaccination of the population and social benefits should have stimulated March spending, and as a result, the figure could rise by 5.7%. Inflation is also rising, and these two indicators can provide significant support to the dollar.

This week is also due to publish reports on the Small Business Optimism Index for March, as well as data on the number of open vacancies in the employment sector outside the US agricultural sector for the last month.

GBP/USD. April 14, 2021 | Pound weakened after the release of GDP data

The upward dynamics of the pound did not develop and the GBP/USD pair began to decline from the level of 1.3810. The current quote for the pair is 1.3750.

The pressure on the British currency was exerted by weak statistics, according to which GDP growth for the month amounted to only 0.4%, while the forecast was 0.6%. On an annualized basis, the indicator also fell short of the forecasted values, demonstrating -7.8% instead of -7.3%. At the same time, the volume of production in February increased by 1.0% against the expectation of 0.5%.

Moreover, the Bank of England announced that Chief Economist Andy Haldane will leave his position on the Monetary Policy Committee after the June meeting, and this negatively affected the dynamics of the pound. As you know, Haldane is opposed to lowering the interest rate to the negative zone, so now we can assume that this scenario will become more likely.

However, the US dollar is still under pressure, and the yield on Treasury bonds has ceased to strengthen. Yesterday, dollar sales strengthened after the release of data on inflation in the US, which showed an increase of 2.6%. Today we are watching the speech of J. Powell, on whose comments the further dynamics of the dollar depends.

EUR/USD. April 14, 2021 | Euro can easily reach 1.20

EUR/USD continues to rise during Wednesday's trading, reaching 1.1975. The market practically ignored the weak data on business optimism in Germany from the ZEW. According to the data released, the index of economic expectations in April fell to 70.7 from 76.6 in March. Economists had expected the index to be 79.5. The index fell for the first time since November 2020.

The main support for the pair is provided by the continuing pressure on the dollar. The American currency index sank 1.7% in just two weeks, falling below the support of 92.00 points.

The sale of the dollar intensified after the release of statistics on the consumer price index in the United States. The growth of consumer prices in March amounted to 0.6% compared to the previous month, against the forecast of growth by 0.5%. Annual inflation in March amounted to 2.6% against the forecast of 2.5%.

Today we should pay attention to the speech of the FRS Chairman Jerome Powell. If the Fed again points to continued soft monetary policy, the pressure on the dollar will intensify, which will allow euro buyers to gain a foothold above 1.20.

Oil market. April 15, 2021 | Brent remains in the area of monthly highs

On Thursday, oil prices continued to be in the area of ​​monthly highs, thanks to improved forecasts for global fuel demand. The current Brent quotation is $66.30 per barrel.

Prices were supported by a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), according to which oil demand is expected to grow by 5.7 million barrels per day in 2021 compared to 2020. And this is 230 thousand barrels per day more than previously predicted. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has also improved its forecast for global oil demand for the current year and is now expecting an increase of 5.95 million barrels per day.

Additional support for quotations of «black gold» was provided by yesterday's data on crude oil reserves in the United States. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that oil reserves last week fell by 5.89 million barrels, while analysts had expected a half-cut, by 2.89 million barrels. In the current environment, oil prices will continue to trade above $66.00 per barrel.

EUR/USD. April 15, 2021 | Euro is confidently approaching the level of 1.20

The main currency pair continues its upward trend, approaching the level of 1.2000. The main support for the euro is provided by the growing demand for risky assets and the general weakness of the US dollar in the market.

Earlier the head of the US Federal Reserve J. Powell said that the Federal Reserve will begin to reduce the volume of purchases of government bonds long before the interest rates will be revised. At the same time, the regulator did not even indicate an approximate timeframe, which exerted a certain pressure on the greenback's position.

Yesterday, investors drew attention to the publication of a report in the US Beige Book, which showed that from the end of February to the current moment, economic activity in the country has been increasing and returning to a moderate pace, consumer spending is gradually increasing, and employment growth has noticeably accelerated. However, these factors are not yet helping the US currency to interrupt its decline.

Today we should pay attention to the publication of the report on retail sales in the US for March. Analysts expect the indicator to rise 5.8% m/m after falling 3.0% m/m in February. In addition, the March figures for industrial production will be released. According to the average forecasts, the indicator could expand by 2.7% m/m against the decline in February by 2.2% m/m. If the forecasts are confirmed, the euro will not be able to overcome the level of 1.20.

EUR/USD. April 19, 2021 | Euro has reached 1.2040

EUR/USD is showing strong gains at the start of the new trading week, reaching 1.2040. The macroeconomic calendar is empty today, so the main factor behind the weakening of the US dollar is still the decline in the yield on 10-year US government bonds.

At the same time, even positive statistics on retail sales in the United States did not help the greenback improve its positions in a pair with the euro. As a reminder, last week a report was published, according to which retail sales in March rose sharply by 9.8% m/m after falling by 2.7% m/m in February. The forecast assumed an increase of 5.8% m/m.

The main event of this week will be the meeting of the European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday. The regulator must make a decision on the rate (no changes are expected), as well as comment on further policy and the epidemiological situation in Europe.

There are not many American statistics this week: it is worth paying attention to the data on sales of secondary housing and new buildings in March, as well as the parameters of the leading indicators index last month. In addition, there are preliminary data on PMIs in the manufacturing and services sectors from Markit. The eurozone, in turn, will also provide preliminary data on PMIs in the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors for April.

EUR/USD. April 16, 2021 | Euro keeps trying to reach the level of 1.20

The EUR/USD pair continues attempts to reach the 1.2000 level. The current quote for the pair is 1.1980.

Yesterday's statistics from the US was rather mixed. Retail sales rose sharply by 9.8% m/m in March after falling 2.7% m/m in February. The forecast assumed an increase of 5.8% m/m. Analysts note that such a strong growth is quite expected: this month the US population again received financial assistance. Moreover, weather conditions have finally stabilized in the United States, making consumers more mobile.

At the same time, the volume of industrial production in the US in March increased by 1.4% m/m against forecasts of growth by 2.7%. However, despite the fact that these numbers are rather weak, they are the highest in the last 8 months.

Statistics on the number of claims for unemployment benefits in the United States showed a decrease to 576 thousand against the previous figure of 769 thousand and the forecast for a reduction to 703 thousand.

Today it is worth paying attention to the final inflation in Europe. The report confirmed the preliminary estimate, which showed earlier growth of the indicator from 0.9% to 1.3%.

EUR/USD. April 20, 2021 | Euro is trying to reach the level of 1.21

The US dollar continues to fall in price against the euro, approaching 1.2100. The current quote for the EUR/USD pair is 1.2070. The American currency is declining even despite the growth of government bond yields, strong data on employment and retail sales.

At the same time, the euro was supported by an increase in the forecast of the investment bank Goldman Sachs, whose analysts adjusted the three-month target for the EUR/USD pair from 1.21 to 1.25. The outlook was upgraded amid expectations that the situation in the Eurozone will improve.

The key event for the euro/dollar pair will be the ECB meeting on Thursday. Analysts expect that rates this time around are likely to remain near the lows, as they have throughout 2021. The regulator's comments on the rapid growth of the consumer price index in Europe and the yield on government bonds will be of much greater interest. But, in general, market participants do not expect any surprises or shocks.

Today the macroeconomic calendar is not rich in events, so investors have the opportunity to calmly watch what is happening on the market and prepare for the ECB meeting.

GBP/USD. April 21, 2021 | Sterling declines from the highs

On Wednesday morning, the British pound is correcting against the dollar, declining from the area of ​​recent highs at 1.4000. The current quote for the GBP/USD pair is 1.3930.

Sterling is declining, despite the rather strong statistics on the labor market in the UK. The unemployment rate fell in February to 4.9% against 5.0% earlier. The number of claims for unemployment benefits in March increased by 10.1 thousand, while in February the figure increased by 67.3 thousand. The forecast assumed an increase of 24.5 thousand.

Experts note that support to the employment sector is provided by a government program that provides for the payment of increased and guaranteed unemployment benefits. The program will run until the end of September 2021.

The UK continues to publish macroeconomic reports today. Particular attention should be paid to the data on inflation in March, where the indicator accelerated to 0.7% y/y against the previous value of 0.4%. However, this turned out to be below the forecast for growth to 0.8%. Also today will be a speech by the head of the Bank of England Bailey.

GBP/USD. April 22, 2021 | Sterling shows correction from 1,40

The British pound has suspended its decline at 1.3900. On Thursday, the GBP/USD pair is showing consolidation, however the RSI indicator is still directed downward, which signals further weakening of the pound sterling.

The statistics released the day before showed that inflation in the UK in March rose by 0.7% YoY, while the forecast assumed an increase of 0.8% y/y. In February, the consumer price index grew by 0.4% y/y. Core inflation in the country accelerated to 1.1% y/y, which coincided with market expectations. Experts expect the UK CPI to rise as electricity bills rise and fuel prices rise. It can be expected that inflation in the UK will reach 2.0% by the end of this year.

Today, the UK economic calendar is empty, so you should pay attention to the data from the US on the number of applications for unemployment benefits. Analysts predict an increase in the indicator to 617 thousand from the previous level of 576 thousand.

GBP/USD. April 22, 2021 | Sterling shows correction from 1,40

The British pound has suspended its decline at 1.3900. On Thursday, the GBP/USD pair is showing consolidation, however the RSI indicator is still directed downward, which signals further weakening of the pound sterling.

The statistics released the day before showed that inflation in the UK in March rose by 0.7% YoY, while the forecast assumed an increase of 0.8% y/y. In February, the consumer price index grew by 0.4% y/y. Core inflation in the country accelerated to 1.1% y/y, which coincided with market expectations. Experts expect the UK CPI to rise as electricity bills rise and fuel prices rise. It can be expected that inflation in the UK will reach 2.0% by the end of this year.

Today, the UK economic calendar is empty, so you should pay attention to the data from the US on the number of applications for unemployment benefits. Analysts predict an increase in the indicator to 617 thousand from the previous level of 576 thousand.

EUR/USD. April 26, 2021 | The bulls broke through the 1.2100 level

EUR/USD looks still strong on Monday, despite a slight correction. The current quotation of the euro is 1.2090, and the recent maximum was marked at 1.2115.

The main support for the euro rate is the growing interest of investors in risky assets. An additional positive was the Friday statistics on business activity in the euro area: the PMI index in the service sector in April rose to 50.3 points against the previous value of 49.6. Business activity in the manufacturing sector increased to 63.3 points from the previous 62.5.

At the same time, the indicators of Germany, the largest economy in Europe, disappointed the markets: the index of business activity in the service sector in April fell to 50.1 points from 51.5 earlier, and in manufacturing – fell to 66.4 points from 66.6 in March. And today's IFO business climate index also fell short of forecasts, rising only to 96.8 points (forecast – 97.8).

At the end of last week, the US also shared data on business activity. The PMI index in the manufacturing sector from Markit in April strengthened to 60.6 points from the previous 59.1 points, in the non-manufacturing sector – rose to 63.1 points from 60.4 points in March. Today we should pay attention to the report on orders for durable goods in the US in March. Forecasts assume an increase of 2.5% m/m after a decline of 1.2% m/m in February.