Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 11 August 2008

The Usd was broadly stronger in Asian session, as market prepare for a heavy week of economic indicators. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of last week aggressive Usd rally was the lack of strong confirmation from other financial markets, specifically rate and oil. The EurUsd strength clearly outpaced the gains in crude prices, while across practically all maturities the interest rate differential between the euro area and US are unchanged. This suggests the Usd is overbought. The EurUsd broke the critical 1.5000 support, trading down to 1.4911, while UsdJpy climbed to 110.40 before easing back to the figure. The AudUsd consolidated around the 0.8860 level, as August Statement of Monetary Policy held no real surprise one way or the other.

In Australia, the Statement of Monetary Policy didn't provide evidence that rates would be coming down near term. The main paragraph was unchanged from the last statement "On the assumption that the subdued demand conditions are likely to continue, scope to move to a less restrictive monetary policy stance in the period ahead is increasing." If there was a noticeable change in the statement it was a shift in the usual upbeat tone regarding China and India.

Consideration this week will be focused on if the long-bullish sentiment surrounding the Eur has come to an end, due to the slide in commodity prices and change in market perceptions regarding the direction of ECB monetary policy.

In the UK, today's PPI report might show that prices pressures have peaked. However, the CPI released due Thursday is unlikely to have such positive news. We are expecting CPI to rise to 4.1%, with the potential to peak in September

Daily Forex Pivot Point
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9206
R 2: 0.9131
R 1: 0.9074
CURRENT: 0.8873
S 1: 0.8889
S 2: 0.8875
S 3: 0.8819

EURJPY
R 3: 169.97
R 2: 169.49
R 1: 167.82
CURRENT: 164.58
S 1: 165.01
S 2: 163.00
S 3: 161.73

USDSGD
R 3: 1.4265
R 2: 1.4219
R 1: 1.4058
CURRENT: 1.4072
S 1: 1.3925
S 2: 1.3819
S 3: 1.3767

Throughout our partnership with the industrial leaders, we are capable of delivering incomparable quality of online currency trading service.
ForexGen services are all controlled by the international banking and financial regulatory standards.
ForexGen is continuously providing the Forex market's safest trading terms & conditions. Providing professional currency trading services that meet our client's expectations is our first priority.

ForexGen principals:

ForexGen customer satisfaction is our major objective. To reach our business goals, we strive to put our client's goals in focus. We highly value our clients and always aim to exceed their expectations and cross the limitations encountered by the sophistication of the Forex trading industry.

Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 05 August 2008

The Usd was broadly stronger in Asian session, as traders position themselves for today's FOMC rate announcement. The EurUsd slid from 1.5590 to 1.5524, while the UsdJpy took a weaker tone in the Asian afternoon, falling to 108.05 from 108.32. The AudUsd & NzdUsd continued to be sold off on the back of the RBA comments, dropping to 0.9223 and 0.7259 respectively. The Jpy fueled carry trades took a bearish tone with EurJpy pulling back from yesterday's 168.78 highs to 167.96. After a busy day of trading, the crude is current softer down -1.08% to $120.09bll, while gold closed below the psychological $900oz lvl, now trading at $887.83oz. The Asian stock markets are following Wall Street lower, with the Hang Seng down -2.23%, while European stock futures are looking at a mixed open.

In Australia , the RBA held rates at 7.25% as was widely expected. What was unexpected was the absolutely frank talk from the central bank. In today's communication, the RBA stated "with demand slowing, the board's view is that scope to move towards a less restrictive stance of monetary policy in the period ahead is increasing". We view this transparent comment as an admission that unless we witness and economic miracle in the next 4 weeks, the market should expect a 25bp cut in September. With the market now shifting expectations to a 25bp cut in September and possibility of a 50bp cut in December, we expect the Aud to continue to come under selling pressure.

In the Eurozone retail sales, PMI and industrial production will keep the markets busy. We are expecting all three indicators to show weakness and putting pressure on the ECB to act.

In the UK , July's CIPS/Markit report on services is likely to verify that activity in the sector is slowing significantly. The index dropped sharply from 49.8 to 47.1 in June, (below the 50 level that theoretically separates contraction from expansion). We expect the GbpUsd to continue its downward market to 1.9300.

The highlight of the trading day will be the FOMC rate announcement. We are expecting the Fed to hold at 2.00%. Since they were unwilling to move higher in June we doubt conditions warrant have changed for the better. With renewed troubles in the financial markets and weakness in economic data, from our perspective the window for higher rates has closed. In addition, we expect the accompanying statement will be relatively unchanged and will disappoint the market by not taking a more hawkish tone. We still see upside inflation and downside economic risk to be basically balanced. Currently we expect the Fed to hold until 2009.

Daily Forex Pivot Points

AUDUSD

R 3: 0.9419
R 2: 0.9347
R 1: 0.9301

CURRENT: 0.9213

S 1: 0.9164
S 2: 0.9032
S 3: 0.8979

EURJPY

R 3: 169.97
R 2: 169.73
R 1: 169.19

CURRENT: 167.14

S 1: 167.32
S 2: 166.98
S 3: 166.01

USDSGD

R 3: 1.3850
R 2: 1.3827
R 1: 1.3775

CURRENT: 1.3756

S 1: 1.3651
S 2: 1.3606
S 3: 1.3567

Throughout our partnership with the industrial leaders, we are capable of delivering incomparable quality of online currency trading service.
ForexGen services are all controlled by the international banking and financial regulatory standards.
ForexGen is continuously providing the Forex market's safest trading terms & conditions. Providing professional currency trading services that meet our client's expectations is our first priority.

ForexGen principals:

ForexGen customer satisfaction is our major objective. To reach our business goals, we strive to put our client's goals in focus. We highly value our clients and always aim to exceed their expectations and cross the limitations encountered by the sophistication of the Forex trading industry.

Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 28 July 2008

The Usd was stronger at the start of the trading week in the Asian session. The EurUsd traded around the 1.5700 levels, while the UsdJpy failed to hold above the 108.00 level, slipping down to 107.84 as the day progressed. The NZD was supported by heavy margin buying, according to the Tokyo Financial Exchange publicly released data last week. The UsdNzd was able to rally of the 0.7409 session low to 0.7439. The UsdMxn saw a massive gap on the open, spiking from 10.0200 to 10.1229, as the BANXICO announced the end of its daily selling net fx reserves from accumulated oil revenues. The Jpy fueled carry trades continued to perform well, as risk declined and Japanese economic fundamentals erode. The EurJpy continued to rally from Friday's sell off, which saw 167.50 lows to Asian session 169.70 highs. The Asian stock markets are following the US higher, with Shanghai up 1.78%. Commodities are slightly firmer with wti crude trading up 0.28% to $123.61brl.

Despite the sudden resurgence in the Nzd strength, due partially to the excessive buying of Japanese margin traders and low liquidity, we expect to Nzd to weaken considerable in the coming week. Trade balance narrowed with imports falling on slowing demand but exports grew unexpectedly. With a "normal" monetary policy rate round 6.00% - 6.25% levels and the RBNZ clearly signaling a shift to a growth focus, the interest rate differential long enjoyed by the kiwi will unravel.

No major events or economic data scheduled for release in the UK or Eurozone.

Daily Forex Pivot Points
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9795
R 2: 0.9675
R 1: 0.9637
CURRENT: 0.9555
S 1: 0.9525
S 2: 0.9477
S 3: 0.9450

EURJPY
R 3: 171.80
R 2: 171.07
R 1: 169.97
CURRENT: 169.13
S 1: 167.50
S 2: 166.00
S 3: 165.33

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3826
R 2: 1.3717
R 1: 1.3660
CURRENT: 1.3638
S 1: 1.3563
S 2: 1.3500
S 3: 1.3448

Throughout our partnership with the industrial leaders, we are capable of delivering incomparable quality of online currency trading service.
ForexGen services are all controlled by the international banking and financial regulatory standards.
ForexGen is continuously providing the Forex market's safest trading terms & conditions. Providing professional currency trading services that meet our client's expectations is our first priority.

ForexGen principals:

ForexGen customer satisfaction is our major objective. To reach our business goals, we strive to put our client's goals in focus. We highly value our clients and always aim to exceed their expectations and cross the limitations encountered by the sophistication of the Forex trading industry.

Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 16 July 2008

Usd was range bound in Asian session as markets pause from dollar selling to evaluate current pricing. However we are anticipating another busy and volatile day. EurUsd bounced between the 1.5866 - 1.5932 while UsdJpy continued to slide from 105.12 to 104.27. With risk aversion reaching elevated levels, carry trades have suffered with EurJpy dropping to 165.80 and AudJpy falling to 101.77. With concerns over the credit market mounting, it is no surprise that VIX has climbed to 28.54 and fx implied vols are following. Currently, European equities are mixed but US index futures are pointing to the upside, due primarily to the sell off in crude, which is trading at wti 138.95bll.

The EurUsd reached an all time high yesterday, ahead of Bernanke's testimony, but was able to recover slightly as oil prices took a dive (on slowing global growth concerns). Interesting to note, Bernanke gave no indication that the Fed was going to follow the ECB and raise rates anytime soon. It seems after a brief period of stability the US might still slip into a recession in the second half of the year. With payrolls declining, housing prices tanking, equity markets falling, latest GSE crisis and energy prices elevated the down side risk to the US economy having become apparent once again. Given these risks should Trichet and the ECB come out with a more explicit hawkish comments on inflation we should see the EurUsd entrench itself above the 1.6000.

In Australia, Westpac leading index continued to drop, hitting 0.0% vs. the 0.4% prior reading. RBA Governor Stevens speech today was undecidedly dovish. Clarifying the fact that the RBA feels that the current interest rate level is sufficient to combat domestic inflation. Stating "It is understandable that pressure on underlying inflation, particularly from domestic sources, has also been somewhat greater. Monetary policy had to respond to that." The AudUsd fell to 0.9750 on the news but was able to rally back on Usd selling.

Given our statement above regarding Eurzone inflation, today's reading of second estimate of CPI inflation will be critical. We are expecting headline to rise to a new record high of 4.0% as rising energy price are having a clear effect on prices. Core should stay below the 2.0% price stability ceiling, however, should pressure on core increase we would expect the ECB to maintain their hawkish tone and fx market to push Eur higher.

US data will be covered in US report

14.00gmt - Fed Chairman Bernanke delivers semi-annual testimony on monetary policy and the economy before the House
18.00gmt - Fed's Hoenig speaks on "Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook"

Daily Forex Pivot Points
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9923
R 2: 0.9895
R 1: 0.9849
CURRENT: 0.9776
S 1: 0.9708
S 2: 0.9664
S 3: 0.9597

EURJPY
R 3: 169.67
R 2: 168.94
R 1: 166.86
CURRENT: 165.76
S 1: 165.70
S 2: 164.76
S 3: 163.60

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3717
R 2: 1.3661
R 1: 1.3565
CURRENT: 1.3465
S 1: 1.3452
S 2: 1.3399
S 3: 1.3300

The ForexGen's provided services are all restricted and regulated by the international banking and financial regulatory standards. All our provided activities are supported by creativeness and modernization. Ambitious & motivated employees are working simultaneously to protect the customer's confidentiality. ForexGen is continuously providing the market's most competitive conditions.

ForexGen complies with the trade commissions in the USA, EU and Australia. Being registered by the commercial authorities in 18+ countries, we adhere to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Profile regulatory information:

ForexGen is complying with all applicable international laws and all financial regulations and procedures governing its industry in order to sustain the security standards in the financial services world.

The Forex Market Overview

The Forex Market Overview 15 July 2008

The Usd was broadly weaker in Asian sessions causing traders to brace themselves for a data heavy day as risk aversion moved back into the market. EurUsd after a short retreat, trended upwards from 1.5882 to 1.5954 while AudUsd broke easily thru 0.9737 intraday resistance heading to 0.9772 new highs. UsdJpy slipped to 105.70 as concerns over credit market losses damped risk appetite. As expected, Jpy funded carry trades were also sold off. Worries in credit markets are currently weighing on equity markets with Shanghai’s down 3.43% and DAX falling 1.77% at the open (US futures are lower across the board). Precious metals continue to surge forward with gold trading to 973.78 and silver 19.13. And given the current state of uncertainty VIX has climbed to 28.48 and 1month implied Vols have followed.

In a unanimous vote the BoJ held rates at 0.50% as expected. In addition, their half year update revised growth downwards while raising the CPI forecast. Perhaps the key take away, was the unique wording surrounding inflation which stated "in the case that downside risk to the economy eases, risks to higher fluctuations in the economy and prices may be intensified due to prolonged easy monetary conditions". This hints that the BoJ is concerned that its loose monetary policy might actually be aiding to inflation and that they therefore, are willing to tighten should CPI move above their comfort zone. We expect that this comment will only benefit Jpy in the short term as markets are still trading on yield differentials and risk appetite.

In New Zealand inflation moves higher than expected, with food and energy by far the largest contributors. Headline inflation printed strong at q/q 1.6% vs. 1.4% exp, y/y 4.0% vs. 3.8% exp. Given these elevated figures it would be difficult for the RBNZ to rationalize a rate cut in July and even puts Sept cuts in jeopardy.

In Australia the RBA minutes released today were mildly dovish. The Key takeaway for the minutes were "weighing up the various factors, the Board judged that the current stance of monetary policy remained appropriate". The RBA recognized that the economy was clearly weakening stating "Consumer spending had slowed significantly and there had been a marked decline in the growth of credit to both households and businesses. Surveys indicated that confidence had fallen further over the past month and asset prices were weakening".

In the UK markets, we will be watching CPI data which is likely to rise from 3.3% to 3.6% y/y and give the Gbp some support. In addition with signs of acceleration in June PPI the BoE will be gauging second round effects into core. In our view with inflation far from peaking, the MPC should be on hold for the next few months at least.

On the continent, German ZEW will have trades attention. We are expecting another decline to -56.0 from -52.6…getting precariously close to all time recession lows of -62.0. While this index is not very accurate in regards to predicating GDP we don’t expect the market to look kindly on the gloomy data.
14.00gmt - Fed’s Bernanke Testifies to Senate on Economy

Daily Forex Pivot Points
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9923
R 2: 0.9792
R 1: 0.9758
CURRENT: 0.9788
S 1: 0.9664
S 2: 0.9597
S 3: 0.9546

EURJPY
R 3: 171.88
R 2: 170.00
R 1: 169.67
CURRENT: 168.52
S 1: 167.83
S 2: 167.13
S 3: 166.09

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3850
R 2: 1.3827
R 1: 1.3729
CURRENT: 1.3480
S 1: 1.3476
S 2: 1.3470
S 3: 1.3400

The ForexGen's provided services are all restricted and regulated by the international banking and financial regulatory standards. All our provided activities are supported by creativeness and modernization. Ambitious & motivated employees are working simultaneously to protect the customer's confidentiality. ForexGen is continuously providing the market's most competitive conditions.

ForexGen complies with the trade commissions in the USA, EU and Australia. Being registered by the commercial authorities in 18+ countries, we adhere to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Profile regulatory information:

ForexGen is complying with all applicable international laws and all financial regulations and procedures governing its industry in order to sustain the security standards in the financial services world.

The Forex Market Overview

The Forex Market Overview 14 July 2008

The Usd continued to come under significant selling pressure in Asian session as the bearish dollar sentiment carried over the weekend. EurUsd gapped at the open, quickly trading to 1.5971, however Gbp/Usd which rallied at the open was unable to sustain the upwards momentum and traded lower from 1.9914 to 1.9823. Commodity currencies traded basically sideways with Aud/Usd jumping between 0.9670 to 0.9711 and Usd/Cad moving slightly upward from 1.0070 to 1.0118. Jpy fueled carry trades performed slightly better as the Jpy had a weak tone. Aud/Jpy traded up to 103.21 and Try/Jpy moved to 87.624.

In a massive move to restore the markets confidence in Fannie and Freddie Trsy Sec. Paulson said that the US Federal government would buy or finance almost half of the $12 trillion of U.S mortgage market. Specifically, Pauslon stated, he would ask the Fed to increase credit lines extended to GSEs, seek Congressional approval to buy equity in the GSE's and expand the Feds role in defining the regulatory structure for the GSEs (specifically their future capital requirements). While the markets are still digesting the statement, a change of policy towards clear “bailout” by the government should help the equity market, risk appetite andUsd intraday

The BoJ began is two day monetary policy meeting today and are expect to hold rates at 0.50%.

New Zealand reported a dismal retail sales figure (m/m) at -1.2% vs. -0.1% exp. but grew Ex Autos 0.7% vs. 0.5% exp (likely lifted by food price inflation). Clearly higher energy cost, deteriorating economic expectations and weak labor market has wrecked consumer confidence and this downward trend doesn’t seem to be ending near term. Today’s poor growth figure will now place the emphasis on tomorrow CPI figure as a key factor to when the RBNZ begins cutting rates. Should the figure come in softer than the q/q 1.4% expected reading, we could see a decline unwinding of long NZD positions.

In a light calendar day markets will be watching UK Junes producer prices. It will be interesting to see if the decline in business activity has halted producer’s ability to pass on their increased costs. We don’t think so however, especially given the fact that energy has continued to move up and sustained these elevated levels for an extended period of time. Most likely, producers price increases are being pass to the consumer which the MPC won’t be happy about.

Daily Forex Pivot Points
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9923
R 2: 0.9792
R 1: 0.9718
CURRENT: 0.9678
S 1: 0.9597
S 2: 0.9546
S 3: 0.9477

EURJPY
R 3: 171.88
R 2: 170.00
R 1: 169.63
CURRENT: 169.28
S 2: 167.83
S 2: 167.13
S 3: 166.09

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3850
R 2: 1.3827
R 1: 1.3729
CURRENT: 1.3554
S 1: 1.3553
S 2: 1.3506
S 3: 1.3470

The ForexGen's provided services are all restricted and regulated by the international banking and financial regulatory standards. All our provided activities are supported by creativeness and modernization. Ambitious & motivated employees are working simultaneously to protect the customer's confidentiality. ForexGen is continuously providing the market's most competitive conditions.

ForexGen complies with the trade commissions in the USA, EU and Australia. Being registered by the commercial authorities in 18+ countries, we adhere to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Profile regulatory information:

ForexGen is complying with all applicable international laws and all financial regulations and procedures governing its industry in order to sustain the security standards in the financial services world.

Dollar Rose On Bernanke

Dollar rose on Bernanke comments and Crude Oil drop

News and Events:

The Dollar rose on Tuesday as Bernanke said the Fed was considering extending the duration of the central bank's facilities for primary dealers into 2009 calming fresh credit concerns and encouraged investors to snap up US stocks.

Markets expectations of tighter US monetary policy by year-end were boosted by Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey Lacker's comments that withdrawing some of the stimulus as risks to the economy diminished made eminent sense. Interest rate futures have fully priced in a 25bp hike in the fed funds rate by year-end. The benchmark overnight lending rate is currently at 2% after it was slashed by 325bp since September.

Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 26 June 2008

Usd was stable in the Asian session after being sold off in response to the FOMC meeting. EurUsd ranged between 1.5660 and 1.5685 while UsdJpy trended upwards from 107.75 to 108.05. Carry trades continued to exhibit strong momentum with EurJpy finally breaking thru 168.80 resistance, climbing to 169.40 and AudJpy followed that trend by breaking thru 103.48 resistance, reaching new highs at 103.69. In addition, given the fact that the EurJpy has historically proven to be a good indicator of risk appetite we expect continued demand of yield driven currency trades.

US stocks ended higher Wednesday after oil prices fell and the Fed left rates unchanged at 2%. The major indexes retreated from their post-FOMC highs in late-afternoon trading, with the Dow barely closing in positive territory. Asian markets trading higher this morning after the Fed said downside risks to growth appear to have diminished and gave no signs that it will raise interest rates anytime soon. Sony & Nintendo led the advancers. Oil prices pulled back after an unexpected increase in crude stockpiles but pared their losses after the Fed statement; the Aug '08 contract was down $2.45 to $134.55. Gold prices closed lower on the back of lower oil prices; the most active was the Aug '08 contract down $9.30 to $882.30. We also saw Sep '08 silver -13.2 ¢ at $16.607/oz.

Yesterday the Fed left rates unchanged at 2.00% and the statement showed the downside risks have diminished slightly and upside inflation risks have increased. Overall the statement had a less hawkish tone then what the market was expecting and failed to indicate that the fed is in any real hurry to begin hiking rates. As expected Fisher voted for an immediate hike (on the record saying the fed shouldn’t have moved below 3.5%). What was interesting and perhaps the strongest signal to the market that rate expectation have become over done was Plossers vote to hold rates along with the majority. In addition, the lack of assessment by the Fed of how inflation measured against growth ie which measurement would steer the Fed monetary policy suggested again that members are in no rush to hike given the unsettled domestic condition. With both rate cuts and hikes off the table in the near term much depends on economic data. We currently are not expecting much for the US and believe data will point to an economy just getting by but with significant downside risk. This should keep the Usd under pressure and we are watching for EurUsd to begin creeping upwards.

While data out of New Zealand has little monetary policy effect, a wider Current account deficit was not what official were hoping for (declined to 2.160bn deficit in Q1 from 3.410bn in Q1). Account deficit GDP ratio at 7.8%. Net income deficits worsened while exports outstripped imports.

Austria data was mixed with Conference Board indicators printed higher then expected at 0.3% vs. -0.4% while job vacancies rose 3.4% after a drop in April of -2.5%.

In the UK five members of the MPC will testify to the treasury committee on May inflation report (not a position we envy). This should be a good time for the markets to receive some clarity regarding how seriously the members are considering a rate hike. Especially given last weeks mixed communications signals. But overall we expect that we will see a diverse view of how each member views the inflation verse growth situation.

Daily Forex Pivot Point
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9655
R 2: 0.9648
R 1: 0.9604
CURRENT: 0.9578
S 1: 0.9490
S 2: 0.9448
S 3: 0.9405

EURJPY
R 3: 171.00
R 2: 170.00
R 1: 169.15
CURRENT: 169.13
S 1: 166.77
S 2: 166.00
S 3: 165.51

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3850
R 2: 1.3827
R 1: 1.3730
CURRENT: 1.3666
S 1: 1.3635
S 2: 1.3580
S 3: 1.3554

ForexGen provides its institutional clients with incomparable professional and individualized trading services. As a professional online trading service, ForexGen provides several facilities for all kinds of traders. Our corporate and managed trading service performance are based on respect and appreciation which is only achieved by offering intelligent high end trading tools for secure investment. ForexGen is the easiest and fastest gateway for the corporate traders to perform successful trading, which provides a unique institutional investor professional facilities and highly qualified individualized services for the international customer. ForexGen provides advanced online trading software with full corporate trading services. A rich choice of managed accounts are also available, please check our Managed Account Section

ForexGen delivers what traders want: instant order execution, lowest spreads, flexible starting capital, fast deposits and withdrawal, a local support in more than 18 countries, and most of all, solid funds security.

Winning in trading depends on using the right strategy and controlling all the moves. Trading strategies are discussed in details at ForexGen Academy.

Forex Market Overview

Forex Market Overview 25 June 2008

FX markets were unusually calm in the Asian session as markets await the news from the FOMC meeting. EurUsd was stuck in a 10 pip range for most of the session trading from 1.5565 to 1.5577 before breaking to the downside as Europe prepared to open. UsdJpy provided little excitement ranging from 107.67 to 107.94 despite trade data showing that exports jumped a whopping 3.7%. GBP traded between 1.9695 and 1.9712 as it followed the rest of the currencies against the USD. Carry trades eased slightly from their elevated levels with EurJpy falling to 167.64 & AudJpy 102.90.

Stocks ended up lower after a choppy session Tuesday in the wake of consumer confidence data that fell to a 16 month low in June and after UBS’s profit warning. Asian markets are mostly trading down this morning due to a fall in metal prices that weighed heavily on the mining companies. Japanese stocks were lower on the back of default concerns around developer and consumer-finance companies. Oil prices closed higher, but below the day’s peak of near $139, ahead of today’s rate announcement and US petroleum inventory data. The Aug '08 contract is up $0.26 to $137.00. Gold closed with gains, as weakness in the dollar underpinned demand for the precious metal; the most active Aug '08 contract up $4.40 to $891.60 and Sep '08 silver -15.7 ¢ at $16.739/oz.

In New Zealand The Westpac consumer confidence index fell sharply from 96.5 to 81.7 and is just above the extreme lows recorded in the early 90's recession. The RBNZ was looking for more evidence of weakness in the household sector and this clearly helps build a case. We expect the central bank to begin cutting in the fall.

If you haven’t heard already the FOMC will be announcing their rate decisions and releasing an accompanying statement later today. We are inline with market expectation and believe the Fed will hold rates at 2.00%. We expect some slight changes in the accompanying statement specifically regarding inflation and inflation expectations, however we are less hawkish then most. On the growth side, better then expected retail sales, inventories and external trade indicates that GDP will just miss contracting in Q2, while both ISM manufacturing and non-Manu have strengthened in recent months. However, we expect the downside risk to the US economy, which has been highlighted by a string of soft housing, consumer confidence data, and the decline in households’ real incomes and wealth shrinking to influence the Fed decision (we are expecting 1-2 members to vote for a hike). Overall we expect the market to be slightly disappointed by the dovish tone and lack of willingness to pre commit to any rate hike near term. Should our base scenario prove correct we should see some Usd weakness as the 60bp already priced in for 2008 looks over done.

However, it should be noted that recently The ECB has been trying to pour cold water on recent comments that there will be a more aggressive rate increasing policy by saying they have not spoken about a series of rate hikes in the Eurozone. Basically it seems that policy makers at the ECB are concerned that investors have jumped the gun and that the latest data could make it harder to raise rates that previously thought.

In addition to the FOMC, the Norge Bank (Poland Central bank is also releasing and are expect to raise 25bp to 6.00%) will also announce rates and publish its monetary policy report today. Risk is slightly skewed to a hold, but with 40% of economists that were polled looking for a hike of 25bp this will be a close one to call. We are expected a 25bp hike in the next 6 months, however this will not be the meeting. We expect the MPR to show inflation projection being revised upward which keep the NOK supported.

Daily Forex Pivot Point
AUDUSD
R 3: 0.9655
R 2: 0.9648
R 1: 0.9588
CURRENT: 0.9555
S 1: 0.9490
S 2: 0.9449
S 3: 0.9405

EURJPY
R 3: 170.00
R 2: 169.10
R 1: 168.39
CURRENT: 212.36
S 1: 166.78
S 2: 166.00
S 3: 165.53

USDSGD
R 3: 1.3850
R 2: 1.3827
R 1: 1.3730
CURRENT: 1.3681
S 1: 1.3634
S 2: 1.3580
S 3: 1.3554

ForexGen provides its institutional clients with incomparable professional and individualized trading services. As a professional online trading service, ForexGen provides several facilities for all kinds of traders. Our corporate and managed trading service performance are based on respect and appreciation which is only achieved by offering intelligent high end trading tools for secure investment. ForexGen is the easiest and fastest gateway for the corporate traders to perform successful trading, which provides a unique institutional investor professional facilities and highly qualified individualized services for the international customer. ForexGen provides advanced online trading software with full corporate trading services. A rich choice of managed accounts are also available, please check our Managed Account Section

ForexGen delivers what traders want: instant order execution, lowest spreads, flexible starting capital, fast deposits and withdrawal, a local support in more than 18 countries, and most of all, solid funds security.

Winning in trading depends on using the right strategy and controlling all the moves. Trading strategies are discussed in details at ForexGen Academy.