EUR/CAD: the rate cut in Canada strengthened the position of the euro
As of August 22, 2024, the EUR/CAD currency pair is showing a steady upward trend, continuing to strengthen against the background of a weakening Canadian dollar and a moderately positive economic situation in the eurozone. The pair is trading around 1.5130 CAD, reflecting the strengthening of the euro against the background of the weakening of the Canadian currency.
The economic situation in the eurozone looks stable, despite the continuing inflation risks. Recent data show that inflation in the euro area fell to 2.4% in March 2024, but core inflation remains at about 4%, which creates some pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) in terms of maintaining tight monetary policy. At the same time, economic activity in the service sector is showing signs of recovery, in contrast to manufacturing, which continues to stagnate. Economic growth in the eurozone is expected to resume at a moderate pace in the coming months.
The Canadian dollar continues to be under pressure amid domestic economic problems. The recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, linked to attempts to stimulate a slowing economy, has led to a weakening of the currency. Inflation expectations in Canada remain relatively stable, but slower growth and lower commodity prices, especially oil, have a negative impact on the currency. Technical analysis also indicates the predominance of bearish sentiment in the EUR/CAD pair, which is confirmed by oversold signals and the intersection of key resistance levels.
- Resistance levels: 1.5150, 1.5260.
- Support levels: 1.5070, 1.5000.
AUD/CHF: Franc strengthening amid uncertainty in Australia
As of August 22, 2024, the AUD/CHF currency pair shows a weakening of the Australian dollar against the Swiss franc, trading around 0.5900 CHF. The pair is under pressure amid economic uncertainty in Australia and the strengthening of the Swiss franc.
The economic situation in Australia remains difficult. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the key rate at 4.35% at the last meeting, but risks of further rate hikes remain due to high inflation expectations. Despite a slight decrease in the quarterly inflation rate, the data did not meet market expectations, which increased pressure on AUD. The publication of business activity indices (PMI) also indicated a continued decline in activity in the manufacturing sector, which negatively affected the Australian dollar.
The Swiss franc, on the contrary, remains stable due to the cautious monetary policy of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). The expected change of the head of the bank probably will not lead to significant policy changes, which supports investors' confidence in the stability of the franc. Additionally, the Swiss franc continues to win as a safe haven currency amid global economic uncertainty, which also supports its strengthening.
- Resistance levels: 0.5950, 0.6000.
- Support levels: 0.5850, 0.5800.
GBP/NZD: the Bank of England's rate cut has increased pressure on the pound
As of Thursday, August 22, the GBP/NZD currency pair is trading around 2.0629 NZD, which is 0.03% lower compared to the previous trading session. The pair is showing a slight decline amid growing concerns about the prospects for the UK economy and the stabilization of the situation in New Zealand.
The economic situation in the UK remains tense. At a recent meeting, the Bank of England decided to reduce the interest rate by 25 basis points to 5%, which was a response to a slowdown in growth and a decrease in inflation, which, according to the latest data, amounted to 5.31% year-on-year in August. Despite this, the market expects further rate cuts, which may weaken the pound's position in the coming months. The decline in business activity, especially in the manufacturing sector, is also putting pressure on the GBP.
New Zealand, on the contrary, demonstrates resilience due to a stable economic situation and moderate inflation. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) left the key rate unchanged at 5.5%, which supports the exchange rate of the New Zealand dollar. Economic activity in the country remains stable despite global economic challenges. Moderate inflation and stable monetary policy of RBNZ support the New Zealand dollar, which allows it to strengthen its position against the British pound.
- Resistance levels: 2.0660, 2.0720.
- Support levels: 2.0580, 2.0520.
Coffee market analysis
As of August 22, the price of coffee is showing steady growth against the background of global supply constraints and increasing demand, especially in Asian countries. At the moment, the price of coffee is trading around $2.15 per pound, which is 1.8% higher compared to the previous trading session. This growth is driven by a number of factors, including adverse weather conditions in key producing countries and the growing popularity of coffee in developing Asia.
The economic situation in Brazil and Colombia, the two largest coffee producers, continues to have an impact on the market. In Brazil, drought and the spread of diseases such as coffee rust have reduced yields, resulting in a 5% decrease in supply compared to last year. In Colombia, political instability and economic difficulties have also led to a reduction in production, which puts pressure on world prices. These factors create tension in the market, which pushes prices up.
At the same time, the growing demand for coffee in Asia, especially in countries such as China, India and Japan, continues to support high prices. Urbanization and the growth of the middle class are contributing to an increase in coffee consumption in the region. In China, the coffee market continues to grow at double-digit rates, and the number of cafes has increased by 58% over the past year, making it the largest market in terms of the number of points of sale in the world.
- Resistance levels: $2.20, $2.25.
- Support levels: $2.10, $2.05.