EUR/USD: Germany's April CPI is in line with analytical forecasts
During the morning trading session in Asia, the EUR/USD pair showed fluctuating movements, remaining near the 1.0785 level. Investors remain cautious, refraining from active trading until the publication of important economic data from the United States and the eurozone.
In April, German inflation was in line with expectations, noting an increase of 0.5% and confirming an annual rate of 2.2%, which is consistent with economists' forecasts. The harmonized consumer price index, adapted to EU standards, showed an acceleration from 2.3% to 2.4%. According to preliminary estimates, the Spanish consumer price index may increase from 3.2% to 3.3%. Important data on eurozone GDP for the first quarter are expected on Wednesday at 11:00 (GMT+2), forecasts indicate stability of the indicator at the level of 0.3% quarterly and 0.4% annual growth. The market's attention will also be focused on the indicators of industrial production, which, according to forecasts, may show a decrease of 0.2% in monthly dynamics after the previous growth of 0.8%, and an improvement in the annual index from -6.4% to -1.8%.
- Resistance levels: 1.0810, 1.0890.
- Support levels: 1.0760, 1.0660.
AUD/USD: Australian authorities predict a decrease in inflation by the year
The AUD/USD pair is slightly losing ground, stabilizing near the 0.6600 level. Amid the lack of significant news, the market is in a state of expectation, where investors are weighing their steps ahead of key events, especially in the United States, where inflation data for April is expected to be published tomorrow.
In Australia, data on the state of the labor market for April will be announced on May 16: analysts predict an increase in employment by 23.7 thousand people, after a decrease of 6.6 thousand in the previous month. At the same time, it is assumed that unemployment will increase from 3.8% to 3.9%. The presentation of the budget plan is also in the focus of investors' attention today. According to recent forecasts, inflation should fall to 3.75% by mid-2024 and to 2.75% by mid-2025, re-entering the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range. However, the authorities said last Sunday that it is expected that the overall inflation rate could reach 2.0-3.0% by the end of this year, while representatives of the RBA believe that the indicator may remain at 3.6% in the first quarter and rise to 3.8% by June. Finance Minister Jim Chalmers stressed that the budget will pay special attention to measures to counter price pressures that have a significant impact on the cost of living of the population.
- Resistance levels: 0.6622, 0.6646, 0.6667, 0.6700.
- Support levels: 0.6600, 0.6578, 0.6558, 0.6540.
Cryptocurrency market overview
Last week, the ETH/USD rate continued to decline, following the general trend of the market, under the influence of both monetary and regulatory factors that put pressure on other key assets. Investors are expressing concern about the possible continuation of high rates by the US Federal Reserve System until the end of the year, despite the slowdown in the labor market. US inflation data for April, which will be published on Wednesday, is expected to show a decrease in the index, but this is unlikely to change the strict position of the regulator.
ETH is also under additional pressure from the uncertainty surrounding future decisions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Soon, on May 23 and 24, the deadline for reviewing applications from VanEck and ARK Invest for the creation of spot funds based on ETH expires, but forecasts regarding a positive result are disappointing. Unlike previous cases of approval of bitcoin ETFs, there is no information about consultations between the regulator and representatives of interested companies, which may lead to a possible postponement or refusal to consider applications for ETH ETFs until the autumn. In addition, there are signs that the American authorities have begun to consider ETH as an unregistered security and are collecting information about the activities of its developers. In this context, the co-founder of Ethereum, Joseph Lubin, pointed out that the SEC had actually reclassified ETH as an illegal asset without notifying the public.
- Resistance levels: 3125.00, 3281.25, 3437.50.
- Support levels: 2812.50, 2500.00, 2187.50.
Oil market analysis
During the Asian trading session, WTI Crude Oil prices show mixed changes. Some support for prices is provided by the anticipation of the publication of the OPEC report, scheduled for today at 13:00 GMT+2. At the same time, many investors refrain from opening new positions, preferring to wait for the US inflation data, which are expected tomorrow at 14:30 at the same time.
In the context of the expected OPEC report, market participants hope to find out updated forecasts for oil production volumes. For example, since the beginning of the year, several countries, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, have initiated voluntary production cuts totaling 2.2 million barrels per day in order to maintain market stability. Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair expressed Iraq's commitment to the OPEC+ agreement, but pointed out difficulties with its implementation, doubting the possibility of extending current production restrictions. Traders also expect information about the situation in the Middle East, which could lead to significant supply disruptions if the conflict worsens. The upcoming OPEC meeting is scheduled for June 1, and according to analysts, there are no changes in production plans. The International Energy Agency predicts that oil demand in 2024 will reach a record of more than 103 million barrels per day.
- Resistance levels: 79.07, 80.00, 81.00, 82.00.
- Support levels: 78.00, 77.00, 76.00, 75.00.