EUR/USD: euro is gaining ground, exiting the local decline zone
The EUR/USD pair shows an uncertain movement, consolidating near the level of 1.0860. At the beginning of the week, market activity remains low, as there are almost no macroeconomic publications, and investors are focused on discussing possible changes in US monetary policy in the event of Donald Trump's victory in the upcoming elections. Market participants expect that the policy of high interest rates may be continued, and trade tensions between the United States and the Eurozone may escalate again. This may force the European Central Bank (ECB) to take measures to keep the euro low in order to preserve the region's competitive advantages.
At the same time, the ECB is expected to gradually lower interest rates regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election. Last week, the European regulator reduced the rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 3.40%, due to a slowdown in economic growth. In September, the annual inflation rate in the Eurozone decreased from 1.8% to 1.7%, while the monthly indicator remained at -0.1%, as in the previous month. The main inflation indicator also remained at 2.7% per annum and 0.1% per month.
- Resistance levels: 1.0871, 1.0900, 1.0930, 1.0950.
- Support levels: 1.0844, 1.0820, 1.0800, 1.0765.
GBP/USD: pound is waiting for new impulses amid uncertainty
The GBP/USD pair shows weak activity, holding near the 1.3040 level: the bulls maintain the upward trend that formed at the end of the previous week, but are waiting for new factors that can stimulate movement this week. Last Friday, the pound was supported by published retail sales data for September: the indicator accelerated from 2.3% to 3.9% in annual terms, exceeding the forecast of 3.2%. On a monthly basis, sales decreased from 1.0% to 0.3%, which was higher than the expected -0.3%. Sales excluding fuel also increased from 2.2% to 4.0%, ahead of the 3.2% forecast.
At the beginning of the week, fresh data on housing prices from Rightmove Group Ltd put pressure on the pound. In October, the index slowed from 1.2% to 1.0% in annual terms, and from 0.8% to 0.3% on a monthly basis, which reduces inflation expectations.
Representatives of the Bank of England, including its head Andrew Bailey, are expected to speak tomorrow. It is predicted that officials may support further rate cuts, given the slowdown in inflation and the softening of the policy of competitors — the Fed and the ECB.
- Resistance levels: 1.3050, 1.3100, 1.3150, 1.3200.
- Support levels: 1.3000, 1.2948, 1.2900, 1.2860.
USD/CHF: US dollar weakness persists
During morning trading, the USD/CHF pair remains in a state of consolidation, holding at 0.8648. The reason for this is the weak activity in the market, as traders are waiting for the appearance of fresh catalysts.
On Tuesday, at 16:00 (GMT+2), the October index of business activity in the manufacturing sector of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond will be released, and representative of the Federal Open Market Committee Patrick Harker will also speak. According to expectations, Harker may express support for further reduction of the key interest rate. However, the impact of these statements on the exchange rate will be limited, as data from the CME FedWatch Tool indicates an 85% probability of a rate cut of -25 basis points at the Fed's November meeting. The upcoming US presidential election remains a more significant factor, which increases market uncertainty. If Donald Trump wins, analysts predict a tightening of rhetoric in monetary policy and a possible strengthening of trade restrictions.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, September data showed an increase in exports from 20.65 billion to 22.53 billion francs, as well as an increase in imports from 15.90 billion to 17.58 billion francs. As a result, the trade surplus increased to 4.95 billion francs from the previous value of 4.74 billion francs.
- Resistance levels: 0.8669, 0.8700, 0.8730, 0.8776.
- Support levels: 0.8641, 0.8600, 0.8570, 0.8541.
Gold Market analysis
As of October 21, gold is showing growth, trading around $2.657 per ounce, which is 0.91% more than in the previous session. Investors are showing interest in gold amid the current global uncertainty and increasing demand for protective assets. The positive dynamics is supported by the weakening of the US dollar, as well as increased geopolitical risks.
The economic situation in the United States remains difficult, which has an impact on the gold market. Recent data on the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showed a decrease from 1.9 to -4.6 points, which increased expectations of further changes in the Fed's monetary policy. In addition, according to the instruments of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the probability of the Fed's interest rate adjustment at the upcoming meeting is estimated at more than 85%.
In Europe, despite the slowdown in inflation to 1.7% in annual terms, the European Central Bank (ECB) continues to hold interest rates at 3.40%, which adds pressure on the euro and supports demand for gold as an alternative asset.
- Resistance levels: 2670, 2685.
- Support levels: 2645, 2630.