GBP/USD: pound continued to decline amid weak economic data
On October 24, the GBP/USD currency pair is trading at the level of 1.295, which is 0.077% lower compared to the previous trading session. This decrease is due to volatility against the background of UK economic data and expectations of the Bank of England's actions.
The economic situation in the UK remains under pressure. The latest inflation data (CPI) for September showed a slowdown in growth to 5.9% in annual terms, which is slightly lower than the August 6.4%. However, inflation still remains well above the 2% target, which poses challenges for the Bank of England. The recently published business activity index (PMI) in the manufacturing sector fell to 47.8 points, indicating a decrease in activity in this sector. Against this background, analysts predict that the Bank of England may suspend further rate hikes to support economic growth.
On the other hand, the economic situation in the United States remains stable. The main focus of the market is on the upcoming publication of data on business activity in the service sector (PMI) and consumer spending. The inflation rate remains at 3.7% in annual terms, which coincides with analysts' expectations, and the unemployment rate is stable at 3.8%. This allows the Federal Reserve System (FRS) to maintain flexibility in further tightening monetary policy. The market expects that the coming data may confirm the need to maintain the current rate level.
- Resistance levels: 1.2980, 1.3050.
- Support levels: 1.2900, 1.2850.
USD/CHF: the market expects further actions by the SNB against the background of a strong franc
On October 24, 2024, the USD/CHF currency pair is trading at 0.8766, which is 0.36% higher compared to the previous trading session. The growth of the dollar against the Swiss franc is associated with market expectations regarding the future monetary policy of the US Federal Reserve and global economic instability, which increases demand for the dollar as a safe haven asset.
The Swiss franc, traditionally a safe haven currency, is demonstrating stability amid growing global uncertainty. However, challenges remain in the Swiss domestic market. The latest inflation data show that the consumer price level fell to 1.5% in annual terms in September, which is in line with the goals of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). At the same time, the SNB has lowered interest rates twice this year to support exporters and producers who are suffering from the high franc exchange rate. This decision is aimed at reducing pressure on the Swiss economy, but a strong franc still has a negative impact on the competitiveness of Swiss goods in foreign markets.
Economists predict that the SNB will continue to adhere to a cautious policy in the coming months. Forecasts point to possible further intervention by the SNB in the event of increased pressure on the franc, which may lead to its weakening.
- Resistance levels: 0.8816, 0.8862.
- Support levels: 0.8727, 0.8680.
USD/JPY: yen falls amid expectations of a tightening of the Bank of Japan's policy
On October 24, the USD/JPY currency pair is trading at 152.03, which is 0.25% lower compared to the previous trading session. The depreciation is due to new data from Japan and market expectations regarding the future actions of the Bank of Japan (BOJ).
The economic situation in Japan remains difficult. Recent inflation data (CPI) showed an annual growth of 3.2%, above the BOJ's 2% target, forcing the Central Bank to reconsider its soft monetary policy. The Bank of Japan, headed by Governor Kazuo Ueda, continues to give signals about a possible change in the yield curve control policy (YCC), which strengthens market expectations regarding tightening measures in the coming months. This may support the yen by weakening the dollar's position.
At the same time, the domestic market is also affected by weak data on the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector (PMI), which fell to 48.3 points, indicating a reduction in industrial activity. Experts believe that the BOJ's next steps will largely depend on inflationary trends and the stability of the labor market in Japan.
- Resistance levels: 152.50, 153.10.
- Support levels: 151.50, 150.80.
Silvers market analysis
As of October 24, 2024, the price of silver (XAG/USD) is $34.21 per troy ounce, which is 1.60% higher compared to the previous trading session. The price increase is due to increased demand for precious metals, both against the background of ongoing inflation, and in conditions of geopolitical instability and a weakening dollar.
The economic situation in the United States has a noticeable impact on the value of silver. The US Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates at a high level, which contributes to some strengthening of the dollar. However, inflation remains at 3.7%, which forces investors to seek safe haven assets such as gold and silver. Important data that may affect the dynamics of silver are the upcoming publications on the consumer price index (CPI) and data on the US labor market. At the same time, any slowdown in the growth of the US economy may increase the demand for silver as a protective asset.
In addition, the ongoing global challenges in the field of energy and industrial production support silver prices, as the metal is actively used in production and "green" energy. For example, increased demand for solar panels and electronic components strengthens silver's position in the market. It should also be noted that there is a shortage of supply caused by problems in the extraction of metal in a number of countries, which also supports the growth of its value.
- Resistance levels: $34.50 and $35.00.
- Support levels: $33.80 and $33.40.