EUR/USD: investors' attention is focused on the crisis in France
The EUR/USD pair is correcting near the 1.0509 mark, demonstrating a decrease in interest in the US dollar, but at the same time not receiving sufficient support from the macroeconomic data of the eurozone.
According to forecasts, the November index of business activity in the Spanish services sector will decrease from 54.9 points to 53.6 points, in Italy from 52.4 points to 51.1 points, in France from 48.1 points to 44.8 points, and in Germany from 51.6 points to 49.4 points. These data indicate a slowdown in economic activity even against the background of interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB) aimed at supporting businesses and reducing debt pressure. The combined indicator of business activity in the eurozone is likely to decrease from 51.6 points to 49.2 points, which will take it out of the positive zone for the first time since the beginning of the year.
Investors' attention is also focused on the political situation in France, where Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bypassing parliament, is promoting a bill providing for an increase in the tax burden on businesses by $ 62.8 billion and a reduction in government spending by $ 42.0 billion in order to reduce the budget deficit of 6.1% of GDP. This step caused sharp dissatisfaction with the opposition, which initiated the procedure for passing a vote of no confidence in the government. The escalating crisis risks exacerbating the already difficult situation of the national economy, which continues to struggle with high inflationary pressures.
- Support levels: 1.0460, 1.0330.
- Resistance levels: 1.0540, 1.0680.
NZD/USD: construction statistics brought down NZD positions
The NZD/USD pair started the week with negative dynamics, holding around 0.5860 after the publication of fresh macroeconomic statistics from New Zealand.
According to the report, in October, the number of construction permits issued fell by 5.2%, which is significantly worse than the forecast of 1.7%. The previous value was also revised downwards from 2.6% to 2.4%. Such data reinforce concerns about a slowdown in economic growth and a possible negative impact on gross domestic product (GDP). In the current situation, experts predict that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) may consider options for lowering interest rates to stimulate business activity, which puts pressure on the national currency. However, there are also positive signals: trading conditions improved from 2.1% to 2.4% in the third quarter, which turned out to be higher than analysts' expectations at 1.8%. This factor can provide short-term support to the New Zealand dollar, deterring it from a deeper decline until additional catalysts appear on the market.
- Resistance levels: 0.6035, 0.6120, 0.6220.
- Support levels: 0.5860, 0.5800, 0.5600.
Silver market analysis
After a long period of decline, the XAG/USD pair is showing recovery and is holding at 31.06 during trading in the Asian session. However, there is no confident upward momentum yet.
One of the main limiting factors remains the decline in interest in silver, both in the form of contracts and in the form of physical metal, which is in demand in industry. According to the Silver Institute, in 2024, the volume of investments in this asset may decrease by 15.0%, reaching only $ 208.0 million. The decline is particularly noticeable in the US market, where sales of investment bars and coins fell by 40.0%, which is the lowest since 2019. The reason for this trend may be both a reduction in the financial capabilities of market participants and their preference for more active instruments such as gold or oil. Nevertheless, certain positive trends persist. In particular, industrial demand for silver will increase by 7.0% this year, and investments in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) backed by this metal will grow by 8.0%. This growth will be the first improvement since 2020, indicating a recovery in interest from long-term investors and the industrial sector.
- Resistance levels: 31.40, 33.00.
- Support levels: 30.50, 28.70.
Oil market analysis
WTI Crude Oil prices continue to move towards the important 70.00 mark, supporting the optimistic mood in the global commodity markets. The weakening of the US dollar has become a key driver of the current positive dynamics, which helps attract investors to energy purchases.
The focus of market participants is on the meeting of OPEC+ ministers scheduled for Thursday at 12:00 (GMT+2). It is expected that the cartel members will again be unable to come to an agreement on increasing oil production, postponing this decision for the third time in a row for a maximum period of three months. The previous adjustment of production volumes, scheduled for December and amounting to 180.0 thousand barrels per day, was also postponed from October. This uncertainty is related to the variability in the forecast of global demand for hydrocarbons, especially against the background of slowing economic growth in key consumer countries. Special attention is paid to China, where economic difficulties have been observed since the beginning of autumn, but their mitigation has been accompanied by the country's active transition to electric transport, which reduces oil consumption. This process, although gradual, is already having an impact on the market. According to Reuters analysts, Chinese oil companies predict a further decline in demand for raw materials, as electric vehicles continue to displace gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Resistance levels: 71.20, 74.10.
- Support levels: 68.60, 65.50.