USD/CHF: Swiss Central Bank issues Quarterly Economic Review
With the strengthening of the US dollar, the USD/CHF currency pair is experiencing a correction, being at the level of 0.9026, and feels the influence of the latest decisions of the Swiss National Bank regarding monetary policy.
In the latest quarterly report published by the bank, the main focus was on reducing the interest rate from 1.75% to 1.50% due to the stability of inflationary trends. Economic growth is expected to reach 1.0% in 2024, which corresponds to the current soft direction of monetary policy. Inflation fell to 1.2% in February at an annual level, well below the 2% target limit, and is expected to remain at a similar level throughout the year. The situation in the real estate market is putting pressure, which could potentially lead to a weakening of the Swiss franc in the foreseeable future.
- Resistance levels: 0.9070, 0.9210.
- Support levels: 0.8990, 0.8870.
USD/CAD: GDP data showed economic growth in the USA and Canada
The USD/CAD currency pair is at 1.3558, showing a recovery after a fall this week, when the lowest values since March 22 were reached. Market activity is slowing down as the Catholic Easter celebration approaches, leading to the closure of many trading platforms.
Today, the US is expected to publish data on the price index of personal consumer spending, which is key for the Federal Reserve System in analyzing inflation and determining monetary policy. The index for February is projected to indicate moderate growth from 0.3% to 0.4% on a monthly basis and from 2.4% to 2.5% year-on-year, with an unchanged base level of 2.8%. Additionally, information on personal income and expenses of Americans for February will be published and a speech by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will take place.
Traders are also focused on the latest data on the GDP of Canada and the United States. The Canadian economy showed growth of 0.6% in January, exceeding forecasts and breaking away from a decline of 0.1% in the previous month. U.S. GDP for the fourth quarter of 2023 was adjusted upward from 3.2% to 3.4% on an annual basis.
- Resistance levels: 1.3550, 1.3580, 1.3613, 1.3650.
- Support levels: 1.3524, 1.3500, 1.3450, 1.3400.
Platinum market analysis
The trend towards correction in metal prices remains, and this week platinum is holding above the 900.00 mark.
A recent report by the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) highlighted the ongoing crisis in the industry. Analysts point out that due to low selling prices, platinum production is expected to decrease by 3.0% in 2024, which will lead to a decrease in total production to 5.489 million ounces - the lowest since 2013. Currently, more than a third of mining companies are operating at a loss, with an average loss per ounce estimated at $148. The WPIC report also highlights that South Africa is losing its attractiveness for investment in the platinum sector, which could lead to a decrease in production in this region by 1.0%.
- Resistance levels: 920.00, 954.00.
- Support levels: 900.00, 870.00.
Crude Oil market analysis
Prices for North American WTI Crude Oil are in the process of a sideways correction, settling at 82.69 amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The activity of the Houthis from Yemen, carrying out attacks on international vessels in the Gulf of Aden, continues to create problems for maritime transport through the Red Sea, which puts pressure on global oil supplies. A positive impetus for the growth of oil prices is provided by macroeconomic dynamics: China increased oil imports by 5.1%, reaching 88.31 million tons from January to February, while domestic production in the country increased by 2.9% to 35.11 million tons, and refining volumes increased by 3.0% to 118.76 million tons.
In the United States, oil reserves are also stabilizing. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), oil reserves increased by 9.337 million barrels this week compared with a previous decrease of 1.519 million barrels. A similar trend was confirmed by the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy (EIA), which reported an increase in inventories by 3.165 million barrels after a previous decrease of 1.952 million barrels.
- Resistance levels: 83.60, 87.00.
- Support levels: 81.40, 77.80.