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Macroeconomics

Market Microstructure and Institutional Trading Strategies1. Understanding Market Microstructure Market microstructure focuses on the mechanics of trading rather than the fundamental valuation of assets. While traditional finance examines “why” prices should move based on information, market microstructure investigates how prices move, what factors influence trading efficiency, and how different participants interact. 1.1 Key Components Trading Mechanisms: Order-driven markets: Prices are determined by matching buy and sell orders (e.g., stock exchanges like NYSE, NSE). Quote-driven markets (dealer markets): Market makers provide continuous bid and ask prices (e.g., forex markets, bond markets). Hybrid markets: Combine order-driven and quote-driven features for improved liquidity and transparency. Market Participants: Retail traders: Small-scale investors making trades based on personal strategies. Institutional investors: Large organizations trading significant volumes. Market makers: Ensure liquidity by standing ready to buy or sell assets. High-frequency traders (HFTs): Exploit very short-term inefficiencies using advanced algorithms. Price Formation: Market microstructure studies how the interaction of supply and demand, order types, and trading rules create asset prices. Concepts like bid-ask spread, depth of the order book, and price impact are central to understanding price formation. Transaction Costs: Every trade incurs costs: explicit costs (commissions, fees) and implicit costs (slippage, market impact). Understanding these is critical for large-scale traders to optimize execution. 2. Microstructure Theories Market microstructure is supported by multiple theoretical frameworks: The Inventory Model: Market makers adjust prices based on inventory levels to mitigate risk. A dealer holding excess stock may lower prices to encourage buying and reduce exposure. The Information Model: Price movements reflect private information. Informed traders (e.g., institutions with advanced research) can cause prices to move before public information becomes available. The Strategic Trading Model: Large orders influence price movement. Traders may split large orders into smaller ones to avoid adverse market impact, a concept central to institutional trading strategies. 3. Institutional Trading Institutional trading represents the actions of large entities managing substantial pools of capital. Their trades are not only larger than those of retail investors but also significantly influence market dynamics. 3.1 Types of Institutional Investors Mutual Funds: Pool investor capital to invest across diverse assets. Pension Funds: Focus on long-term investments to meet future liabilities. Hedge Funds: Pursue high-risk, high-reward strategies using derivatives, leverage, and complex models. Insurance Companies: Invest premiums to cover claims and generate steady returns. Sovereign Wealth Funds: State-owned entities investing for national economic objectives. 3.2 Objectives and Constraints Institutional investors balance return objectives with regulatory and liquidity constraints. Their strategies often prioritize minimizing market impact and execution costs while adhering to risk management mandates. 4. Institutional Trading Strategies Large-scale investors deploy specialized trading strategies that reflect their goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. These strategies can broadly be categorized into execution strategies, alpha strategies, and liquidity provision strategies. 4.1 Execution Strategies Execution strategies aim to minimize the cost and market impact of large trades. Algorithmic Trading: Uses computer algorithms to automate order placement. Popular methods include: VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price): Splits large orders to execute at the average market volume price. TWAP (Time Weighted Average Price): Spreads execution evenly over a set time frame. Implementation Shortfall: Minimizes the difference between the decision price and execution price. Iceberg Orders: Large orders are broken into smaller visible slices to hide the true size and reduce market impact. Dark Pools: Private trading venues where institutions can execute large orders without revealing intentions to the broader market, thus limiting price impact. 4.2 Alpha Strategies Alpha strategies aim to generate excess returns beyond the market benchmark. Statistical Arbitrage: Exploits short-term pricing inefficiencies using historical correlations and advanced quantitative models. Momentum and Trend-Following: Buys assets with upward momentum and sells those trending downward, often using technical indicators for timing. Pairs Trading: Trades two correlated securities: long on the underperformer and short on the outperformer, expecting convergence. Event-Driven Strategies: Capitalizes on events like mergers, acquisitions, earnings releases, or regulatory changes. 4.3 Liquidity Provision Strategies Institutional traders often act as liquidity providers, profiting from the bid-ask spread while managing inventory risk. Market Making: Providing continuous quotes to facilitate trading while managing risk exposure. Cross-Market Arbitrage: Exploiting price differences between correlated markets, such as futures and underlying assets. 5. Interaction Between Market Microstructure and Institutional Strategies The behavior of institutional investors shapes market microstructure significantly: Price Impact: Large trades move prices temporarily (or permanently), affecting short-term volatility. Market microstructure models help quantify these impacts and guide execution. Liquidity Dynamics: Institutions influence liquidity by their trading activity. Passive liquidity provision supports market stability, while aggressive trades can reduce depth temporarily. Information Dissemination: Institutional trades often signal private information to the market. Microstructure research examines how this information leaks through trading patterns. Order Book Dynamics: Large orders change the visible order book, affecting how other participants place orders. High-frequency traders often respond to these signals, amplifying market reactions. 6. Advanced Concepts 6.1 High-Frequency Trading (HFT) HFT strategies operate at microsecond speeds, exploiting order book imbalances, latency arbitrage, and short-term momentum. These strategies interact with institutional trading, sometimes acting as liquidity providers and sometimes competing for the same alpha opportunities. 6.2 Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) TCA measures the effectiveness of trade execution by analyzing costs such as: Explicit costs: Commissions, exchange fees. Implicit costs: Market impact, slippage, timing risk. Opportunity costs: Missed favorable prices. Institutional traders use TCA to refine execution strategies, balancing speed and price improvement. 6.3 Dark Pools and Alternative Trading Systems (ATS) Dark pools allow institutions to trade off-exchange, hiding the size and timing of large trades. While reducing market impact, they raise concerns about transparency and fair access for smaller investors. 7. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations Institutional trading operates under strict regulatory frameworks to ensure market fairness, transparency, and risk management. Key areas include: Best Execution: Mandates that brokers execute orders at the most favorable terms for clients. Insider Trading Laws: Prevent trading based on non-public material information. Market Manipulation Rules: Prohibit practices like spoofing and layering that distort prices. Risk Management Requirements: Institutions must maintain capital adequacy and liquidity buffers. Ethical concerns arise when strategies prioritize profit over market integrity, such as front-running or excessive use of dark pools. 8. Case Studies and Real-World Examples BlackRock and Passive Investing: As one of the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock’s trades influence market microstructure, especially in ETFs. Their strategies aim to minimize tracking error while executing large orders efficiently. Hedge Fund Activism: Activist investors like Elliott Management target undervalued companies, executing trades that signal private information and provoke strategic changes, demonstrating the interaction between microstructure and institutional impact. Flash Crashes and HFT: Events like the 2010 “Flash Crash” highlight how high-frequency and institutional trading interact with microstructure, causing sudden liquidity shortages and extreme price volatility. 9. Future Trends AI and Machine Learning in Execution: Algorithms are increasingly leveraging AI to predict market impact, optimize order slicing, and anticipate short-term price movements. Blockchain and Decentralized Markets: Distributed ledgers could reshape market microstructure by providing transparency and reducing settlement times, impacting institutional strategies. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors: Institutional investors increasingly integrate ESG considerations into trading strategies, influencing demand patterns and market microstructure in specific sectors. Globalization of Trading: Cross-border trading increases complexity, requiring institutions to navigate different regulations, liquidity conditions, and currency exposures. 10. Conclusion Market microstructure and institutional trading strategies are interlinked dimensions of modern financial markets. Microstructure provides insights into how markets operate, highlighting the role of liquidity, order flows, and price formation. Institutional strategies, in turn, reflect how large participants navigate these mechanics to execute trades efficiently, generate alpha, and manage risk. Understanding these concepts is crucial not only for institutional traders but also for regulators, retail participants, and market analysts. It provides a framework to interpret market behavior, anticipate price movements, and design better trading systems. As technology evolves and global markets integrate, the interplay between microstructure and institutional strategies will remain a cornerstone of finance, shaping liquidity, volatility, and the efficiency of markets worldwide.
MCX:GOLD1!Education
by TechnicalExpress
Japan GSP YOY - How can we predict next Quarter changeJapan GDP Year on Year Today tried to predict the quarter by quarter change, But we find it difficult by existing model of chart prediction. How are we going to predict the Next quarter GDP growth change ? By using EW ? not possible ? Then ? Ans: Trading Economics' global macro models are used to make forecasts for economic indicators. These models use a variety of factors, including analysts' expectations, correlations between countries, and logical relationships between indicators --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Japan expanded 1.20 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 over the same quarter of the previous year. GDP Annual Growth Rate in Japan averaged 1.71 percent from 1981 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 9.40 percent in the first quarter of 1988 and a record low of -9.70 percent in the second quarter of 2020. source: Cabinet Office, Japan
ECONOMICS:JPGDPYY
by sudhannayak
Gold flirts with sellers in a bullish channel ahead of US NFPGold is stabilizing after its largest daily decline in 15 weeks, as traders await Friday's US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report. In doing so, the precious metal bounces back above the 50-SMA but struggles to reclaim its previous upward trend, signaled by a three-week-old rising wedge. Still, it remains within a bullish channel established since early August. Bulls need conviction to retake control Even with gold's recent bounce and its position within a multi-day bullish channel, Thursday’s confirmation of a rising wedge bearish chart formation, combined with bearish MACD signals and a lack of oversold RSI, raises concerns for buyers. Key technical levels to watch Gold buyers focus on the rising wedge's bottom near $2,762 to regain control. If they succeed, the next targets will be the wedge's top at around $2,796 and the bullish channel’s upper line at about $2,810. A firm move above $2,810 could lead to the bullion’s gradual rise toward $2,900 and potentially $3,000. On the other hand, Gold sellers are looking at Thursday’s low of $2,731, with the previous weekly low of around $2,708 in their sights. Key levels for bears include the bullish channel bottom and the 200-SMA near $2,687 and $2,670, respectively. If gold drops below $2,670, it may be set for a decline toward the rising wedge target of $2,570. Bulls in control, but sellers seek opportunities The recent bearish chart pattern offers sellers a chance for short-term gains, especially if the US employment report impacts gold prices. However, buyers are expected to maintain their hold on the market.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by MTradingGlobal
USDJPY fades month-old bullish trend on BoJ’s cautious pauseUSDJPY snapped a three-day winning streak even as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) held benchmark interest rates unchanged, as widely expected, after its two-day monetary policy meeting early Thursday. In doing so, the Yen pair also challenged a five-week-old bullish trend channel. Bulls lack acceptance but bears have a bumpy road ahead… Apart from the BoJ’s hawkish halt, sluggish MACD and RSI conditions, along with the USDJPY pair’s inability to cross a month-old rising resistance line and 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of July-September downside, suggest a weakening of bullish bias. A slew of key supports, however, might challenge the sellers before taking control. Key technical levels to watch The aforementioned upward-sloping trend channel’s bottom line, close to 152.80, gains the immediate attention of the sellers ahead of the 50-bar Exponential Moving Average (EMA), around 152.20 at the latest. Following that, the USDJPY sellers can aim for the 150.00 threshold and the 200-EMA support of 149.00. In a case where the quote remains bearish past 149.00, the 38.2% Fibonacci ratio and September’s peak, respectively near 148.10 and 147.20, will act as the final defense of the buyers. On the contrary, USDJPY needs a clear upside break of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of 153.45, also known as the golden ratio, to convince buyers. Even so, a month-long ascending trend line and a horizontal hurdle established since mid-July, close to 154.80 and 155.30-40, will challenge the Yen pair’s further advances. If the prices remain firmer past 155.40, the odds of witnessing a rally toward the aforementioned bullish channel’s top line surrounding 157.70 can’t be ruled out. Focus on US data As the BoJ’s cautious stance weighs on USDJPY buyers, traders will watch upcoming US inflation and employment data for further direction.
by MTradingGlobal
EURUSD: Focus on 13-month-old support and EU/US GDPEURUSD retreats towards a key support level as traders prepare for Wednesday's Eurozone and US Q3 GDP reports. Despite this, the pair maintains a mid-October breakdown below the 200-SMA, while oscillators challenge continued bearish momentum. Bulls and bears jostle at key support While EURUSD sellers benefit from the drop below the 200-SMA and a stronger US Dollar, an upward trend line from October 2023, along with an oversold RSI and a potential bull cross on the MACD, may limit further declines of the major currency pair. Key technical levels The 13-month rising support line near 1.0770 is crucial for EURUSD sellers if the pair drops further. Below that, the monthly low of 1.0760 is an important level, with June and April lows around 1.0665 and 1.0600 as potential targets. For EURUSD buyers, recovery seems challenging without breaking the 200-SMA at 1.0870. Even if they succeed, the 1.1000-1.0980 zone, marked since January, poses a tough challenge. If the Euro bulls cross the 1.1000 hurdle, they’ll set their sights on the 78.6% Fibonacci Extension (FE) of the pair’s late 2023 fall and a 10-month-old rising trend line, close to 1.1100 and 1.1220 in that order. Further downside needs a strong catalyst With mixed oscillator signals, EURUSD sellers need robust data to support US Dollar strength and Euro weakness to push prices lower. A corrective bounce seems likely, potentially creating fresh selling opportunities if Eurozone data surprises positively.
by MTradingGlobal
GBPUSD: Sellers approach multi-month-old support before US dataGBPUSD is slipping from last week’s bounce off a six-month support line. Traders are watching for Tuesday's US Consumer Confidence report, while the strong US Dollar and cautious mood ahead of the US Q3 GDP figures, inflation data, and Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) are putting pressure on the Pound Sterling. Bears lose momentum While GBPUSD buyers aren’t gaining traction, sellers will struggle to take control. There are multiple support levels, and indicators like the RSI (14) and a weakening bearish MACD signal may hinder the bear’s progress. Key technical levels to watch Watch for the upward support line from late April around 1.2935, followed by the 200-SMA near 1.2800, as near-term key levels to watch for the GBPUSD sellers. If the bears push below 1.2800, look for support at the August and June lows around 1.2665 and 1.2610. GBPUSD needs to break the ascending trend line from early March near 1.3080 for a recovery. Additional resistance levels include the psychological barrier at 1.3000 and the 50-SMA at 1.3140. Lastly, a horizontal resistance zone near 1.3240 serves as a crucial barrier for buyers. Further downside appears less convincing With the bearish trend losing momentum, expectations for fewer rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve could change if upcoming data doesn't support US Dollar strength. This uncertainty calls for caution among GBPUSD sellers.
by MTradingGlobal
Bitcoin: BTCUSD bulls eye $68,700 resistance as key week beginsBitcoin's (BTCUSD) recent gains are under pressure as traders await important data this week, including the US Q3 GDP, Fed Inflation, and Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP). However, optimism about post-US election industry regulations and strong ETF inflows continue to support buyers. BTCUSD braces for major upside Although Bitcoin (BTCUSD) buyers take a breather, the prices remain above the key resistance-turned-support, and the oscillators are positive, too, suggesting the cryptocurrency pair’s further advances. That said, the quote’s sustained trading beyond the 100-SMA and month-old horizontal support join bullish MACD signals and an upbeat RSI (14) line, keeping the buyers hopeful. Key technical levels to watch Among the important technical levels, a one-week-old descending resistance line surrounding $68,700 gains immediate attention. Following that, the monthly high surrounding $69,490 and the $70,000 threshold will be in the spotlight. It should be noted that the BTCUSD pair’s successful trading beyond the $70,000 hurdle enables the buyers to aim for the yearly high of around $73,800. Meanwhile, the 100-SMA and aforementioned horizontal support restrict the short-term downside of Bitcoin to around $66,600 and $66,100 respectively. In a case where the BTCUSD prices remain bearish past $66,100, an upward-sloping trend line from early September, close to $63,000 at the latest, will be the final defense of the buyers. An interesting week for buyers Despite positive technical and fundamental signals for Bitcoin buyers, key data and events could introduce volatility, leading to month-end consolidation. Bulls should stay cautious, as they are likely to maintain control of the market.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
by MTradingGlobal
Gold portrays much-awaited pullback, focus on $2,710 & US dataEarly Friday, gold prices slipped after a brief bounce from a week-long support level, retreating from a point that has shifted from support to resistance. Traders are closely watching the September U.S. Durable Goods Orders. This movement highlights gold's defense against a mid-week rejection of a bullish trend, signaling the anticipated price pullback. Sellers flex muscles Gold is struggling to regain momentum, facing rejection from recent highs. With bearish signals from the MACD and an RSI close to 50, further declines in gold prices seem likely. However, strong support levels may challenge sellers' quest for lower prices. Key technical levels to watch In the past week, gold has seen multiple peaks and troughs, with the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) highlighting $2,715-$2,710 as a crucial support zone for sellers. Below that, the 38.2% Fibonacci Extension of gold's movements from September to October and the previous monthly high near $2,686 could attract bearish interest. Importantly, the upward-sloping trend line from early August and the 200-day SMA, around $2,657 and $2,638, respectively, will serve as final defenses for buyers before control shifts to sellers. On the upside, gold buyers are looking for confirmation from the lower boundary of the bullish channel, around $2,753. A successful breakout could lead to a rise towards the recent peak of $2,758 and potentially up to the channel’s upper line near $2,790. The 78.6% Fibonacci Extension at $2,772 and the $2,800 mark are additional upside filters to watch for the XAUUSD bulls. Bulls run out of steam Despite several strong support levels, the anticipated strength of the US dollar after upcoming economic data and recent technical consolidations indicate a potential short-term decline in gold prices. However, the overall bullish trend remains intact unless prices fall below $2,638.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by MTradingGlobal
GBPUSD: Bears face limited downside ahead of BoE's Bailey speechOn Tuesday morning, GBPUSD is testing the 100-bar Exponential Moving Average (EMA) support, pulling back from last week's bounce. Traders are on alert as they await comments from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. Sellers keep the reins but have limited downside room available While GBPUSD’s failure to stay above the 100-EMA and bearish MACD signals encourage sellers, a declining RSI (14) and a six-month-old ascending support line suggest only limited room for further decline. Key technical levels to watch The GBPUSD pair is currently supported by the 100-EMA around 1.2985 and an upward trend line near 1.2950, limiting immediate downside potential. If these levels break, the 50% Fibonacci retracement from April to September at 1.2865 could attract sellers, followed by the 61.8% retracement and August low at 1.2730 and 1.2665. On the upside, the 50-EMA and the 23.6% Fibonacci level around 1.3085 and 1.3165 will be crucial barriers. However, the key focus will be the horizontal resistance zone near 1.3230-40. If GBPUSD can hold above 1.3040, the next target could be around 1.3315-20, with the previous monthly high at 1.3435 acting as a potential stopping point. Bears approach key support zone GBPUSD is nearing important support levels as traders wait for comments from BoE’s Bailey, along with this week’s UK and US PMIs and Durable Goods Orders. With a more hawkish stance from the Fed compared to the BoE and concerns about the UK’s economic strength relative to the US, the pair is likely to maintain its downward trend, even if the downside potential seems limited.
by MTradingGlobal
Bitcoin: BTCUSD bulls struggle amid overbought RSI, $70,100 eyedOn Monday morning, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) experienced slight losses after reaching a three-month high. This movement highlights overbought RSI conditions, indicating weak upside momentum beneath the horizontal resistance area established since early June. Buyers remain hopeful Despite overbought RSI conditions and facing key resistance, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) buyers remain optimistic. The pair is holding above last week’s breakout from a descending resistance line, which is now acting as support around $67,700. Additionally, bullish MACD signals suggest strong buyer momentum. Key technical levels to watch The horizontal resistance around $70,100 is a key barrier for Bitcoin bulls. They should also monitor the $70,000 threshold and recent highs near $72,000 as additional hurdles. If BTCUSD breaks through, the yearly peak near $73,800 and the $75,000 mark will attract buyers' attention. If Bitcoin (BTCUSD) breaks below the former support at around $67,700, it could trigger a short-term decline. Key levels to watch include the previous monthly high near $66,500 and the 200-SMA support around $63,300. If prices fall below $63,300, the next significant support is at $62,500. A move past that could lead to a drop towards the psychological level of $60,000 and potentially a monthly low of around $58,870. Upside potential remains intact Overall, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) buyers are likely to remain in control despite the challenges at key resistance. However, a price pullback is possible if the US Dollar strengthens from this week’s PMIs and Durable Goods Orders data.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
by MTradingGlobal
Gold renews all-time high within bullish channel, $2,750 eyedGold prices soared to a record $2,710, marking four days of gains as investors flock to safety. Despite a stronger US dollar, gold has remained within a rising trend channel for the past three months. Caution Ahead While the bulls celebrate breaking through a three-week-old resistance level, the momentum indicators suggest a potential pullback. With the RSI nearing overbought territory, we might see a brief dip before another surge in prices. Key technical levels to watch Gold’s next challenges lie at the 50% and 61.8% Fibonacci Extension (FE) of the bullion’s September-October moves, respectively near $2,711 and $2,736, especially amid nearly overbought RSI conditions. In a case where the precious metal remains firmer past the $2,736 hurdle, the aforementioned bullish channel’s top line surrounding $2,750 will be a tough nut to crack for the buyers. A breakthrough there could spark a rally towards the psychological $3,000 mark, with potential resistance around $2,800 and $2,900. On the contrary, Gold’s price has solid support at the $2,700 level and the 38.2% Fibonacci Extension around $2,686. If it falls below these, watch for a key support zone near $2,665, where the late September resistance and the 10-day EMA converge. Should XAUUSD bears keep the reins past $2,665, the channel’s bottom line of near $2,630 will be the last defense of the buyers. Buyers are likely to stay in control despite a potential pullback While a short-term pullback in gold prices appears overdue, the overall bullish trend is expected to hold strong due to global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by MTradingGlobal
Bitcoin: BTCUSD surpasses 200-SMA barrier, focus on $65,450Bitcoin (BTCUSD) rises to a five-week high, crossing the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) during a slow trading session on Monday, largely affected by holidays in Japan, the US, and Canada. Notably, Bitcoin formed a Doji candlestick on the weekly chart, hinting at a potential reversal of its losses from late September. Further upside appears lucrative In addition to the weekly Doji candlestick and Bitcoin's recent move above the key moving average, a bullish crossover on the MACD and a strong RSI (14) support BTCUSD buyers. Key technical levels to watch With Bitcoin (BTCUSD) successfully trading above the 200-SMA, buyers are gearing up for a challenge against a four-month-old descending resistance line near $65,450. The previous monthly high of around $66,500 also poses a barrier; breaking through this level could open the door for Bitcoin bulls to target the $70,000 mark, which was tested in July. Conversely, sellers should watch for a drop below the 200-SMA, currently around $63,350. If this happens, the 50% Fibonacci retracement level from the June-August decline and an upward-sloping support line from early August, located near $60,800 and $58,750 respectively, will be crucial for buyers to defend. US Dollar consolidation adds strength to bullish bias In addition to the technical indicators, a quiet economic calendar this week and mixed data from the previous week could lead to the US Dollar’s retreat, which may help boost Bitcoin (BTCUSD) prices.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
by MTradingGlobal
IMPORTANT Macroeconomics: What is the trade balance?IMPORTANT Macroeconomics: What is the trade balance? The trade balance is an important economic indicator that can have a significant influence on the stock markets. Here is a simple explanation of this concept and its potential impact: What is the trade balance? The trade balance represents the difference between the value of a country's exports and imports over a given period. In other words: - If a country exports more than it imports, its trade balance is in surplus (positive). - If a country imports more than it exports, its trade balance is in deficit (negative). Impact on the stock markets The influence of the trade balance on the stock markets can vary depending on whether it is in surplus or deficit: Trade balance surplus A trade surplus can generally have a positive impact on the stock markets: - It indicates strong competitiveness of domestic companies in international markets. - It can strengthen the value of the national currency, which can attract foreign investors. -Exporting companies may see their shares increase in value. Trade deficit A trade deficit can have a negative impact on stock markets: -It can indicate a weakness in the domestic economy or a loss of competitiveness. -It can weaken the domestic currency, which can discourage foreign investors. -The shares of companies dependent on imports may be negatively affected. Important nuances It is crucial to note that the impact of the trade balance on stock markets is not always direct or predictable: -Overall economic context: Other economic factors can attenuate or amplify the effect of the trade balance. -Investor perception: The reaction of the markets often depends on how investors interpret the trade balance figures in relation to their expectations. -Specific sectors: Some sectors may be more affected than others by changes in the trade balance. In conclusion, although the trade balance is an important indicator, its influence on stock markets must be seen in the broader context of the economy and investor sentiment.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by Le-Loup-de-Zurich
Gold: Pullback remains elusive beyond $2,570, US data, Fed eyedGold snaps three-day winning streak while retreating from an all-time high, marked the previous day, as traders await the US Retail Sales and monetary policy announcements from the Federal Reserve (Fed), scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. In doing so, the precious metal eases from the 61.8% Fibonacci Extension (FE) of its July-September moves. Buyers remain optimist Gold’s recent dip comes as the RSI (14) moves back from the overbought zone and marked failure to break through the 61.8% Fibonacci Extension level on prices. Sellers are also eyeing a potential bear cross on the MACD. Despite this, gold remains above the two-month-old resistance line near $2,570, keeping buyers hopeful with dovish expectations from the Fed. Technical levels to watch For intraday sellers, the $2,570 level is key as it has turned into support. If gold continues to decline, the 50% and 38.6% Fibonacci Extension levels around $2,560 and $2,540 could be next obstacles. Below these, the bears might target the month-old resistance line and an upward trend line from early August, near $2,525 and $2,515, respectively. However, gold buyers will stay optimistic unless the price clearly falls below the 200-SMA level at $2,487. On the flip side, if gold breaks above recent peaks around $2,590, it could target the $2,600 level before approaching the 78.6% Fibonacci Extension at $2,610. If gold buyers push past $2,610, the focus will shift to the 100% Fibonacci Extension near $2,650 and then the $2,700 mark. Sellers need a strong motive to retake control Overall, gold remains bullish despite the recent pullback. For sellers to gain control, they would need not only a drop below the 200-SMA but also strong US data and a hawkish stance from the Fed.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by MTradingGlobal
Gold: Prices renew all-time high under $2,600, but expect bumpsGold prices hit a fresh record high around $2,570 early Friday as it extends the previous day’s upside break of a three-week-old resistance, now support around $2,525. This rise is fueled by increasing expectations of significant rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve and a push against a rising trend line from mid-July. A bumpy road for the bulls ahead… Despite the Fed's rate cut hopes supporting gold, an eight-week resistance line and an overbought RSI (Relative Strength Index) suggest a possible price pullback. Additionally, a potential bounce in the US Dollar, especially with upcoming reports on consumer sentiment and inflation expectations, might give gold buyers a temporary pause. Nevertheless, the breakout above resistance and bullish MACD signals keep the buyers optimistic. Technical levels to watch… To continue climbing, gold prices need to break above a two-month resistance line around $2,570. If successful, gold could quickly reach the 61.8% Fibonacci Extension (FE) level of the bullion’s late July to early September moves near $2,581 and then target $2,600. If gold surpasses $2,600, it could aim for the 78.6% and 100% FE levels around $2,610 and $2,650, respectively. If prices pull back, they might first test the 50% and 38.2% FE levels near $2,560 and $2,540. A key support level at $2,525 could also come into play. If gold drops below $2,525, it might struggle to hold above $2,500 and $2,470, making those levels significant for potential declines. What next? Gold buyers are expected to remain strong, thanks to anticipated rate cuts from major central banks like the Fed. However, there might be a temporary dip in prices before the next rally.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by MTradingGlobal
GBPUSD: Sellers need confirmation from 1.3050 and UK/US dataGBP/USD remains flat at its lowest level in three weeks, ending a two-day losing streak. As traders await crucial economic data from the UK and the US, the Pound Sterling is testing a resistance level from late December 2023, which is now providing immediate support. GBPUSD bears flex muscles… Despite a long-standing resistance-turned-support line and upcoming data challenges, recent technical signals suggest further declines. Monday’s close below the 20-day moving average (SMA) and bearish MACD signals indicate potential further downside. Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is not yet oversold, keeping sellers hopeful. Technical levels to watch… Firstly, the resistance-turned-support line surrounding 1.3050 restricts the GBPUSD pair’s immediate downside. Following that, the quote’s quick decline to the 1.3000 psychological magnet can’t be ruled out. However, March’s peak of around 1.2890 and the 1.2800 round figure will precede the 200-SMA level of 1.2720 to challenge the Cable bears afterward. For buyers, a positive shift in UK data and a daily close above the 20-SMA at 1.3090 are needed to consider entering. Even so, a slew of resistances near 1.3150 and 1.3180 could test the pair’s following advances ahead of directing the bulls toward the recent peak surrounding 1.3265 and then to the 1.3300 threshold. Consolidation expected… Overall, the GBP/USD may see further declines if the economic data from the UK remains weak and US inflation data improves, unless the upcoming reports provide an unexpected boost.
by MTradingGlobal
EURUSD: Rising wedge signals bullish exhaustion, focus on dataEURUSD pares its biggest daily loss in 11 weeks early Thursday. In doing so, it's bouncing back from a key support level and the 50-Exponential Moving Average (EMA). EURUSD bulls take a breather… This rebound suggests that the Euro might be running out of steam before important economic data is released. Among them, the first reading of Germany’s inflation for August and the US Q2 GDP’s revision gain the attention of intraday traders. That said, the RSI (Relative Strength Index) and MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicators suggest a potential bullish trend, but confirmation is needed. Key technical levels to watch… The EURUSD buyers need validation from a one-week-old horizontal resistance area surrounding 1.1150 and the US/German data to keep the reins. Following that, the yearly high marked earlier in the week around 1.1200 will lure the Euro bulls. In a case where the quote remains firmer past 1.1200, the aforementioned wedge’s top line of near 1.1250 and the previous yearly top of 1.1275 will act as the final defenses of the sellers. On the contrary, EURUSD sellers must wait for a clear downside break of 1.1100 to confirm the bearish chart formation and aim for further declines. In that case, a convergence of the 200-EMA and an ascending trend line from early June, the previous resistance near 1.0980, will be in the spotlight. Should the pair remain bearish past 1.0980, the odds of witnessing further downward trajectory toward the rising wedge’s theoretical target of 1.0680 can’t be ruled out. What next? In summary, the EURUSD is currently on a positive track, but further gains may depend on upcoming economic data and potential pullbacks.
by MTradingGlobal
USDJPY: Off 13-month-old support during short-term downtrendUSDJPY has bounced back from a key support level that’s been in place for 13 months but remains in a short-term downtrend. The pair faces resistance from this old support line, now turned resistance, and the 21-day moving average (SMA). USDJPY recovery appears unreal… Although USDJPY is recovering from significant trendline support of around 143.70, indicators like the RSI and MACD suggest a strong bullish trend may not be likely. Additionally, market uncertainty before upcoming Japanese economic data and the US Core PCE Price Index (a key inflation measure) adds to the uncertainty. Key technical levels to watch… USDJPY pair’s recovery appears less convincing unless it crosses the 200-SMA hurdle of 151.20. That said, the 21-SMA and the multi-month-old previous support line, respectively near 146.40 and 149.80, quickly followed by the 150.00 threshold, will challenge the buyers before giving them control. On the contrary, a daily closing beneath the 143.70 trend line support will direct the USDJPY bears toward the late 2023 bottom surrounding 140.45 and the 140.00 psychological magnet. In a case where the prices remain bearish past 140.00, an area comprising levels marked since March 2023, close to 137.90-70, will be the last defense of the buyers. What next? USDJPY is at a critical support level. A short-term bounce is possible, but the chance of further declines is higher unless the pair breaks through the 151.20 resistance.
by MTradingGlobal
Rising wedge portrays EURUSD buyer’s exhaustion ahead of US dataEURUSD is bouncing back after a big drop, as traders wait for the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index and Inflation Expectations for August. This bounce reverses the previous day’s decline from the highest level of 2024 and moves off the bottom of a four-week bearish chart pattern called rising wedge. The RSI indicates that the recent price increase might continue, but the MACD suggests weakening buyer interest. For sellers to take control, they need to break below the wedge’s bottom line at around 1.0960 and the 50-SMA support at 1.0946. If they succeed, they might face challenges at the 200-SMA and an upward trend line near 1.0875 and 1.0830, respectively. After that, the price could drop toward the wedge’s theoretical target of around 1.0700. On the other hand, the 1.1000 level is attracting buyers, with the recent high of 1.1050 in sight. The top line of the wedge near 1.1055 could also act as resistance. Future resistance points include December and July 2023 highs near 1.1140 and 1.1275, and the 1.1200 level might provide a resting point for buyers. Overall, the EURUSD pair is struggling to gain momentum in a bearish pattern ahead of US economic data. Sellers need confirmation from both technical and fundamental factors to take control.
by MTradingGlobal
Crude Oil rebounds toward 200-SMA as the key week beginsWTI Crude Oil posts more than 1.0% intraday gain early Monday, after declining in the last three consecutive weeks, as energy traders brace for a rollercoaster week comprising multiple central bank announcements and top-tier data. In doing so, the black gold takes clues from a nearly oversold RSI (14) amid cautious optimism in the market. However, bearish MACD signals and the quote’s sustained trading beneath the 200-SMA keep the oil sellers hopeful of visiting the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of its December 2023 to April 2024 upside, near $75.30. Following that, a seven-month-old upward-sloping support line surrounding $74.40 will be a crucial level for the bears to conquer to keep the reins. In a case where the commodity prices remain bearish past $74.40, it becomes vulnerable to drop toward the previous monthly low of around $72.40. Alternatively, the WTI Crude Oil buyers’ ability to provide a daily close beyond the 200-SMA hurdle of $78.40 won’t give them the throne as a downward-sloping resistance line from early July, close to $79.50, will challenge further advances. Also restricting the commodity’s run-up is the $80.00 threshold and a two-month-old horizontal resistance region near $80.30-60. If the energy benchmark manages to remain strong past $80.60, the 23.6% Fibonacci ratio of around $83.00 and the monthly high of $84.50 will lure the bulls. Overall, the market’s consolidation allows WTI crude Oil to lick its wounds but the bullish trend is far from the reach.
TVC:USOIL
by MTradingGlobal
Budget Analysis: Mother of Bull Markets Coming... The Government has managed to keep the fiscal math under control. More capex, less borrowing, reduced revenue deficit - all make up for a sound platform on which the economic development can take off. As and when the global economy picks up and India gets a ratings upgrade, expect yields to cool down even more and equity markets to shoot through the roof. If you can't read this from yesterday's budget, you are losing on a giant of an opportunity.
TVC:IN10Y
by MBIPL