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Interstellar Group

As a complicated financial trading product, contracts for difference (CFDs) have the high risk of rapid loss arising from its leverage feature. Most retail investor accounts recorded fund loss in contracts for differences. You should consider whether you have developed a full understanding about the operation rules of contracts for differences and whether you can bear the high risk of fund loss.    

Bets for interest rate cuts in June by the Fed and ECB helped the pair. Investors expect the ECB to keep its rate unchanged next week. EUR/USD maintained the positive streak in the weekly chart. EUR/USD managed to clinch its second consecutive week of gains despite a lacklustre price action in the first half of the week, where the European currency slipped back below the 1.0800 key support against the US Dollar (USD). Fed and ECB rate cut bets remained in the fore It was another week dominated by investors' speculation around the timing of the start of the easing cycle by both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Around the Fed, the generalized hawkish comments from rate-setters, along with the persistently firm domestic fundamentals, initially suggest that the likelihood of a "soft landing" remains everything but mitigated. In this context, the chances of an interest rate reduction in June remained well on the rise.  On the latter, Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin went even further on Friday and suggested that the Fed might not reduce its rates at all this year. Meanwhile, the CME Group's FedWatch Tool continues to see a rate cut at the June 12 meeting as the most favourable scenario at around 52%. In Europe, ECB's officials also expressed their views that any debate on the reduction of the bank's policy rate appears premature at least, while they have also pushed back their expectations to such a move at some point in the summer, a view also shared by President Christine Lagarde, as per her latest comments. More on the ECB, Board member Peter Kazimir expressed his preference for a rate cut in June, followed by a gradual and consistent cycle of policy easing. In addition, Vice President Luis de Guindos indicated that if new data confirm the recent assessment, the ECB's Governing Council will adjust its monetary policy accordingly. European data paint a mixed outlook In the meantime, final Manufacturing PMIs in both Germany and the broader Eurozone showed the sector still appears mired in the contraction territory (<50), while the job report in Germany came in below consensus and the unemployment rate in the Eurozone ticked lower in January. Inflation, on the other hand, resumed its downward trend in February, as per preliminary Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures in the Eurozone and Germany. On the whole, while Europe still struggles to see some light at the end of the tunnel, the prospects for the US economy do look far brighter, which could eventually lead to extra strength in the Greenback to the detriment of the risk-linked galaxy, including, of course, the Euro (EUR). EUR/USD technical outlook In the event of continued downward momentum, EUR/USD may potentially retest its 2024 low of 1.0694 (observed on February 14), followed by the weekly low of 1.0495 (recorded on October 13, 2023), the 2023 low of 1.0448 (registered on October 3), and eventually reach the psychological level of 1.0400. Having said that, the pair is currently facing initial resistance at the weekly high of 1.0888, which was seen on February 22. This level also finds support from the provisional 55-day SMA (Simple Moving Average) near 1.0880. If spot manages to surpass this initial hurdle, further up-barriers can be found at the weekly peaks of 1.0932, noted on January 24, and 1.0998, recorded on January 5 and 11. These levels also reinforce the psychological threshold of 1.1000. In the meantime, extra losses remain well on the cards while EUR/USD navigates the area below the key 200-day SMA, today at 1.0828.

14

2022-07

Australian Employment Preview: Could it save the aussie?

Australia is expected to have added 25K new jobs in June, below the previous 60.6K. Overheating inflation is still the main theme and the catalyst for risk-off movements. AUD/USD is under pressure and has major chances of a bearish breakout. Australia will report June employment data on Thursday, July 14. The country is expected to have added a modest 25K new jobs after gaining 60.6K in the previous month, while the Unemployment Rate is foreseen down to 3.8% from 3.9% in May. Ahead of the figures, Australia will also unveil July Consumer Inflation Expectations, with analysts expecting it at 5.9%, down from 6.7% previously. Employment and inflation As usual, the report will not include wage growth, which is released quarterly in the country around five weeks after the quarter ends. The latest Wage Price Index was the Q1 2022, which rose by 0.7% QoQ and 2.4% YoY, the highest annual rate recorded since December 2018, although still below the comfort RBA’s level at around 3%. Job creation and wage growth have been overshadowed by lingering inflation, not only in Australia. Generally speaking, central bankers’ function is to keep inflation in check at levels between 2% and 3%. So far, policymakers have failed miserably as the Consumer Price Index continues to rise in most global economies. US figures released on Wednesday were quite discouraging, as the CPI soared by 9.1% YoY, higher than anticipated. That means the Federal Reserve could become more aggressive and, therefore, drag other major central banks into tightening their policies. In this scenario, employment figures have lost the power to move the market unless the outcome diverges big from expectations. AUD/USD possible scenarios The AUD/USD pair trades near a 2-year low of 0.6710, as markets are in risk-off mode. A reading below expected will likely lead to a bearish breakout if it does not occur earlier. The pair is technically bearish, which adds to a potential downward extension scenario. Below the 0.6700 threshold, the pair will meet support at 0.6660 and 0.6620. A better-than-anticipated report could push the aussie higher, but sellers will likely return after the dust settles. The immediate resistance level is 0.6802, Wednesday’s daily high, followed by the 0.6870 price zone. 

14

2022-07

AUD/USD Forecast: Aussie extends gains ahead of Australian employment data

AUD/USD Current Price: 0.6767 Australia will release the June employment report early on Thursday. The American dollar swung alongside the market’s sentiment after US CPI figures. AUD/USD has limited bullish potential in the near term, needs to clear 0.6810. The AUD/USD pair advanced for a second consecutive day, now trading around the 0.6760 level. The intraday direction depended on the greenback, which appreciated amid a bout of risk-aversion. The dismal mood was triggered by US inflation figures, as the headline Consumer Price Index reading soared by 9.1% YoY in June, a new 40-year high. Equities plunged with the numbers, weighing on the pair, later bouncing alongside Wall Street. Australia published July Westpac Consumer Confidence, which improved in July to -3% from -4.5% in the previous month. The country will report June employment data in the upcoming Asian session and is expected to have added a modest 25K new jobs after gaining 60.6K in the previous month, while the Unemployment Rate is foreseen down to 3.8% from 3.9% in May. Ahead of the figures, Australia will also unveil July Consumer Inflation Expectations, with analysts expecting it at 5.9%, down from 6.7% previously. AUD/USD short-term technical outlook From a technical point of view, the upside remains limited for AUD/USD. The daily chart shows that technical indicators turned marginally higher, although they are still below their midlines and lacking enough strength to confirm further advances. Meanwhile, moving averages maintain their bearish slopes above the current level, now hovering around 0.6870- The 4-hour chart shows that the pair is struggling around a mildly bearish 20 SMA, while the RSI indicator has already retreated within negative levels. The Momentum indicator, on the other hand, maintains its bullish slope above its midline. Bulls could have better chances if the pair clears the 0.6810 resistance level. Support levels 0.6710 0.6670 0.6625 Resistance levels: 0.6810 0.6850 0.6890 View Live Chart for the AUD/USD

14

2022-07

AUD/USD Forecast: Aussie extends gains ahead of Australian employment data

AUD/USD Current Price: 0.6767 Australia will release the June employment report early on Thursday. The American dollar swung alongside the market’s sentiment after US CPI figures. AUD/USD has limited bullish potential in the near term, needs to clear 0.6810. The AUD/USD pair advanced for a second consecutive day, now trading around the 0.6760 level. The intraday direction depended on the greenback, which appreciated amid a bout of risk-aversion. The dismal mood was triggered by US inflation figures, as the headline Consumer Price Index reading soared by 9.1% YoY in June, a new 40-year high. Equities plunged with the numbers, weighing on the pair, later bouncing alongside Wall Street. Australia published July Westpac Consumer Confidence, which improved in July to -3% from -4.5% in the previous month. The country will report June employment data in the upcoming Asian session and is expected to have added a modest 25K new jobs after gaining 60.6K in the previous month, while the Unemployment Rate is foreseen down to 3.8% from 3.9% in May. Ahead of the figures, Australia will also unveil July Consumer Inflation Expectations, with analysts expecting it at 5.9%, down from 6.7% previously. AUD/USD short-term technical outlook From a technical point of view, the upside remains limited for AUD/USD. The daily chart shows that technical indicators turned marginally higher, although they are still below their midlines and lacking enough strength to confirm further advances. Meanwhile, moving averages maintain their bearish slopes above the current level, now hovering around 0.6870- The 4-hour chart shows that the pair is struggling around a mildly bearish 20 SMA, while the RSI indicator has already retreated within negative levels. The Momentum indicator, on the other hand, maintains its bullish slope above its midline. Bulls could have better chances if the pair clears the 0.6810 resistance level. Support levels 0.6710 0.6670 0.6625 Resistance levels: 0.6810 0.6850 0.6890 View Live Chart for the AUD/USD

13

2022-07

US June CPI Preview: Dollar rally could lose steam on soft inflation data

Annual CPI in the US is forecast to rise to 8.8% in June. Markets are not sure about the size of the Fed's September rate hike. Core inflation is set to edge lower on falling crude oil prices.  The relentless US dollar rally extends further ahead of the highly-anticipated inflation data from the US. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s performance against a basket of six major currencies, is already up more than 3% in July amid growing fears of the global economy tipping into recession. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to report that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to a fresh multi-decade high of 8.8% on a yearly basis in June from 8.6% in May. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is forecast to decline to 5.8% from 6%. Crude oil prices fell sharply in June, suggesting that it wouldn’t be surprising to see a retreat in core inflation. After having posted gains for six straight months, the barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) lost more than 8% in June. US annual CPI chart Market implications The US dollar remains the go-to safe-haven asset as the US Federal Reserve remains on track to continue to tighten its policy with the US economy remaining relatively healthy. The US central bank is widely expected to hike its policy rate by 75 basis points (bps) in July and several FOMC policymakers, including Chairman Jerome Powell, voiced their willingness to do so. Investors, however, are not certain about the size of the September rate increase. After the monthly jobs report showed that Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose more than expected in June, the probability of one more 75 bps hike in July jumped to 30% from 15%, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. Hence, a hot inflation report could trigger a similar reaction and help the dollar preserve its strength against its rivals. On the other hand, an annual CPI print in line with the market consensus could cause a “buy the rumor, sell the fact” market action. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that she expects new CPI data to be “highly elevated.” Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the daily DXY chart holds above 70, suggesting the index is overbought and that it could stage a technical correction before continuing its rally. The last time when the daily RSI climbed above 70 in late April, DXY lost more than 1% before resuming its uptrend. Unless CPI figures surpass analysts’ estimates, investors could take the opportunity to book their profits and cause the dollar to weaken. DXY daily chart An unexpected decline in annual CPI could cause market participants to reassess the Fed’s rate outlook and open the door for a USD selloff. Furthermore, a lower-than-expected print could also have a positive impact on market mood and cause the bearish pressure on the greenback to increase. With the Fed going into its blackout period on July 16, investors might refrain from betting on further dollar strength, and DXY could stay in a consolidation phase until the Fed’s policy announcements on July 27. 

13

2022-07

US June CPI Preview: Dollar rally could lose steam on soft inflation data

Annual CPI in the US is forecast to rise to 8.8% in June. Markets are not sure about the size of the Fed's September rate hike. Core inflation is set to edge lower on falling crude oil prices.  The relentless US dollar rally extends further ahead of the highly-anticipated inflation data from the US. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s performance against a basket of six major currencies, is already up more than 3% in July amid growing fears of the global economy tipping into recession. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to report that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to a fresh multi-decade high of 8.8% on a yearly basis in June from 8.6% in May. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is forecast to decline to 5.8% from 6%. Crude oil prices fell sharply in June, suggesting that it wouldn’t be surprising to see a retreat in core inflation. After having posted gains for six straight months, the barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) lost more than 8% in June. US annual CPI chart Market implications The US dollar remains the go-to safe-haven asset as the US Federal Reserve remains on track to continue to tighten its policy with the US economy remaining relatively healthy. The US central bank is widely expected to hike its policy rate by 75 basis points (bps) in July and several FOMC policymakers, including Chairman Jerome Powell, voiced their willingness to do so. Investors, however, are not certain about the size of the September rate increase. After the monthly jobs report showed that Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose more than expected in June, the probability of one more 75 bps hike in July jumped to 30% from 15%, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. Hence, a hot inflation report could trigger a similar reaction and help the dollar preserve its strength against its rivals. On the other hand, an annual CPI print in line with the market consensus could cause a “buy the rumor, sell the fact” market action. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that she expects new CPI data to be “highly elevated.” Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the daily DXY chart holds above 70, suggesting the index is overbought and that it could stage a technical correction before continuing its rally. The last time when the daily RSI climbed above 70 in late April, DXY lost more than 1% before resuming its uptrend. Unless CPI figures surpass analysts’ estimates, investors could take the opportunity to book their profits and cause the dollar to weaken. DXY daily chart An unexpected decline in annual CPI could cause market participants to reassess the Fed’s rate outlook and open the door for a USD selloff. Furthermore, a lower-than-expected print could also have a positive impact on market mood and cause the bearish pressure on the greenback to increase. With the Fed going into its blackout period on July 16, investors might refrain from betting on further dollar strength, and DXY could stay in a consolidation phase until the Fed’s policy announcements on July 27. 

13

2022-07

US June CPI Preview: Dollar rally could lose steam on soft inflation data

Annual CPI in the US is forecast to rise to 8.8% in June. Markets are not sure about the size of the Fed's September rate hike. Core inflation is set to edge lower on falling crude oil prices.  The relentless US dollar rally extends further ahead of the highly-anticipated inflation data from the US. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s performance against a basket of six major currencies, is already up more than 3% in July amid growing fears of the global economy tipping into recession. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to report that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to a fresh multi-decade high of 8.8% on a yearly basis in June from 8.6% in May. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is forecast to decline to 5.8% from 6%. Crude oil prices fell sharply in June, suggesting that it wouldn’t be surprising to see a retreat in core inflation. After having posted gains for six straight months, the barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) lost more than 8% in June. US annual CPI chart Market implications The US dollar remains the go-to safe-haven asset as the US Federal Reserve remains on track to continue to tighten its policy with the US economy remaining relatively healthy. The US central bank is widely expected to hike its policy rate by 75 basis points (bps) in July and several FOMC policymakers, including Chairman Jerome Powell, voiced their willingness to do so. Investors, however, are not certain about the size of the September rate increase. After the monthly jobs report showed that Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose more than expected in June, the probability of one more 75 bps hike in July jumped to 30% from 15%, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. Hence, a hot inflation report could trigger a similar reaction and help the dollar preserve its strength against its rivals. On the other hand, an annual CPI print in line with the market consensus could cause a “buy the rumor, sell the fact” market action. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that she expects new CPI data to be “highly elevated.” Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the daily DXY chart holds above 70, suggesting the index is overbought and that it could stage a technical correction before continuing its rally. The last time when the daily RSI climbed above 70 in late April, DXY lost more than 1% before resuming its uptrend. Unless CPI figures surpass analysts’ estimates, investors could take the opportunity to book their profits and cause the dollar to weaken. DXY daily chart An unexpected decline in annual CPI could cause market participants to reassess the Fed’s rate outlook and open the door for a USD selloff. Furthermore, a lower-than-expected print could also have a positive impact on market mood and cause the bearish pressure on the greenback to increase. With the Fed going into its blackout period on July 16, investors might refrain from betting on further dollar strength, and DXY could stay in a consolidation phase until the Fed’s policy announcements on July 27.