Market Update by Solidecn.com

[Solid ECN]

Yen Hits 3-Month Low, Japan Eyes Market Action.


Solid ECN - The Japanese yen dropped beyond 150 against the dollar, reaching a three-month low due to unexpected high inflation in the US, which makes it less likely for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates soon. This significant fall in the yen's value led Japan's finance minister, Shunichi Suzuki, to warn that the government was watching the market. However, he did not say if they would step in again.

The Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs, Masato Kanda, mentioned that Japan might take necessary measures in the foreign exchange market to prevent economic harm from the yen's rapid decline. In 2022, Japan intervened in the currency market three times when the yen hit a 32-year low of 152 against the dollar and has not intervened since. Meanwhile, investors are looking into the Bank of Japan's future monetary policy, especially after hints that it may not increase rates sharply, even if it moves away from negative interest rates.

[Solid ECN]

NZ Dollar Hits Week Low Amid Policy



The New Zealand dollar fell below $0.61, its weakest in a week, as the market weighed the US Federal Reserve's delayed interest rate cuts against New Zealand's lower inflation forecasts and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) firm approach. US data showed a less significant drop in inflation than expected for January, leading investors to delay their expectations for the Fed's policy easing.

In New Zealand, figures showed inflation expectations hitting their lowest in more than two years for the first quarter, indicating that past rate increases effectively controlled rising costs. Yet, RBNZ's Governor Adrian Orr remarked that the battle against inflation isn't over, pointing out widespread financial pressures as the reason for continuing a "restrictive monetary policy."

[Solid ECN]

Oil Prices Dip Amid US Stockpile Surge



Solid ECN - WTI crude oil prices dropped to around $77.5 per barrel by Wednesday, halting a week-long rise due to a report indicating a significant increase in US oil stockpiles by 8.52 million barrels the previous week. This most considerable increase since mid-November exceeded the anticipated rise of 2.6 million barrels. The US Energy Information Administration official report is expected later the same day.

Additionally, oil prices were affected by the latest US inflation data, which was higher than expected. This development reduced expectations for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates soon, which could impact global economic growth and oil demand. The inflation news also drove the dollar to its highest value in three months, making oil, priced in dollars, more costly for those with different currencies.

[Solid ECN]

BTCUSD Enters Consolidation Phase


Solid ECN - Bitcoin's price has declined after reaching as high as $50,374 in today's trading session. As of writing, the digital gold trades around the $48,700 mark, near the 25 simple moving average. According to the technical indicators, the relative strength index has exited the overbought area, while the awesome oscillator shows a minor divergence. This could signal that Bitcoin might be entering a consolidation phase.

From a technical standpoint, if the BTCUSD price falls below the 25 simple moving average, the phase mentioned above might extend to the $23.6 Fibonacci support level, followed by the $46,877 resistance.

We suggest waiting for the bitcoin price to stabilize above the $46,000 level before adding new or more bids to the bullish market.

[Solid ECN]

AUDUSD: Bearish Trend Continuation or Bullish Breakout?



Solid ECN - The AUDUSD price currently ranges inside the bearish wedge pattern below the Ichimoku cloud. As of this writing, the pair trades at 0.651. The technical indicators suggest a continuation of the downtrend, which aligns with the primary AUD/USD direction. The Relative Strength Index is crossing below the 50 level, and the Awesome Oscillator bars are in red and about to flip below the signal line.

From a technical standpoint, as long as the currency pair remains below the Ichimoku cloud, the downtrend is valid, and the price will likely test the last lower lows, 0.64678.

Conversely, the bearish trend line (in blue) and the 0.6542 level are pivotal in the bearish and bullish bias. Therefore, if the bulls stabilize the price above the said level, the uptick momentum that began in early February could extend to the January high, 0.6623.

This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.

[Solid ECN]

EURUSD Technical Analysis: Bears Failed to Crosse the Cloud



Solid ECN - The EURUSD currency pair is trading below the Ichimoku cloud, with the price at 1.076 at the time of writing. The bullish momentum that started from 1.072 could not extend beyond the 50% Fibonacci resistance level, the 1.0805 mark. Interestingly, the technical indicators are bearish, with the RSI indicator hovering below the 50 level, and the Awesome Oscillator bars are in red and on the verge of flipping below the signal level.

According to the technical data we receive from the EURUSD 4-hour chart, it is likely for the pair’s price to decline and return below the bearish flag. If this scenario comes into play, the first target could be the recent lower lows, the 1.07228.


Conversely, suppose the bulls stabilize the price above the 50% Fibonacci. In that case, the bearish scenario should be invalidated, and the EURUSD price could climb to %78.6, in conjunction with the upper line of the bearish channel.

This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.

[Solid ECN]

USDJPY Bullish Trend Continuation



Solid ECN - The USDJPY pair is trading above the 23.6% Fibonacci level, around 149.54. The bulls have broken above the 148.8 resistance, signaling a continuation of the bullish trend. The Awesome Oscillator bar turned green in today's trading session, and the RSI indicator also signals bullishness by hovering above the 50 level. Therefore, it is likely that the USDJPY price will see further gains, with the next bullish target potentially being the 151.9 resistance.

The 38.2% Fibonacci level supports the scenario mentioned above. If the USDJPY price falls below this level, the scenario should be invalidated accordingly.

This is a technical analysis perspective, and actual market conditions may vary. Always consider multiple factors when making trading decisions.

[Solid ECN]

US Inflation Rate Drops to 2.9% in January 2024

Solid ECN - It's likely that the US's yearly inflation rate dropped to 2.9% in January 2024, marking the smallest rate since March 2021, after a short rise to 3.4% in December. Expectedly, the cost of consumer goods might increase by 0.2% from December, which aligns with the adjusted growth seen in the last two months.

Furthermore, the yearly rate of core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, is predicted to decrease to 3.7%, the smallest since April 2021, down from 3.9% in December. The monthly core inflation rate is expected to stay constant at 0.3%. This comes as inflation continues to decrease from its peak of 9.1% in June 2022, the highest since the early 1980s.

[Solid ECN]

Oil Prices Steady at $77 Amid Global Tensions





Solid ECN - WTI crude oil prices are stable at about $77 per barrel after rising 6.3% last week due to tensions between countries. Meetings in Beirut hinted at possible improvements in the Gaza situation, but the Houthi group in Yemen announced a new ship attack on the Red Sea, showing ongoing dangers. At the same time, Israel launched air attacks in Gaza's Rafah, rejecting a ceasefire offer from the previous week.


However, an ample supply of oil worldwide and doubts about demand, especially from China, have limited any further increase in oil prices.

[Solid ECN]

NZ Dollar Drops Amid Rate Hike Speculation




Solid ECN - The New Zealand dollar dropped to approximately $0.612, losing some of its recent gains as investors became wary before an upcoming speech by the central bank, which might impact future interest rate decisions. Adrian Orr, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, is set to speak on Friday. Last week, the Kiwi saw a 1.4% increase amid thoughts that interest rates might increase due to persistent inflation and a strong job market.

ANZ analysts predict the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will raise interest rates by a quarter point in February and April, bringing the policy rate to 6%. Investors also note a worldwide trend among major central banks to delay expected rate reductions, particularly in the US and Europe. According to traders, there's about a 44% probability that the RBNZ will hike rates on February 28.