The global Forex exchange market experienced a mixed trading session as upbeat US economic data collided with a cautious Wall Street sentiment. Key developments on October 18 set the stage for forex market movements and currency pairings’ performance.
US Economic Data Impact on Forex Day Trading
The US kicked off the day with a series of strong economic reports. Retail sales for September surpassed expectations, rising 0.70%, while August figures were revised upward. Similarly, industrial production increased by 0.30%, defying predictions of a flat reading. These robust figures initially propelled the US Dollar, with the Dollar Index (DXY) ending the day with minor losses around 106.20.
Mixed Reception on Wall Street
Despite the optimistic economic news, Wall Street had a mixed reception. The Dow Jones rose 0.04%, but the Nasdaq declined by 0.25%. The earnings season continued with prominent companies like Tesla, Abbott, Morgan Stanley, Netflix, and others reporting their results, adding to market uncertainties.
USD/JPY Pair Forex Chart Patterns
In the European session, the Japanese Yen (JPY) experienced a sharp spike due to reports suggesting the Bank of Japan (BoJ) might revise its inflation forecast. However, this momentum was short-lived, and the USD/JPY pair found support at 148.75. It gained strength following the robust US retail sales data and approached the crucial 150.00 level.
EUR/USD Pair Movements
Due to increased Eurozone bond yields and a slight uptick in Forex pips, the Euro (EUR) showed strength against the Swiss Franc (CHF) and the Pound (GBP). The EUR/USD pair approached 1.0600 before retracing slightly, holding above 1.0560. Market players are now looking for the final readings of the Eurozone Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Construction Output for August.
GBP/USD and Canadian Dollar (CAD) Performance
The GBP/USD pair continued to trade within a range of 1.2130 and 1.2225, lacking a clear direction. All eyes are on the upcoming UK inflation data. The Canadian Dollar (CAD) encountered difficulties on multiple fronts following the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, which showed a 0.10% decrease. Additionally, the annual inflation rate decelerated from 4.00% to 3.80%.
Other Global Currencies Forex Line Trading
In the Asian session, the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remained weak due to lower-than-expected New Zealand Q3 inflation readings. The AUD, on the other hand, saw gains following hawkish minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meetings.
Precious Metals: Gold and Silver
Gold prices rose despite higher yields but struggled to retake levels above $1,930. Silver rebounded sharply at $22.35, approaching $23.00.
Technical Analysis: USD/JPY and USD/CAD
The USD/JPY pair is expected to test 8/8 (150.00) and may rebound from this level, potentially declining to the support at 6/8 (148.43). A breakout above 8/8 (150.00) could disrupt this scenario. In the USD/CAD pair, a downward breakout of 7/8 (1.3610 Forex pips) is expected, with a price drop to the support at 5/8 (1.3488). A rise above 8/8 (1.3671) may alter this prediction.
Overall Market Outlook
Forex exchange markets absorbed a mix of strong US economic data and nuanced equity performance. The USD’s resilience in the face of robust economic indicators indicates the ongoing impact of mixed market forces on currency movements. Wall Street’s ongoing reactions and forthcoming earnings releases will continue to shape forex market dynamics.
