Market Outlook: April 15-19, 2019

As soon as you are ready to meet with something that no one expected, you will win. Let’s consider all possible variations for market moves in the upcoming days.

This week started with a bright sky for the stock market. Optimistic Chinese data that were released on Friday eased worries about the slowdown in the global economy. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin provided hints on the close trade deal between the US and China. It became another important factor that improved market sentiment.

Traders’ eyes are on the renewed earnings season that will show the strength of the American companies. Check the earnings calendar and trade stocks with FBS.

Let’s focus on the Forex.

USD

On Monday, the US dollar index had been moving down after the attack of Mr. Trump on the Fed. American president claimed that it was a fault of the Fed that the stock market hasn’t been up 5,000 to 10,000 additional points as it was supposed to be.  As a result, the USD has depreciated against most of the currencies.

Events to watch:

• Wednesday (April 17). Retail Sales readings.
• The news as there are no other factors that may help to forecast what will happen to the US dollar.

The direction of the USD will determine the moves of major currency pairs.

CAD

Last week didn’t determine either strength or weakness to the Canadian dollar. The CAD index didn’t surprise with significant moves. The beginning of the week isn’t shiny for the loonie, too. Although the USD was a loser against most of the currencies, the Canadian dollar wasn’t among them.

Events to watch:

• Wednesday, April 17. CPI and Trade Balance.
• Thursday, April 18. Core Retail Sales.
• The situation in the oil market.

Levels to watch: on Monday, during Asian and European sessions, the trading was limited with the lack of both bulls and bears strength. The further direction of the pair will depend on Monday closure price. If bulls manage to hold USD/CAD above 1.3334, odds of the further rise will prevent on the market. The first strong resistance lies at 1.3384 – the upper boundary of the consolidation zone. As soon as 1.3384 is broken, the USD traders will be able to push the pair towards 1.3346. However, technical indicators signal risks of the decline. MACD and Awesome Oscillator are near to cross the 0 level upside down. Bears need to pull the pair below 1.3305 (50-day MA and the bottom line of the previous consolidation). Next supports are at 1.3272 and 1.3221.

AUD

Although the USD isn’t strong and the market sentiment improved, the Australian dollar couldn’t use the situation in its favor.

Events to watch:

– Wednesday, April 17. Chinese GDP. There is a strong correlation between the situation in the Chinese economy and the direction of the Australian dollar.

– Thursday, April 18. Employment change and unemployment rate.

Levels to watch: Monday trading was weak. To prove their strength, bulls need to push the pair above 200-day MA at 0.7197. The next resistance will lie at 0.7212. After the breakthrough, AUD/USD will get a chance to climb to 0.7255 and higher. Technical indicators don’t signal the fall of the pair. However, the rise may be limited if the US dollar recovers. In this case, AUD/USD will return to the consolidation range between 0.7107 and 0.7170. A break below 0.7107 will provoke a decline to 0.7044 (pay attention to the trendline).

GBP

Traders are quite tired of the GBP trading. Did you hear the news that software robots crashed because of the many Brexit headlines? Not surprising. However, up to now, it seems like the situation has softened after UK and EU managed to agree on the prolonged Brexit last week.

Events to watch:

• Tuesday, April 16. Average Earnings Index.
• Wednesday, April 17. CPI.
• Thursday, April 18. Retail Sales.

Levels to watch: during Monday, the GBP/USD pair had been rising based on the weak USD. However, last week, the price formed several candlesticks with long upper shadows that were a sign of low bullish strength. Bulls need to push the pair above 1.3125 to cut risks of the downtrend. A breakthrough above 1.3186 will confirm a forming upward movement. However, the pressure is high and the pair may turn around towards 1.3072. Consider the trendline as it will add additional pressure on the pair. Moreover, MACD and Awesome Oscillator formed a bearish divergence. It’s not strong but signs of it exist. Next supports are at 1.3012 and 1.2959. 200- and 100-day MAs are located near 1.2959, as a result, the pair may rebound.