FOREX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: ECB AND BOE MONETARY POLICIES START TO DIVERGE. THE TWO CURRENCIES MOVE FURTHER APART
EUR/USDForex Technical Analysis: The Euro weakened throughout last week as the effects of the ECB decision to lower the interest rate and to introduce a negative deposit rate started to make their presence known. The pair broke 1.3585 support but the bears ran out of steam before touching 1.3480.
Technical OutlookThe first major barrier to the downside is represented by the support level at 1.3480 while to the north, resistance sits at 1.3585 followed by 1.3680. We anticipate a touch of support, but a clear break will probably occur only if the move is backed up by fundamental factors. The Relative Strength Index is approaching the 30 level which indicates an oversold market and price will have a tough time traveling south while this condition is present.
Fundamental OutlookThe first important event of the week is scheduled Tuesday in the form of the German ZEW Economic Sentiment, a survey focused on the current and future economic conditions as seen by German analysts and institutional investors. The same day the American Consumer Price Index, which is an important gauge of inflation, is announced.
Wednesday all eyes will be on the US interest rate, the FOMC Economic Projections and the FOMC Press Conference, a cluster of events that will most likely have a huge impact on the market. The Eurogroup Meetings start Thursday and same day the United States will announce the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, a leading indicator of economic health focused on the manufacturing sector. Friday lacks major events except the ECOFIN Meetings which take place in Brussels.
GBP/USDThe Pound was heavily influenced by Mark Carney�s comments regarding a potential rate increase which may come sooner than anticipated. The impact was tremendous and the pair skyrocketed towards the peak at 1.6996.
Technical OutlookThe pair reached a critical point and at the moment is testing a multi-year high. A break of 1.6996 (1.7000) would open the door for a touch of 1.7040 (visible on a Weekly chart) but a move lower would create a Double Top on a Daily chart, a powerful bearish pattern. The bulls have regained almost total control of the pair but the Relative Strength Index is rapidly approaching an overbought state so we are likely to see price pause here or even retrace slightly lower.
Fundamental OutlookThe Pound will be affected Tuesday by the release of the Consumer Price Index and Wednesday a breakdown of the latest Interest Rate votes will be made public. However, the most important Pound affecting event of the week is scheduled Thursday in the form of the UK Retail Sales which account for a major part of the entire economy and have a strong impact on the pair�s movement. As always, the US events ahead will directly affect the pair.
