Forex Critical: A Sharp Rally Ends for the South African Rand

It was just two weeks ago when I pointed out an important technical change in the U.S. dollar against the South African rand (USD/ZAR). The USD/ZAR currency pair proceeded to decline nearly straight down until it reached toward the July lows. Based on the strong rebound underway, I am assuming the rally in the rand … Read more

Forex Critical: South African Rand Breaks Its U.S. Dollar Flag

With a Partial Phase One Trade Deal apparently at hand between the U.S. and China, emerging markets look more interesting than ever. I am scouring the charts for entry points in related currency pairs. The South African rand looks particularly interesting. Against the U.S. dollar, the rand (USD/ZAR) created a double top from September, 2018 … Read more

U.S. Dollar Wavers In the Wake Of Extended Fed Dovishness

The U.S. dollar index (DXY) confirmed another 200DMA breakdown.

U.S. Dollar Breakdown In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s last pronouncements on monetary policy, the U.S. dollar index (DXY) sold off and confirmed its latest breakdown below its 200-day moving average (DMA). This latest 200DMA breakdown looks more damaging than other episodes. For example, the U.S. dollar index extended further below its 200DMA than … Read more

Stock Market Rides Out A Trade War Anti-Climax – Above the 40 (December 13, 2019)

AT40 = 56.9% of stocks are trading above their respective 40-day moving averages (DMAs)AT200 = 55.7% of stocks are trading above their respective 200DMAsVIX = 12.6Short-term Trading Call: neutral Stock Market Commentary It appears China and the U.S. finally agreed on a Partial, Phase One Trade Deal. The bare bones basics on the deal consist … Read more

Forex Critical: Canadian Dollar Reacts to a Bottoming Unemployment Rate

My now wavering bullish case for the Canadian dollar (FXC) took a major hit with the November, 2019 Labour Force Survey. Statistics Canada reported worsening unemployment rates both sequentially and year-over-year. November’s 5.9% unemployment rate was an increase from October’s 5.5% and the 5.6% in November, 2018. The chart below suggests an end to the … Read more

Bitcoin: Waning Interest Weighing Down the Price

The Price Action The excitement did not last. On October 25th and 26th, Bitcoin (BTC/USD) soared out of nowhere, and it interrupted my expectation for an imminent opportunity to accumulate for Bitcoin in the $6500-7000 range. That opportunity is finally here as a month-long slide accelerates. Wavering Signals from The Google Trends Momentum Check The … Read more

Forex Critical: Another Key Test for the Turkish Lira

The U.S. dollar versus the Turkish lira (USD/TRY) is testing 200DMA support after drifting through 50DMA support.

In late August, I wrote about a bad turn for the Turkish lira. Over two months later, the lira is around the same price levels in USD/TRY and EUR/TRY – two key pairs for the lira – but the path to this point has featured plenty of volatility. From a technical perspective, USD/TRY is testing … Read more

From Shocks to Trade War Damage, the Bank of Canada Changes Its Tune

The Bank of Canada changed its tune from the its last pronouncement on monetary policy. At that time, the Bank was very confident about the Canadian economy even as it mapped out the downside risks of the U.S. vs China Trade War. The Trade War remains unresolved three months later, and the Bank of Canada … Read more

The U.S. Dollar Resumes Its Dance With Long-Term Support

The U.S. dollar index (DXY) has bounced along its 200DMA support all year long.

With the U.S. dollar index (DXY) last tested its 200-day moving average (DMA) support, I pondered the possibilities for a breakdown. The U.S. dollar index typically sustains moves through its 200DMA, whether a breakout or a breakdown, so I braced myself for the need to jettison my long dollar positions. Instead of follow-through, the U.S. … Read more

One-Third of the Way to An Average October Drawdown – Above the 40 (October 1, 2019)

AT40 = 51.3% of stocks are trading above their respective 40-day moving averages (DMAs)AT200 = 48.9% of stocks are trading above their respective 200DMAsVIX = 18.6Short-term Trading Call: cautiously bearish Stock Market Commentary The Big Question: Another Q4 Sell-Off? “Last year can’t happen because of last year” Tim Seymour, CNBC’s Fast Money, October 1, 2019 … Read more