The U.S. Dollar Breaks Down

The recent descent in the U.S. dollar continues nearly unabated. Even as I pointed out the importance of the 200-day moving average (DMA) for the U.S. dollar, deep, deep down inside I felt the U.S. dollar would finally put up a fight at this key support level. The trends that have brought us to this … Read more

Rally in the British Pound Is Over-Stretched

The rally in the British Pound may finally be on its last legs. I am sure the Bank of England hopes so as it meets to decide interest rates tomorrow. I wrote just last week about the potential for the pound to break out versus the U.S. dollar, and it has done so quite convincingly. … Read more

25 Years of Decline for the U.S. Dollar vs the Japanese Yen

The U.S. dollar index touched its 200-day moving average with the kind of precision only a technician can love. *Chart created using TeleChart: I keep waiting for (and betting on) the dollar to get a nice relief bounce against the yen, but the dollar’s near straight-line descent has been the main story. While I wait … Read more

Steadily Rising Stock Market Prices Masking Steadily Worsening Technicals

Last week, I claimed that the deeply oversold conditions presented a short-term buying opportunity, but that the downward trend in the percentage of stocks trading above their respective 40-day moving averages (DMAs) and 200DMAs (T2108 and T2107) pointed to a steadily weakening market in the near future. I expected sellers to step up at the … Read more

The Swiss Franc and Japanese Yen Awaken

Currencies swung wildly and dramatically yesterday. Lost in the breathless descriptions of the continued surge in the US dollar and the sudden strength in the Japanese yen is that the drama really began with renewed strength in the Swiss franc. At around 5am Eastern, the franc suddenly surged against all currencies. In particular, it traded … Read more

Toyota’s Stock Tries to Bottom Again

The drama with Toyota (TM) has intensified this week with sharp and skeptical Congressional scrutiny. I have been impressed at how (relatively) well Toyota’s stock has held up through the negative news flow. As Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda pleaded for mercy on Wednesday – “My name is on every car…You have my personal commitment that … Read more

Royal Bank of Australia Causes A Stir With Latest Rate Announcement

The Royal Bank of Australia (RBA) surprised markets by leaving rates unchanged at 3.75%. Forecasts pegged the RBA for another 25 basis point increase. The markets reacted with an instant and steep drop in the Australian dollar against all major currencies. For example, the Australian dollar dropped over 1% against the U.S. dollar. (See chart … Read more

Potential Trouble Brewing: Dollar Breaks Out While Gold and Yen Hold Steady

The U.S. dollar index is only trading back to levels from last summer. However, from a technical standpoint, the dollar has broken out: the short-term downtrend has ended, and the current move has considerable upside potential. *Chart created using TeleChart: The chart above shows that the dollar’s break below the 200DMA in May led to … Read more