Market Analysis By FXOpen
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BTC/USD Analysis: Bitcoin Price Rises Ahead of Halving
The halving (reduction of block mining rewards) is expected to occur on April 19-20.
Theoretically, Bitcoin mining will become less profitable, leading to a reduction in coin supply. Given unchanged demand, this should drive up the BTC/USD price. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has forecasted that the cryptocurrency market cap will double by the end of 2024, reaching $5 trillion, with Bitcoin's halving contributing to this growth.
In practice, Bitcoin price is influenced by too many factors to conclusively prove the bullish impact of halving. For instance, looking at history, the last halving occurred on May 11, 2020, and the price increased by approximately 12% in the following week. On the other hand, today's Bitcoin price might already reflect the imminent halving.
Nevertheless, the market currently shows predominantly positive sentiment, as over the weekend, BTC/USD price rose by around 2.5%.
According to the technical analysis of the BTC/USD chart today:
→ From April 2-4, there was no downward pressure on the market to push the price below the lower boundary of the ascending channel (shown in blue), which remains relevant.
→ Conversely, a series of higher lows forming since April 2 indicates bullish intentions to break above the descending channel (shown in red).
Therefore, the approaching halving and associated positive expectations could lead to:
→ Breaking above the consolidating zone (shown with black lines).
→ Overcoming a significant resistance level near the psychological mark of $70,000 per coin.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
FTSE 100's Holy Grail of 8,000 Continues to Be a Pipe Dream
The British economy has been somewhat of an anomaly over the past few years. In no way did the British authorities limit the liberties and livelihoods of the population to the extent that the North American authorities did during 2020 and 2021, and the nation has far less national debt.
Britain's banking industry is also less notorious for high profile, large scale collapses of long established institutions, and its overall investing mentality is very conservative compared to the gung-ho nature of the United States capital markets and commercial investing culture.
The differences between some of the largest stock markets in the world are also indicators of this differential. The technology-focused NASDAQ exchange in New York is a bastion of volatility and comprises the 'Magnificent 7' Silicon Valley internet companies as well as a raft of startups which suddenly gained multi-billion dollar valuations and entered the public listing arena via SPAC blank cheque companies.
By contrast, Britain's FTSE 100 index, which represents the 100 most highly capitalised companies whose stock is listed on the London Stock Exchange, represents more traditional, bricks and mortar businesses in more 'grey suit' sectors such as transport, construction, energy giants, retail chains and pharmaceuticals.
The FTSE 100 has been very buoyant recently however over the past few weeks, the index stopped short of the much anticipated 8,000 mark, and its performance has been slowly tailing off.
On March 1, the FTSE 100 reached 7,978 points after a month-long rally, which made it look as if 8,000 points was in easy reach, but since the beginning of last month, it has been decreasing in value, today standing at 7,925.4 at 8.30 am as the excitement of the week's trading begins in London.
This steady decrease in value goes hand in hand with reports over the weekend having revealed that house prices in the United Kingdom had decreased by 1% in March compared with those of February, giving an overall uninspiring outlook to a reasonably well-organised but stagnant British economy.At the end of last week, Chancellor of the Exchequer (British term for Finance Minister) Jeremy Hunt alluded to inflation in the United Kingdom being at its lowest for two years, however prices are still rising and the cost of living crisis, whilst out of the headlines of the sensationalist tabloid media, is still an existent problem in an economy in which average incomes have seen limited growth for nearly 20 years.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
The Market Is Waiting for Inflation Values in the US
Tomorrow one of the most significant events of the week will take place, which can greatly affect the sentiment of participants in both the currency and stock markets - at 15:30 GMT+3 inflation data will be published, namely: the values of the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and Core indices CPI.
According to ForexFactory, analysts expect the following values:
→ Core consumer price index, excluding food and energy prices, (Core CPI) in monthly terms: forecast = 0.3%, previous value = 0.4%
→ Consumer Price Index (CPI) in monthly terms – similar: forecast = 0.3%, previous value = 0.4%.
→ CPI in annual terms: forecast = 3.4%, previous value = 3.2%.The Fed's inflation target is 2%. The values that will be published tomorrow may greatly affect market participants' expectations regarding the Fed's monetary policy.
According to the CME FedWatch tool:
→ traders are confident that the Fed will leave the rate unchanged in May;
→ the probability that the Fed will cut rates in June is just over 50%. But if the CPI indicates that inflation is stable, the likelihood will likely decrease.Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said last week that a Fed rate cut was not a possible scenario if inflation continued to move sideways. George Lagarias, chief economist at Mazars, told CNBC, "I wouldn't be surprised if we see smaller rate cuts by the end of the year."
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
Rate Cut Rhetoric Blunts US Stock Market Performance
Analysts' speculation regarding the central bank policy within the United States has been very much based on sentiment over the past few months.
A few months ago, a quick glance at the mainstream financial headlines would have been enough to ensure a clear view that 2024 would be a year of reducing interest rates, and commentators and analysts had even made predictions regarding actual times during the year at which rate cuts would take place.
These predictions were scuppered in February when minutes from the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) meeting at the end of January stated that the Federal Reserve Bank would not be reducing interest rates in the early part of this year and was sticking firmly to its conservative policy of working toward a sustainable 2% inflation rate.
That dialogue has resurfaced this morning, this time as a result of the Federal Reserve having maintained its forecast for lowering interest rates three times this year despite not having done so in the first quarter as was expected by so many pundits, but this time, the talk is more focused on whether these will actually go ahead at all.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the state Federal Reserve president Neel Kashari commented that the central bank might look to keep interest rates at their current level for the remainder of the year if inflation progress stalls, an interesting remark at the beginning of earnings season for many large publicly listed North American companies.
Some asset managers have written to their clients and advised that they hold the view that the Federal Reserve will not reduce interest rates this year. What will actually happen is still very much open to speculation until any decision is announced by the central bank.
On this point, stock markets across the United States remained flat as US equities concluded yesterday's New York trading session nearly flat, as investors embarked on a significant week poised to include the latest inflation figures, which could influence expectations for interest rate cuts, and the commencement of the earnings season for the first quarter.
Despite the recent tech stock boom, NASDAQ's Tech 100 stocks are relatively flat, having concluded yesterday's trading session at 18,116.1 points according to FXOpen pricing, a far cry from the 18,414.7 reached on the last day of March.TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
How Can You Trade Using Order Flow? 3 Trading Strategies
Understanding the intricacies of order flow trading unlocks the door to deeper market insights, revealing not just the movements of prices but the forces driving them. In this FXOpen article, we’ll explore how order flow works, its components, and how it can be used within three comprehensive trading strategies.
Understanding Order Flow Trading
Understanding order flow in trading involves examining where buy and sell orders might rest in the market. Essentially, it's about understanding the action behind price movements rather than just the movements themselves. At its core, order flow reveals where traders are placing their orders and at what price, offering a glimpse into the potential future direction of the market based on the current levels of buy and sell orders.When traders talk about order flow, they're looking at the accumulation of these orders at various price levels, which can indicate areas of strong buying or selling pressure.
For instance, a significant number of buy orders at a certain price level might suggest a strong demand at that level, potentially leading to a price increase if sell orders cannot match this buying pressure. Conversely, an abundance of sell orders could indicate a supply level that, if not met with equal buying interest, might drive prices down.
Components of Order Flow Chart Trading
In the realm of trading, dissecting the order flow is akin to peering into the heart of the market, revealing the intentions of traders through the movement of buy and sell orders. Here's a closer examination of the core order flow indicators.Understanding these components allows traders to interpret order flow directly from the chart, providing insights into where the market might head next based on past and present trader actions.
Order Blocks (Supply and Demand Zones)
In analysing order flow on a chart, order blocks, or supply and demand zones, appear as areas where price action has shown significant movement away from a particular level, indicating a concentration of buy (demand) or sell (supply) orders.These zones are typically highlighted by a sudden surge or drop in price, leaving behind a footprint where future price often reacts. For example, a demand zone might be identified by a rapid price increase from a specific area, suggesting buyers overpowered sellers significantly.
Most importantly, when the price returns to one of these areas, it’ll typically reverse.
Market Structure/Trends
The market structure, or trend, is visible through the series of highs and lows on a chart. An uptrend is recognised by ascending peaks and troughs, while a downtrend is marked by descending peaks and troughs. These structures show order flow traders the prevailing direction of market sentiment.Imbalances
Imbalances manifest as large, directional candles that break away from a consolidation area, signifying a sudden imbalance between buyers and sellers, usually with little to no pullbacks. These are often accompanied by increased volume, which may suggests a strong commitment from traders to move the price in a specific direction.Volume
Volume is directly observable on a chart, usually depicted as bars beneath the price action. High volume bars accompanying significant price moves validate the strength of that move, implying a robust interest from the market in that price level. Conversely, low volume may indicate a lack of conviction, suggesting that the price move may not be sustainable.TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
Market Analysis: GBP/USD Recovers While EUR/GBP Dips to Support
GBP/USD is gaining pace above the 1.2660 resistance. EUR/GBP declined steadily below the 0.8572 and 0.8566 support levels.
Important Takeaways for GBP/USD and EUR/GBP Analysis Today
· The British Pound is attempting a fresh increase above 1.2660.· There is a key bullish trend line forming with support near 1.2670 on the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen.
· EUR/GBP is trading in a bearish zone below the 0.8572 pivot level.
· There is a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance near 0.8562 on the hourly chart at FXOpen.
GBP/USD Technical Analysis
On the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen, the pair remained well-bid above the 1.2575 level. The British Pound started a decent increase above the 1.2605 zone against the US Dollar.The bulls were able to push the pair above the 50-hour simple moving average and 1.2660. The pair even climbed above 1.2700 and traded as high as 1.2709. It is now correcting gains below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the 1.2574 swing low to the 1.2709 high.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
Smart Money Concept and How To Use It in Trading
In the world of forex trading, understanding the movements and strategies of the market's most influential players like banks and hedge funds—termed "smart money"—can provide retail traders with a significant advantage. This FXOpen article offers a deep dive into the Smart Money Concept, discussing how institutional investors influence market trends and how retail traders can align their strategies with these market movers for potentially better outcomes.
Understanding the Smart Money Concept
The Smart Money Concept (SMC) centres on the principle that the movements of large institutional investors in financial markets can offer valuable clues to retail traders about future market trends.These institutional investors, often referred to as “smart money,” include banks, hedge funds, and investment firms, wielding significant capital power to influence market directions. The core of SMC lies in the belief that by observing and understanding the trading behaviours and patterns of these entities, retail traders can align their trading strategies to potentially tap into more favourable results.
In essence, SMC is not merely about following the “money” but understanding the strategic placements and movements of these large volumes of capital. Institutional investors typically conduct extensive research and possess a deep understanding of the market dynamics before making substantial trades.
Their actions, therefore, are often indicative of a broader market sentiment or an impending significant market move. By deciphering these signals, retail traders can gain insights into market trends before they become obvious to the wider market.
Understanding SMC requires a shift in perspective from focusing solely on technical indicators and price action to considering the market's psychological and strategic elements. For retail traders, leveraging the Smart Money Concept means navigating the market with a more informed approach, using the trails left by institutional investors as a path to smarter trading decisions.
Ideas in Smart Money Concept
The Smart Money Concept introduces several foundational ideas that provide traders with a framework to interpret market movements through the lens of institutional activities.Order Blocks
Represent areas where institutional investors have placed significant orders, usually in the form of a range. These blocks often precede a strong market move in the direction of the block, serving as a signpost for areas of interest to “smart money.” When the price returns back to this zone, it’ll often reverse (similar to an area of support or resistance).TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
ADA Drops to Last Place in the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies
ADA, the native blockchain token of the Cardano network, has dropped to 10th place among the cryptocurrencies with the largest capitalization. Today, according to CoinMarketCap, the capitalization of Cardano (ADA) is USD 20.7 billion.
On the one hand, this happened due to the success of such competitors as:
→ Dogecoin (DOGE) with a capitalization of USD 27.1 billion, approximately +108% since the beginning of the year;
→ Toncoin (TON) with a capitalization of USD 23.7 billion, approximately +193% since the beginning of the year.On the other hand, the ADA/USD rate behaves weaker than other cryptocurrencies. Year to date, it has dropped by several percent since January 1, 2024. And this is against the background of a bull market, which should greatly confuse investors.
Will Cardano (ADA) be able to strengthen its position in the top 10 cryptocurrencies?
Bulls' hopes may be tied to the approaching Chang update (expected in the second quarter of 2024), which will implement the concept of a self-governing community on the blockchain by introducing delegate representatives (DReps) and community voting to approve the first draft of the Cardano Constitution.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
NZD/USD Rate Increases after the Decision of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand
This morning the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 5.5%:
→ the decision to keep the interest rate at this high level is made for the sixth time in a row;
→ the RBNZ said rates should remain high for some time to ensure inflation is contained;
→ this decision was expected - all 25 economists in the Bloomberg survey predicted it.
However, New Zealand's economy is in recession, with GDP contracting in four of the last five quarters — prompting market participants to speculate that the central bank will begin cutting rates in the second half of this year.
The market reaction was a slight strengthening of the New Zealand dollar. Thus, the NZD/USD rate today rose to its April high.
Technical analysis of the NZD/USD chart today shows that:
→ in 2024, there is some preponderance on the bearish side of the market, which is expressed by the formation of a downward channel (shown in red);
→ starting from the first of April, an upward impulse was formed (shown by blue lines), which allowed the price of NZD/USD to rise from the low of the year and reach the upper half of the red channel
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
The US Dollar Rose Sharply after Inflation Data. When Is Correction Possible?
For the second time this year, the US consumer price index turned out to be higher than experts predicted. Thus, in February the figure increased from 3.1% to 3.2%. In March, the consumer price index, exceeding the expectations of economists surveyed by Bloomberg, was at 3.5%. The continued rise in inflation, coupled with a strong labor market, contributed to:
Fed representatives are extremely cautious regarding the future direction of monetary policy;
market participants are lowering expectations of how many quarters of a percent the rate could be cut this year.
As a result of the current situation, European currencies returned to recent lows, and the USD/JPY pair updated its 2022 high.USD/JPY
US dollar buyers in the USD/JPY pair managed to move above the important support level of 152.00. The price on the USD/JPY chart rose to 153.20, but further pricing of the pair will depend on the actions of the Japanese regulator. Bank of Japan officials have repeatedly stated that near 152.00 they may resort to foreign exchange interventions to support the national currency. With the intervention of the central bank, the pair may correct to the nearest support levels at 152.00-150.00. At the same time, we cannot exclude continued exponential growth in the direction of 155.00-154.00.Important for USD/JPY pricing will be today's news on the US producer price index for March and weekly data on the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
Inflation Data Sharply Strengthens the US Dollar
Data on consumer prices and core inflation published yesterday exceeded expectations. According to ForexFactory:
→ Core CPI in monthly terms: actual = 0.4%, expected = 0.3%, a month ago = 0.4%;
→ CPI in annual terms: actual = 3.5%, forecast was = 3.4%, previous value = 3.2% with a target value of 2%.As a result of the publication of news, market participants' expectations that the Federal Reserve will leave rates unchanged in June have sharply increased. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, before the publication of news about inflation, the probability of this was = 42.6% (that is, the majority believed that there would be a rate cut), then after the publication the probability = 83.0%. This is a dramatic change in sentiment.
Speaking to Bloomberg, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said cutting rates in June would be a dangerous and egregious mistake, adding: "You have to take seriously the possibility that the next rate move will be upwards rather than downward." .
The reaction of financial markets was the strengthening of the US dollar in the context of tight monetary policy, the effect of which will last longer:
→ USD has risen in price in currency pairs — for example, USD/CHF has risen to its maximum in six months;
→ Bitcoin fell in price, but this morning the main cryptocurrency has already recovered from yesterday’s fall;
→ gold tested support at 2,320.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
USD/JPY Rises to Highest Since 1990
This morning the USD/JPY rate is around 153.20 yen per US dollar, which was facilitated by a sharp strengthening of the dollar against the backdrop of news about inflation in the United States. Thus, the yen weakened to levels last seen in mid-1990.
At the same time, an important event occurred — a bullish breakdown of the level of 152 yen per US dollar. This level is special due to the fact that in 2022, the weakening of the exchange rate to 152 yen per US dollar forced the Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance to intervene three times, as Reuters writes, to support the yen.
In 2023, it also acted as a barrier to growth. It also held back the market during March 2024 and early April.
But yesterday the level of 152 yen per US dollar did not survive.
At the same time, technical analysis of the USD/JPY chart today shows that:
→ the price has reached the upper boundary of the ascending channel (shown in blue), now it demonstrates its role as resistance;
→ the RSI indicator indicates that the market is strongly overbought.
TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
RISK WARNING: Trading on the Forex market involves substantial risks, including complete possible loss of funds and other losses and is not suitable for all members. Clients should make an independent judgement as to whether trading is appropriate for them in the light of their financial condition, investment experience, risk tolerance and other factors -
That sounds like a valuable resource for staying informed about cryptocurrency market trends. Analyzing daily market analysis can provide insights into the current sentiment, potential price movements, and emerging opportunities or risks in the crypto market.
Whether you're a seasoned trader or just getting started, staying updated on market analysis can help inform your trading decisions and strategy. It's always beneficial to have access to reliable information and insights when navigating the dynamic cryptocurrency market.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with interpreting market analysis or trading strategies, feel free to ask!
