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Dollar Steady…But for How Long?

By:
Lukman Otunuga
Published: Feb 5, 2019, 14:24 UTC

The US Dollar held steady near a one-week high against a basket of major currencies this morning as bulls remained inspired by last Friday’s strong U.S. payroll figures.

Dollar Steady…But for How Long?

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The US Dollar held steady near a one-week high against a basket of major currencies this morning as bulls remained inspired by last Friday’s strong U.S. payroll figures.

While the Greenback is seen extending gains in the near term as renewed trade optimism supports risk sentiment and elevates U.S. Treasury yields, the medium- to longer-term outlook still remains in favor of bears. It is worth noting that expectations remain elevated over the Federal Reserve taking a pause on rate hikes this year while the final effects of the 35-day government shutdown remain unknown. With the United States tackling headwinds in the form of trade tensions, global growth fears, fading fiscal stimulus at home and political uncertainty in Washington, the Dollar is certainly vulnerable to downside shocks. Any signs of the U.S. economy experiencing a slowdown will most likely accelerate Dollar depreciation as its safe-haven status is questioned.

Focusing on the technical picture, the Dollar held onto gains this morning with prices trading around 95.90 as of writing. The upside momentum is likely to send the Dollar Index towards 96.00 in the short term. A solid breakout and daily close above this level are seen opening a path towards 96.30 and 96.45, respectively. For bears to jump back into the game, prices need to trade back below 95.20.

GBPUSD Approaches 1.3000

The endless uncertainty over Brexit is poised to heavily influence the Pound’s trajectory this week.

Although the UK services PMI will be published this morning and the Bank of England meets on Thursday, investors are likely to be much more concerned with Theresa May’s trip to Brussels later this week. With the European Union not open for Brexit re-negotiations, is May’s trip doomed to fail with the PM returning home empty-handed? With the Pound already spiking higher yesterday on Brexit noise and likely to remain extremely sensitive to headlines, market players should brace for another volatile trading week for Sterling.

In regards to the technical perspective, the GBPUSD seems to be edging lower on the daily charts with the 1.3000 psychological level acting as the first point of interest. A solid breakdown below this point has the potential to instill bears with enough inspiration to challenge 1.2940. If 1.3000 proves to be reliable support, the GBPUSD is seen rebounding back towards 1.3150.

Commodity Spotlight – WTI Oil

The outlook on Oil remains heavily influenced by a combination of fundamental themes.

Dollar weakness, OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela are factors that have supported Oil bulls. However, bears remain inspired by ongoing trade developments, record production from U.S. Shale and fears over plateauing global economic growth. Oil markets are poised to transform into a battleground for bulls and bears this quarter thanks to conflicting supply and demand dynamics. Focusing on the technical perspective, WTI Crude could challenge $58 if bulls are able to secure control above $54. Sustained weakness under the $54 level may open the gates back towards $52 and $50, respectively.

Disclaimer: The content in this article comprises personal opinions and should not be construed as containing personal and/or other investment advice and/or an offer of and/or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments and/or a guarantee and/or prediction of future performance. ForexTime (FXTM), its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness, of any information or data made available and assume no liability as to any loss arising from any investment based on the same.

About the Author

Lukman Otunuga is a research analyst at FXTM. A keen follower of macroeconomic events, with a strong professional and academic background in finance, Lukman is well versed in the various factors affecting the currency and commodity markets.

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