Oil Rises as Trump Sends a Threat to Iran, US Dollar Trading Under Pressure

The U.S. dollar was seen weakening on Friday after the U.S. President Trump commented about the currency’s strength. Trump said that China and the EU, among other countries were manipulating their currencies and interest rates lower. He also said that the U.S. was hiking interest rates while the dollar gets stronger with each passing day and admitted that he was not happy with the Fed’s rate hike.

Earlier last week, Trump also expressed his views about the Federal Reserve notes that the central bank should stop tightening monetary policy.

On Monday morning, the American President continued his comments attack. This time it’s against the Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani.

To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2018

Oil prices gain on Monday on the escalation between the US and Iran. Crude Oil rose 1.25%, trading at $69.11, Brent oil rose 1.77% to trade at $74.33.

Economic data from Friday revealed that Canada’s inflation rate advanced 1.4%, beating estimates of a 0.6% increase.

Looking ahead, the economic data for the day is relatively quiet. The U.S. existing home sales report is due today with forecasts showing an increase of 5.46 million. In the Eurozone, the consumer confidence report is expected to remain unchanged at -1.

EURUSD intra-day analysis

EURUSD (1.1728): The EURUSD currency pair was seen closing near the previous resistance level of 1.1730 on Friday before slightly pulling back. The currency pair is expected to breakout from this resistance level in the near term if the bullish momentum continues. To the upside, the common currency could be seen extending the gains toward the next main resistance level of 1.1960 – 1.1920 level. On the 4-hour chart time frame, price action continues to remain to trade sideways. The breach of the minor support/resistance level suggests a pullback to 1.1686 ahead of further gains.

USDJPY intra-day analysis

USDJPY (110.91): The USDJPY extended strong losses on Friday as anticipated. The break down below the 112.28 level saw price action posting strong declines as a result. Friday’s price action saw prices testing the major falling trend line that was breached. This is likely to act as a dynamic support in the near term. A break down below this level is required which could push the currency pair lower to the next main support at 111.13 – 110.85 level.

XAUUSD intra-day analysis

XAUUSD (1231.96): Gold prices were seen extending the gains after the doji pattern that was formed last week. After a modest period of consolidation near the 1219 level, gold prices eventually broke back into the falling price channel. With the 4-hour chart signaling a possible hidden bearish divergence, we expect price action to push lower. However, the declines are likely to be limited. To the upside, the major resistance level at 1242 – 1247 is likely to be the upside target.

This article was written by Orbex