HFMarkets (hfm.com): New market analysis services.

[HFM]

Date: 27th August 2024.


Market News – Stocks mixed; Big Tech pulled down; Oil unchanged amid supply concerns.


Asia & European Sessions:


* US: Some steam came out of Friday’s rally as Treasuries and Wall Street corrected from overbought conditions. The bond market had already priced in at least a -25 bp rate cut on September 18, though yields dropped further following Chair Powell’s confirmation. With little on the docket until Thursday’s claims data, the market gave back some of its gains. There was also a little concession building ahead of the start of the $183 bln in auctions.
* The S&P500 rose to 5651 in early action, but failed to test the record high of 5667 from July 16. The NASDAQ slumped -0.85% on profit taking ahead of Nvidia earnings Wednesday. The Dow was up 0.16%.
* Several technology companies tip the market because of their big values. Nvidia lost 2.2%, Microsoft fell 0.8%, Amazon dropped 0.9%, Meta Platforms slid 1.3% and Tesla lost 3.2%.
* China: Industrial profit data for China was robust, but mainland China bourses still struggled, while the Hang Seng managed slight gains.
* Europe: The Stoxx Europe 600 climbed 0.3% at the open, DAX and FTSE 100 are currently up 0.1% and 0.4% respectively. The UK is catching up after the extended holiday weekend.
* German data confirmed that GDP contracted -0.1% q/q in the second quarter and GfK consumer confidence data unexpectedly declined, which coupled with deteriorating business confidence flags recession risks.


Financial Markets Performance:


* The USDIndex index is at 100.85.
* EURUSD and Cable are consolidating but remain at high levels at currently 1.116 and 1.319 respectively. Both flagged that monetary policy will have to remain restrictive for the time being. That won’t prevent additional rate cuts, but highlights that central banks will move cautiously.
* USOil closed with a 2.9% pop to $77.04 after news Libya was shutting supply added to the bullish impact of increasing tensions in the Middle East.
* Gold firmed to $2509 per ounce on geopolitical risks and rate cut prospects.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 13th September 2024.


Market Update – Gold reached new record high; USD plummets; Oil 2% higher.


Asia & European Sessions:


*Trading remained choppy as the markets continued to assess data and Fed rate cut risks amid uncertainties over the economy.
*US data points released on Thursday were in line with a 25 bps cut from the FOMC next week, with Chair Powell likely to again stress the path remains data dependent. The increase in unemployment claims and a slight rise in August’s producer price index left room for the Fed to consider more aggressive cuts. However, the components relevant to the Fed’s preferred inflation measure remained subdued.
*The ECB cut rates -25 bps as widely expected. While the general expectation is for another -25 bp easing to help sustain a soft landing, there is still an undercurrent for a -50 bp cut next week.
*A WSJ article noting that Fed policymakers are debating -25 bps versus -50 bps helped give Treasuries a boost late in the day after hotter than expected PPI weighed early on. A small rise in jobless claims also provided some support.
*Gold reached a record high, about 25% up this year, driven by the Fed’s moves towards monetary easing. Investors also scaled back expectations of another ECB rate cut next month, after the ECB lowered rates on Thursday. Additionally, central bank purchases, heightened demand for safe-haven assets due to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and growing interest from retail investors have fueled the metal’s rally.


Financial Markets Performance:


*The USDIndex dropped to 100.64 and is weaker against its G10 peers, with the exception of CHF and CAD.
*Yen retested once again December’s highs, at 140.63 level.
Wall Street rallied after a mixed start, with the NASDAQ advancing another 1%, while the S&P500 was up 0.75%, and the Dow was 0.58% higher.
*Gold prices marked new record highs to $2570 per ounce as shorts cover.
*Crude oil prices are up 1.05% at $68.68 per barrel due to dollar weakness, risk -on tone and disruption in crude production. Hurricane Francine’s landfall in southern Louisiana on Wednesday led to the shutdown of offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and disrupted refinery operations. The overall bearish tone remains intact, though, and the IEA’s monthly report only added to fears that a slowdown in demand will lead to a supply overhang and continue to weigh on prices.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 08th October 2024.


Stock markets remain under pressure; bonds find buyers.



Trading Leveraged Products is risky


Asia & European Sessions:


*The markets were weaker Monday as players continued to adjust to Friday’s strong September data and price out aggressive rate cut expectations. In fact Fed funds futures have not only taken out risks for -50 bps next month, but now reflect chances for no action at all.
*Wall Street was in the red all session and the selloff extended into the close, in part given the pop in rates.
*Asian markets mostly corrected, with the Hang Seng leading the way and plunging -7.1% as mainland China bourses returned from a week-long holiday. The CSI 300 rose 5.8% in catch up trade, but failed to match the rally seen elsewhere over the past week.
*Investors were disappointed by the briefing from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission, which did not present any additional stimulus measures. Instead, a CNY 100 billion investment plan scheduled for next year will be brought forward. China also announced a plan to issue special purpose bonds designed to stimulate local government growth.
*According to FT: ”Hong Kong equities were on track for their worst single-day performance since the global financial crisis on Tuesday, even as stocks in mainland China rose on their first day of trading after an extended break.”
*RBA minutes suggested that the bank will keep interest rates at their 12-year high until inflation shows consistent signs of nearing its target. Minutes also reveal that the board considered both tightening and easing monetary policy, depending on future economic conditions. For now, they have decided to maintain the rate at 4.35%, reflecting uncertainty in the economic outlook.





Financial Markets Performance:


*The USDIndex closed at 102.493 after hitting a high of 102.620, the best since August 15.
*USOil rallied 3.9% to $77.87 per barrel prior to retreating to $75.44.
*Gold holds $2620 floor for a 3rd week in a row.
*Treasury yields hit their highest levels since the summer. The NASDAQ dropped -1.18%, while the S&P500 slumped -0.96%, with the Dow off -0.94%.
*Nikkei lost 1.2% to 38,861.09.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 24th October 2024.


Mixed earnings, Stocks rebound, Dollar in a pull back.



Trading Leveraged Products is risky


Asia & European Sessions:


*Treasuries extend losses on anxieties and uncertainties, rise in yields hits stocks. Election jitters remain prominent, along with geopolitical worries.
*Wall Street was hammered also as some earnings disappointed, and bad news from some tech companies. An E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s also impacted.
*Expectations for deficit financing no matter who wins the election, and the concomitant surge in debt are further exacerbating inflation fears. A tepid 20-year auction added to the market’s woes.
*Fed’s Beige Book showed moderate growth and prices, decent labor market. US existing home sales fell -1.0% to 3.840 mln rate.
*Bank of Canada cut its overnight target rate by -50 bps to 3.75%, as widely expected. This is a 4th straight cut and ties the lowest rate since October 2022. While the statement indicated the timing and pace of future action will be guided by data, it was also indicated that more cuts are likely if the economy evolves as expected. The jumbo-sized cut is meant to boost growth and keep CPI close to 2%.
*Eurozone Composite PMI lifted to 2-month high of 49.7 in October from 49.6 in the previous month. German data actually came in somewhat better than expected, while French reports disappointed. The marginal improvement in the headline still leaves the Composite PMI in contraction territory, with new orders falling for a fifth consecutive month and at a similar pace as in September.
*UK October flash services PMI 51.8 vs 52.4 expected.


Financial Markets Performance:


*The NASDAQ lost -1.60%, with the S&P500 tumbling -0.92%, while the Dow slid -0.96%.
*The USDIndex hit 104.40, breaking the April-June support which turned into a key Resistance level. It rallied against all G10 peers.
*The USDJPY closed at 152.70 after paring its jump to 153.185, the highest since July amid risk the LDP and coalition partner Komeito could lose their majority at the weekend general election.
*The USDCAD settled back to 1.3825 after the BoC’s jumbo -50 bp cut and dovish guidance.
*Oil prices increased 1.9% to $70.54 per barrel.
*Gold fell -1.19% to $2716.17 per ounce after several fresh record highs.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 20th November 2024.


Market Rebounds as Putin Signals Readiness for Peace Talks; Focus Shifts to NVIDIA!



Trading Leveraged Products is risky


*US Stocks drop to a 2-week low after Ukraine fired US-made missiles into Russia, but rebound in the US session.
*Putin updates nuclear doctrine, allowing Russia to strike Ukraine if it uses weapons from nuclear-armed nations.
*Walmart again beat earnings expectations pushing the stock 3.00% higher. Earnings Per Share beat expectations by 8.00%.
*The Japanese Yen loses momentum and corrects back to previous lows. The US Dollar maintains strong bullish momentum.
*UK Inflation Rate rises from 1.7% to 2.3% supporting the GBP despite budget concerns continuing.
*NVIDIA is set to release their quarterly earnings report after market close. NVIDIA stock has risen more than 5.00% indicating the market expects a beat.


NASDAQ – All Eyes On NVIDIA Earnings Report!


The NASDAQ ended Tuesday 0.71% higher despite coming under significant pressure during the Asian and European session. The NASDAQ fell 1.20% during the day’s first two sessions due to geopolitical tensions triggering a much lower risk appetite. This is due to the US as well as other countries agreeing to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with foreign made weapons. Ukraine quickly took advantage of this by firing ATACMS into Russia. Russia responded by changing their nuclear weapon use doctrine.


Here we can see why the global stock market fell rapidly. However, why did the market recover during the US session?





During the US session, the risk appetite and confidence of the market improved as the White House confirmed nothing changes with Russia changing their Nuclear Weapons Doctrine. In addition to this, President Putin also said that he would be willing to start peace talks with President Elect Trump. Lastly, the market also took the opportunity to purchase the lower price since NVIDIA’s earnings report is imminent and Walmart already beat their earnings expectations.


Walmart is not a component of the NASDAQ, but has improved the sentiment towards the US stock market. NVIDIA, which is on the NASDAQ, is set to release their quarterly earnings report after market close. NVIDIA stock rose 4.89% yesterday and a further 0.47% this morning indicating the market expects a beat. Analysts expect the company’s Earnings Per Share to rise from $0.68 to $0.75 and revenue from $30.04 billion to $33.14 billion. As no US economic data is set to be made public throughout the day, investors are solely concentrating on geopolitical tensions and earnings.


The price of the NASDAQ rose above the 75-bar exponential moving average on the 2-hour chart for the first time since 14th. Traders will be monitoring whether the index will be able to maintain momentum above this level and if the price may also rise above the 100-bar SMA. Traders will be waiting for the NASDAQ to regain bullish momentum and if so will act accordingly. Buy signals are likely to rise if the price increases above $20,764.30 and intensifies above $20,777.93.


GBPUSD – UK Inflation Rises Above Expectations!


The price of the GBPUSD increased in value taking the exchange rate to a 1-week high, but concerns remain according to analysts. The exchange rate is trading 0.30% higher after the UK made public their latest inflation rate. The UK inflation rate rose from 1.7% to 2.3% which is higher than previous expectations and considerably higher than the previous month.





The GBP is currently the best performing currency with the Pound index trading 0.21% higher. However, the second best performing is the US Dollar Index which is trading 0.14% higher. Therefore, investors need to be cautious that a retrace or correction is still possible while the US Dollar Index remains high.


Currently the Pound is coming under pressure from the Autumn Budget and from farming strikes which are continuing. However, comments from the Bank of England could support the currency. The BoE warns that planned National Insurance hikes in the Labour budget may drive up prices, slow wage growth, and reduce hiring. Significant inflation could force prolonged tight monetary policy.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work.

Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 6th December 2024.


How Will NFP Impact The Trading Markets?



Trading Leveraged Producys is Risky


*The Euro increased in value against most currencies on Thursday, but investors remained cautious over the ECB President’s comments.
*According to economists, the ECB is almost certain to cut interest rates next week. President Lagarde advises the Eurozone is likely to witness lower economic growth than previously expected.
*Analysts changed expectations for the US Unemployment Rate to rise to 4.2%. Most experts now expect the US rate of unemployment to remain unchanged.
*Poor US employment data can increase the potential for a December rate cut and further fuel the bullish trend in the stock market.


EURUSD – Will The Fed Cut Interest Rates?


The EURUSD rose in value on Thursday ignoring resistance levels but now moves closer to a stronger resistance point. This key level can be seen at 1.05969, but in order for the EURUSD to find bearish momentum at this level investors will be hoping for poor employment data.





Currently, the exchange rate is not obtaining any clear indications pointing towards bearish price Economists expect the NFP Employment Change to read 215,000 and for the Unemployment Rate to remain at 4.1%. Analysts also continue to expect the growth in salaries to continue. If these three releases indicate a resilient and strong employment sector, the chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade. However, if the data is poorer, the US Dollar can potentially decline as a rate cut this month becomes more certain.


Regarding the Euro, market participants are turning their attention to macroeconomic data from the Eurozone. Retail sales declined by 0.5% MoM, slightly worse than the expected ˗0.4%. Additionally, Germany’s industrial orders for October decreased by 1.5%, following a 4.2% rise in the previous month. This indicates weak domestic demand in both the German and broader European economies, potentially prompting the European Central Bank (ECB) to consider further interest rate cuts.


A recent Reuters poll of leading economists suggests the ECB may lower borrowing costs by ˗25 basis points next week and by at least ˗100 basis points over the next year. Supporting this outlook, ECB President Christine Lagarde stated yesterday that economic growth in the Eurozone could be weaker than expected in the coming months, with risks of further deterioration likely to dominate in the medium term.


The US Dollar Index is the best performing currency index so far today, but is not seeing significant gains. The Euro Index remains unchanged. The worst performing currency of the day is the Australian Dollar and the Japanese Yen.


NASDAQ – How Will NFP Affect The NASDAQ?


The NASDAQ retraced after gaining in value for 5 consecutive days and rising to an all-time high. So far in 2024, the NASDAQ has almost risen 30% but the short to medium term price action will depend on the upcoming employment data and next week’s consumer and producer inflation.





Employment data for last week was released yesterday, showing that initial jobless claims rose by 224,000, surpassing both the forecast of 215,000 and the previous figure of 215,000. However, the total number of individuals receiving state assistance decreased from 1.896 million to 1.871 million, defying expectations of an increase to 1.910 million.


Commenting on the situation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted that the US economy is performing better than anticipated, with declining risks of labor market deterioration. In this context, Powell suggested that the Federal Reserve could adopt a more cautious stance on monetary policy, aiming to achieve a neutral position for interest rates.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click



Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 8th January 2025.


Global Market Update: Inflation Concerns Weigh on Stocks, Bitcoin Drops Below $100K, Gold Holds Steady.



Trading Leveraged Producys is Risky


Asia & European Sessions:


*European stocks saw an extended downturn in Asia and the US, driven by mounting inflation worries that triggered a selloff in Treasury markets.
*Fed funds futures took a hit after the stronger than expected JOLTS report, and the ISM services data that showed a pick up in activity, a solid labor market, and an acceleration in prices paid, all supporting a more cautious rate cut stance. Indeed, the implied January contract now shows just -1.7 bps in cuts this month. Earlier bets on a reduction by March have been abandoned, with rate cuts now anticipated in the latter half of the year.
*German manufacturing orders plunged -5.4% m/m in November, after already falling -1.5% m/m in the previous month. The correction was much sharper than anticipated and left the annual rate back in negative territory. There is some life in the manufacturing sector yet, even though the volatile headline numbers and negative survey readings flag ongoing weakness across the sector.
*Asian stocks saw significant losses as the MSCI index of regional equities recorded its largest single-day decline in over two weeks, erasing gains made on Tuesday. China’s primary stock index briefly dipped to its lowest point since September, reflecting investor anxiety over a potential increase in US tariffs.
*Investor sentiment across Asia remains dampened by ongoing economic uncertainty. In China, concerns about a deflationary spiral are growing, even as yield spreads in credit markets reach their lowest levels since the global financial crisis. This has challenged investor appetite amid a wave of debt issuances worldwide.
*The stronger than expected ISM services and JOLTS data weighed on Treasuries as they further eroded Fed rate cut risks, and the subsequent climb in yields and more hawkish Fed outlook hit stocks.
*The major indexes finished measurably weaker on the day with the NASDAQ dropping -1.89%, while the S&P 500 was off -1.11% and the Dow slipped -0.42%.
*Nvidia opened with a better than 2% gain to an intraday record peak of $153 after bullish news from the CES trade show, but the stock reversed in the afternoon and plunged -6% to $140.14 at the close





Financial Markets Performance:


*The US Dollar rallied to 108.65 with next immediate resistance at 108.85
*The EURUSD dipped further to 1.0325, while the GBPUSD is lower to 1.2445.
*The USDJPY is at 158.23 as the Yen remains under pressure.
*Gold is steady at $2650. Haven flows and central bank purchases helped to push gold to record highs in 2024 and central bank buying is helping to keep the price at high levels. China's central bank resumed gold purchases in November, and data released today, show that purchases continued in December.
*Oil rose for a 2nd consecutive day to $75 after industry reports indicated another drawdown in US inventories.
*Bitcoin fell more than 5%, slipping to $96,200 after the $100,000 milestone. The drop came in response to positive US economic data, which pointed to a resilient economy and reduced the likelihood of further rate cuts by the Fed.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.




Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work.

Andria Pichidi
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.