November 17, 2011
Near the end of yesterday’s North American session, I expressed that cable take another stab at the lows before moving higher. However, during the Asian session, the GBPUSD has been pivoting around the key 1.5750 large quarter point level instead of moving lower as expected. The 8hr candle close above that level signals that cable may, in fact, be done with the lows and move higher in today’s session.
Bulls target 1.5820 then 1.5900 before the major psychological level of 1.6000. Bottom line: GBPUSD maintains its bullish bias.

Near the end of yesterday’s North American session, I expressed that cable take another stab at the lows before moving higher. However, during the Asian session, the GBPUSD has been pivoting around the key 1.5750 large quarter point level instead of moving lower as expected. The 8hr candle close above that level signals that cable may, in fact, be done with the lows and move higher in today’s session.

Bulls target 1.5820 then 1.5900 before the major psychological level of 1.6000. Bottom line: GBPUSD maintains its bullish bias.

November 10, 2011
GBPUSD QUICK LOOK POST-BOE:
With monetary policy unchanged and GBPUSD rallying, these are the Fibs that everyone is watching. However, I just don’t think this is a corrective rally. I’m looking for these Fibs to be broken.

GBPUSD QUICK LOOK POST-BOE:

With monetary policy unchanged and GBPUSD rallying, these are the Fibs that everyone is watching. However, I just don’t think this is a corrective rally. I’m looking for these Fibs to be broken.

PRE-BOE QUICK LOOK
Cable is weak headed into the Bank of England rate announcement. Interesting level where bulls have stepped in before but the market is obviously waiting on the central bank before pushing significantly in either direction. I’ve been biased for more correction into the red Fibs but I’m aware that we could push higher from here. 5 minutes until showtime!

PRE-BOE QUICK LOOK

Cable is weak headed into the Bank of England rate announcement. Interesting level where bulls have stepped in before but the market is obviously waiting on the central bank before pushing significantly in either direction. I’ve been biased for more correction into the red Fibs but I’m aware that we could push higher from here. 5 minutes until showtime!

November 9, 2011
QUICK LOOK
GBPUSD giving bulls another opportunity with this morning’s descent from 1.61. The Fibs to watch are in black while the green Fibs are larger levels still at play.

QUICK LOOK

GBPUSD giving bulls another opportunity with this morning’s descent from 1.61. The Fibs to watch are in black while the green Fibs are larger levels still at play.

September 7, 2011
The EUR Is Unhinging
No it’s not. But it makes for a great headline LOL. To be honest, I have been amazed at the resiliency of the euro. I thought for sure Greece would drive the EURUSD below 1.25 and the EURGBP below 0.80. But that thought is 2 years ago and we find both currency pairs well above those levels. And while the SNB’s peg to the euro brought mass attention to the CHF, I did see one tweet that considered the other side of the trade. 
The SNB has affectively propped up the EUR. If the SNB needs to devalue its currency, it will need to buy euros to do so. As such, the EUR has another agency willing to keep the currency intact. With the Chinese, the Swiss, and the Germans all with incentive to keep the single currency in existence and with the ammunition to do it, I don’t expect we will see the day of reckoning that many of us anticipated when reality of Greece reverberated through the markets.
The EURGBP continues to remain bullish as price remains above 0.8750. The major area of resistance remains 0.8880. A return to this level will mark a 5th attempt. And I tell you, the odds of breakout above 0.8880 are very good. But until then, a EURGBP close above 0.8800 gives the pair a bullish bias. A close below 0.8750 changes the picture entirely.
No Francs (The Economist)
Another Reason to Buy Gold: Franc Losing Safety Status (CNBC)
Will the SNB be successful in slowing the franc? (Daily Forex Trading Edge)
Updated chart below:

The EUR Is Unhinging

No it’s not. But it makes for a great headline LOL. To be honest, I have been amazed at the resiliency of the euro. I thought for sure Greece would drive the EURUSD below 1.25 and the EURGBP below 0.80. But that thought is 2 years ago and we find both currency pairs well above those levels. And while the SNB’s peg to the euro brought mass attention to the CHF, I did see one tweet that considered the other side of the trade. 

The SNB has affectively propped up the EUR. If the SNB needs to devalue its currency, it will need to buy euros to do so. As such, the EUR has another agency willing to keep the currency intact. With the Chinese, the Swiss, and the Germans all with incentive to keep the single currency in existence and with the ammunition to do it, I don’t expect we will see the day of reckoning that many of us anticipated when reality of Greece reverberated through the markets.

The EURGBP continues to remain bullish as price remains above 0.8750. The major area of resistance remains 0.8880. A return to this level will mark a 5th attempt. And I tell you, the odds of breakout above 0.8880 are very good. But until then, a EURGBP close above 0.8800 gives the pair a bullish bias. A close below 0.8750 changes the picture entirely.

Updated chart below:

EURGBP daily chart Sept 7 2011

September 4, 2011
USD Weakness Is Still Very Real
As many know, I really only view the USD through the lens of the GBPUSD. The USD has weakened versus GBP and regardless of the catalyst of a USD rally, cable continues to put in higher lows since the July 11th low at 1.5770. So while GBPUSD did put in a bearish week last week, the daily chart still remains bullish as the new trading week opens.
The daily chart played out very technically as the August 24/25 lows broke below the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement levels (purple) of the rally from 1.6100 to 1.6618. A break of the 61.8% Fib usually signals a reversal. And that is what unfolded as the ensuing rally fizzled out and resulted in a new low at 1.6140 on Thursday of last week.
There are a lot of bears out there on cable. And as long as price struggles above 1.6500, it is hard for the bears to go away. But the fundamentals continue to point to a LOWER US dollar. Economic data is deteriorating in the US after a decent first half of the year. The Federal Reserve has confirmed the worst is indeed coming back in the form of QE3. As the year ends, I think we will see worsening economic numbers as the consumer spending decreases in response to the slowdown in manufacturing and labor markets we have seen thus far. And while the UK economy doesn’t bode better, the Fed is much more dovish than the BoE. And for that reason, the fundamental picture favors GBP over the USD.
Technically, I raise my eyebrows at the 3 bearish waves that were unable to break below 1.6100 level. This is a serious level of support and we have seen that candles that have closed above 1.61000 have led to sharp rallies back towards 1.6500.
As the week opens, all eyes should be on 1.6250 to the upside and 1.6150 to the downside. These levels will dictate direction into the open especially with US markets closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Over the week, however, the larger levels to pay attention to are 1.6100 if prices remain below 1.6250. If prices find support above 1.6250, the key level for further rallies remains 1.6500. Trade what you see!
The Fed’s Plan - Rumors of News (Bruce Krasting)
 UK economic outlook darkens (The Financial Times)

USD Weakness Is Still Very Real

As many know, I really only view the USD through the lens of the GBPUSD. The USD has weakened versus GBP and regardless of the catalyst of a USD rally, cable continues to put in higher lows since the July 11th low at 1.5770. So while GBPUSD did put in a bearish week last week, the daily chart still remains bullish as the new trading week opens.

The daily chart played out very technically as the August 24/25 lows broke below the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement levels (purple) of the rally from 1.6100 to 1.6618. A break of the 61.8% Fib usually signals a reversal. And that is what unfolded as the ensuing rally fizzled out and resulted in a new low at 1.6140 on Thursday of last week.

There are a lot of bears out there on cable. And as long as price struggles above 1.6500, it is hard for the bears to go away. But the fundamentals continue to point to a LOWER US dollar. Economic data is deteriorating in the US after a decent first half of the year. The Federal Reserve has confirmed the worst is indeed coming back in the form of QE3. As the year ends, I think we will see worsening economic numbers as the consumer spending decreases in response to the slowdown in manufacturing and labor markets we have seen thus far. And while the UK economy doesn’t bode better, the Fed is much more dovish than the BoE. And for that reason, the fundamental picture favors GBP over the USD.

Technically, I raise my eyebrows at the 3 bearish waves that were unable to break below 1.6100 level. This is a serious level of support and we have seen that candles that have closed above 1.61000 have led to sharp rallies back towards 1.6500.

As the week opens, all eyes should be on 1.6250 to the upside and 1.6150 to the downside. These levels will dictate direction into the open especially with US markets closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Over the week, however, the larger levels to pay attention to are 1.6100 if prices remain below 1.6250. If prices find support above 1.6250, the key level for further rallies remains 1.6500. Trade what you see!

August 30, 2011
EURGBP Starts The Week Toppish
After a very bullish close to a very bullish week, EURGBP starts this new trading week looking weak. Attempts at 0.8880 have remained as before. Since Sunday evening, the 8hr chart continues to put in wicks that suggest weakness.
A first target is the more aggressive 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level at 0.8810. A 2nd target is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the entire rally off the 0.8650 lows at 0.8790.
After this consolidation, watch for continuation to the upside or more weakness. The key level will be 0.8750 to the downside and 0.8850 to the upside.

EURGBP Starts The Week Toppish

After a very bullish close to a very bullish week, EURGBP starts this new trading week looking weak. Attempts at 0.8880 have remained as before. Since Sunday evening, the 8hr chart continues to put in wicks that suggest weakness.

A first target is the more aggressive 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level at 0.8810. A 2nd target is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the entire rally off the 0.8650 lows at 0.8790.

After this consolidation, watch for continuation to the upside or more weakness. The key level will be 0.8750 to the downside and 0.8850 to the upside.

August 26, 2011
EURGBP Week End Wrap
The EURGBP has rallied for the last 2 trading weeks. But the trend gained considerable strength this week as the bulls targeted the short term resistance level at 0.8880. However, despite the momentum of this trend, I saw too many bears in my Twitter and StockTwits streams this morning. It seems the plan is to step in front of this train as it nears 0.8880 level where price has failed at this level 3 times prior. While seemingly logic, it actually isn’t.
First off, follow the trend, especially a daily chart trend. This rally is a result of another failure at the 0.8650 level, a short term support level on the daily chart. A trend that has rallied over 200 pips shouldn’t be ignored. Plus, the failed low is a higher low - a subtle bullish hint.
Secondly, when a currency pair looks to challenge a level more 2 or more times, it is usually a hint of an eventual breakout of that particular level. My mentor taught me that.
Third, there is NOTHING bearish about this candle. What we need to watch for in the new trading week ahead is if the next candle puts in a wick like the 3 times before it.
Remember that the European Central Bank President speak tomorrow when the markets are closed. With the European sovereign debt crisis in full swing, market participants will listen carefully as to whether or not Trichet chooses to finally acknowledge the crisis with monetary policy. The market will execute judgement on Sunday at the open.
Enjoy the weekend!

EURGBP Week End Wrap

The EURGBP has rallied for the last 2 trading weeks. But the trend gained considerable strength this week as the bulls targeted the short term resistance level at 0.8880. However, despite the momentum of this trend, I saw too many bears in my Twitter and StockTwits streams this morning. It seems the plan is to step in front of this train as it nears 0.8880 level where price has failed at this level 3 times prior. While seemingly logic, it actually isn’t.

First off, follow the trend, especially a daily chart trend. This rally is a result of another failure at the 0.8650 level, a short term support level on the daily chart. A trend that has rallied over 200 pips shouldn’t be ignored. Plus, the failed low is a higher low - a subtle bullish hint.

Secondly, when a currency pair looks to challenge a level more 2 or more times, it is usually a hint of an eventual breakout of that particular level. My mentor taught me that.

Third, there is NOTHING bearish about this candle. What we need to watch for in the new trading week ahead is if the next candle puts in a wick like the 3 times before it.

Remember that the European Central Bank President speak tomorrow when the markets are closed. With the European sovereign debt crisis in full swing, market participants will listen carefully as to whether or not Trichet chooses to finally acknowledge the crisis with monetary policy. The market will execute judgement on Sunday at the open.

Enjoy the weekend!

August 16, 2011
GBPUSD UPDATE
Before the market open this week, I did hold a bearish bias on the GBPUSD. It would only change if price remained above 1.6250. It did. And the pair rallied to high of 1.6410. However, cable failed to remain above 1.6350. As a result, cable is trading lower at 1.6325 at the time of this writing. The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of Monday’s intraday price action at 1.6320 has been respected so far. However, the real level to watch on the news release is 1.6250. A break below and price heads towards the green zone. If price remains above, then it heads towards 1.6350 on its way to 1.6500. Ultimately, I remain a long-term bear until price trades above 1.6500. Trade what you see!

GBPUSD UPDATE

Before the market open this week, I did hold a bearish bias on the GBPUSD. It would only change if price remained above 1.6250. It did. And the pair rallied to high of 1.6410. However, cable failed to remain above 1.6350. As a result, cable is trading lower at 1.6325 at the time of this writing. The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of Monday’s intraday price action at 1.6320 has been respected so far. However, the real level to watch on the news release is 1.6250. A break below and price heads towards the green zone. If price remains above, then it heads towards 1.6350 on its way to 1.6500. Ultimately, I remain a long-term bear until price trades above 1.6500. Trade what you see!

August 14, 2011
EURGBP New Week Outlook August 14 2011
The EURGBP also saw some wild moves last week as the market had to deal with the fact that now France as entered the European sovereign debt crisis discussion at the same time that Italy has become a serious concern in the market. Technically, however, the pair gave mixed signals as price made lows at 0.8640 rallied over 200 pips to 0.8880 and ended the week at 0.8750.
The lows on Friday at 0.8730 gave a very small signal that EURGBP will head lower by piercing even the 78.6% Fibonacci level. Also, price closed the week below 0.8750 even if by only a few pips (0.8748 on my platform). Rallies to the 0.8880 highs continue to be met by sellers to target the green buy zone below 0.8700. However, the week closed before entering this green zone. Therefore, this pair continues to maintain is bearish bias into the 0.8600’s. Only a break and hold above 0.8880 changes this bias to bullish.

EURGBP New Week Outlook August 14 2011

The EURGBP also saw some wild moves last week as the market had to deal with the fact that now France as entered the European sovereign debt crisis discussion at the same time that Italy has become a serious concern in the market. Technically, however, the pair gave mixed signals as price made lows at 0.8640 rallied over 200 pips to 0.8880 and ended the week at 0.8750.

The lows on Friday at 0.8730 gave a very small signal that EURGBP will head lower by piercing even the 78.6% Fibonacci level. Also, price closed the week below 0.8750 even if by only a few pips (0.8748 on my platform). Rallies to the 0.8880 highs continue to be met by sellers to target the green buy zone below 0.8700. However, the week closed before entering this green zone. Therefore, this pair continues to maintain is bearish bias into the 0.8600’s. Only a break and hold above 0.8880 changes this bias to bullish.

GBPUSD New Week Outlook August 14 2011
Though cable managed to close the week above the key 1.6250 level, the pair maintains a bearish bias as long as price holds below 1.6500. At the open, price has the bullish momentum to move into the red sell zone that is marked by the 50% and 61.8% Fibonacci retracement levels of last week’s move to the downside.
The main target for bears will be the green buy zone. However, if price manages to break and hold below 1.6100 support then expect price to move to the 1.6000 major psychological level. From there, bears will have to prove themselves with a push towards the 1.5770 lows.
This week sees plenty of key economic data out of the UK that could make or break sterling this week. UK CPI is released Tuesday followed by the Bank of England meeting minutes release on Wednesday. UK retail sales will be contrasted to the US retail sales report of last week. Since both economies are heavily reliant on the consumer, investors will looks to see which economy is stronger relative to one another. There is also a lot of economic news from the US this week but I expect that UK fundamentals will ultimately dictate direction for the GBPUSD currency pair. Trade what you see!

GBPUSD New Week Outlook August 14 2011

Though cable managed to close the week above the key 1.6250 level, the pair maintains a bearish bias as long as price holds below 1.6500. At the open, price has the bullish momentum to move into the red sell zone that is marked by the 50% and 61.8% Fibonacci retracement levels of last week’s move to the downside.

The main target for bears will be the green buy zone. However, if price manages to break and hold below 1.6100 support then expect price to move to the 1.6000 major psychological level. From there, bears will have to prove themselves with a push towards the 1.5770 lows.

This week sees plenty of key economic data out of the UK that could make or break sterling this week. UK CPI is released Tuesday followed by the Bank of England meeting minutes release on Wednesday. UK retail sales will be contrasted to the US retail sales report of last week. Since both economies are heavily reliant on the consumer, investors will looks to see which economy is stronger relative to one another. There is also a lot of economic news from the US this week but I expect that UK fundamentals will ultimately dictate direction for the GBPUSD currency pair. Trade what you see!

August 4, 2011
GBPUSD Was Never Bullish
Despite the rally this week after finding support at 1.6250, cable was unable to take out the all important 1.6500 level. It was only a close above this level that turned the bounce off of the 1.5770 low into a true rally.
Alas, price failed at 1.6440 and we find ourselves back at the 1.6250. Previously, GBPUSD remained bullish as long as we had a 4-hour candle close above 1.6250. However, Thursday’s price action resulted in a candle that closed below the 1.6250 large quarter point. Though price remains above 1.6250 as of this writing, the pair has given a huge signal to further direction heading into US non-farm payrolls. 
Trade what you see!

GBPUSD Was Never Bullish

Despite the rally this week after finding support at 1.6250, cable was unable to take out the all important 1.6500 level. It was only a close above this level that turned the bounce off of the 1.5770 low into a true rally.

Alas, price failed at 1.6440 and we find ourselves back at the 1.6250. Previously, GBPUSD remained bullish as long as we had a 4-hour candle close above 1.6250. However, Thursday’s price action resulted in a candle that closed below the 1.6250 large quarter point. Though price remains above 1.6250 as of this writing, the pair has given a huge signal to further direction heading into US non-farm payrolls. 

Trade what you see!

August 2, 2011
EURGBP Carves A Base
The EURGBP has managed to base at 0.8730 with a spike low at 0.8705. Buyers look ripe to step in at these levels if we do not get an hourly close below 0.8700. A failure targets first 0.8850 with an ultimate target of 0.8900. A break below targets 0.8680 with an ultimate target of 0.8600. News this week will be key with construction PMI out later this morning and Bank of England on deck for Thursday.

EURGBP Carves A Base

The EURGBP has managed to base at 0.8730 with a spike low at 0.8705. Buyers look ripe to step in at these levels if we do not get an hourly close below 0.8700. A failure targets first 0.8850 with an ultimate target of 0.8900. A break below targets 0.8680 with an ultimate target of 0.8600. News this week will be key with construction PMI out later this morning and Bank of England on deck for Thursday.

July 20, 2011
GBPUSD Remains Bid
Though bears took an early lead in the week, cable has remained bid thanks to the Bank of England (BoE). The BoE meeting minutes released yesterday morning were not as dovish as the market expected. As such, GBPUSD managed to rally after weakening into the release.
However, the market remains weary to strengthen the currency pair as the pair still fails to make a new high above 1.6200. The market awaits the release of UK retail sales. If better-than-expected expect cable to rally to 1.6250 which is also the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of this entire bear trend. I wouldn’t be surprised to get a break of this level to test 1.6300 if retail sales surprises to the upside. However, if retail sales disappoint expect a move back towards 1.6000 with a break opening up a further breakdown to this week’s downside targets.

GBPUSD Remains Bid

Though bears took an early lead in the week, cable has remained bid thanks to the Bank of England (BoE). The BoE meeting minutes released yesterday morning were not as dovish as the market expected. As such, GBPUSD managed to rally after weakening into the release.

However, the market remains weary to strengthen the currency pair as the pair still fails to make a new high above 1.6200. The market awaits the release of UK retail sales. If better-than-expected expect cable to rally to 1.6250 which is also the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of this entire bear trend. I wouldn’t be surprised to get a break of this level to test 1.6300 if retail sales surprises to the upside. However, if retail sales disappoint expect a move back towards 1.6000 with a break opening up a further breakdown to this week’s downside targets.

July 18, 2011
EURGBP UPDATE
Bounces out of 0.8720 as expected on its first attempt on the level in over a month. So far a high on the day at 0.8780 still repects the channel noted yesterday.
It seems we will get a bullish close on EURGBP above 0.8750 today. 0.8820/50 are key to the upside as we head into the BoE meeting minutes release. Watch for sellers to step in for a bigger move to the downside. A hold below 0.8850 confirms. Trade what you see!

EURGBP UPDATE

Bounces out of 0.8720 as expected on its first attempt on the level in over a month. So far a high on the day at 0.8780 still repects the channel noted yesterday.

It seems we will get a bullish close on EURGBP above 0.8750 today. 0.8820/50 are key to the upside as we head into the BoE meeting minutes release. Watch for sellers to step in for a bigger move to the downside. A hold below 0.8850 confirms. Trade what you see!