Forex

Forex Weekly Outlook November 7-11

Published

7 years ago

November 6, 2016

Forex Weekly Outlook November 7-11

The US dollar continued to drop ahead of the US presidential election, even with a “positive” payroll report, the currency dip further. The labor market added 161,000 jobs in October, below the 174,000 expected by economists, but strong enough to validate Fed’s rate hike decision come December. This is because, the surge in wages to 2.8 percent (year-on-year) confirmed the optimum of the job market and the struggle to keep employees as employers compete for limited skilled-workers.

Also, the unemployment rate improved to 4.9 percent in October, despite the fact that the 12.1 percent of the “unemployed age group” voluntarily quit their jobs with the confidence of securing a high paying job. While, the participation rate that contributed to the 5 percent unemployment rate recorded in September declined, boosting the outlook of the job market.

However, there are discrepancies in the recent data that could change Fed’s growth approach and sustenance. For instance, productivity in the services sector fell to 54.8 in October from 57.1 percent in September, while business activity plunged to 57.7 in the same month. Even though, it still reflects expansion, stalling growth may begin to worry policy makers and prompt them to adopt what Fed Chair Yellen Janet called a “high pressure economy” during her last month speech — by going above her target for both employment and inflation in order to attract more investment and hiring to lower unemployment even further.

Nevertheless, the November 8 presidential election could change the entire global economic outlook and compel investors and businesses to adopt new growth model as they strive to comprehend the new government policy from the world largest economy. This week, high volatility is expected across board, but a Clinton presidency should stabilize the markets and reinforce the likelihood of the Fed’s raising rates in December and vice versa.

In the UK, the pound climbed on Thursday following the Bank of England (BoE) decision to leave interest rate unchanged at 0.25 percent, and a court ruling stopping the Prime Minister Theresa May from triggering article 50 of the Britain’s exit from the European Union without the U.K. parliamentary approval. While, the pound might extend its gains in the coming days as investors scramble to cover their short positions, the downward pressure is likely to persist due to economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Accordingly, depreciation of the pound is expected to boost exports and reduce imports as UK products become affordable for overseas buyers and Britons choose to purchase locally made products, rather than expensive imported alternatives. Therefore, trade balance deficit is expected to exceed current level by 2017.

While, the U.K. fundamental point to growing economy with solid manufacturing sector (54.3), resilience services sector (54.5) and economic growth rate of 0.5 percent in the third quarter, the unexpected progress post-Brexit could be affected by the uncertainty in the UK economic outlook, and worsen if the country had hard-Brexit – ‘leaving the European Union without access to the single largest market of approximately 500 million consumers.’

“This is because EU deals are the biggest determinant of the UK economic outlook going forward.”

In Japan, the Bank of Japan held its annual 80 trillion yen ($764 billion) bond-buying program unchanged, while delaying the timing for reaching its 2 percent inflation target. Despite, inflation falling 0.5 percent in September — for a seven straight month and consumer spending declining 1.9 percent, the apex bank remained resolute in its current monetary policy (controlling short- and long-term rates and its asset-purchase programs).

According to the Bank of Japan Governor, Haruhiko Kuroda, the institution didn’t take additional monetary measures because the outcome of the US election will not just affect the U.S. economy but would have important implications on global economy, hence, the apex bank is keenly monitoring the outcome in relation to the global economic reaction to these developments.

In lieu of global developments ahead of US presidential election this week, the yen, will continue its gains against the US dollar and other perceived high-risk currencies as investors increase their holdings of haven assets in an effort to avert Brexit similar occurrence. This week, AUDJPY and USDJPY top my list.

AUDJPY

On July 4^th, I mentioned the significance of AUDJPY descending channel here, ever since, this pair has traded within the channel. Last week, AUDJPY failed to sustain its gains above 80.82 resistance, closing once again below the established channel as a bearish pin bar — this further validated the significance of the descending channel to the economic outlook of the pair.

Another reason why this pair holds potential, is the increasing global uncertainty and risk ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Naturally, investors are risk averse, and gravitated towards haven assets to avert possible loss in case there is disparity in the outcome of the election and market expectation. In this case, the yen is a better haven asset and likely to attract more buyers this week.

This week, I am bearish on the AUDJPY as long as price remains below 80.82 resistance, I will be looking to sell below last week close of 79.08 for 76.25 as the target.

USDJPY

Last week, the US dollar lost 249 pips against the yen to close at 103.03, the lowest in a month. While, the US economy is vibrant, the uncertainty surrounding the election continued to weigh on the currency and has plunged it against all the majors. This week, I am bearish on USDJPY, one, because of the possibility of the pair to drop further as investors increase their holding of Japanese yen, while assessing the U.S. election result.

This week, I will be looking to sell around 102.68, below 20-day moving averages, while targeting 101.47 first, with 100 as the second target. But a Clinton presidency will void this analysis and solidify the US bullish run.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Forex

ABCON President Announces Blueprint for Unified Retail Forex Market

Published

10 hours ago

April 29, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Naira Dollar Exchange Rate - Investors King

The President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, has revealed plans to establish a unified retail end forex market structure.

This strategic initiative seeks to address volatility and streamline operations across the Bureaux De Change (BDC) sub-sector.

Gwadabe outlined the objectives of ABCON’s blueprint and the need to integrate operators from various segments of the market.

Central to the plan is the inauguration of state chapters to facilitate coordination, integration, and administration of a united market structure.

ABCON intends to extend its automation policies and platforms to all BDC operators nationwide, upgrading its Business Process Platform to enhance efficiency and transparency.

The proposed unified retail end forex market will feature a centralized, democratized, and liberalized online real-time trading platform.

This innovation aims to provide market participants with greater accessibility and transparency while fostering regulatory compliance and government oversight.

Speaking on the vision for the unified market, Gwadabe highlighted the importance of collaboration with regulatory agencies, security operatives, and government bodies to ensure a secure and thriving forex market environment.

Gwadabe reiterated the benefits of a realistic and vibrant retail forex market, aligning with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) objectives of achieving true price discovery for the naira and balancing international obligations.

Also, the unified market structure aims to provide market intelligence reports, enhance the image of BDCs, and stimulate employment generation.

Furthermore, ABCON’s initiative aims to combat the proliferation of unlicensed forex platforms by creating a transparent and competitive market environment. By digitizing retail forex transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance, the association aims to capture revenues for the government and curb illicit financial activities.

ABCON, as a self-regulatory body representing all CBN-licensed BDCs, acknowledges the importance of maintaining integrity and adherence to regulatory standards within the sector.

Forex

Yen Hits 34-Year Low Against Dollar Despite Bank of Japan’s Inaction

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Japanese yen plummeted to a 34-year low against the US dollar, sending shockwaves through global financial markets.

Despite mounting pressure and speculation, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) chose to maintain its key interest rate.

The yen’s relentless slide, extending to 0.7% to 156.66 against the dollar, underscores deep concerns about Japan’s economic stability and the efficacy of its monetary policies.

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s remarks at a post-meeting news conference did little to assuage fears as he acknowledged the impact of foreign exchange dynamics on inflation but downplayed the yen’s influence on underlying prices.

Investors, already on edge due to the yen’s dismal performance this year, are now bracing for further volatility amid speculation of imminent intervention by Japanese authorities.

The absence of decisive action from the BOJ has heightened uncertainty, with concerns looming over the potential repercussions of a prolonged yen depreciation.

The implications of the yen’s decline extend far beyond Japan’s borders, reverberating across global markets. The currency’s status as the worst-performing among major currencies in the Group of Ten (G-10) underscores its significance in the international financial landscape.

Policymakers have issued repeated warnings against excessive depreciation, signaling a commitment to intervene if necessary to safeguard economic stability.

Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki reiterated the government’s readiness to respond to foreign exchange fluctuations, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of market volatility.

However, the lack of concrete action from Japanese authorities has left investors grappling with uncertainty, unsure of the yen’s trajectory in the days to come.

Market analysts warn of the potential for further downside risk, particularly in light of upcoming economic data releases and the prospect of thin trading volumes due to public holidays in Japan.

The absence of coordinated intervention efforts and a clear policy stance only exacerbates concerns, fueling speculation about the yen’s future trajectory.

The yen’s current predicament evokes memories of past episodes of currency turmoil, prompting comparisons to Japan’s intervention in 2022 when the currency experienced a similar downward spiral.

The prospect of history repeating itself looms large, as market participants weigh the possibility of intervention against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile global economy.

As Japan grapples with the yen’s precipitous decline, the stakes have never been higher for policymakers tasked with restoring stability to the currency markets. With the world watching closely, the fate of the yen hangs in the balance, poised between intervention and inertia in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Naira

Dollar to Naira Black Market Today, April 25th, 2024

As of April 25th, 2024, the exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian Naira stands at 1 USD to 1,300 NGN in the black market, also referred to as the parallel market or Aboki fx.

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Naira to Dollar Exchange- Investors King Rate - Investors King

As of April 25th, 2024, the exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian Naira stands at 1 USD to 1,300 NGN in the black market, also referred to as the parallel market or Aboki fx.

For those engaging in currency transactions in the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market), buyers purchase a dollar for N1,260 and sell it at N1,250 on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 based on information from Bureau De Change (BDC).

Meaning, the Naira exchange rate declined when compared to today’s rate below.

This black market rate signifies the value at which individuals can trade their dollars for Naira outside the official or regulated exchange channels.

Investors and participants closely monitor these parallel market rates for a more immediate reflection of currency dynamics.

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

Kindly be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the existence of the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market.

The CBN has advised individuals seeking to participate in Forex transactions to utilize official banking channels.