Modest activity as the week gets going

GBPUSD – technical overview

Signs have emerged of the market wanting to put in a longer-term base after collapsing to a record low in September. The latest weekly close back above the September high at 1.1739 strengthens this prospect. Any setbacks should now be well supported ahead of 1.1500. Next key resistance comes in at 1.2668.

• R2 1.2448– 14 December high – Strong
• R1 1.2400 – Figure – Medium
• S1 1.2169 – 17 January low – Medium
• S2 1.2082 – 12 January low – Strong

GBPUSD – fundamental overview

Absence of first-tier economic data on Monday left the Pound trading on bigger picture themes. Overall, the Pound has been supported on broad based US Dollar outflows and risk on flow. Key standouts on Tuesday’s calendar come from German consumer confidence, UK public borrowing, German, Eurozone, and UK services and composite PMI reads, Canada manufacturing sales, US PMI reads, and the Richmond Fed Index.

USDJPY – technical overview

The major pair has been in the throes of a long overdue correction that was waiting to play out after a parabolic run to the topside to multi-year highs. At this stage, the correction could be getting close to having played out fully, with the market finally approaching critical previous resistance turned support in the 125.00 area.

• R2 132.88 – 11 January high – Strong
• R1 131.58 – 18 January high – Medium
• S1 127.22 – 16 January low – Medium
• S2 126.36 – 24 May low – Strong

USDJPY – fundamental overview

BOJ Minutes from December's meet showed government representatives had requested a first urgent time out since June 2021, suggesting they were surprised at planned adjustments to the YCC program. PM Kishida said it's too early to discuss revising an accord that aimed to help the BOJ achieve its 2% inflation goal. Key standouts on Tuesday’s calendar come from German consumer confidence, UK public borrowing, German, Eurozone, and UK services and composite PMI reads, Canada manufacturing sales, US PMI reads, and the Richmond Fed Index.

AUDUSD – technical overview

There are signs of the potential formation of a longer-term base following the recent surge back above 0.6500. The recent weekly close back above previous support now turned resistance at 0.6682 strengthens the outlook for a bullish structural shift. Next key resistance comes in at 0.7137.

• R1 0.7064 – 18 January high– Strong
• R2 0.7000 – Psychological – Medium
• S1 0.6860 – 10 January low – Medium
• S2 0.6800 – Figure – Medium

AUDUSD – fundamental overview

The Australian Dollar has been well in demand on positive global market themes around the China reopening, risk on vibes, broad US Dollar selling, and a rally in commodities. Key standouts on Tuesday’s calendar come from German consumer confidence, UK public borrowing, German, Eurozone, and UK services and composite PMI reads, Canada manufacturing sales, US PMI reads, and the Richmond Fed Index.

USDCAD – technical overview

A recent surge back above 1.3000 signals an end to a period of bearish consolidation and suggests the market is in the process of carving out a more significant longer-term base. Next key resistance now comes in up into the 1.4000 area. Setbacks should be very well supported down into the 1.3000 area.

• R2 1.3706 – 16 December high – Strong
• R1 1.3519 – 19 January high – Medium
• S1 1.3322 – 13 January low – Medium
• S2 1.3316 – 24 November low – Strong

USDCAD – fundamental overview

The Canadian Dollar has been in demand in recent sessions on positive global market themes around the China reopening, risk on vibes, broad US Dollar selling, and a rally in commodities. Key standouts on Tuesday’s calendar come from German consumer confidence, UK public borrowing, German, Eurozone, and UK services and composite PMI reads, Canada manufacturing sales, US PMI reads, and the Richmond Fed Index.

NZDUSD – technical overview

Overall pressure remains on the downside with risk for the current recovery rally to stall out and form a lower top for the next major downside extension. A break back above 0.6577 would be required to take the immediate pressure off the downside.

• R2 0.6577 – 3 June high – Strong
• R1 0.6531 – 18 January high – Medium
• S1 0.6305– 12 January low – Medium
• S2 0.6191 – 6 January low – Strong

NZDUSD – fundamental overview

Outgoing New Zealand PM Ardern's now confirmed successor, Chris Hipkins, pledged to prioritize the economy and food inflation, potentially removing some of his predecessor's policies ahead of an October election. Key standouts on Tuesday’s calendar come from German consumer confidence, UK public borrowing, German, Eurozone, and UK services and composite PMI reads, Canada manufacturing sales, US PMI reads, and the Richmond Fed Index.

US SPX 500 – technical overview

Longer-term technical studies are in the process of unwinding from extended readings off record highs. Look for rallies to be well capped in favor of lower tops and lower lows. A monthly close back above 4300 will be required at a minimum to take the immediate pressure off the downside. Next major support comes in at 3492.

• R2 4137 – 13 December high – Strong
• R1 4043 – 23 January high – Medium
• S1 3885 – 19 January low – Medium
• S2 3800 – Figure – Strong

US SPX 500 – fundamental overview

We've finally reached a point in the cycle where the Fed recognizes unanchored inflation expectations pose a greater downside risk than over-tightening. This is significant, as it means less investor friendly monetary policy that risks potential recession in the months ahead. Overall, we expect inflation to continue to be a problem in H1 2023 that results in downside pressure into rallies.

GOLD (SPOT) – technical overview

The 2019 breakout above the 2016 high at 1375 was a significant development, opening the door for fresh record highs. Setbacks should now be well supported above 1600 on a monthly close basis ahead of the next major upside extension. The recent break back above 1808 strengthens the bullish outlook. Next major resistance comes in at 2000.

• R2 1950 – Mid-Figure – Strong
• R1 1938 – 20 January high – Medium
• S1 1774 – 15 December low – Medium
• S2 1719 – 23 November low – Strong

GOLD (SPOT) – fundamental overview

The yellow metal continues to be well supported on dips with solid demand from medium and longer-term accounts. These players are more concerned about inflation risk and a less upbeat global growth outlook. All of this should keep the commodity well supported, with many market participants also fleeing to the hard asset as the grand dichotomy of record high equities and record low yields comes to an unnerving climax.