Euro Selling Gathers Momentum against Dollar and Canadian, EUR/USD Breaks 1.2285 Finally

EUR/USD finally breaks 1.2285 support with some momentum in early US session. That could be seen as a sign that the forex traders are finally back from holiday, and starting to commit on a position. Events earlier today were important, but non-market moving. PMI data from UK and Eurozone were ignored. And RBA rate decision was like a non-event. With the selloff in EUR/USD now gathering steam, volatility could finally spread to other pairs and crosses.

In particular, EUR/CAD is a cross that’s worth a watch. Canadian seems benefit from news that US President Donald Trump is rushing to complete an initial NAFTA agreement by next week. With that, it would clear him of an important trouble. For now, USD/CAD is still holding above last week’s low at 1.2814. But EUR/CAD has already dived through 1.5833 support to resume the fall from 1.6165.

Bare in mind that EUR/CAD is likely rejected by a key resistance at 1.6103, 2016 high. EUR/CAD would now be heading downward through 55 day EMA (now at 1.5677) in near term, and 38.2% retracement of 1.3782 to 1.6151 at 1.5246.

UK PMI manufacturing entered a softer growth phase

UK PMI manufacturing rose 0.1 to 55.1 in March, above expectation of 54.7. Markit noted that it signals “steady growth rate at the end of opening quarter”. Director at IHS Markit Rob Dobson noted in the release that “UK manufacturing has entered a softer growth phase so far this year”. And he emphasized that “the key question is whether growth can now be sustained, albeit at a lower level, into the coming months.” He pointed to steady business optimism at an “elevated level”, and moderating cost inflationary pressures. Thus, he noted “the sector looks set to make further slow and steady progress as we head through the spring.”

Eurozone PMI manufacturing: Overall pace of growth still robust

Eurozone PMI manufacturing was finalized at 56.6 in March, unrevised, down from February’s final reading of 58.6. It’s also the biggest fall in the series since June 2011. Markit noted broad slowdown across “all nations”. And there is increased signs of “supply chain constraints”. Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson sounded calm in the release. He said that “we should not be too worried by the fall in the PMI as some moderation in the pace of growth from the surge seen at the turn of the year was inevitable, not least because short-term capacity constraints limit the economy’s ability to grow so quickly for long periods.” And, “the overall pace of growth nevertheless remains robust by historical standards, with decent PMI readings seen in all countries”

Also released, Germany manufacturing PMI was revised down to 58.2, from 58.4. France manufacturing PMI was revised up to 5.37, from 53.6. Italy manufacturing PMI dropped to 55.1 in March, down from 56.8 and missed expectation of 55.5. Swiss retail sales dropped -0.2% yoy in February, better than expectation of -0.7% yoy. SVME PMI dropped to 60.3, down from 65.5 and missed expectation of 64.3.

BoJ Kuroda: There were internal discussions on stimulus exit

BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said those at the central bank are “conducting various discussions” regarding stimulus exit “internally”. However, it would confuse the markets by talking about the details now. And Kuroda said that would be inappropriate. In addition, Kuroda said the ETF buying program is “part of our monetary easing framework”. For now, “there is still some distance to achieving our price target”, we’re not in a stage to debate the timing and means to (slow) ETF buying”

RBA stands pat and noted tightening in money markets

RBA rate decision today contained little surprise. Policymakers left the cash rate unchanged at 1.5% and made few changes in the policy statement. The central bank remained upbeat on growth and employment. Yet, it remained wary of the slow growth in wage. Meanwhile, the members took note of the recent decline in commodity prices and higher global short term interest rates. While the next rate move would likely be a hike, it might not be implemented for the rest of the year.

What was new in this meeting was the discussion on the higher short term rates. The members noted the recent “tightening of conditions in US dollar short-term money markets”, as a result of Fed funds rate hike. The members indicated that higher rates have been transmitted to other economies, including Australia. Yet, this has not yet caused a problem in the country. We expect the RBA would continue monitoring the development for now.

More in RBA Aware of Recent Rise in Yields

China pledged retaliation to US at same proportion, scale and intensity

China’s Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said the tariffs on 128 US products started this week were a measure to the 232 steel and aluminum tariffs only. For the Section 301 tariffs on the USD 50-60b Chinese imports to US, Cui pledged to take “countermeasures of the same proportion and the same scale, same intensity.” But for now, Cui said China has yet to decide on the countermeasures.

In an editorial in China Daily,  Wang Hailou, a researcher at the Chinese commerce ministry’s research center, said that “China does not like trade wars, but being on the side of justice, China has no choice but to enter a war to end a war.” The article also said that “It would be beneficial for all if (China’s) friendly overtures were accepted by Washington. However, at the moment it seems intent on turning a deaf ear to any suggestion that they each make concessions to reach an amicable agreement,”

EUR/USD Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.2273; (P) 1.2309 (R1) 1.2337; More….

EUR/USD’s strong break of 1.2285 support should now confirm completion of the three wave rebound from 1.2154, at 1.2475. Intraday bias is back to the downside for 1.2238 support and then 1.2154. Note that, current development is also seen as another sign of rejection by 1.2516 key fibonacci level. Firm break of 1.2154 will pave the way to 38.2% retracement of 1.0339 to 1.2555 at 1.1708. This will now be the preferred case as long as 1.2344 resistance holds.

In the bigger picture, key fibonacci level at 38.2% retracement of 1.6039 (2008 high) to 1.0339 (2017 low) at 1.2516 remains intact despite attempts to break. Hence, rise from 1.0339 medium term bottom is still seen as a corrective move for the moment. Rejection from 1.2516 will maintain long term bearish outlook and keep the case for retesting 1.0039 alive. Firm break of 1.1553 support will add more medium term bearishness. However, sustained break of 1.2516 will carry larger bullish implication and target 61.8% retracement of 1.6039 to 1.0339 at 1.3862 in medium term.

Economic Indicators Update