S&P 500 Hits New Record, Nasdaq Resilient Despite Tesla Slump

In a week marked by mixed market performance, the S&P 500 soared to a new closing record, while the Nasdaq faced challenges due to Tesla’s post-earnings decline. Positive economic indicators, including robust U.S. GDP growth and encouraging inflation data, influenced market optimism. Despite the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, a healthy balance of non-inflationary growth was observed. Notably, IBM’s stellar performance offset Tesla’s impact. In the currency market, the dollar index strengthened amid evidence of the U.S. outperforming Europe economically.

Stock Market Updates

The stock market exhibited mixed performance as the S&P 500 rose for the sixth consecutive day, setting another all-time closing record at 4,894.16. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also climbed by 0.64%, reaching 38,049.13 points. However, the Nasdaq Composite only increased by 0.18%, hindered by a post-earnings decline in Tesla shares. Despite the overall positive trend, Tesla’s disappointing fourth-quarter results led to a more than 12% drop in its stock, impacting the broader market. The technology-heavy Nasdaq, nevertheless, outperformed with a 1.3% weekly gain, while the S&P 500 and Dow posted increases of 1.1% and 0.5%, respectively.

The market was influenced by positive economic indicators, including the U.S. economy’s robust 3.3% growth rate in the fourth quarter, surpassing economists’ expectations of 2%. Additionally, encouraging data on inflation, with a 2% gain in the personal consumption expenditures price index (excluding food and energy), contributed to market optimism. Despite the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, the data reflected a healthy mix of non-inflationary growth. Notably, IBM’s strong performance, with a more than 9% jump in its stock after beating analysts’ predictions for adjusted earnings and revenue, counterbalanced the negative impact of Tesla’s decline on the overall market. With over one-fifth of S&P 500 companies reporting financials this earnings season, nearly 74% have surpassed Wall Street expectations, according to FactSet.

Data by Bloomberg

On Thursday, the overall market showed a positive trend with a gain of 0.53%. The Energy sector experienced the highest increase, surging by 2.23%, followed by Communication Services with a rise of 1.84%, and Utilities registering a gain of 1.79%. Real Estate also contributed to the upward movement, advancing by 1.31%, while Materials and Industrials increased by 1.09% and 0.97%, respectively. Consumer Staples and Financials showed modest gains of 0.92% and 0.54%, while Information Technology and Health Care had more conservative increases of 0.38% and a slight decrease of -0.23%, respectively. However, Consumer Discretionary recorded a decline of -1.05% on Thursday.

Currency Market Updates

In the currency market updates, the dollar index demonstrated strength, advancing by 0.3% as fresh evidence emerged showcasing the robust performance of the U.S. economy compared to Europe’s. The U.S. Q4 GDP growth exceeded expectations at 3.3%, while Germany’s Ifo data hinted at a lingering recession, and the UK experienced a significant decline in retail sales. The EUR/USD pair fell by 0.43%, despite the European Central Bank (ECB) opting to delay a rate cut, providing no clear guidance on unwinding its substantial rate-hiking cycle. The lack of clarity on when the eurozone inflation downtrend will prompt a shift in ECB policy raises concerns, especially if the economic situation worsens.

Amidst the data-driven decisions of central banks, the focus on Friday will be on the Federal Reserve’s preferred core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) update. As the ECB, Fed, and Bank of England (BoE) navigate their monetary policies based on economic data, the currency market is witnessing fluctuations. USD/JPY rose by 0.14% as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) meeting on Tuesday left the potential for a rate hike in April. However, the Federal Reserve’s March decision remains uncertain. Other economic indicators, such as Tokyo CPI and U.S. core PCE, are anticipated to influence market dynamics, while geopolitical factors continue to impact oil prices and European natural gas trends.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Stays Steady Amid ECB News and Strong US Economy

The EUR/USD pair held its ground near 1.0900 as important events unfolded. The European Central Bank (ECB) decided not to change interest rates, sticking to its goal of reaching a 2% inflation target. However, the accompanying document didn’t provide new insights, keeping the pair in its usual range. In the US, the economy surprised with a strong 3.3% growth in Q4, beating the expected 2%. While the US Dollar initially got stronger, mixed data and positive stock market trends made its position varied across currencies. The upcoming press conference by ECB President Christine Lagarde might give more clues about the central bank’s plans and impact the direction of EUR/USD.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Thursday, the EUR/USD moved lower, reaching the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just above the lower band, suggesting a potential upward movement to reach the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 41, signaling a neutral but bearish outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0890, 1.0954

Support: 1.0814, 1.0745

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD Steady Amid Economic Boost and Dovish Signals

Gold prices stayed steady even as the US Dollar got stronger due to the US economy growing by a better-than-expected 3.3%. This positive news made stocks rise, but interest rates stayed low. In Europe, the central bank didn’t change key interest rates, and its president, Christine Lagarde, shared a cautious message, making the US Dollar even stronger. People are now thinking that interest rates might go down soon. We’re waiting for the release of the December inflation numbers to see what might happen next.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Thursday, XAU/USD moved lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving higher near the middle band suggesting a potential upward movement to reach above the middle band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 48, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,035, $2,052

Support: $2,010, $1,993

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
USDCore PCE Price Index m/m21:300.2%

Forex Market Analysis: Dollar and Tesla 25 Jan 2024

Forex Markets Analysis: 25 Jan 2024

CURRENCIES:

  • U.S. Dollar faced a decline despite positive economic data on Wednesday
  • Potential for a reversal in the dollar’s fortunes in the upcoming days
  • Market attention shifts to the fourth-quarter U.S. GDP report

U.S. Dollar Technical Outlook:

  • Analysis focuses on three major FX pairs: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD
  • Despite better-than-expected PMI results, the dollar retreated
  • Possibility of a turnaround if key economic data continues to surprise positively

Fourth-Quarter U.S. GDP Report:

  • Scheduled for release on Thursday
  • Forecasted economic activity expansion of 2% at an annualized rate
  • GDP considered backward-looking but provides insights into economic health

Key Points to Monitor:

  • Close attention to household expenditures, a significant growth engine
  • Consumer spending remains robust, contributing to a positive GDP outlook
  • A strong GDP report could impact expectations of a Fed rate cut in March

Implications for the U.S. Dollar:

  • Positive GDP scenario may reduce odds of a Fed rate cut
  • Traders could adjust dovish expectations for the FOMC’s policy path
  • Potential for a more favorable backdrop for the U.S. dollar

STOCK MARKET:

Tesla Q4 Earnings Overview:

  • Stock drops due to earnings miss and a cautious full-year production outlook
  • CEO Elon Musk confirms the launch of the company’s next-gen vehicle in H2 2025

Financial Performance in Q4:

  • Top-line revenue of $25.17 billion, slightly below the estimated $25.87 billion
  • Revenue increased by approximately 3% compared to the previous year
  • Adjusted EPS at $0.71, missing the estimated $0.73
  • Adjusted net income of $2.486 billion, falling short of the $2.61 billion expected by the Street

Full-Year Production Outlook:

  • Tesla anticipates a notably lower vehicle volume growth rate compared to 2023
  • Launch of the next-gen vehicle at Gigafactory Texas cited as a reason for the production slowdown
  • Unlikely to meet Street estimates of 2.19 million vehicle production for 2024, signaling a 21% increase from 2023

Next-Gen Vehicle and Production Plans:

  • Progress on the next-gen platform highlighted in the earnings release
  • Musk emphasizes the revolutionary manufacturing system for the low-cost vehicle
  • Production of the next-gen vehicle scheduled for the second half of 2025

Factors Contributing to Profitability Drop:

  • Downward pressure on margins due to cost-cutting efforts initiated in late 2022
  • Q4 gross margin at 17.6%, below the estimated 18.1% and a decline from the previous year
  • Various challenges, including Hertz shedding EVs, price cuts in China, production halt in Berlin, and Musk’s stock demand, impacting profitability

Delivery and Production Statistics:

  • Q4 deliveries surpass Street estimates with 484,507 deliveries
  • All-time record quarter for Tesla, beating the previous record of 466,000 units in Q2 of the last year
  • Yearly vehicle deliveries grow by 38% to 1.81 million, production increases by 35% to 1.85 million

Cybertruck and Musk’s Concerns:

  • Cybertruck deliveries not specified, but demand described as “off the hook”
  • Musk addresses concerns about securing greater control for AI ambitions, citing potential loss of influence in the future
  • Expresses worries about being voted out by shareholder advisory firms like ISS and Glass Lewis

Elon Musk’s Recent Activities:

  • Speaks at a symposium about antisemitism in Krakow, Poland, on January 22, 2024
  • Highlights his desire to be an effective steward of powerful technology, expressing concerns about potential loss of control due to shareholder decisions.

Notification of Server Upgrade – January 25, 2023

Dear Client,

As part of our commitment to provide the most reliable service to our clients, there will be server maintenance this weekend.

Maintenance Hours :
27th of January 2024 (Saturday) 01:30-03:30 (GMT+2)

Please note that the following aspects might be affected during the maintenance:

1. Client portal and VT Markets App will be unavailable. In addition, all their functions will be limited.

2. The price quote and trading management on MT4 and MT5 will be temporarily disabled during the maintenance. You will not be able to open new positions, close open positions, or make any adjustments to the trades.

3. There might be a gap between the original price and the price after maintenance. The gaps between Pending Orders, Stop Loss and Take Profit will be filled at the market price once the maintenance is completed. If you don’t want to hold any open positions during the maintenance, it is suggested to close the position in advance.

4. Please refer to MT4/MT5 for the latest update on the completion and market opening time. Our services will be back online once the maintenance is completed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding about this important initiative.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

Dividend Adjustment Notice – January 25, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Tech Surge Propels S&P 500 to Record Highs, but Mixed Performance for Dow Jones

On Wednesday, the stock market exhibited a blend of movements as the S&P 500 set a new record high, driven by a technology stock rally led by Netflix. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite saw positive gains, the Dow Jones Industrial Average faced a slight decline due to notable drops in Verizon and 3M following earnings reports. Netflix’s remarkable 10% surge, supported by an all-time high subscriber count, contributed to the broader tech sector’s strength in 2024. Microsoft and Meta also made significant gains, pushing the S&P 500 to record levels and confirming a new bull market. However, not all companies shared in the positive momentum, with AT&T and DuPont De Nemours facing setbacks. In the currency market, the dollar index declined, influenced by China’s stimulus measures, impacting pairs like USD/JPY and EUR/USD. The article concludes with a look ahead at upcoming economic data releases, central bank meetings, and geopolitical factors influencing the dynamic currency market.

Stock Market Updates

The stock market experienced mixed movements on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 reaching a new record high, driven by a rally in technology stocks led by Netflix. The S&P 500 edged up 0.08% to close at 4,868.55, establishing a fresh all-time closing record, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.36%, marking the fifth consecutive day of positive performance for both indices. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.26% to 37,806.39, impacted by notable declines in Verizon and 3M following their earnings reports. Netflix saw a significant surge of over 10% after announcing an all-time high subscriber count of 260.8 million and surpassing analysts’ revenue estimates, contributing to the broader tech sector’s strong performance in 2024.

In addition to Netflix’s positive impact, Microsoft’s shares rose nearly 1%, briefly pushing its market value above $3 trillion for the first time, while Meta advanced 1.4%, surpassing a $1 trillion market cap. These gains, along with the strong performance of communication services and information technology stocks, propelled the S&P 500 to record highs and confirmed a new bull market. However, not all companies shared in the positive momentum, with AT&T slipping about 3% due to lower-than-expected earnings, and DuPont De Nemours tumbling 14% after preannouncing weak fourth-quarter results and issuing disappointing first-quarter guidance. Traders continued to focus on earnings reports, with Tesla, Las Vegas Sands, and IBM scheduled to release results after the market close. As of the current earnings season, more than 71% of S&P 500 companies that have reported quarterly financials have exceeded Wall Street expectations, according to FactSet.

Data by Bloomberg

On Wednesday, the overall market saw a marginal increase of 0.08%. Notable positive performances were observed in the Energy sector, which gained 1.43%, followed by Communication Services at 1.17%, and Information Technology at 0.77%. Conversely, the

Consumer Staples, Real Estate, Utilities, and Materials sectors experienced declines of -1.23%, -1.36%, -1.38%, and -1.40%, respectively. The Consumer Discretionary sector also saw a modest decrease of -0.24%. Sectors such as Industrials and Health Care reported larger declines of -0.64% and -0.91%, respectively.

Currency Market Updates

In the currency market updates, the dollar index experienced a 0.45% decline, driven by risk-on sentiments influenced by China’s stimulus measures. The USD/JPY pair saw a significant drop due to rising Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields in response to the Bank of Japan’s somewhat hawkish meeting earlier in the week. However, a rebound in U.S. flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) numbers contributed to lifting Treasury yields and helping the dollar recover from its lows. The EUR/USD pair rose by 0.38%, reaching a high of 1.0930 before the U.S. PMI release. The positive impact of the U.S. manufacturing and service sector readings beating forecasts was tempered by a cooling price received index.

Looking ahead, attention in the currency market is shifting to upcoming hard U.S. data ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting next week. Key events include Q4 GDP and jobless claims on Thursday, followed by core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), income, and spending on Friday. Additionally, post-European Central Bank (ECB) meeting events on Thursday may provide hints regarding the timing of the first rate cut, which is currently favored for April. Tokyo CPI data on Friday will also be closely monitored amid speculation about a Bank of Japan rate hike, with April’s BoJ meeting seen as the earliest potential venue for such a move. The article also notes the market’s modest preference for a March Fed rate cut in futures. Overall, the currency market remains dynamic, responding to a combination of economic data releases, central bank meetings, and geopolitical developments.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Surges as Intense Greenback Sell-Off and Positive Economic Indicators Overpower Rate Cut Speculations

In a surprising turn of events, the intense sell-off in the greenback allowed EUR/USD to overcome recent weaknesses, pushing past the 1.0900 hurdle and reaching new multi-day highs. The USD Index (DXY) faced headwinds in the risk-friendly environment, dropping below 103.00 despite an uptick in US yields. Speculation shifted away from a Fed rate cut in March, favoring a reduction in May. Contributing to the Euro’s strength were robust PMIs in Germany and the eurozone for January, suggesting a potential soft landing for the regional economy. As the ECB event approaches, market participants are weighing in on potential rate cuts, with debates arising on the timing of the central bank’s decision, further fueled by President Lagarde’s hints at a move during the summer.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Wednesday, the EUR/USD moved higher, able to reach the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving back lower to reach below the middle band, suggesting a potential downward movement to reach the lower band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 47, signaling a neutral outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0890, 1.0954

Support: 1.0814, 1.0745

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

US Dollar Strengthens as Upbeat Data Pushes Gold (XAU/USD) to Weekly Low

In the American session, the US Dollar gained momentum, driving Gold (XAU/USD) down to $2,011.72, marking a fresh weekly low. The surge was fueled by optimistic US economic data, particularly the January Producer Manager Indexes (PMIs) released by S&P Global. Manufacturing output improved to 50.3, surpassing the previous 47.9 and reaching the highest reading in over a year. The Services PMI also exceeded expectations at 52.9, indicating the sharpest business activity growth in seven months. While the Bank of Canada (BoC) left its key rate unchanged at 5%, the statement was slightly more hawkish, reducing the likelihood of an April rate cut. Despite this, stock markets maintained a positive tone, with Wall Street resuming its record rally on better-than-anticipated earnings reports, signaling overall economic health.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Wednesday, XAU/USD moved lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving around the lower band suggesting a potential upward movement to reach the middle band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 43, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,035, $2,052

Support: $2,010, $1,993

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
EURMain Refinancing Rate21:154.50%
EURMonetary Policy Statement21:15 
USDAdvance GDP q/q21:302.0%
USDUnemployment Claims21:30199K
EURECB Press Conference21:45 

Forex Market Analysis: Precious Metal Trends 25 Jan 2024

Forex Daily Analysis: 25 Jan 2024

CURRENCIES:

Overview: Gold and Silver Struggle

  • Heavyweight US data releases anticipated later this week.
  • Latest Fed rate expectations indicate six quarter-point cuts this year.
  • Gold and Silver prices experience challenges, but the sell-off is contained.

US Rate Expectations: A Shift in Outlook

  • New assessment suggests six quarter-point cuts, with the first expected in May.
  • Contrast to the previous week, where seven cuts were forecasted, starting in March.
  • The UST 2-year daily yield rises from 4.14% to 4.40%, signaling a moderation in rate cut expectations.

Upcoming US Economic Data Releases

  • Three key releases scheduled for the week: US Q4 GDP on Thursday, Durable Goods report, and Core PCE report on Friday.
  • These releases closely monitored by the Fed in anticipation of next week’s FOMC meeting.

Gold Price Action and Trading Range

  • Gold currently trades within a $2,000/oz. – $2,040/oz. range.
  • Series of higher lows provide support, while price action around the 20- and 50-day moving averages remains uncertain.
  • Potential break lower could target prior support at $1,987/oz.

Retail Trader Sentiment for Gold

  • Retail trader data indicates 59.13% are net-long.
  • Changes show a 7.39% decrease in net long positions compared to yesterday.
  • Weekly changes indicate a 4% reduction in net long positions.

Silver’s Recovery and Chart Analysis

  • Silver rebounds today after a multi-week sell-off from late December.
  • Brief dip below $22/oz. on Monday, followed by a recovery, currently trading approximately 1.1% higher.
  • The cluster of lows around $20.71 from early October may face renewed pressure.

STOCK MARKET:

S&P 500 Soars to New Highs:

  • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) continues its record-setting rally, surging nearly 0.3% to achieve a new closing high of 4,864.61.
  • Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) also gains momentum, rising 0.4%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) experiences a slight dip of about 0.2% following its breakthrough above 38,000 on Monday.

Sector Performances:

Winners:

  • Consumer Staples (XLP) and Communications Services (XLC) lead gains in the S&P 500.
  • Staples surge over 1%, with notable quarterly results from Procter & Gamble (PG) and Verizon (VZ).

Earnings Impact on Dow:

  • Dow faces a setback as 3M (MMM) drops over 10% due to a 2024 profit outlook below Wall Street’s expectations.

Earnings-Driven Moves:

Positive Outlook Lifts Airlines:

  • United Airlines (UAL) provides an optimistic 2024 profit forecast, boosting its shares by 5%.
  • Positive momentum extends to other airlines, including Delta (DAL) and American Airlines (AAL).

Tech Focus – Netflix (NFLX):

  • Netflix (NFLX) takes the spotlight with earnings reported after the bell.
  • The company announces a deal with TKO Group’s WWE (TKO), impacting TKO shares positively.

Ongoing Developments:

3M (MMM) Earnings Disappointment:

  • Dow affected by a more than 10% drop in 3M (MMM) shares due to a below-expectation 2024 profit outlook.

United Airlines (UAL) Resilience:

  • Despite warnings about the Boeing 737 Max 9 planes’ grounding impact, United Airlines (UAL) shares rise with an upbeat 2024 profit forecast.

Netflix (NFLX) Partnership:

  • Netflix (NFLX) strikes a deal with TKO Group’s WWE (TKO), leading to a nearly 15% rise in TKO shares.

Outlook and Market Dynamics:

  • Earnings in various sectors contribute significantly to market movements.
  • Ongoing focus on corporate America’s health and economic indicators.
  • Continued attention to tech-driven rallies and sector-specific earnings for market insights.

Ready to trade in these dynamic markets? Join VT Markets today and start trading with our Copy Trading Tool – Vtrade.

Dividend Adjustment Notice – January 24, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Netflix’s Record-Breaking Subscribers Propel Tech Stocks, Nasdaq Futures Surge in 2024

After Netflix’s stellar fourth-quarter performance, Nasdaq 100 futures experienced a significant boost in Tuesday evening trading. Fueled by Netflix’s impressive subscriber growth of 13 million, reaching a record 260.8 million, tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures rose by 0.28%, contributing to the broader strength of mega-cap tech stocks and propelling the S&P 500 to record highs. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures showed a more restrained response, Netflix’s positive performance extended beyond subscriber gains, with an 8.6% surge in extended trading. The article delves into the factors driving Netflix’s success and the resilience of tech stocks amid mixed market performances, offering insights into currency market dynamics and the potential impact on various economies, particularly Japan, as they navigate higher rates and potential rate cuts. The narrative also previews upcoming economic data, emphasizing the market’s focus on the European Central Bank meeting, U.S. Q4 GDP, and core PCE readings for further guidance on Fed and dollar pricing.

Stock Market Updates

In the wake of Netflix’s strong fourth-quarter performance, futures linked to the Nasdaq 100 experienced a notable uptick during Tuesday evening trading. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures rose by 0.28%, driven by Netflix’s robust results, which revealed a record-breaking subscriber count of 260.8 million, an increase of over 13 million in the last quarter. The streaming giant’s impressive gains contributed to the broader strength of mega-cap tech stocks in 2024, propelling the S&P 500 to record highs and confirming the onset of a new bull market. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures only edged up by 0.05%, with a marginal increase of 19 points, reflecting a more subdued response possibly influenced by disappointing earnings and guidance from certain blue-chip companies during the main trading session.

Netflix’s positive performance extended beyond subscriber growth, as its shares surged by 8.6% in extended trading. The company not only exceeded revenue expectations but also provided optimistic earnings guidance for the current quarter, surpassing Wall Street forecasts. Analysts attribute Netflix’s success to the strength of its ad-tier business scaling, particularly in the latter part of the previous year, and its efforts to curb password sharing. As traders keep an eye on upcoming economic data, including U.S. manufacturing and services statistics for January and fourth-quarter gross domestic product figures, the broader market dynamics underscore the resilience of tech stocks amid mixed performances in other sectors, as exemplified by the Dow’s slight retreat during the main trading session.

Data by Bloomberg

On Tuesday, the overall market experienced a modest gain of 0.29%. Noteworthy performances were observed in the Consumer Staples (+1.08%), Communication Services (+1.00%), and Information Technology (+0.45%) sectors, contributing positively to the overall uptrend. However, the healthcare sector showed a slight decline with -0.05%, while Industrials (-0.06%), Consumer Discretionary (-0.14%), and Real Estate (-0.51%) sectors exhibited marginal losses, indicating a mixed day for different segments of the market. The Financials (+0.14%), Energy (+0.34%), and Materials (+0.32%) sectors also contributed to the overall positive sentiment with modest gains.

Currency Market Updates

In Tuesday’s currency market updates, the dollar index exhibited a 0.36% increase, recovering from earlier losses spurred by a brief yen rise following a somewhat more hawkish Bank of Japan (BoJ) meeting. The EUR/USD pair broke below key support from the previous week as Treasury yields outpaced bund yields. Despite the BoJ expressing confidence in ending its negative rates policy later in the year and the market leaning towards a 10-basis point June hike to zero, 2-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields only rose to 0.06%. The article highlights how various economies, particularly Japan, can manage higher rates or a gradual retreat from previous rate hikes. The U.S. appears more resilient, having raised rates more than other major central banks, with futures markets not fully pricing in a Federal Reserve rate cut until May.

EUR/USD experienced a 0.45% decline, breaking key technical supports such as the daily cloud top and the 200-day moving average. USD/JPY initially dropped to 146.99 lows in response to the BoJ meeting but found support near the 10-day moving average and 147, leading to a 0.3% increase on the day. The article points out the potential challenge of testing the Ministry of Finance’s desire to prevent the yen from falling below 2022/23 lows at 151.94/92 if U.S. data continues to suggest fewer Fed rate cuts. Meanwhile, sterling fell 0.35%, despite rising Gilt-Treasury yield spreads, and is closely watched ahead of the Bank of England’s meeting on February 1. The focus for the rest of the week includes the European Central Bank meeting, U.S. Q4 GDP, and Friday’s core PCE for further Fed and dollar pricing guidance, with the flash January PMI readings as a key data feature on Wednesday.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Hits Multi-Week Lows as Greenback Gains Strength Amid ECB Caution

On Tuesday, the EUR/USD pair extended its decline, reaching fresh multi-week lows in the 1.0820 zone as the selling bias persisted in the risk complex. The USD Index (DXY) soared to a new yearly high of 103.80, driven by a robust buying bias in the greenback, higher US yields, and an overarching risk-off sentiment. The upcoming ECB event is marked by a growing debate between market participants and rate-setters regarding the timing of potential rate cuts, with President Lagarde hinting at a possible move in the summer. Despite inflation surpassing the ECB target, cautious policymaking in the face of weak economic fundamentals continues to limit the Euro’s potential for strengthening.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Tuesday, the EUR/USD moved lower, able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just above the lower band, suggesting a potential upward movement to reach the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 41, signaling a neutral but bearish outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0890, 1.0954

Support: 1.0814, 1.0745

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD Holds Steady Above $2,020 Amidst Market Volatility and Economic Indicators

Gold (XAU/USD) maintained a tight trading range just above $2,020 per troy ounce on Tuesday, propelled initially by a weakening US Dollar in response to record highs in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average. The precious metal’s rally in the first half of the day was influenced by market optimism regarding a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. However, the USD regained strength later in the day as equities faced losses, driven by caution ahead of earnings reports and concerns about macroeconomic events in the coming days. Despite disappointing US data, gold remained resilient, with attention turning to the Bank of Canada’s upcoming monetary policy decision.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Tuesday, XAU/USD moved higher and was able to reach the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just above the middle band suggesting a potential upward movement to reach the upper band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 50, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,035, $2,052

Support: $2,010, $1,993

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
EURFrench Flash Manufacturing PMI16:1542.5
EURFrench Flash Services PMI16:1546.1
EURGerman Flash Manufacturing PMI16:3043.7
EURGerman Flash Services PMI16:3049.3
GBPFlash Manufacturing PMI17:3046.7
GBPFlash Services PMI17:3053.1
CADBOC Monetary Policy Report22:45 
CADBOC Rate Statement22:45 
CADOvernight Rate22:455.00%
USDFlash Manufacturing PMI22:4547.6
USDFlash Services PMI22:4551.4
CADBOC Press Conference23:30 

Forex Market Analysis: Record Highs in the US and a Prolonged Rout in Chinese Equities 23 Jan 2024

Forex Markets Analysis: 23 Jan 2024

CURRENCIES:

  • The NASDAQ, S&P 500, and Dow Jones have all achieved new record highs, signaling a complete reversal of the recent stock market dip from December to early January.
  • In Japan, the Nikkei 225 has hit a fresh 34-year high, while China’s Hang Seng is experiencing ongoing weakness, attributed to a battle between the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the financial markets.
  • The Fed is attempting to talk down interest rates, but market expectations for rate cuts persist, leading to a positive overall sentiment despite some success in lowering rate cut expectations.
  • A “Fed blackout period” is currently in effect, with no speeches or comments from Fed members expected ahead of the FOMC meeting on January 31st, creating a quieter news period related to the Fed.
  • Turning to the US dollar, it is trading around a 50% retracement level, with the 200-day and 50-day moving averages serving as significant support and resistance levels.
  • The US Core PCE, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, is anticipated to be a major event for the dollar during the week, potentially influencing its performance.
  • In the Eurodollar market, trading within small ranges is supported by the 200-day simple moving average, and upcoming factors such as the German and Eurozone PMIs, along with the ECB monetary policy meeting, could play a crucial role in shaping Eurodollar performance in the coming week.

STOCK MARKET:

  • The ongoing equity rout in China has led to an unprecedented $38 trillion gap between the market capitalization of the US stock market and that of Hong Kong and China combined, setting a new record.
  • Michael Liang, Chief Investment Officer at Foundation Asset Management HK Ltd., notes that while China presents value, the lack of catalysts is hindering its performance, while the US market benefits from momentum and a favorable economy.
  • Global investor sentiment toward China is painted negatively as steep losses continue, contrasting with US stocks that have reached record highs, fueled by a technology rally and optimism about potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
  • Since February 2021, Chinese stocks have witnessed a loss of over $6.3 trillion in market value, while US equities have gained $5.3 trillion over the same period.
  • Doubts over Beijing’s long-term economic agenda and strategic competition with the US are contributing to what started as a performance-driven exodus potentially becoming a structural shift.
  • Bloomberg strategists, including Kumar Gautam, suggest that China’s correction might continue, estimating a 51% probability of the MSCI China Index trading below its peak for an average of 35 months.
  • Despite the prolonged rout, some investors see potential for a technical rebound due to attractive valuations. The MSCI China Index is now 60% cheaper than the US equity benchmark based on earnings-based valuations.
  • The MSCI Inc.’s key gauge for Chinese equities trades at about eight times 12-month forward estimated earnings, significantly lower than the S&P 500 Index’s 20 times.
  • Currently, there is little indication of an end to the challenging start of 2024 for Chinese equities, with a gauge of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong already losing 13%, making it the worst-performing major global benchmark index in less than a month.
  • Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong already losing 13%, making it the worst-performing major global benchmark index in less than a month.

Ready to take your trading to the next level amidst these market dynamics? Explore the cutting-edge capabilities of VT Markets’ MetaTrader 5 platform – your gateway to informed and strategic trading in today’s volatile markets. Start now and experience the difference in your trading journey.

Dividend Adjustment Notice – January 23, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

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