The Japanese Yen Leads as Global Central Banks Anticipate Cuts!

• Markets watch global central banks confirm their latest rate decision. This week includes Bank of Japan, Federal Reserve and Bank of England.
• Global stocks rose on Monday! The NASDAQ rises 0.67% as major tech-earnings edge nearer.
• Tuesday’s earnings releases include Microsoft, ADM and Starbucks.
• Analysts expect the Fed to ready the markets for their first interest rate cut since 2020.

USA100 – Market Shows A “Risk-On” Appetite Ahead Of Microsoft Earnings!

After a nearly 10% drop in July, the NASDAQ seeks to regain momentum before a major bank decision. This week’s central bank decisions include Bank of Japan, Federal Reserve and Bank of England. Analysts expect the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged but signal to the market that an adjustment will take place in September. However, according to most analysts, the Bank of England is more likely to cut than the Fed if a shock decision is to take place.

The latest price action forms higher highs and lows but continues to remain below the recent high from June 25th. As a result, technical analysts advise a correction is not yet fully signaled. According to fundamentalists, strong earnings data on Tuesday is not likely required to strengthen signals pointing to a full correction.

Tuesday evening will see Microsoft, AMD and Starbucks release their latest earnings reports. The three companies make up more than 10% of the weight of the NASDAQ, hence can trigger strong volatility. Analysts expect Microsoft, the second most influential stock for the NASDAQ, to see earnings remain unchanged from the previous quarter and revenue to rise by $2.58 billion. The stock this year so far has risen 14.70% and $52 below its recent high.

According to fundamental analysts, if the earnings data from Microsoft and AMD beat expectations and the Fed confirms a rate cut in September, the possibility of a correction significantly increases, if not certain. Currently, the market movement indicates a higher risk appetite and sentiment amongst investors. All global indices are trading higher including the DAX, Euro Stoxx 50 and Nikkei225. In addition to this, US bond yields fall as does the VIX. If both continue to fall, the movement will indicate a “risk on” appetite.

GBPJPY – Will the BoE Adjust Interest Rates?

The Japanese Yen has been by far the best performing currency over the past week, increasing in value by 2.50%. The British Pound is also the worst performing currency of the day declining by 0.20%. According to experts, the Bank of England is not likely to cut interest rates at this week’s rate decision but will lay the path down for a rate cut at the next meeting.

Suren Thiru, economics director at the ICAEW, advises he still expects the BoE to lower interest rates to 4.75% by the end of 2024, however, “a rate cut this month is looking less likely”,whereas a Reuters poll found that 80.0% of respondents, expect the UK regulator to cut interest rates in August.  Nonetheless, a shock rate cut or a clear signal for the next rate decision can still pressure the British Pound if the signal is clear enough. Simultaneously, the JPY is benefiting as the only currency to see a strengthening monetary policy while the rest of the world cuts.

If the price drops below 197.077, the breakout can signal a downward price movement for the short term. Whereas a breakout of the 196.790 level will signal a slightly longer-term signal. the most recent support level currently sits at 195.840. In addition to this, on a 2-Hour Timeframe, the exchange rate forms a head and shoulder pattern and trades below most Moving Averages.

Michalis Efthymiou

Market Analyst

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