Safer Havens Creep Back Into Favour

 | Sep 15, 2014 08:53

h3 Market Overview

The bears appear to be starting the new week in control. This comes as several key fundamental events, such as the latest Fed meeting and the Scottish vote on independence approach in the next few days, whilst the cracks are beginning to appear in the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. There is just a sense that safer haven assets are beginning to edge back into favour, with the Japanese yen hinting at some support and gold also off its lows in early trading.

Furthermore, the disappointing close on Wall Street on Friday has filtered through to today’s trading in Asia which also shows weakness across the board. The sentiment was not helped as Chinese industrial output missed expectations and fell to the lowest level since 2008. The weakness has meant that European trading has begun the day under pressure.

Forex trading also reflects a sign of more concern in the markets. Although the Dollar is showing strength today across many of the major currencies, the fact that it is weaker again the yen (and also gold) suggests that risk sentiment is not especially strong today.

The only major piece of data that will be released today is the US Industrial Production which is announced at 14:15BST. The expectation is for 0.3% for the month of August, whilst the capacity utilization (which the Federal Reserve keeps an eye on) is expected to improve very slightly to 79.3 (previously 79.2).

h3 Chart of the Day –EUR/JPY/h3

After 5 strong days of gains, the prospect of a correction is growing. However it could just be a near term move that gives another chance to buy. The sustained move above 138.00 has been key as this has been the resistance for almost two months. This now means that Euro/Yen is in a transition phase and it is a test of credentials of the bulls.

If there can be a new basis of support formed above 138.00 then the outlook will have suggested a sustained improvement and that the newly positive configuration on the momentum indicators is not just blip. The intraday hourly chart shows support around 138.50 too. If the bulls can regain control and push above the key July reaction high at 139.27 then it would re-open the upside towards 140.00 which is the major medium term resistance.