Fundamental Analysis & Market Sentiment

I wrote on 8^th December that the best trade opportunities for the week were likely to be:

The weekly gain of 1.91% equals 0.38% per asset.

Last week’s key takeaways were:

1. US CPI (inflation) – the annualized rate rose from 2.6% to 2.7% as expected.
2. US PPI – this was higher than expected, rising on a 0.2% increase the previous month to 0.4% this month, suggesting inflationary pressures remain. Both these top two items helped to strengthen the US Dollar.
3. European Central Bank Main Refinancing Rate & Monetary Policy Statement – a rate cut of 0.25% was given as expected. The Bank also took a minor dovish tilt on the inflation outlook which helped to weaken the Euro.
4. Reserve Bank of Australia Cash Rate & Rate Statement – the Bank held its Cash Rate steady at 4.35% as expected, but the Bank took a minor dovish tilt by suggesting cuts were on their way in 2025, which helped to weaken the Aussie, although it remains stronger than the New Zealand Dollar with which it is usually strongly correlated.
5. Bank of Canada Overnight Rate & Rate Statement – a rate cut of 0.50% was implemented as expected, which helped send the Canadian Dollar lower to a 4-year low against the US Dollar.
6. Swiss National Bank Policy Rate & Monetary Policy Assessment – a rate cut of 0.25% was implemented as expected.
7. UK GDP – showed a contraction of 0.1% for the second consecutive month, raising fears of a recession in the UK which would surely require serious rate cuts.
8. US Unemployment Claims – this came in slightly higher than expected.
9. Australian Unemployment Rate – this was notably better than expected, falling to 3.9% when 4.2% was expected.

Another noteworthy item are remarks coming from a Bank of Japan official in suggesting that the Bank may pass on a rate hike at its next policy meeting. This could cause considerable weakness in the Japanese Yen.

Last week basically saw a continuation of the ongoing trend theme of a strong US Dollar and stock market, with the tech-based NASDAQ 100 Index rising to reach a new all-time high. It is not a simple “risk on” scenario, the boom is especially centered on US assets.

Last week also saw rate cuts from three major central banks, despite the stickiness of US inflation. Also, the US inflation data came in as expected, and the data triggered a firm rise in US stock markets.

The Week Ahead: 16^th – 20^th December

The coming week has a big schedule with some of the biggest items in the Forex market: a US Fed policy meeting expected to bring a rate cut, and two other central bank policy meetings, although neither is expected to produce a rate cut. This means it will likely be another important week, as it is effectively the last trading week before Christmas when many people will be away from the markets for two weeks or so.

The coming week’s important data points are:

1. US Federal Funds Rate, FOMC Statement & Economic Projections – a rate cut of 0.25% is expected by almost everyone.
2. US Core PCE Price Index – this is the Fed’s preferred inflation indicator, so it can be impactful.
3. US Final GDP – annualized economic growth is expected to remain steady at 2.8%^.
4. Bank of Japan Policy Rate and Monetary Policy Statement – no rate hike is expected.
5. Bank of England Official Bank Rate, Votes, and Monetary Policy Summary
6. US, German, British, French Flash Services & Manufacturing PMI.
7. US Retail Sales
8. UK CPI (inflation)
9. Canadian CPI (inflation)
10. UK Retail Sales
11. Canadian Retail Sales
12. New Zealand GDP
13. US Unemployment Claims
14. UK Unemployment Claims (Claimant Count Change)

Monthly Forecast December 2024

For the month of December, I forecasted that the EUR/USD currency pair would fall in value. The performance of my forecast so far is:

Weekly Forecast 15^th December 2024

Last week, I made no weekly forecast as there were no unusually strong price movements in currency crosses, which is the basis of my trading strategy.

The US Dollar was again the strongest major currency, while the Japanese Yen was the weakest. Volatility fell slightly last week, with only 41% of the most important Forex currency pairs and crosses changing in value by more than 1%.

You can trade these forecasts in a real or demo Forex brokerage account.

Key Support/Resistance Levels for Popular Pairs

Technical Analysis

US Dollar Index

Last week, the US Dollar Index printed a bullish candlestick that continued in the direction of the long-term bullish trend. The recent price action also seems to have retested the upper trend line of the formerly dominant consolidating triangle chart pattern, which can be seen in the price chart below. The price is above its price from three and six months ago, suggesting a healthy long-term bullish trend in the greenback that should be exploitable.

I have plenty of fundamental reasons to be bullish on the US Dollar. However, the upside over the coming week might be limited, so long-term trades long of the USD might be more successful than short-term trades. However, the price action is definitely more bullish than it was last week, and I think we will see another week of gains by the greenback this week.

We will be getting highly important US Core PCE Price Index data and FOMC data on the US economy this week, so technical factors might not be very important, with price action over the second half of this week likely to be more data driven.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin has continued to chop around the $100,000 level over the past week, printing a bullish inside candlestick which failed to make a new record high. Although it can be argued that there are signs that the momentum has stalled or slowed, the price action remains bullish and a breakout over the coming week looks more likely than a significant bearish breakdown to happen.

The strong long-term bullish trend is something worth paying attention to, and it has been given a tailwind by the Republican victory in the recent US elections. The price chart below shows a spectacular long-term bullish trend which has been ongoing for the past two years.

To exploit the bullish breakout which I expect to happen in the safest way possible, I would wait for a new record daily high closing price before entering a new long trade, above $103,647.

EUR/USD

The EUR/USD currency pair is in a valid long-term bearish trend. This currency pair typically takes its time to move, with its trends usually including plenty of deep retracements, but for almost three weeks after plunging to a new long-term low price well below $1.0400, the price consolidated without turning definitively bearish.

The Dollar is relatively strong, while the Euro has been weakened a bit lately by the more dovish approach the European Central Bank took at its policy meeting last week.

This currency pair often has very reliable trends, which is why I am interested in being short, but the price action off the lows over recent weeks has been too bullish for my liking, and we are still some way off the lowest daily close at $1.0414. So, I would wait for a New York close above that price before entering a new short trade here.

NZD/USD

Last week, the NZD/USD currency pair printed a large, strongly bearish candlestick, closing right on its low. It closed at a 2-year low, which is a significant bearish breakdown in any asset.

The Australian Dollar has got a lot of attention lately as it weakened to new long-term lows as the RBA passed on a rate cut, but it is worth noting that the New Zealand Dollar is also very weak, but even more so, making the Kiwi attractive on the short side.

The Kiwi was weakened by last week’s 0.50% strong rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, although it was widely expected.

This currency pair does not trend very reliably, so I don’t take long-term trades in it, but it certainly looks very weak right now.

USD/CAD

Last week, the USD/CAD currency pair printed a bullish candlestick, closing not far from its high although it had some upper wick. It closed at a 4-year high, which is a significant bullish breakdown in any asset. The price action is bullish, no question about that.

The Loonie was weakened by last week’s 0.50% strong rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, although this was widely expected.

This currency pair does not trend very reliably, so I don’t take long-term trades in it, but it certainly looks very strong right now.

The main commodity currencies (CAD, NZD, AUD) are all weak, so it might be that they are best traded as a short basket over the coming week against a stronger currency.

NASDAQ 100 Index

Last week saw the NASDAQ 100 Index print another bullish candlestick to reach and close at a new record high for the second week running. The price closed not far from its high, although the candlestick was small and slightly doji-like, which suggests the trend may be running out of steam. More evidence in that direction is shown by narrowing of the linear regression analysis within the price chart below. However, when the price of a major stock market index is trading in blue sky, that is a bullish sign that must be paid attention to.

US stock markets are leading global equities, which is nothing unusual, boosted by President Trump’s reputation as doing anything to generate economic growth and stock market growth, as well as his recent announcement of his intention to put strong tariffs on imports from Mexico and China.

Maybe more importantly, the US stock market has been in a strong bullish trend for over one year now, so there is plenty of momentum supporting last week’s bullish move.

I see the NASDAQ 100 Index as a buy.

Cocoa Futures

Cocoa futures have been rising powerfully over the past five weeks, especially over the past week which printed a very large, strong, bullish candlestick.

Trading commodities long when they break to new 6-month high prices, especially when there is powerful momentum as there is here, has historically been a very profitable trading strategy, so there are plenty of good reasons to be long here.

During the second half of 2023 and the early months of 2024, the price increased by almost 600%, which is a meteoric rise. This happening so recently suggests that it could happen again, giving even more reason to be long here.

Cocoa is a superfood and is becoming better known for its health-giving properties when used in moderation. This is another factor which is giving the price a tailwind.

I see Cocoa as a buy, but I point out that Cocoa futures are very big, worth approximately $100,000 which is a dangerously large position size for most retail traders. Trading Cocoa CFDs can be dangerous over the long term as overnight swaps will usually be very high. Therefore, I urge retail traders to look into Cocoa ETFs or ETCs such as COCO which own cocoa futures but can be purchased for only a few US Dollars per share.

Bottom Line

I see the best trading opportunities this week as

• Long Bitcoin in USD terms following a daily (New York) close above $103,647.
• Short of the EUR/USD currency pair following a daily (New York) close below $1.0414.
• Long of the NASDAQ 100 Index.
• Long of Cocoa futures or a Cocoa ETF/ETC.

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US Dollar Outlook: EUR/USD

EUR/USD attempts to halt a five-day selloff as it recovers from a fresh monthly low (1.0453), but the exchange rate may struggle to retain the rebound from the yearly low (1.0333) as it continues to carve a series of lower highs and lows.

US Dollar Forecast: EUR/USD Attempts to Halt Five-Day Selloff

EUR/USD may track the negative slope in the 50-Day SMA (1.0697) as it no longer trades within the opening range for December, and the weakness following the US election may persist as the exchange rate holds below the moving average.

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US Economic Calendar

Nevertheless, the Federal Reserve rate decision may sway EUR/USD as the central bank is expected to cut US interest rates by another 25bp at its last meeting for 2024, and more of the same from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) may drag on the US Dollar as Chairman Jerome Powell and Co. pursue a netural stance.

With that said, EUR/USD may trade within the November range should the FOMC stay on track to further unwind its restricitve policy in 2025, but the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) may generate a bullish reaction in the Greenback if the update reveals an upward revision in the interest rate dot-plot.

EUR/USD Chart – Daily

Chart Prepared by David Song, Strategist; EUR/USD on TradingView

• EUR/USD fails to hold within the opening range for December as it carves a series of lower highs and lows, with a break/close below the 1.0448 (2023 low) to 1.0480 (100% Fibonacci extension) zone raising the scope for a move towards 1.0370 (38.2% Fibonacci extension).
• A breach below the yearly low (1.0333) opens up 1.0200 (23.6% Fibonacci retracement), but lack of momentum to break/close below the 1.0448 (2023 low) to 1.0480 (100% Fibonacci extension) zone may keep EUR/USD within the November range.
• Need a close above the 1.0580 (78.6% Fibonacci extension) to 1.0610 (38.2% Fibonacci retracement) region to bring 1.0660 (61.8% Fibonacci extension) back on the radar, with the next area of interest coming in around 1.0710 (50% Fibonacci extension).

Additional Market Outlooks

USD/JPY Stages Five-Day Rally for First Time Since June

Gold Price Forecast: Bullion Remains Below Pre-US Election Prices

Canadian Dollar Forecast: USD/CAD Climbs to Fresh Yearly High

GBP/USD Outlook Hinges on Break of December Opening Range

— Written by David Song, Senior Strategist

Follow on Twitter at @DavidJSong

US Dollar Outlook: EUR/USD

EUR/USD attempts to halt a five-day selloff as it recovers from a fresh monthly low (1.0453), but the exchange rate may struggle to retain the rebound from the yearly low (1.0333) as it continues to carve a series of lower highs and lows.

US Dollar Forecast: EUR/USD Attempts to Halt Five-Day Selloff

EUR/USD may track the negative slope in the 50-Day SMA (1.0697) as it no longer trades within the opening range for December, and the weakness following the US election may persist as the exchange rate holds below the moving average.

Join David Song for the Weekly Fundamental Market Outlook webinar.

David provides a market overview and takes questions in real-time. Register Here

US Economic Calendar

Nevertheless, the Federal Reserve rate decision may sway EUR/USD as the central bank is expected to cut US interest rates by another 25bp at its last meeting for 2024, and more of the same from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) may drag on the US Dollar as Chairman Jerome Powell and Co. pursue a netural stance.

With that said, EUR/USD may trade within the November range should the FOMC stay on track to further unwind its restricitve policy in 2025, but the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) may generate a bullish reaction in the Greenback if the update reveals an upward revision in the interest rate dot-plot.

EUR/USD Chart – Daily

Chart Prepared by David Song, Strategist; EUR/USD on TradingView

• EUR/USD fails to hold within the opening range for December as it carves a series of lower highs and lows, with a break/close below the 1.0448 (2023 low) to 1.0480 (100% Fibonacci extension) zone raising the scope for a move towards 1.0370 (38.2% Fibonacci extension).
• A breach below the yearly low (1.0333) opens up 1.0200 (23.6% Fibonacci retracement), but lack of momentum to break/close below the 1.0448 (2023 low) to 1.0480 (100% Fibonacci extension) zone may keep EUR/USD within the November range.
• Need a close above the 1.0580 (78.6% Fibonacci extension) to 1.0610 (38.2% Fibonacci retracement) region to bring 1.0660 (61.8% Fibonacci extension) back on the radar, with the next area of interest coming in around 1.0710 (50% Fibonacci extension).

Additional Market Outlooks

USD/JPY Stages Five-Day Rally for First Time Since June

Gold Price Forecast: Bullion Remains Below Pre-US Election Prices

Canadian Dollar Forecast: USD/CAD Climbs to Fresh Yearly High

GBP/USD Outlook Hinges on Break of December Opening Range

— Written by David Song, Senior Strategist

Follow on Twitter at @DavidJSong

Created on December 15, 2024

Bearish View

• Sell the EUR/USD pair and set a take-profit at 1.0330.
• Add a stop-loss at 1.0620.
• Timeline: 1-5 days.

Bullish View

• Buy the EUR/USD pair and set a take-profit at 1.0650.
• Add a stop-loss at 1.0330.

The EUR/USD notched a second weekly decline in a row after the European Central Bank (ECB) slashed interest rates and the US published the November inflation data on Wednesday. The pair ended the week at 1.0502, 6.2% below the year-to-date high of 1.1215.

Federal Reserve Decision Ahead

The EUR/USD exchange rate was in the spotlight after the US reported strong inflation data that met analysts estimates. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 2.4% to 2.6%, while the core CPI remained at 3.3%.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the ECB decided to slash interest rates for the fourth time, bringing the cumulative cuts this year to 1%. The Christine Lagarde-led bank also hinted that it will continue cutting them next year.

The ECB is contending with a major deterioration of the economy as key countries like Germany and France struggle. France’s 10-year bond yields rose to 3.05%, the highest level since November 27, while the German 10-year bond yields jumped to 2.25%.

These yields have risen as economic risks in the countries rise amid persistent budget deficits.

The main catalyst for the EUR/USD this week will be the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision on Wednesday. Economists expect the central bank to deliver the third rate cut of the year. If this happens, it will bring the band to between 4.25% and 4.50%.

The Fed is cutting rates primarily because of the labor market, which has shown signs of softening this year. For example, the unemployment rate has risen to 4.2%, while the labor participation rate has dropped.

EUR/USD Weekly Forecast

The weekly chart shows that the EUR/USD pair has been under pressure in the past few weeks. It has dropped and is sitting near the key support level at 1.0446, its lowest point in October last year.

The 50-week and 25-week moving averages have formed a bearish crossover pattern, pointing to more downside. Also, it has formed a bearish flag chart pattern, which is made up of a vertical line and a rectangle pattern.

Therefore, the pair will likely have a strong bearish breakdown, with the next reference level to watch being at 1.0333, its lowest point in November. A break below that level will point to more downside, potentially to 1.0300. A move above the psychological point at 1.0600 will invalidate the bearish view.

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December 15, 2024 – Written by Frank Davies

STORY LINK Pound to Euro Rate Forecast for Week Ahead: Make or Break for Sterling Rates

Goldman Sachs forecasts that the Pound to Euro exchange rate (GBP/EUR) will strengthen to 1.2660 at the end of 2025.

SocGen expects near-term GBP/EUR gains before a steady retreat to 1.1765 by the end of 2025.

GBP/EUR hit a 33-month high at 1.2150 during the week before a sharp retreat to 1.2025.

The ECB cut interest rates by 25 basis points, but this had been priced in and ECB rhetoric was not as dovish as expected.

SocGen notes tough resistance at 1.2200 and, technically, a break above this level could see gains to 1.2285 and 1.2500.

The sharp retreat from 1.2150 will provide some reassurance to Pound bears.

ING noted EUR/GBP support at 0.8200; “Below there, we will all be discussing this pair returning to levels last seen on the day of the Brexit vote in 2016. We think this trend is primarily being driven by the BoE versus ECB story. But warmer relations between the UK and the EU can’t hurt. Equally, the eurozone’s fiscal straitjacket should mean the UK economy does outperform in 2025.”

Nevertheless, ING does not expect sustained GBP/EUR gains through 1.2200.

SocGen notes European vulnerability. According to the bank; “We are in a period of exceptional pessimism about the economic and political outlook in Europe. We are tempted to conclude that it cannot easily get much worse, but it isn’t obvious what will make the outlook improve in the near term either.”

Despite economic vulnerability, SocGen does expect the ECB will be relatively cautious over interest rate cuts. It sees the deposit rate at 2.5% at the end of 2025 from 3.00% now, limiting potential Euro selling.

MUFG also sees ECB expectations as overdone; “The futures market currently implies the ECB cutting the key policy rate by around 160bps – we see this as excessive given the inflationary risks that could emerge in an escalation of a trade war.”

HSBC expects a firm Pound tone; “the Brexit grip on GBP has faded, and it means EUR-GBP depends much less now on domestic British politics and more on factors that shape relative growth and inflation outlooks. On this basis, although the US leaves the UK economy in the shade, we think the Eurozone faces greater challenges.”

It added; “Political uncertainty in core Europe is part of our rationale for EUR-GBP weakness, as it may limit the scope for political leaders to alleviate the Eurozone’s growth inertia.”

Political and economic developments will be important with major tensions in Germany and France.

Germany will hold elections in the new year.

MUFG sees scope for positive developments; “Political developments in Germany could potentially turn to a EUR positive development in 2025. Friedrich Merz as Chancellor could bring about much needed impetus for economic policies to boost growth. The CDU-CSU look set to lead a new coalition government and a suspension of the fiscal break would be a welcome development.”

ING expects faster BoE rate cuts will eventually sap Pound support; “The reason we are not more bearish EUR/GBP in our forecasts is that we think the BoE will crumble around February and open up to a more aggressive easing cycle. However, the risks to our [EUR/GBP] forecasts are clearly on the downside.”

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TAGS: Currency Predictions Pound Euro Forecasts

• GBP/USD forecast leans bearish as traders eye central bank meetings and UK macro data
• Key focus on BoE and FOMC rate decisions this week, particular about their forward guidance
• Key levels to watch: 1.25 support and 1.28 resistance

Friday’s weak UK data saw GBP/USD slide towards the 1.26 handle, as EUR/GBP rebounded sharply from 0.82 to above 0.83, ending the week in positive territory. This recovery in EUR/GBP also supported EUR/USD, which climbed back to $1.05 ahead of a pivotal week for global central bank decisions. Investors anticipate what could be the final burst of volatility in 2024, with the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and other major central banks unveiling their monetary policy plans for the upcoming year. The GBP/USD forecast remains bearish in this high-stakes environment.

US Dollar Strength Ahead of Potential Hawkish FOMC Cut

Last week’s US CPI data met expectations, but a hotter-than-anticipated PPI raised concerns. Nonetheless, markets are confident in a 25-basis-point rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s final meeting of the year on Wednesday. With this move almost fully priced in, the focus will be on the Fed’ forward guidance.

The critical question is whether the Fed will pause its rate-cutting cycle in early 2025 or continue trimming at 25-basis-point intervals. Jerome Powell’s recent comments, highlighting reduced labour market risks but persistent inflation, have led to speculation of a “hawkish cut”. Traders will scrutinise Powell’s remarks at the post-meeting press conference and the updated economic projections, which could significantly influence sentiment.

President-elect Trump’s fiscal agenda next year could steer the Fed towards a more measured easing trajectory through 2025. Such policies would likely keep the US dollar supported, reinforcing a bearish GBP/USD forecast.

BoE Rate Decision Looms Large for GBP/USD Forecast

While the Federal Reserve takes centre stage midweek, the BoE’s Thursday decision could be equally critical for GBP/USD. Following last week’s weak UK GDP and other soft macro data, markets widely expect the BoE to cut rates by 25 basis points to 4.50%. Monday’s Global and UK PMIs, Tuesday’s wage data, and Wednesday’s CPI figures will further inform the central bank’s outlook.

The BoE’s tone will be pivotal. A dovish cut, emphasising ongoing risks to growth, could weigh heavily on the pound, while any hints of caution in easing policy could provide some support. With both the Fed and BoE decisions landing within 24 hours, GBP/USD volatility is virtually guaranteed.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

Source: TradingView.com

Technically, the GBP/USD forecast tilts bearish after last week’s failure to hold above the 1.28 resistance zone. The pair’s retreat below 1.2715/20 has opened the door to further downside, with immediate support seen around the 1.26 level. A decisive break below this point could trigger a retest of the bullish trend line near 1.25, a psychologically significant area where the cable found support in November after briefly dipping to 1.2487.

On the upside, resistance lies in the 1.2800–1.2870 range, which aligns with the 200-day moving average and previous support levels. Any recovery in GBP/USD would need to clear this zone to signal a shift in momentum.

Summary

The GBP/USD forecast remains bearish as traders brace for a critical week dominated by central bank decisions. While a hawkish Fed cut is expected to keep the dollar strong, the BoE’s dovish tilt could further pressure the pound. Key data releases earlier in the week will shape expectations, adding to the volatility.

— Written by Fawad Razaqzada, Market Analyst

Follow Fawad on Twitter @Trader_F_R

Created on December 13, 2024

• During my daily analysis of the major currency pairs around the world, the USD/JPY pair continues to be one that I am watching very closely.
• After all, the market is one that has a lot of external pressures, due to the central banks and their divergence of monetary policy.
• On one hand, he of the Bank of Japan which is seemingly powerless to do anything too tight monetary policy, and on the other hand you have the Federal Reserve which will more likely than not cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week but will remain still after that.

Technical Analysis

The technical analysis for this USD/JPY pair is somewhat bullish, after what has been a base building exercise near the ¥150 level. This is an area that of course will attract a lot of attention, and the fact that the 200 Day EMA is sitting right there has a lot to bring to the table as well. This is a market that has recently been very noisy, as the dreams of a tightening central bank in Tokyo came and went. Because of this, I pay close attention to the 50 Day EMA as a potential support level. Just above current trading, we have the ¥153 level offering resistance. A break above that opens up the possibility of a move to the ¥156 level.

The alternate scenario would be that we break down but it’s really not until we get to the ¥148.50 level that you can make that argument, and even then, I would be a bit hesitant whether or not I should be shorting. The market remains very noisy, and of course the interest rate differential continues to favor the United States, and in that environment all things being equal, we continue to go higher over the longer term.

I look at the recent pullback as more likely than not just the market catching its breath after the spectacular run from ¥140 to the ¥156 region. A pullback to the ¥150 region was an out of bounds per se, and we are starting to see traders come in and take advantage of “cheap US dollars.” As things stand right now, I expect to see more of this in the future.

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• US consumer price pressures accelerated in November.

• Data this week solidified bets for a December Fed rate cut.

• The likelihood of a December BoJ rate hike fell.

The USD/JPY weekly forecast suggests continued dollar strength as markets price a more gradual Fed next year.

Ups and downs of USD/JPY

The USD/JPY pair had a bullish week as the dollar soared on expectations of a very gradual Fed rate-cutting cycle in 2025. Data from the US on inflation this week revealed that price pressures accelerated in November. However, since the CPI came in line with expectations, it solidified bets for a December Fed rate cut. Nevertheless, markets lowered expectations for rate cuts in 2025, boosting the US dollar. 

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At the same time, the likelihood of a December BoJ rate hike fell as Japan’s economy remained fragile.

Next week’s key events for USD/JPY

Next week, traders will watch the US retail sales report, the FOMC policy meeting, and the US GDP report. Meanwhile, in Japan, the BoJ will hold its policy meeting on Thursday. 

The US sale report will come before the FOMC meeting. Therefore, the outcome will likely shape bets for the Wednesday policy meeting. Markets expect the Fed to cut interest rates by 25-bps. However, the focus will be on the messaging for future moves. 

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan might keep rates unchanged. However, traders will also watch the messaging to gauge the likely timing for the next rate hike. 

USD/JPY weekly technical forecast: Bulls return with sights on the 156.53 resistance

On the technical side, the USD/JPY price has broken above the 22-SMA, a sign that bulls are back in control. At the same time, the RSI has broken above 50 and now trades in bullish territory. Therefore, there has been a shift in sentiment to bullish. 

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The price was trading in a strong uptrend before pausing near the 156.53 resistance level. Here, bears resurfaced to reverse the trend by breaking below the 22-SMA. However, the decline met a solid support zone comprising the 149.02 key level and the 0.382 Fib retracement level. Here, bulls returned with renewed strength, pushing the price back above the 22-SMA. 

Next week, USD/JPY will likely target the 156.53 resistance level. A break above this level would confirm a continuation of the bullish trend. Moreover, it will allow bulls to reach the 160.02 key level.

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• US inflation data showed an increase in price pressures in November.

• Market participants scaled back expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025.

• Traders expect policy meetings in the UK and the US.

The GBP/USD weekly forecast indicates a decline in 2025 Fed rate cut expectations, which is supporting the greenback.

Ups and downs of GBP/USD

The GBP/USD pair had a bearish week as the dollar soared on rate-cut expectations and the pound fell due to downbeat economic data. Notably, markets absorbed US inflation data showing an increase in price pressures that was in line with estimates. The report also showed that inflation had stalled its progress to the 2% target. As a result, market participants scaled back expectations for rate cuts in 2025, boosting the dollar.

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Meanwhile, the UK released data showing an unexpected 0.1% contraction in the economy, further weighing on the pair. 

Next week’s key events for GBP/USD 

Next week will be a busy week for the pound with policy meetings in the UK and the US. At the same time, traders will watch data from the UK, including manufacturing business activity, employment, inflation, and sales. Meanwhile, the US will release figures on GDP and retail sales. 

Markets are almost fully pricing a Fed rate cut on Wednesday. Therefore, data next week might have little impact on rate cut expectations. However, the report might shape the outlook for 2025. Moreover, market participants will watch policymakers’ tone on future rate cuts.

On the other hand, UK data, especially inflation, might play a big role in shaping the outlook for the Bank of England meeting. Nevertheless, markets expect a pause.

GBP/USD weekly technical forecast: Bears resurface after false breakout

On the technical side, the GBP/USD price trades below the 22-SMA with the RSI under 50, suggesting a bearish bias. The price has been on a downtrend, making lower highs and lows. However, bulls have made several attempts to break above the SMA without success.

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In the most recent attempt, the price broke above the 22-SMA and its resistance trendline. However, price action showed weakness when the price reached the 1.2800 resistance level. 

Furthermore, bears returned with strong enthusiasm to push the price back below the trendline and the SMA. As a result, the price made a false breakout. However, bears seem ready to continue the downtrend. To do this, the price must break below the 1.2500 support to make a lower low. 

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