Australian FOREX Daily Outlook 23/09/2009

USD Crumbles ahead of FOMC

CURRENCY TRADING SUMMARY – 23rd September (00:30GMT)

U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) started to fall in Asia and the move accelerated in Europe as the market through caution to the wind and sold the dollar aggressively. New Year Highs were seen on the EURO, CHF and NZD against the Dollar. Traders were caught a little off guard as many thought the trading would be contained ahead of the FOMC announcement. Crude Oil was down $1.84 closing at $91.55. In US Stocks, DJIA +51 points closing at 9829, S&amp P +7 points closing at 1071 and NASDAQ +8 points closing at 2146. Looking ahead, FOMC Announcement widely expected to remain at 0.25% but attention will be given to the Statement and any talk of exit strategies.

The Euro (EUR) rallied from the start of Asia to test 1.4800 in Europe before consolidating gains around the figure. Key resistance is seen at 1.4850-70 and then onto the Key Psychological Level of 1.5000. EUR/GBP fell from fresh year highs above .9080 on a sell recommendation from a prime US investment bank. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.4683 and a high of 1.4843 before closing at 1.4790. Looking ahead, EU September PMI Manufacturing forecast at 49.7 vs. 48.2 previously. Also released, PMI services forecast at 50.5 vs. 49.9.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) gained with broad USD weakness although fresh strength in US stocks helped most the crosses remain in familiar territory. USD/JPY found support at the 91 figure with the outlook remaining very cloudy as last weeks rejection of the 90 level being countered by yesterday’s sharp reversal lower from the 92.50 level. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 90.49 and a high of 92.04 before closing the day around 91.05 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Bank holiday on Wednesday.

The Sterling (GBP) was one of the strongest currencies yesterday as crosses gave some reprieve along with a strong rally in GBP/USD up to the 1.6400 figure in late US trade. Helping lift the struggling pound was the sharp pull back in EUR/GBP and strong rally in Oil. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.6217 and a high of 1.6406 before closing the day at 1.6360 in the New York session. Looking ahead, MPC minutes released from the meeting earlier this month.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) broke to fresh year highs in late US trade as Gold and Oil surged and risk appetite remain very elevated. USD weakness and NZD strength are helping underpin. AUD/NZD is under pressure though with the key 1.2000 level under threat. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.8642 and a high of 0.8789 before closing the US session at 0.8750.

Gold (XAU) gained over $15 an ounce as Gold buyers flooded back into the market after the $1000 test on Monday failed. Overall trading with a low of USD$1004 and high of USD$1019 before ending the New York session at USD$1014 an ounce.

TECHNICAL COMMENTARY

Euro – 1.4810

Initial support at 1.4611 (Sept 21 low) followed by 1.4516 (Sept 14 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.4866 (Sept 22 08 high) followed by 1.4908 (Aug 22 2008 high)

Yen – 90.75

Initial support is located at 90.13 (Sept 16 low) followed by 90.00 (Sept 16 low). Initial resistance is now at 92.53 (Sept 21 high) followed by 93.3 (Sept 7 high).

Pound – 1.6380

Initial support at 1.6135 (Sept 21 low) followed by 1.6114 (Sept 1 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.6568 (Sept 17 high) followed by 1.6742 (Sept 11 high).

Australian Dollar – 0.8770

Initial support at 0.8591 (Sept 21 low) followed by the 0.8529 (Sept 8 low). Initial resistance is now at 0.8875 (Sept 17 high) followed by 0.8814 (Aug 22 ‘ 08 high).

Gold – 1017

Initial support at 995 (Sept 21 low) followed by 982 (Sept 3 low). Initial resistance is now at 1024 (Sept 17 high) followed by 1032 (Mar 18 2008 high).