Australian FOREX Daily Outlook 4/03/2008

USD trades a fresh record lows. Reserve Bank of Australia to hike by 25bps

CURRENCY TRADING SUMMARY – 04 MARCH 2008 (00:30GMT)

·U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) was subject to an extremely volatile session on Monday trading at fresh record lows versus a number of majors, before pairing those losses. The initial moves against the dollar were largely attributed to traders adding to bets that the Federal Reserve will look to cut rates by 50 bps on March 18. On the data front, ISM manufacturing came in slightly better then expectations at 48.3 (Forecast: 48). In U.S. share markets, the NASDAQ was up by 7.93 points (+0.09%) whilst the Dow Jones fell slightly by -7.49 points (-0.06%). Crude oil rose by US$0.56 a barrel to US$102.40, having earlier hit a record high of US$103.95. Looking ahead, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is scheduled to talk on mortgage foreclosures at 1400 GMT.

·The Euro (EUR) traded at a fresh record high during the session, before comments made by Luxembourg Prime and Finance Minister Jean Claude Juncker said he was becoming “increasingly concerned” about the Euro’s recent rally, which ceased any further upside moves. Overall the EURUSD traded with a low of 1.5158 and a high of 1.5275 before closing the day at 1.5205 in the New York session. Looking ahead, key growth data in the form of GDP is scheduled for release on Tuesday as well as PPI figures for the fourth quarter and the month of January respectively.

·The Japanese Yen (JPY) traded at it strongest level in 3 year versus the USD, breaking below key 103.00 levels. Fear of recession in the US sent Asian stock markets lower which prompt carry trade unwinding and boosted the Yen. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 102.62 and a high of 103.70 before closing the day at 103.21 in the New York session.

·The Sterling (GBP) was range bound trading sideways for much of the session, GBPUSD traded with a low of 1.9810 and a high of 1.9935 before closing the day at 1.9846 in the New York session.

·The Australian Dollar (AUD) rose from for Asian session lows, as major Asian equity markets heading into the red ensured the AUD remained pressured as a high yielding currency. Overall the AUDUSD traded with a low of 0.9300 and a high of 0.9420 before closing the day at 0.9397 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Retail Sales for the month of January are released today whilst the RBA is widely expected to increase rates by 0.25%, leaving the borrowing rate at 7.25%. UPDATE: Aussie Retail Sales for the month of January seen well below expectations of 0.0% (Forecast: 0.4% Prior: 0.5%)

·Gold (XAU) rose to new records but later gave back its intra-day gains, as US recession and surging oil price above 103 continue to boost the metal serving as inflation hedge. XAU traded with a low of 975.65 and a high of 989.35

TECHNICAL COMMENTARY

·Euro – 1.5200

Initial support at 1.5074 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.4971 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now located at 1.5275 (Mar 3 high) followed by 1.5304 (1.4311 plus 0.618 of 1.3361 to 1.4967).

·Yen – 103.30

Initial support is located at 102.61 (Mar 3 low) followed by 101.67 (Jan 1995 reaction low). Initial resistance is now at 104.97 (Jan 23 high) followed by 105.59 (Feb 29 high)

·Pound – 1.9845

Initial support at 1.9763 (Feb 28 low) followed by 1.9644 (Feb 22 low). Initial resistance is now at 1.9975 (Feb 27 high) followed by 2.0000 (Round Number)

·Australian Dollar – 0.9375

Initial support a 0.9266 (23.6% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance) followed by 0.9122 (38.2% retracement of the 0.8513 to 0.9499 advance). Initial resistance is now at 0.9499 (Feb 28 high) followed by 0.9555 (Open + Last week range * 1.618)

·Gold – 976.10

Initial support at 953.48 (Feb 28 low) followed by 949.00 (Feb 27 low). Initial resistance is now at 985.00 (Mar 3 high and bull channel resistance) followed by 1000.00 (Round Number)