Market Commentaries

Consumer spending rose in Germany by 1.2% in the first quarter of 2019, German capital investment rose by 1.1%, whilst government spending fell by -0.3% in the same period. The figures painted a healthier backdrop for the German economy, that in Q3 to Q4 threatened to contract into a recession. Overall GDP growth for Q1 […]

It’s often stated that FX markets are random, however, this claim is generally misunderstood. FX markets respond to economic data and calendar releases, they also react to breaking political developments and economic news, not necessarily listed on the economic calendar. This isn’t random behaviour, in fact it’s highly predictable on many levels. For example; if

Japan’s latest import, export and trade balance figures were published in the Sydney-Asian trading session; exports fell by -2.4% year on year up to April, with imports rising by 6.4%, machine orders rose by 3.8% in March. Imports rising in tandem with machine orders, points to Japanese firms gearing up to increase manufacturing and production,

Peruse many of the most popular trading forums and in the sections listed as “trading strategies”, you’ll see thousands of posts, by individual members, who are convinced they’ve discovered a trading edge. Which they’re convinced they can repeatedly use; session after session, day after day, to extract profit from the FX markets. The natural conclusion

After experiencing a relief rally on Monday, based on the Australian general election resulting in no change of government, the Aussie dollar gave back its gains versus its peers, during the Sydney-Asian sessions, after RBA Governor Lowe suggested a rate cut (from the current record low of 1.50%) was likely to be announced, at the

There are several indicators that help FX traders and traders of many other securities, to identify what are referred to as “oversold”, or “overbought” conditions. The most popular indicators for pinpointing the two extremes of market behaviour, are the RSI and the stochastic oscillator. The stochastic indicator is often referred to as “stochastics”, a reference

Election polling firms are often subjected to criticism, based on accusations that their data is weaponised, to create lazy, click bait, journalism. Many firms’ methodology is described as unreliable and doesn’t stand up to robust scrutiny. There is mounting evidence of polls being consistently out of step with sentiment and Australia’s general election over the

The phrase “risk on risk off” is a phrase often used by FX analysts and traders. Also referred to as “RORO”, the concept relates to the prevalent mood and market sentiment. If the overall market sentiment is bullish, it’s described as “risk” on; investors and traders are prepared to take risk and begin placing risk

A combination of: the risk on tone experienced over recent trading sessions, an easing of tariff rhetoric, bullish economic indicators and the Fed’s comments, ensured the USD has remained near two week highs versus the basket of currencies, which make up the DXY, dollar index. The primary reason the dollar rose on Thursday and maintained

Trading educators and analysts often use the phase “trading noise”. It refers to trading in ranging markets, as price is moving sideways, whilst you’re also trying to squeeze profit out of the market, often during times when there’s a general lack of volatility. However, based on the widely held view that FX markets range more