This morning the Australian dollar is dropping sharply, with a general ‘risk off’ feel to the morning session.

The Aussie is being hit by the release of the RBA rate statement which warned of lower inflation and by implication, further rate cuts.

The other main catalyst this morning is the uncertainty surrounding the Greek debt deal.

While Greek authorities were quick to trumpet the deal as being done, European authorities still appear unimpressed. Officials still appear confident that a deal will be done, but spread trading markets are evidently not so sure.

The AUD/USD and AUD/JPY are leading the fallers, down 0.89% and 0.95% respectively.

The NZD/USD is not far behind, down 0.60%.

By contrast the euro itself is down only slightly on the day.

Gold is under pressure, dropping 0.52% as the pressure metal failed its latest attempt to push through the $1750 level.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have UK PPI input at 09.30 with a small gain expected.

US and Canadian trade balance figures follow at 13.30.

The Prelim University of Michigan Consumer sentiment survey follows at 14.55.

Fed chairman Bernanke speaks at 17.30.

AUD/USD Trading Idea

It is hard to know whether the latest Greek impasse will pass quickly or not. Greece doesn’t have many hands to play other than the nuclear option of leaving the euro.

While this might ultimately be the best solution, it seems the Greek deal is more likely to pass than not.

While this latest problem may not be directly behind the morning’s Aussie dollar decline, the AUD/USD likely to feel the indirect benefits of any improved trading sentiment.

The AUD/USD is unlikely to stay where it is for the rest of the day, but the balance of power might be slightly skewed to more upside.

A way to trade this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the AUD/USD closes above 1.0750 in 3 days time (Monday) for a potential return of 200%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

There were a lot of economic news items to wade through yesterday, not to mention the latest news from Greece.

On the latter, it appeared a deal had finally been reached, but after building up a head of steam already, the euro did not advance by much yesterday afternoon.

Dollar pairs were generally quiet, possibly as a function of better than expected US unemployment claims cancelling out any moves in the other direction.

The biggest action came from the yen pairs with the USD/JPY extending its rally to trade up 0.56% on the day.

This was good news for the EUR/JPY which was up 0.84% and the AUD/JPY which extended its recent rally, up 0.64% on the day.

The gold spread betting market also benefited from an indifferent dollar session, rallying 0.85% on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning’s main mover is the Japanese yen which is falling back for the fifth day in a row.

The USD/JPY is up 0.26% with other yen pairs such as the EUR/JPY and AUD/JPY up by 0.45%.

The euro continues to hint at expectations for a positive outcome for the Greek debt negotiations, though today’s gains are small and could be reversed with one headline.

Looking at other dollar pairs, the NZD/USD is up 0.18% this morning, but has remained remarkably range bound for much of February.

Trading Today

The UK comes under focus today with a string of economic data points.

This starts with manufacturing production and trade balance at 09.30. Improved readings are expected for both.

At 12.00 we have the latest interest statement with no change expected. The big speculation surrounds the increase in quantitative easing which many are now expecting.

The ECB rate statement follows with no change again expected at 12.45, though the press conference could once gain make for interesting listening.

At 15.00, we have the latest UK GDP estimates.

NZD/USD Trading Idea

The NZD/USD FX spread betting market has halted its strong run up seen in January, trading in a tight range since the 1st of Feb. This is relatively unusual for a strong trend following pair, which presents an opportunity.

An IN/OUT trade predicting that the NZD/USD will close outside of either 0.8275 or 0.8425 in 1 days time could return 155% if successful.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon, risk appetite waned on uncertainty surrounding the ECB’s exact contribution/liabilities with regard to the Greek bailout.

The euro was relatively unchanged on the day, but there was certainly more of a ‘risk off’ mentality throughout the day with the NZD/USD reversing early gains to trade down 0.24% on the day.

The British pound was the biggest mover on talk that the Bank of England’s latest minutes will show that the printing presses are about to be opened again.

The GBP/USD was down 0.45% with the EUR/GBP down 0.53%.

Elsewhere in gold spread betting, gold was off by 0.60% as the dollar gains the upper hand.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning the higher yielding currencies of the Australian and New Zealand dollar are leading FX trading markets higher.

Confidence appears to be returning slowly with US stock markets last night closing at six month highs.

The AUD/USD is up 0.27% with the NZD/USD up 0.31%.

The yen pairs are seeing the biggest movement though with the yen backing off again this morning following worse than expected Japanese economic sentiment.

The USD/JPY is up above 77.00 once again, with the AUD/JPY rallying 0.70%.

The euro is lagging slightly, but the EUR/JPY is still up 0.56% on the day.

Gold is also continuing to rebound after Friday’s slump, trading just shy of the $1750 level.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have Canadian housing starts at 13.15.

US crude inventories follow at 15.30 with FOMC member Williams speaking at 15.40.

EUR/USD Trading Idea

The EUR/USD rallied sharply yesterday on expectations to the latest Greek debt negotiations.

However, the euro crisis has shown time and again that nothing is as straight forward as it seems with one hurdle cleared only for the next problem to appear on the horizon.

The EUR/USD has also been a good counter trend currency over the last 12 months, so there could be some potential for downside here. A LOWER trade predicting that the EUR/USD closes below 1.3200 in 1 days time could return 144%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

The euro rallied heavily yesterday afternoon on growing expectations that a deal would be done on the latest Greek bailout.

Many reliable sources suggested that major negotiating points such as reducing the minimum wage have been agreed upon.

While this is welcome, there is no doubt this is not the end of Greece’s problems.

It is best seen as having cleared the latest hurdle, with more hurdles to come.

The EUR/USD was up 1.01% with the EUR/JPY up 1.44% and the EUR/GBP up 0.55%.

The yen backed off further, with the USD/JPY up 0.43%. This helped the AUD/JPY to push higher, with the pair up 1.20% on the day.

Gold spread betting markets reversed their early weakness on the back of the Greek optimism and traded up 1.56% on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning the Australian dollar is rallying after a surprise move by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep interest rates on hold.

Most analysts had expected the central bank to cut to 4.00%, but instead, they have opted to keep rates steady at 4.25%. The decision has pushed the AUD/JPY up by 0.89%, with the AUD/USD up by 0.73%.

The NZD/USD is riding on the Aussie’s coat tails, up 0.30% this morning.

The yen is slipping back, helping to push yen pairs higher generally with the USD/JPY up 0.15%.

The euro is fairly steady despite the Greek deadlock with the EUR/USD recovering well off the lows yesterday.

In gold spread betting, the metal is capitalising on the dollar’s relative weakness to rally 0.32% this morning.

Trading Today

Today we have German industrial production figures at 11.00 with a small drop expected.

Canadian building permits follow at 13.30 with a small gain on the cards.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has his regular testimony before congress at 15.00.

GBP/JPY Trading Idea

Today’s rate hike from the RBA puts the AUD/JPY within sight of the tricky 83.00 level. If it can break this, there is clear daylight overhead.

The 2 period RSI is currently above 80 which has been a good buy signal for the AUD/JPY in particular since 2011 unlike other currencies where the opposite is true.

A way to trade this situation might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the AUD/JPY closes higher than 83.50 in 5 days time for a potential return of 232% if successful.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

The war of words over Greece appears to have had some impact with forex spread betting markets seemingly giving the euro the benefit of the doubt.

The single currency was still down around 0.15% against the US dollar on the day, but this was well off the day’s lows which saw it down around 0.80% at one stage.

The dollar generally gave back the morning’s gains with the NZD/USD down just 0.25%.

The pound continued to show relative strength thanks to the morning’s better than expected housing data. The GBP/USD was actually up for the day slightly with the GBP/JPY showing a similar pattern.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

It certainly feels like Groundhog Day with the Greek debt talks reaching a deadlock once again over the weekend.

Once again we are re-assured that things will be sorted in the next few days and once again spread betting markets appear to be giving the negotiations the benefit of some doubt.

The euro is trading lower this morning, but there is not an all out collapse that one might expect if Greek negotiations were really to fail.

This either implies that FX spread betting markets expect a deal to be done at some point, or that a Greek debt default is already priced in.

The latter scenario is especially dangerous, because as the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy showed financial markets are not as efficient as some would lead us to believe.

The EUR/USD is down 0.64% with the EUR/JPY down 0.55% and the EUR/GBP down 0.38%.

The US dollar is having a good day across the board with commodity currencies dropping off following disappointing UK retail sales. The AUD/USD is down 0.51% with the NZD/USD down 0.65%.

The pound is showing signs of relative strength though after Halifax House Price figures came in ahead of estimates. The GBP/USD is down just 0.25%.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have European Sentix Investor confidence at 09.30 followed by German factory orders at 11.00.

Canadian Ivey PMI follows at 15.00 with a drop expected.

EUR/USD Trading Idea

The Greek debt talks once again in deadlock, the EUR/USD once again has become stuck in a range between 1.3200 and above 1.3000.

With the month’s big US jobs announcement out of the way, there could be a chance of the pair breaking this range in the next few days.

A way to trade this might be an IN/OUT trade predicting that the EUR/USD closes outside of either 1.3250 or 1.2850 in 2 days time for a potential return of 264%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning, spread betting markets are generally quiet with a slight negative bias ahead of today’s big US jobs data.

Analysts are predicting a relatively big drop in US payroll activity from 200k to 150k, but as ever it will be any big deviations from this number that determine the trade flow for the remainder of the day.

Yesterday’s big mover, the New Zealand dollar is the morning’s worst performer, with the NZD/USD down 0.30%.

Other than this, there isn’t too much movement to speak of, though it is worth noting the relative strength shown by the EUR/GBP so far this morning.

Trading Today

In addition to Non Farm Payrolls at 13.30, we also have US unemployment rate numbers at 8.5%, followed by ISM Non Manufacturing PMI.

Prior to this we have UK services PMI at 09.30 with a slight drop expected.

Canadian employment change is also released at 12.00 with a slight increase expected.

GBP/JPY Trading Idea

The GBP/JPY has been under pressure since April 2011, but there are signs of stabilisation, especially considering the yen’s proximity to record lows.

A way to trade this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the GBP/JPY closes above 123.00 in 56 days (March 30th) for a potential return of 203%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

It was a mixed day yesterday with the US dollar index generally making gains on the session, though this was far from being true for all pairings.

The key US economic announcements for the day came in better than expected with US unemployment claims coming in below estimates.

The British pound showed relative weakness with the GBP/USD down 0.17% and the GBP/JPY down 0.26%. This came after worse than expected UK construction PMI data.

The euro was mixed through the day as Greek deal rumours circulate.

The New Zealand dollar continued to be the go to currency of the moment though, continuing its excellent run of late.

In gold spread betting, the metal also showed few signs of pegging back, with a 0.65% rally on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

Markets are cementing yesterday’s general rally with small gains or consolidation this morning.

There is not much movement to speak of thus far, but spread betting markets will no doubt be happy that yesterday’s gains haven’t been immediately erased.

The Australian and New Zealand dollar were up around 0.25% in early trading but have been pegged back as we enter the European open and are now flat on the day.

The NZD/USD is still sitting firmly above the 0.8300 level.

The EUR/USD is on the back foot somewhat with this pressure increasing as European traders get to their desks. Unlike the AUD/USD, the January high is yet to be breached.

Gold is trading 0.25% higher and just shy of $1750.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have UK construction PMI due at 09.30 with a reduced reading expected.

We then have US unemployment claims following at 13.30 with a slight drop on the cards.

Fed chairman Ben Bernanke testifies before congress at 15.00.

USD/JPY Trading Idea

The yen’s recent strength will no doubt be testing the Bank of Japan’s patience, with the USD/JPY within sight of its all time low around 75.50.

With the 76.00 recently acting as support, now could be a time for a HIGHER trade on the USD/JPY.
A way to trade this might be a HIGHER trade predicting that the USD/JPY closes above 76.50 in 7 days time for a potential return of 177%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning markets are being buffeted by cross winds.

One big positive has been the better than expected Chinese Manufacturing PMI.

The negatives include worse than expected Australian house price figures and the not entirely surprising news that the Greek bailout negotiations are dragging on.

In forex spread betting, the New Zealand dollar has been hardest hit with the NZD/USD down 0.20%, though the pair is well off the morning lows.

The pound and euro are both down around 0.15% against the US dollar and around 0.2% against the yen.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have UK Manufacturing PMI due at 09.30 with a small drop expected.

At 13.15 we have the month’s first major announcement with US ADP Payrolls expected to show a decrease on last month.

ISM manufacturing PMI follows at 15.00 with an increased expected.

EUR/USD Trading Idea

The medium and long term prognosis for the euro is still murky, but on a pure technical basis, the EUR/USD could be ready for a bounce here after two days of pressure.

Through 2011, the EUR/USD a pair to trade pullbacks and today could present such an opportunity.

A HIGHER trade predicting that the EUR/USD closes above 1.3125 in 1 days time could return 140%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

The euro lagged far behind its peers yesterday with the distance increasing through the afternoon session.

The main catalyst had been the lack of progress from Greece and a stubbornly high European unemployment rate.

The EUR/USD was down 0.61%, but the EUR/GBP showed the relative weakness best, down 0.86%.

US data was little better, with the main US house price index, Chicago PMI and CB Consumer confidence all falling more than expected.

This was actually good news for the US dollar which moved off the day’s lows. The USD/CAD rose above parity once again while in gold spread betting, the precious metal lost $15 from the day’s highs.

The NZD/USD held up well though, up 0.80% on the day.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning traders are taking heart from the relatively peaceful European summit with legally binding agreements over national budgets.

Benefit of the doubt is also being given to Greece as its PM provided strong hints that a debt deal is imminent.

This no doubt provides much frustration to the army of hedge fund managers who have been betting on the euro’s demise. The EUR/USD is now well above the January lows and up 0.32% today.

The biggest gainers this morning have been the commodity currencies, with the NZD/USD leading the pack at +0.90% and the AUD/USD not far behind at +0.60%. The Canadian dollar is lagging slightly, but it first has to overcome the tricky parity (1.0000) level.

The yen continues to out perform, putting further pressure on the US dollar.

This is helping gold spread betting markets push to new 2012 highs, with the precious metal up 0.82% on the day.

Trading Today

Coming up today we have a raft of Economic data points, starting with UK net lending to individuals at 09.30.

The European unemployment rate follows at 10.00.

Canadian GDP arrives at 13.30 with a slight increase of 0.2% on the cards.

US S&P Case-Schiller house prices are released at 14.00 with Chicago PMI due at 14.45.

CB consumer confidence numbers follow at 15.00.

Gold Trading Idea

Gold has enjoyed a strong 2012 thus far, lifting strongly off the late 2011 lows to rally nearly $200 in around 30 days. Although nowhere near the 2011 highs, gold is approaching the point where it has moved to far too quickly. If its not there right now it may not be too far off.

A way to trade this might be a LOWER trade predicting that gold closes below $1725 in 7 days time for a potential return of 159%.

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Yesterday Afternoon

Throughout yesterday, the euro was under increasing pressure as markets lost patience with talk of a Greek deal being ‘just around the corner’.

The debate revolves around how much sovereignty Greece is willing to cede and how much trust ‘core’ nations such as Germany have in Greece to handle any bailouts prudently.

With Greece being seen as a potential bottomless pit, Germany does not want to see money go down the drain, while at the same time the Greek population and politicians are not ready to cede control of their finances.

As Thomson Reuter’s Michael Cartine aptly put it: “We get into a political battle over how committed Germany/core states are to the euro and how committed peripheral/weaker states are to staying in the euro.”

Arguably we are now getting to the crux of the structural weakness in the euro itself.

Greece is an individual nation state within Europe with control over its own finances, yet a successful resolution of this crisis will surely see Greece and other nations cede more sovereign control to a central European government.

Either that or Greece decides that it values its sovereignty over membership of the Eurozone. Increasingly it seems that the middle road course of muddling through or passing debt around just isn’t working.

The EUR/USD was down 0.70% on the day with the EUR/GBP showing the euro’s relative weakness, down 0.41%.

The yen was in demand again with the USD/JPY dropping to its lowest levels since October and the EUR/JPY down over 1%.

The Canadian dollar enjoyed some relative strength in the afternoon session though after ratings agencies gave its banks the nod over Australian.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.
 

This morning, the Australian dollar is being hit hard after ratings agency Fitch placed four of its banks on credit watch negative. The AUD/USD is down 0.91% with the AUD/JPY off by a similar margin. The NZD/USD is not far behind at -0.77%.

Away from the Antipodean currencies, the euro is the biggest faller as Greek debt negotiation stumble forward without resolution.

The rhetoric was ratcheted up over the weekend over suggestions that Greek be forced to let the EU control its finances, an idea firmly rejected by Greece so far.

It’s not the backdrop politicians were hoping for as we head into the EU economic summit today, to put it mildly.

The EUR/USD is down 0.42% with the EUR/GBP forex spread betting pair down by 0.10%.

The US dollar is generally enjoying a positive day with gold suffering as a consequence. The precious metal is down by around 0.67% on the day.

Trading Today

It’s a relatively quiet day for the economic calendar with US Core PCE Price index and personal spending at 13.30 the main item of note.

This will no doubt be superseded by any headlines coming from the EU economic summit though.

EUR/GBP Trading Idea

The EUR/GBP has been following a familiar pattern in 2012 of up days generally followed by down days. So far the balance has been such that the down days have been on average smaller than the up days.

However, with the pair trading just below resistance at 0.8400, today could be an opportunity for a LOWER trade, especially if there are some headlines from the EU summit that fail to impress.

A way to trade this might be a LOWER trade predicting that the EUR/GBP closes below 0.8350 for a potential return of 209% in 1 days time (Tuesday Jan 31st).

Editor’s note: If you lose a financial fixed odds trade you lose 100% of your stake.

The Markets Friday Afternoon

On Friday afternoon, the Japanese yen extended its two day surge, fuelled by worse than expected US economic data.

The USD/JPY was down 1.00%, its biggest single day drop for some time, with the AUD/JPY not fair behind at -0.84%.

The dollar was under pressure across the board with the NZD/USD extending its recent bull run and in gold spread betting, the precious metal rallied 0.87%.

The euro was having a fine day of it as well after a successful Italian bond auction.

 
Before trading with spread betting, CFDs or financial fixed odds ensure you only speculate with money that you can afford to lose and that you fully understand the risks involved. These products may not be suitable for all investors, seek independent financial advice where necessary.

Note that spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and you can lose more than your initial investment.

The Financial Fixed Odds update by David Evans, Market Analyst, BetOnMarkets.

This website content does not constitute investment advice. No individual contributor, contributing company, BetOnMarkets nor Online-Spread-Betting.com accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the content.