The British Nationwide HPI (Housing Price Index) measures the change in the selling price of residential homes. As a house is likely to be the largest purchase that a consumer will make, this indicator provides important data about the mood of consumers and the health of the economy. A reading which is higher than the market forecast is bullish for … “GBP/USD: Trading the British Nationwide HPI”
Month: December 2011
US Dollar Mostly Weaker
Greenback is mostly weaker today, thanks to a bit of optimism in the markets. Consumer confidence data has provided a degree of optimism for Forex traders, and that means the dollar isn’t needed as a safe haven. However, things could change fairly quickly. Some of the earlier optimism is fading, thanks to the latest numbers regarding home prices. While consumer confidence data points to the idea that spending could resume and help the US economy, … “US Dollar Mostly Weaker”
Canadian Dollar Gains on Optimism in the United States
Canadian dollar is higher against the US dollar today as optimism makes an appearance. US markets are showing improvement as consumer confidence gives stocks a boost, and provides hope for a US economic recovery. The United States is Canada’s largest export market, and hopes that US consumers are ready to spend again are helping the loonie in Forex trading. Indeed, loonie is is seeing some solid gains today, … “Canadian Dollar Gains on Optimism in the United States”
Shekel Rebounds as Central Bank Holds Interest Rates
The Israeli new shekel rebounded today after earlier drop versus the US dollar as the nation’s central bank maintained its key interest rate and predicted that the country’s economy will expand next year. The Bank of Israel kept its benchmark interest rate for January 2012 unchanged at 2.75 percent yesterday following the cut last month. The annual growth of inflation was 2.6 percent in November, while the consumer prices were … “Shekel Rebounds as Central Bank Holds Interest Rates”
Won Retreats as Importers Buy Dollars
The South Korean won fell today as nation’s importers increased their purchases of dollars, while concerns about the region’s economic growth intensified, reducing appeal of Korea’s currency. Demand for dollars from South Korean importers increased as they need to settle bills by the end of the year. Nation’s consumer confidence declined from 103 in November to 99 in December, the lowest level in three months. The KOSPI Index of shares dropped 0.8 percent today. … “Won Retreats as Importers Buy Dollars”
USD/CHF: Trading the Swiss KOF Barometer December 2011
The Swiss KOF Economic Barometer is a leading indicator which measures overall economic activity and is an excellent indicator of Swiss economic conditions. The indicator, which is released monthly, has a major effect on USD/CHF. Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/CHF. Published on Wednesday at 10:30 GMT. Indicator Background The KOF Economic … “USD/CHF: Trading the Swiss KOF Barometer December 2011”
Euro Moves Higher in Holiday Trading
Most Western stock markets may be closed today, but Forex trading is happening nonetheless. Trading is relatively thin, though. Right now the euro is gaining against the US dollar on expectations of an economic recovery for the United States, and possibly the world. Euro is holding the edge in mostly-rangebound trading today, making slightly gains against the US dollar. Euro is also higher against the Japanese yen, and holding … “Euro Moves Higher in Holiday Trading”
Japanese Yen Rises as Exporters See Growth
The Japanese yen is a little higher today, thanks to the strength of Japanese exports and gains made by the Nikkei today. Stock markets in the United States and many other major cities were closed today for holiday, but the Japanese markets were open, and the gains reflected optimism for the economy. Indeed, exporters saw pick up in demand, and rallied on expectations that a recovery in the US economy would mean better success for exporters for the end of 2011 and in the beginning … “Japanese Yen Rises as Exporters See Growth”
USD/JPY: Trading the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of about 5,000 households regarding their opinion of the economy. Traders should pay close attention to this release, as it usually a market-mover. Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/JPY. Published on Tuesday at 15:00 GMT. Indicator Background The CB … “USD/JPY: Trading the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index”
2012: Year of Weakness or Year of Strength for USD?
The US dollar hasnât gone very far in any direction, be it to the upside or the downside, in 2011. The currency was falling in the first half of the year on talks about a quantitative easing and hopes for Europe, but reversed its trend in the second half. The greenback has a potential to go either way in 2012 depending of a way the European issues will be resolved and decisions the US policy makers will make. Quantitative easing is a major … “2012: Year of Weakness or Year of Strength for USD?”