CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

EURUSD and DXY at key levels

EUR/USD and DXY at key levels

The fundamental data released from Europe earlier was not good.  Retail sales from Germany for December were -9.6% vs -1.2% expected and +1.1% in November.  In addition, Spain became the first of the major European countries to post a Manufacturing PMI below the expansion/contraction level of 50, with a print of 49.3.  This helped drag collective European figure down from 55.2 to 54.8 for January.  With lockdowns and restrictions in full effect across Europe, the economic data is likely to continue to be sub-par.  ECB is in “wait and see” mode, however last week they warned that markets were underestimated the chance of a rate cut.

A good deal of the EUR/USD movement depends on the movement of the US Dollar.  A daily chart of the DXY shows that price broke out of a descending wedge back on January 8th, and so far, has held the 161.8% Fibonacci extension from the September 1st, 2020 lows to the September 25th, 2020 highs.  It also has held the support zone between 89.00 and 91.00, dating back to January 2018.  The US Dollar Index appears to be desperately trying to break above 91.00.  I move above 91.24 would clear the way for a move to 91.75 and 92.01.  If price fails at 91, a move to trendline support near 90.50 and horizontal support near 90.05 is possible.

Source: Tradingview, City Index

Most of the time, EUR/USD acts inversely to the DXY.   Just as DXY has broken out of a descending wedge and is trying to move higher, EUR/USD has broken down from an ascending wedge and is trying to move lower.  A close move below horizontal support and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level near 1.2063/1.2050 would open the door for a move down to 1.2011, which is previous highs September 1st, 2020. However, bulls are guarding the 1.2050 level, just as they did not January 18th.  Below 1.2011, 1.1975 is the 50% retracement from the previously mentioned timeframe which will offer the next support level.


Source: Tradingview, City Index

On a 240-minute chart, we get a better sense of the range EUR/USD has been in since January 8th.  inversely to DXY, a downward sloping trendline (red) has formed putting in lower highs.  Bears will be looking to sell at that trendline on any bounces, which is currently near 1.2150.  If price breaks above, EUR/USD could head back to recent highs near 1.2190. 

Source: Tradingview, City Index

In addition to the poor economic data lately from Europe and the warning from the ECB that a rate cut may be on the way, the technical picture doesn’t look so great either.  If the virus continues to worsen in Europe and it continues to show up in the economic data, the ECB will be forced to act.  Right now, US stimulus is priced in.  If the ECB hints at more stimulus, this will also add pressure to EUR/USD.  For  now, watch 1.2050 as the line in the sand!

Learn more about forex trading opportunities.


StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.

© City Index 2024