USD CHF s triple top confirmed

With the EUR/USD rallying to above 1.1300 level today, the USD/CHF is unsurprisingly dropping like a stone. The two currency pairs are inversely-correlated of course because the SNB has more or less pegged its policy to that of the ECB. The Swiss franc is also a safe haven currency and it tends to do better during periods of market turmoil, such as now. Hence, the EUR/CHF has also fallen sharply over the past several days, even if most other euro crosses have rallied as traders unwind their carry trades. The Swissy could be ‘saved’ (temporarily anyway) either by Janet Yellen saying something surprisingly hawkish at her two-day testimony, which starts tomorrow, or if investor sentiment improves suddenly. Neither looks likely.

But the chart of the USD/CHF suggests the Swissy may have made a major turning point over the past few months. It has twice failed to break decisively above the January 2015 high: once in November 2015 and again in January this year. In other words, a triple top reversal pattern has been formed. As this is a major reversal formation, the selling pressure could gather pace as more support levels break down, which is now likely.

In fact, the reversal has already seen the Swissy break two bullish trend lines, more or less confirming that the trend has changed. Today, it has also taken out key support in the 0.9785/9800 area too, before dropping to test its 200-moving average at 0.9715. As the short-term charts now suggest price may have dropped too far too fast, rates could bounce back a touch on profit-taking. But essentially the path of least resistance is to the downside and the broken support at 0.9785/9800 is highly likely to cap any potential rallies.

If the 200-day moving average fails to offer much support, then there are not a lot of further reference points to watch until the next potential support and psychological level of 0.9500. It is also worth keeping an eye on the Fibonacci levels of the most recent rally, with the 38.2% retracement coming in around the 0.9570/5 area and 61.8% retracement at 0.9105. The 50% retracement level (not a Fibonacci level) comes in at 0.9335/40.

If however the USD/CHF breaks back above the aforementioned 0.9785/9800 range, then this could pave the way for a rally towards, if not beyond, parity, although that being said, the backside of the broken trend line may prevent price from getting that far.

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.