Euro bulls take control after weak US retail sales data
Greenback tested key resistance around $1.10 against euro earlier in the week but failed to break through. Sterling at 10-day high on news that Brexit Party may further reduce challenge to Tories
The US dollar is sliding after weak retail sales data from October, which also revealed that September sales were weaker than previously reported. The greenback moved higher in the first part of the week against the euro, testing the critical $1.10 resistance level multiple times but failing to break through.
The euro bulls have now taken control and were pushing EUR/USD past the $1.1050 level in morning New York trade.
US retail sales for October were in line with expectations, showing a 0.3% gain, but September sales were revised down and the October sales ex auto and gas rose an anemic 0.1%.
There were also a slew of more minor reports that all showed a weakening US economic picture. Manufacturing and industrial production fell sharply in October, confirming those sectors of the economy are in recession. Capacity utilization fell by more than expected last month.
This all gave the euro bulls a handle they could hold on to, providing an impetus to take EUR/USD higher after US dollar bulls tested the critical $1.10 level repeatedly earlier in the week.
EUR/USD is still trading in the rough band of $1.10 to $1.12 its been in since early October, and the longer it stays within this band the greater the chances the euro will again test the $1.12 level again with strength on the upside.
Sterling Jumps on Brexit News
GBP/USD traded at 10-day highs after a report in a top British newspaper that Neil Farage’s Brexit Party would stand down in over 40 additional Scottish ridings to allow for a greater chance of Tory candidate success. Sterling got a big boost early in the week when Farage announced Brexit Party would not challenge the Tories in ridings where they already hold seats.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Ltd and IG Markets South Africa Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
Start trading forex today
Trade the largest and most volatile financial market in the world.
- Spreads start at just 0.6 points on EUR/USD
- Analyse market movements with our essential selection of charts
- Speculate from a range of platforms, including on mobile
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only
