Forex CFD Trading: The Week That Was and the Week Ahead
- forex368 Forex Education
- Jul 15, 2023
- 4 min read
Welcome to the Chump Profit Weekly Forex Blog! In this edition, we'll recap the key market developments from the past week and provide a simple guide to forex trading for beginners. Our goal is to help you stay informed about the latest market trends and prepare for the week ahead. Remember to visit our website at www.chumpprofit.com for more educational resources and trading insights.
The Week That Was:
Last week, both bonds and stocks faced headwinds as strong economic data raised doubts about the Federal Reserve's ability to declare victory over inflation. Consumer sentiment reached nearly a two-year high, accompanied by rising short-term price expectations. As a result, the front-end of the US yield curve experienced selling pressure, leading to a sharp rise in the two-year US yield by 14 basis points to 4.77%.
Equities posted modest losses, with some traders attributing it to a consolidation phase following the S&P 500's strong performance throughout the week, marking its best week since mid-June. Major financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Co., Citigroup Inc., and UnitedHealth Group Inc. reported their earnings. While JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup surpassed lowered analyst estimates, UnitedHealth's strong profits alleviated concerns about escalating medical costs. However, AT&T Inc. faced a decline, reaching a 29-year low due to concerns about potential higher costs.
Equity strategists have been revising their earnings forecasts for the S&P 500 upward, indicating optimism about future profits. This trend has pushed a key indicator tracking analyst revisions for forward earnings-per-share higher, although it still remains negative. Nevertheless, the indicator's improvement suggests a more favourable profit outlook, potentially supporting further stock gains over the coming year.
US economic data has been encouraging, increasing the likelihood of a soft landing. However, Solita Marcelli at UBS Chief Investment Office maintains a preference for high-quality bonds over equities. She believes that positive macro news is already priced into the S&P 500, and an environment of decreasing inflation and slower US growth favours bonds. Additionally, the uncertain lagged effect of prior interest rate hikes introduces potential risks.
Looking ahead, Michael Hartnett from Bank of America Corp. predicts that market optimism is unlikely to persist. He anticipates higher consumer-price inflation, policy tightening, and savings in the second half of the year, leading him to plan shorting risk assets in late August or early September.
The Week Ahead
As a forex trader, it's crucial to keep an eye on upcoming events and themes that can impact financial markets. Here are some key points to consider for the week ahead:
1. Earnings Season: Major S&P 500 companies will be reporting their second-quarter earnings, including banks, technology firms, and semiconductor companies. This period provides valuable insights into the financial performance of these companies and their expectations for future growth. Analysts expect a decrease in profits compared to the previous year, reflecting the challenges posed by inflation and supply chain disruptions. Market reactions will depend on both earnings results and inflation-related data. It is important for traders to closely monitor the earnings reports and assess the impact on individual stocks and the broader market.
2. China's Data Dump and Loan Prime Rates: China will release important economic data, such as second-quarter GDP, industrial production, retail sales, investment, and unemployment figures. As the world's second-largest economy, China's economic performance has significant implications for global markets. Weaker figures could increase the likelihood of stimulus measures from Chinese authorities, potentially boosting markets. Additionally, monitoring loan prime rates (LPRs) is crucial for gauging changes in aggregate demand and market conditions. Traders should pay close attention to these data releases as they provide insights into the health of the Chinese economy and its impact on global trade.
3. Canada's Inflation Report and Retail Sales: The Bank of Canada (BOC) has recently implemented rate hikes in response to strong employment reports and signs of inflationary pressures. Inflation and retail sales reports will be important in shaping market sentiment and expectations for further rate hikes. A strong inflation report could support the case for another rate hike in the near future. Forex traders focusing on Canadian dollar pairs should closely monitor these economic indicators and assess their impact on the currency's strength.
4. RBA Minutes: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has taken a cautious approach in recent policy meetings, closely monitoring the labour market and inflation. The RBA minutes will provide insights into the progress of the tightening cycle and the central bank's assessment of economic conditions. Traders will be particularly interested in any indications of a potential interest rate hike in the near future. As the Australian dollar is a popular currency for forex trading, it is essential to stay informed about the RBA's stance and any shifts in monetary policy.
As a forex trader, it's essential to closely follow economic reports, earnings releases, and central bank communications in the coming week. These events and themes are expected to create market volatility and provide crucial information for making informed trading decisions. Remember to stay informed, plan your trades carefully, and manage risk effectively.
Take the First Step: Open a Demo Account
If you're new to forex trading, it's recommended to start with a demo account before risking real money. A demo account allows you to practice trading strategies and familiarize yourself with the forex market without any financial risk. It's an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in your trading skills.
At Chump Profit, we encourage beginners to open a demo account to begin their trading journey. You can explore different trading platforms, learn how to execute trades, and analyse market trends without the fear of losing money. It's a safe and supportive environment for honing your trading abilities.
To get started, visit our website at www.chumpprofit.com and navigate to the "Open a Demo Account" section. Follow the simple instructions to create your demo account and gain access to a virtual trading environment. Take advantage of this risk-free opportunity to practice and refine your trading strategies before venturing into live trading.
Remember, success in forex trading requires knowledge, discipline, and continuous learning. Utilize the educational resources available on our website, such as trading guides, tutorials, and market analysis, to enhance your understanding of the forex market. Stay updated with the latest market news and trends to make informed trading decisions.
Forex CFD Trading.
Wishing you a successful trading journey with Chump Profit! Visit www.chumpprofit.com today to open your demo account and embark on your forex trading adventure with confidence.